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Producer
Job Profile - Film

Background

Producers are highly self-motivated individuals, who have the final responsibility for all aspects of
a film's production. There are so many ways of being a Producer. Very often the Producer is the
first person to become involved in a project, even before the writer, or they may be the agent-style
Producer who focuses on the deal. Generally though, the Producer shepherds the film from
inception to completion and beyond, starting long before the film-making process and continuing to
talk about and sell the picture long after everyone else has gone on to other projects. Top film
makers work with the same people over and over again, which is why it is important for those who
wish to make a career in the Production Office to gain respect by being a reliable, trustworthy and
enthusiastic Production Assistant or Runner.

The Producer's is role to turn story ideas into profitable cinematic entertainment and to persuade
others to share in his or her commercial and creative vision. The Producer's responsibility is to the
production company and the Executive Producers who are appointed to supervise the production
on behalf of the Financiers and Distributors. All in all, the Producer is the person who must
remember what the central vision and goal of the movie is and to be fiscally and creatively
responsible for that.

What is the job?

Producers have overall control on every aspect of a film's production, bringing together and
approving the selection of the whole production team. Their primary responsibility is to foster an
environment in which the creative talents of the cast and crew can flourish - Producers are
therefore ultimately accountable for the success of the finished film. The many responsibilities of
the Producer span all four phases of production:

Development - Producers are often responsible for coming up with the underlying premise of a
production, or for selecting the screenplay. Producers secure the necessary rights, select the
screenwriter and story editing team, raise the development financing and supervise the
development process.
Pre-production - Producers typically select and bring together the key members of the creative
team, including the Director, Cinematographer & Production Designer and potential key cast
members. They assist the Executive Producers to raise finance for the production and, once the
Job Profile Film
Producer

initial finance is in place, they select other key production office personnel as well as the essential
Heads of Departments. Producers also approve locations, studio hire, the final shooting script,
production schedule and budget. More time and money spent in pre-production can reduce time
and money wasting in production.
Production - Producers are responsible for the day-to-day smooth operation of the production
team. Producers are also in constant communication and consultation with the Director and other
key creative personnel, on and off set. Producers approve all script changes and cost reports,
continuing to serve as the primary point of contact for all production partners, investors and
distributors.
Post-production and marketing - Producers are expected to liaise with the Director and post-
production departments, including editing both picture and sound, music and visual effects. The
Producer will deal with the finance and distribution companies in planning the marketing and
distribution of the finished film.

It is rare to find one Producer who has the expertise and vision to exercise personal decision-
making authority across all four phases of production, but they are usually supported by a hand-
picked production office team whose key people will have worked alongside the Producer on
several film projects.

For recommended pay scales and helpful guides on contracts, tax guides etc you should refer to
the Advice & Resources page of the BECTU (The Media & Entertainment Union) site
www.bectu.org.uk/advice-resources

Typical Career Routes

Progressing in the film production world is traditionally very difficult. Employers want experience
before considering anyone for a job, resulting in a dilemma most freelancers in the production
industry have gone through.

As the originator of a large project such as feature film production there is no predetermined route
to becoming a Film Producer. A number of colleges offer courses in film producing; however, it is
impossible to master all the necessary skills by study alone. To convince financiers to part with
their money and to gain the respect of the film crew, Producers must demonstrate a successful
track record in film production. Typically, they will have substantial film industry experience and
have worked through the Production Office as Co-Producer, Line Producer, Associate Producer or
Distributor before progressing to the role of Producer. Producers should also undertake approved
industry Health and Safety courses, as this is ultimately their responsibility.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

Producers must be good businessmen, strategists, motivators, negotiators and creative
visionaries, with the ability to spot and deal with potential problems before they materialise. They
need an extensive knowledge of cinematic narrative and a thorough understanding of all the
creative processes of filmmaking as they are in ultimate control of the overall planning of the
production including sales and distribution. The Producer's responsibility for the project continues
for as long as the film is shown globally.

Key Skills
ability to secure finance for the production
ability to prepare and control the production budget
excellent communication skills
Job Profile Film
Producer

ability to work well under pressure and motivate the production team
legal responsibility, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, to prepare health and safety
procedures for the workplace
ensure compliance with regulations and codes of practice
As the Producer will already have worked in the film industry for some considerable time they will
have the necessary driving licence and valid passport.

Qualifications & Experience

There are no set qualifications for the grade of Producer however, as the head of a team of both
accounting and creative personnel, the Producer has to have an extensive understanding of the
nature of film production as well as a strong grasp of business and financial issues. He/she must
have experience of working in the film industry, preferably as part of the Production Team.

As part of Skillsets and the BFIs Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future 2, a network of Film
Academies has been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film. In
addition, Skillset-accredited courses in certain subject areas are available. For more information
visit www.skillset.org/pickthetick

Where to go for more information

Skillset is the Creative Industries Sector Skills Council, representing advertising, animation,
computer games, facilities, fashion and textiles, film, interactive media, photo imaging, publishing,
radio and TV. For information about training and professional qualifications, links to the Skillset
Academy Network, and access to the comprehensive Skillset course database, visit
www.skillset.org

Skillset Careers is a specialist creative media careers information service delivering individual
career solutions when and how you need them. Skillset Careers also works with partner
organisations to deliver a free careers helpline service. Call 08080 300 900 in England & Northern
Ireland (delivered by Next Step), 0845 8502 502 in Scotland (delivered by Careers Scotland),
0800 012 1815 in Wales (delivered by Skillset Cymru) or visit the website www.skillset.org/careers

Websites

The Production Guild of Great Britain www.productionguild.com
PACT Producers Alliance for Film & Television www.pact.co.uk
BAFTA British Academy of Film & Television Art www.bafta.org
WFTV Women in Film & Television www.wftv.org.uk
BECTU, the industry trade union www.bectu.org.uk
Producers Guild of America www.producersguild.org
Filmmakers Alliance (USA) www.filmmakersalliance.org
Sundance Institute (USA) www.sundance.org
Below the Line Find Film Work www.findfilmwork.com

Publications

Screen International www.screeninternational.com
Sight & Sound available through the British Film Institute website www.filmstore.bfi.org.uk
American Cinematographer www.theasc.com
Job Profile Film
Producer

British Cinematographer www.bscine.com
Network Nine News, for information on all skills and crafts www.network-nine.com
Screen Digest www.screendigest.com/intelligence
Variety www.variety.com
Hollywood Reporter www.hollywoodreporter.com


Books

The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide: A Business and Legal Sourcebook by
Gunnar Erickson, Harris Tulchin and Mark Halloran - ISBN-10: 0825637236
The Complete Film Production Handbook by Eve Light Honthaner - ISBN-10: 0240804198
The Insider's Guide to Film Finance by Philip Alberstat - ISBN-10: 0240516613
The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution by Stacey Parks - ISBN-10: 024080922X
The Business of Media Distribution: Monetizing Film, TV and Video Content in an Online World
Jeff Ulin - ISBN-10: 024081200X

Last updated 2011


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