Essentially, a Producer is the one in charge of the whole production of a project like a film, documentary, advert, or a music video. They oversee every step and manage all the teams to ensure deadlines are being met and everything stays within budget.

Producers are the main point of contact for everything. They maintain close communication with clients to understand their ideas and expectations. A Producer will also communicate with editors, art directors, camera operators, make-up artists, sound recordist, and everyone else involved to make sure they understand the brief.

What is a Producer?

A Producer should be both creative and financially literate to successfully execute their responsibilities. They are crucial to every production as they oversee money, contracts, crew, deadlines… On some occasions many Producers also collaborate with their creative input on a project, they will look at the bigger picture and shape the concept of the project turning into a reality.

Producers must have extended knowledge in pre-production and post-production as they coordinate and provide assistance in every step on the way, thanks to their hard work, every member of the crew is able to develop their role successfully.

A Producer also supports the creative team in every stage and is responsible for unifying everyone under a shared sense of purpose, vision, and direction.

What are the responsibilities of a Producer?

Some of the general responsibilities:

• Managing the development of the production from beginning to end, including planning, scheduling, crew and talent hiring, renting equipment and location scouting.
• Leading projects and handling all aspects of internal and external communication.
• Hold excellent project management and budgeting skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Working with members of the crew like camera operators, sound recordist, set designers and stylists to ensure that they have everything they need.
• Arranging schedules and budgets, doing invoices, cost estimate and making sure the production stays within the budget limitations.
• Monitor post-production processes in order to ensure accurate completion of all details and maintaining a good communication with editors, postproduction supervisors/coordinators and Post Producers.
• Conduct meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to ensure production objectives are attained and meeting the deadlines.

What other talents do Producers work with?

In order to develop, plan and execute a project, Producers work alongside many other talents. Here is a list of some:
• Camera Operator: Operates the camera under the direction of the director of photography, or the film director, to capture the scenes.
• Art Director: Oversees the artists and craftspeople who give form to the production design as it develops.
• Set Designer: Designs the structures or interior spaces called for by the production designer.
• Editor: Assembles the various shots, working closely with the director. Adds visual effects, titles, and applies colour correction.
• Colourist: Adjusts the colour of the film to achieve greater consistency.
• Post-production Supervisor: Responsible for the post production process, communicating with the Producer, Editor, Supervising Sound Editor, the Facilities Companies (such as film labs, CGI studios and negative cutters) and the Production Accountant.

What skills are needed as a Producer?

• A strong project management and organizational skills.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Creative thinking.
• Leadership skills.
• Experience in business.
• Experience in management.
• Numerous contacts.
• Strong communication skills.
• Financial knowledge.

How do you become a Producer?

Becoming a Producer will require a strong level of understanding of every stage of production. Start by learning the basics of every department, this will prepare you to dive deeper into the production world and develop every skill until you become the best Producer out there!

Although having a degree in film production could be useful, it isn’t necessary. Good experience and personal skills are more valuable in order to become a successful Producer.

Acquiring the right amount of experience is crucial! Many producers start as runners, working in a junior role, this will allow you to gain a good understanding of the entire production process and enable progression in various directions. Building your experience will prepare you for you dream job, you can always start as a Junior Producer or Assistant Producer and make your way up!