Becoming a film producer is one of the most sort after jobs when it comes to filmmaking, but a lot of the time people are unsure of what the role of the film producer actually entails.
Today we breakdown the role of the film producer for you, what a film producer does on a day-to-day basis, and what the different types of film producers are.
What is a film producer?
A film producer is essentially a person who oversees the production of the film. The role means they have to manage multiple sides of filmmaking production. They are either hired by a production company or hired as an individual producer who is brought on by the director of the film.
What does a film producer do?
The producer will be involved with many aspects of the film, these include:
- Selecting the script for the next production, this is usually when you work for a production house.
- Coordinating writing and finding the correct screenwriters to write and revise the script.
- Arranging directing and editing for the film.
- Arranging to finance the film and creating an outline of how this will be achieved.
- Hiring the talent, heads of department, managers, the key crew members, staff, and other personnel.
- A producer oversees the film to ensure it stays within budget and sticks within the guidelines.
- Oversees the composing of the film.
- Creating and implementing a marketing and PR strategy for the film once it has been finished.
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What are the different types of film producers?
There are a few different types of film producers. There are many questions that surround a film producer and what they actually do. What are the different types of film producer and what do they do?
Executive Producer
An Executive Producer is the head producer of the film. They supervise and manage the other producers on the film. Producers often work for either the production company or as a lone producer hired for the film specifically. They are tasked that the film is finished within budget and also within the time frame set as well as the film being completed by the artistic and technical standards that were set. Overall the Executive Producer is usually the financier of the project and tasked with all things finance!
Co-Producer
The Co-Producer is a producer who partners with another producer on the project. This also can be awarded to any of the other key job titles, for instance, the DP or the Head of Talent. This would be also awarded to them for the commitment to the film and providing much-needed equipment, especially on a short film where the budget may be a lot tighter than a Hollywood blockbuster.
Associate Producer
An Associate Producer is a Producer who performs under the supervision and guidance of another Producer. Their job varies from job to job but they will usually be tasked with:
- Coordinating the construction of the set
- Operating a teleprompter for television
- Organising the production staff on set
- Supervising lighting and/or sound strategy
- Updating and editing scripts
- Writing news and public relations items
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The Line Producer
A line producer will perform all of the tasks in regards to the physical aspect of the role on a television or film production. To sum it up pretty quickly, the line producer solely focuses on the physical aspect of the production.
How do you become a producer?
There are many avenues to becoming a Producer, there’s not really one set path. If you are looking to take the university path, studying Film Studies or anything media based will give you a good start.
To break into production you will want to apply to some of the production companies near you as a runner, or a post production runner. This will allow you to build up your experience and connections, have a look at Mandy Crew or Shooting People to get work on short films to build up your experience.
By working on these projects you will slowly build up your contacts but will also allow you to grow your experience and start to build up your portfolio.
After a while, you’ll be able to try and get into a full-time production role at one of the bigger TV stations to grow your experience or in-house at a film production company.
