What Does a Film Producer Do?

Q: What Does a Film Producer Do?

A movie begins and ends with the producer. A producer’s job involves planning, coordination and management around a movie’s script and writing, casting, directing, and editing as well as finances, marketing, release and distribution.

Jakob Straub, Content Writer

Updated 21 September 2023

What is a Producer in the Film Industry?
A Producer’s Responsibilities During the Filmmaking Process
Different Types of Producers
How Do I Become a Producer?
Five Famous Film Producers

A film's inception to completion is spearheaded by the film producer. They handle planning, coordination, casting, directing, editing, finances, marketing, and distribution.

Whether affiliated with a production company or working independently, film producers oversee the film production process. Hollywood producers may be involved from the start of a project through accolades at the Oscars. In this post, we'll answer the question of what does a producer do in film production, discuss various types of film producers, offer insights on becoming one, and mention a few renowned ones.

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What is a Producer in the Film Industry?

The title "producer" suggests leadership, but the various producer roles—such as executive producer, co-producer, and associate producer—can be confusing to those unfamiliar with the film industry, leading to misconceptions about their responsibilities.

“Producers tend to be jack-of-all-trade types, with no clear distinction between titles”

Producers are versatile, often blurring the lines between different titles. At their core, they're problem-solvers overseeing film production, be it a movie, TV show, online series, or commercial. While involved in creative decisions, they aren't part of the primary creative or film crew. Instead, they ensure resources, logistics, and infrastructure are in place for everyone else. They're central to idea development, scriptwriting, funding, talent acquisition, contract negotiations, and scheduling.

Though the title "executive producer" sounds authoritative, their daily tasks aren't as glamorous. They might not receive the same spotlight as famous directors or actors, but the industry internally respects producers. These professionals are the backbone of a film, turning chaotic ideas into structured, efficient, and polished productions. They bridge the gap between artistic visions and practical execution.

Interested in a career in production? Check out our Filmmaking Templates

A Producer’s Responsibilities During the Filmmaking Process

Producers play a multifaceted role in a project, bringing vision, leadership, and control. Their duties evolve across different phases:

Development

Develop and maintain key industry contacts
Handle source material
Assemble the creative team and director
Secure funding
Transition from idea to film

“As the project moves from idea to film or show, the producer keeps everyone aligned and often mediates between departments at odds with each other.”

A skilled producer is often active in multiple projects' development since it's the longest phase. They conceptualize or pick a script, gather rights, form a team, manage finances, and supervise the process. Hiring a director might further refine the script. To attract financiers, the producer ropes in high-profile personnel and celebrities. Producers also maintain networks with industry professionals to stay updated and find the next project.

Pre-production

Enlist the creative team
Principal casting
Create a pitch package
Production planning

During pre-production, the producer expands the creative team, incorporating artists like cinematographers, designers, animators and musicians. They oversee contract negotiations and assemble a pitch package for investors. Organizing effectively during pre-production ensures optimal use of resources later.

Production

Manage day to day operations
Support the director and creative team
Oversee business and finance decisions
Authorize modifications and solve issues

Though a well-prepared producer sets up a clear schedule and budget, their presence is essential for guidance and decision-making throughout the production phase. They mainly deal with business, financial, and logistical matters while facilitating the creative process.

Post-production

Oversee editing, effects, and soundtrack
Obtain extra funding
Handle marketing and publicity

This phase involves collaborating with the director and post-production team on editing, visual effects, and soundtrack creation. Producers might seek more funds if necessary and prepare the film for release, including organizing preview screenings and media promotions.

Release

Market the finished film
Plan cast appearances and festival entries
Distribute both nationally and internationally
Design a release calendar

Even after a film is complete, a film producer remains active. Their focus shifts to selling and marketing the final product, coordinating its distribution, and ensuring stakeholders see returns on their investments.

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Different Types of Producers

If you look closely at film credits or a movie poster, you'll notice more than one producer credit. Whether it's a major studio production in L.A. or a TV sitcom in New York, there are many different types of producers that exist.

