What Does a Movie Producer Does?

 

In film school, students are taught many different subjects and skills. One skill that is often not taught but can be very valuable in the industry, is how to direct a movie. If you're looking to break into Hollywood or make your indie movie debut, directing a movie is one of the most important aspects of being an independent filmmaker. A movie producer must be able to sell their film script to studio executives, convince them that it's a great movie idea, work with actors and crew members to create the best possible movie experience, and most importantly, find the financing to produce their movie.

A movie producer, also referred to as a movie director, is in control of handling a movie from conception to production to post-production to distribution. They supervise all production staff and assistants, monitor budgets and shooting schedules, collaborate with directors, co-produce and finance their projects, and update producers and financiers on the progress of a movie. They orchestrate filming schedules and determine whether or not a movie will go into production.

Producers work under the supervision of producers and directresses and work closely with other crew members, casting directors and director assistants. Some producers spend more time on the set of a movie than directors. They may collaborate with directors on concepts and stories, but usually have the final say on which shots are shot, where they'll be shot, how they'll be edited, the characters they'll be played by, the themes they'll be used with, the music and special effects they'll be used with, and the climax and end of the movie.

A movie producer makes a lot of decisions while making a movie. They have to make decisions about hiring the right people for the different types of roles they need to hire, create a budget and find locations and vehicles. They also have to choose the different types of talent (actors) for the different parts of the plays and scenes. The movie producer also has to make decisions about what characters will play how, when the shots will be filmed and edited, what sequences will be included in each scene, what special effects will be used, how long the movie will run, and what other aspects of the production they'll have to keep track of.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to have a graduate degree in drama or screenwriting in order to be a movie producer. While some production companies look down upon movie producers who haven't had formal training in the entertainment industry, there are many production companies that cater to the novices. In fact, many producers started their careers working behind the scenes with small production companies as assistants before moving forward with their own careers. Production assistant jobs can be a great way to break into the entertainment industry because many of these production companies cater to a specific age group for their actors and crew members.

Once the producer reads the script and is happy with it, he or she then begins the process of negotiating deals with directors and actors in order to secure the services of their talent and find the appropriate locations for the filming of the movie. Producers also oversee casting and hire professionals to do various tasks such as setting up the set and light, set up the sound, move props and equipment, and ensure that everything is ready for filming. When the director is happy with the way things are going on the set, he or she gives the producer a rough cut, which is a version of the film that doesn't have all of the scenes and special effects. The producer can use this to gauge the level of success of the movie and fix any problems before the film gets underway.

Besides negotiating deals and getting talent and setting up the location, producers also supervise the production process themselves. They oversee the hiring of crew members and technicians, oversee the construction of the set, get to know the director and his or her agents, and send their contacts to the director. This allows the producer to direct the director toward specific goals and ensures that the director adheres to the vision he or she laid out prior to producing the film.

In essence, a producer is a bridge between the creative and financial sides of a filmmaking operation. Without a producer to collaborate with, a director would be lost in the vast majority of everyday creative processes. Without a producer who is skilled and organized, a filmmaker might never see his or her movie into the black screen. Thus, it is vitally important for a screenwriter and director to work well together. A successful partnership between an artistic partner and a producer will make or break a movie.