In the film industry, a producer is a key individual for the development, planning, execution, and marketing of a feature film. Although producers have such a significant role in the film industry, not many fully understand exactly what they do. While it’s their main duty and responsibility that production runs smoothly, is completed on-time, and stays on on-budget, there are various roles a producer will take on during a film’s production.
Looking Out for New Material
To be a successful producer, they must always be on the lookout for new material. It’s their job to find the next big script to make happen. This can be buying the rights to a book, hiring new writers to create a script that the producer envisions, or finding a completed script from a new writer. No matter how they find it, a producer needs to have an eye for what can work and make a successful feature film.
Budgeting and Finances
It’s the duty of a producer to get all the finances in order. They first need to create a budget to show investors that the film is worth their time and if it can be funded. The budget is basically a fiscal road map that establishes trust between the producer and potential investors. Once the budget is established, it’s the producer’s responsibility to find the money so the film can happen, whether it’s out of their own pocket or through raising funds from others. Oftentimes, producers will have a pitch deck to rope in executive producers looking to get involved.
The Hiring Process
The producer of a film will take on the responsibility of hiring the cast and crew. From the director to the stars of the film, the producer handles a great deal of the hiring. However, once the director is hired, the producer will often support the director’s vision on who to hire from there. While the director is typically responsible for hiring their own assistant director, they work with the producer during casting.
Managing Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production
The pre-production, production, and post-production are all managed by the film’s producer. After the cast and crew are hired, during pre-production the producer must secure locations for filming, filing for the permits they will need, call sheets, contracts, and more. Once production is started and filming begins, the producer has to manage the production team. This means staying in communication with all department heads and making sure everyone is upholding their responsibilities during the film.
After filming is over and they’re in the post-production phase, the producer will help with the editors and more or less act as the middle man between the director and the studio.