Executive Producer

Think of the executive producer as the chief overseer or the guiding force behind other producers, playing a pivotal role in various projects ranging from TV shows to indie films or grand studio productions. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the project comes together on time, within the set budget, and meets the defined specifications or standards.

The executive producer's role may include securing rights, raising funds, or even directly financing the film project. In smaller film production setups, executive producers might wear multiple hats throughout the production process – they could be the creator, author, or possessor of the foundational material. While they may influence significant creative decisions, their involvement typically spans a broader spectrum, possibly overseeing multiple productions at once.

Executive producer job description:

Guide and oversee fellow producers
Synchronize the vision and objectives of the project
Direct talent acquisition
Monitor budget, timelines, and quality standards.

Line Producer

Imagine a boundary that distinguishes the top-tier, above-the-line management of a production from the tangible, below-the-line operations. The realm of the line producer lies within this below-the-line territory, holding a key managerial role focused on the physical facets, which includes formulating a budget and diligently monitoring expenditures.

In more compact productions, their tasks might merge with those of a general producer. However, in more extensive setups, there’s often the inclusion of a unit production manager (UPM) tasked with overseeing all tangible facets of the production process. The main difference between a line producer and UPM is that while the former may have a say in creative decisions, the UPM is strictly logistical, executing directives relayed by the line producer.

Line producer job description:

Support the EP
Oversee the UPM and the tangible aspects of production
Handle the formulation and monitoring of budget and timelines
Collaborate with the EP in talent recruitment.

Supervising Producer

Sometimes referred to as a development producer, this role primarily oversees the creative evolution of a project. The supervising producer plays a crucial role in transforming an initial concept into a spec script and refining that screenplay into a workable shooting script.

While these duties can sometimes be undertaken by the executive producer, the supervising producer often aids the EP, either by leading the screenplay's creative development or by overseeing other producers in the project.

Supervising producer job description:

Guide the journey from initial concept to screenplay and final script
Oversee the creative progression
Support the executive producer
Manage and guide other producers.

Producer

A producer broadly refers to an individual responsible for orchestrating the entire production process, be it in films, television, or other commercial ventures. The producer's job encompass organizing, managing, and directing every phase and facet—spanning talent acquisition, creative team collaboration, meeting deadlines, liaising with executives, and handling finances.

In the world of television, the role of a producer can vary. A TV producer might wear the hat of a writer or even assume the primary role as the chief writer in the guise of an executive producer. "Showrunner" is another title often given to TV producers, encapsulating the multifaceted roles of director, producer, and writer.

Television producer job description:

Overseeing concept ideation, scripting, and ensuring final quality
Fundraising and budget management
Talent scouting and making casting choices
Leading and directing crew members and associated producers.

Co-producer

A co-producer works alongside another producer or a team of producers, often to alleviate the responsibilities shouldered by the EP. The title "co-producer" might also signify an individual who has played a pivotal role in either financing or bringing the project to fruition.

Collaborating closely with other producers, co-producers help guide every phase from inception to the end of production. Typically positioned “above the line,” co-producers usually don't partake in the hands-on aspects of the production process (refer to the role of a line producer), while the film crew functions “below the line.”

Co-producer job description:

Support the executive producer
Supervise various phases of the project
Oversee production activities or collaborate with other producers
Contribute significantly to the project, whether through funding, partnerships, equipment, services, or other valuable assets.

Coordinating Producer

Similar to a "manager of managers," the coordinating producer's primary role is to synchronize the efforts of multiple individual producers who might be working independently on a film project. They maintain a laser focus on the ultimate objective, ensuring that all participants move cohesively towards a common goal.

Coordinating producer job description:

Align the efforts of various producers
Support all producers or production groups
Oversee the production workflow
Guarantee a harmonized outcome for the production.

