The Role of Producer

From working as a Producer in last year’s Live TV Studio Drama “Steve McQueen” and as producer in our non-dialogue Comedy film, I feel I understand what it means to be a Producer, however I did some additional research as well just to make sure I wasn’t missing anything out.

 A producer’s job is to basically oversee all aspects of the film, from pre-production right through until post production. They have responsibility for making sure everything gets done, and within the deadlines.

 

The Typical Role of a Producer:

Development Stages: May be responsible for thinking of the simple premise of the production, or choosing the screenplay. They are then responsible for selecting the team that will bring the production to life- screenwriters and story editing team.

A producer will also been in charge of the financing aspect of the production, although obviously I will not have to do this within my role as producer because it is a non-budget student film.

 Pre- Production Stage: They are in charge of selecting the crew and team that will actually create the final film- for example: Director, Cinematographer. This differs slightly with my role as Producer as the Director had already been established in both the films I am producing. I will be in charge of making sure we have a competent crew who are available when we need to shoot. A producer also organises casting, and sources location, props and costumes where needed. Producers also work from a production schedule and make sure deadlines within pre-production are met to a high standard. They are in charge of the budget and final shooting script.

 Production Stage: Producers oversee the shoots and ensure that they run smoothly. They are expected to be able to respond to a problem efficiently, should one arise. They make sure the lines of communication within the team and crew are wide open so that nothing gets missed out and there is no confusion.  They are the first point of contact for people involved in any stages of the production.