From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_producer#Responsibilities
Responsibilities[edit]
Development (film rights)[edit]
During the "discovery stage" the producer has to find and acknowledge promising material.[7] Often a producer must then retrieve the film rights or an option.[8] If the rights owner is worried about preserving the integrity, voice and vision of their work, the producer might have to comply with a variety of demands concerning the screenplay, the film director, the casts or other topics.[9] Thus it occasionally takes a lot of time and effort before the actual pre-production can begin. Late German producer Bernd Eichinger is said to have worked 15 years on convincing novelist Patrick Süskind just to agree to a film adaptation of his book Perfume.[10]However, sometimes all effort is futile. J. D. Salinger, for example, refused all film producers as long as he lived.[11]
Pre-production[edit]
Unless the film is supposed to be based on an original script, the producer has to find an appropriate screenwriter.[12][13] If an existing script is considered flawed, they are able to order a new version or make the decision to hire a script doctor.[14][15][16] The producer also has the final say on which film director gets hired.[17][18] In some cases they also have the last word when it comes to casting questions.[19]
Production[edit]
Producers cannot always personally supervise all parts of their production. The reasons are many. For example some producers run a company which also deals with film distribution.[20][21] Also cast and film crew often work at different times and places and certain films even require a second unit. Consequently it is normal that the main producer will appoint executive producers, line producers or unit production managers who represent the main producer's interests.[22] The executive producer for Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi was George Lucashimself, the creator of the Star Wars Universe.[23]
Whether the person credited as "producer" or a person credited as "executive producer" has more input on a production is not always clear and is subject to change as the film is substantiated. Since filmmaking is a dynamic process, responsibilities can grow or shift in the process and to-be credits for producers can get adjusted retroactively. For example somebody hired as "line producer" might later be credited as "executive producer".
Because of these dynamics it is imperative that all involved producers agree on production standards right from the start. It is said that negligence in that matter can lead to a domino effect.[24]
Whether the person credited as "producer" or a person credited as "executive producer" has more input on a production is not always clear and is subject to change as the film is substantiated. Since filmmaking is a dynamic process, responsibilities can grow or shift in the process and to-be credits for producers can get adjusted retroactively. For example somebody hired as "line producer" might later be credited as "executive producer".
Because of these dynamics it is imperative that all involved producers agree on production standards right from the start. It is said that negligence in that matter can lead to a domino effect.[24]
Post-production[edit]
Among other things the producer has the last word on whether sounds or music have to be changed or scenes have to be looped. Even if the shooting has officially been finished, the producers can still demand that additional scenes be filmed. In case of a negative test screening producers might even demand and get an alternative film ending. This happened for example with First Blood.[25] Producers are also in charge of selling the film or arranging distribution rights.
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. Â 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 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.
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 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.
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
- 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.
Reading these articles have really helped me to pinpoint my role for this documentary. It has also helped clarify a few things for me because i would have assumed my role to be all about paperwork and making phone calls but to have input on things from casting and music is something i am pleased about although i am sure that my team will all work together on all aspects of our film so it is very much a team effort.
Stay safe,
Helen
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