Associate Producer

Often referred to as AP, an associate producer is typically seen as a supporting role to the executive producer or other primary producers - an assistant producer of sorts. Their responsibilities tend to fall "below the line," meaning they're intimately involved in the hands-on elements of production, including tasks like managing staff, coordinating location scouts, overseeing set construction, or guiding script development.

The title of associate producer might also be given in recognition of a significant contribution to the production. The precise scope and daily duties of an AP can vary and are often subject to agreement.

Associate producer job description:

Engage in hands-on, below-the-line production activities
In television, the AP may help with shot choices, readying the shooting script, and steering the content
Play a contributory role in the production
Undertake a range of tasks as required.

Consulting Producer

As the title suggests, a consulting producer lends their expertise to a production, bringing valuable experience to the table. In television, consulting producers might have previously served as co-producers or executives and now support TV producers and writers based on their historical roles and insights.

The role of a consulting producer can sometimes mirror that of a seasoned writer, given that they often influence the shooting script or live TV segments by providing lines for the host and shaping various segments. They play a key role in quality assurance, ensuring alignment and maintaining consistency throughout the project.

Consulting producer job description:

Offer insights and guidance based on past experience
Influence writing and the development of shooting scripts
Provide support in TV production processes
Uphold the desired ambiance and essence of a TV show or production.

Segment Producer

Segment producers are commonly found in the television industry, especially on programs like reality shows, talk shows, or late-night broadcasts that feature multiple, recurring segments. They are responsible for managing the production of one or several individual sections of the show.

Segment producer job description:

Manage the production of specific segments within a broader program
Collaborate with or guide other producers as needed
Uphold standards of quality and ensure consistency across segments
Guarantee seamless integration of segments into the overall production.

Field Producer

The term "field producer" is quite descriptive of the role itself: these producers operate outside the confines of a studio or soundstage, managing production directly at on-location sites. Their responsibilities can range from overseeing outdoor scenes for movies to handling specific segments for television broadcasts.

Field producer job description:

Manage on-location production activities
Support the executive producer while on site
Direct segments shot outside the traditional studio environment
Ensure top-notch quality in field productions.

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How Do I Become a Producer?

A producer is akin to a jack-of-all-trades in the world of production. The journey to becoming a producer can begin from various roles such as a script reader, production assistant, or even as an intern. Understanding every facet of the production journey, from pre-production to post production, is crucial, making any role that provides this insight invaluable. It's not uncommon for aspiring producers to commence their careers in assistant roles within production companies, agencies, or management firms.

Alternatively, if you're an innovator with a unique idea or have access to compelling source material, you can pave your way as a producer by gathering the right talent and creatives around your project.

At their core, successful film producers embody the spirit of entrepreneurialism, characterized by drive, passion, and self-belief. They're bold, proactive, and naturally lean towards extroversion, infusing positivity wherever they go. Being adept at leading, inspiring, and influencing others is paramount. A flair for artistry, creativity, and expression amplifies their prowess.

Becoming a producer does come with its challenges. Be prepared for high stress, varied durations of projects, extended work hours, periods of independent consultancy, and responsibilities that might take you out of your comfort zone.

Essential skills for a producer

Leadership abilities, coupled with managerial and organizational expertise
Proficiency in presenting, persuading, and negotiating
Acumen in financial management and budgeting
A strong creative vision and artistic inclination
Skills in mediation and motivation.

Producers Guild of America

Membership in the Producers Guild is not a prerequisite to become a producer or to be employed as one. The PGA isn't a union but rather a professional organization dedicated to "representing, safeguarding, and advancing the interests of the entire producing community." They offer a range of services including health benefits, adherence to labor regulations, sustainable practices, fair industry standards, and avenues for both budding and seasoned producers.

Learn more about the PGA on producersguild.org

Five Famous Film Producers

Spike Lee

spike

Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee (born March 20, 1957) is an award-winning film director, film producer, screenwriter, and actor. After his 1986 directorial debut, Lee founded his own film production company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks. His work continues to explore political issues, race relations, and urban life.