Film Producer

Definition

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A Film Producer is a person who oversees Film Production.  Either employed by a film production company or working independently, film producers plan and coordinate various aspects of film production, such as selecting the film script, coordinating writing, film directing, film editing, and arranging finances.

Responsibility of Film Producer

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The Producer is responsible for finding and selecting promising material for development. Unless the film is based on an existing script, the producer hires a screenwriter and oversees the script's development. These activities culminate with the pitch, led by the producer, to secure the financial backing that enables production to begin. If all succeeds, the project is "greenlit-2010".

The producer also supervises the pre-production, principal photography, and post-production stages of filmmaking. A film producer is also responsible for hiring a director for the film, as well as other key crew members. Whereas the film director makes the creative decisions during the movie production, the movie producer typically manages logistics and business operations, though some film directors also produce films. The film producer must ensure the film is delivered on time and within budget, and in the latter stages before release, will oversee the film marketing and film distribution.

Producers in Pre-Production:

During this stage of the production process, producers bring together people like the Film Director, Cinematographer, and Production Designer.  Unless the film is to be based on an original script, the producer must find an appropriate screenwriter.  If an existing script is considered flawed, the producer can order a new version or decide to hire a script doctor. The producer also gives final approval when hiring the film director, cast members, and other staff.  In some cases, producers also have the last word when it comes to casting questions. A producer will also approve locations, the studio hire, the final shooting script, the film production schedule, and the budget.

 

Producers In Production Process:

During production, the producer's job is to ensure the film remains on schedule and under budget. To this end, they must remain in constant contact with directors and other key creative team members.

Producers cannot always personally supervise all parts of their production but will instead delegate tasks as have needed. For example, some producers run a company that also deals with film distribution. Also, the cast and film crew often work at different times and places, and certain films even require a second unit.

 

Producers In Post Production:

Even after shooting for a film is complete, the producers can still demand that additional scenes be filmed. In the case of a negative test screening, producers may even demand an alternative film ending. For example, when the audience reacted negatively to Rambo's death in the test screening of the film First Blood, the producers requested a new ending be filmed.  Producers also oversee the film's sales, film marketing, and film distribution rights, often working with third-party specialist firms.

Types of Producers

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Executive Producer:

An Executive Producer oversees all other producers under a specific project and ensures that the entire project remains on track. They are also usually in charge of managing the film's finances and all other business aspects. On a television series, an executive or Co-Executive Producer is often a writer and given credit in a creative capacity. In a feature film or movie, the executive producer is often the person directly funding the project or is directly responsible for bringing in investors for funding.

Line Producer:

A Line Producer handles all of the physical aspects involved in producing a film or television show, as well as the workforce and daily operations.

Supervising Producer:
In addition to overseeing the creative process of screenplay creation, supervising producers frequently assist with script rewrites. They can also supervise other producers in the capacity of an executive producer.

Producer:
A producer can supervise, plan, coordinate, start, and finish each step of the manufacturing process. Usually, they participate in every phase of the whole production process.

Co-Producer:
A co-producer is a member of a group of producers who, for a particular project, carry out all of the duties and responsibilities of a single producer.

Coordinating Producer:
A Coordinating Producer organizes the tasks and responsibilities of several producers to accomplish a common goal.

Associate Producer:

Throughout the movie production process, the Associate Producer or Assistant Producer supports the producer. They may occasionally assist in managing the work of others, including scheduling appointments and selecting the star employee.

Segment Producer:
A multi-part film or Television Production is produced by one or more segment producers.

Field Producer:
A Field Producer manages all production outside the studio at designated film locations.