Most people think that a producer just gives the director a load of money to fund there film. That is not the case. Frankly, that can be quite the opposite. So, what does it mean to be a ‘producer’?
Definition:
noun:
A person responsible for the financial and managerial aspects of the making of a film or broadcast or for staging a play, opera, etc.
A person responsible for the financial and managerial aspects of making a film.
The producer initiates, coordinates, supervises, and controls matters such as raising funding, hiring key personnel, contracting and arranging for distributors.
Types of Producer
There are many types of producer. Each one with individual and purposeful role. In every production each title can fulfill different roles from the last.
Executive Producer
An executive producer is usually an investor in the project or someone who has facilitated the funding of the project. There may be multiple executive producers on a project, depending on the financing arrangements.
Line Producer
Typically, a line producer manages the budget of a film production. They also may manage the day to day physical aspects of the film production.
Production Manager
The production manager supervises the physical aspects of the production including personnel, technology, budget, and scheduling. It is the PM’s responsibility to make sure the filming stays on schedule and within its budget. The PM often works under the supervision of a line producer and directly supervises the Production Coordinator.
Production Coordinator
The production coordinator is the information nexus of the production, responsible for organising all the logistics from hiring crew, renting equipment, and booking talent. The PC is an integral part of film production.
Production Secretary
The Production Secretary provides administration assistance in the production office to the production co-ordinator and production manager.
Production Accountant
Production accountants are responsible for managing finances and maintaining financial records during film production. They work closely with the Producer and the production office to manage the day-to- day accounting office functions, and report on the project’s financial progress against the budgets (cost reporting).
Post-production Supervisor
Post-production supervisors are responsible for the post production process, during which they maintain clarity of information and good channels of communication between the Producer, Editor, Supervising Sound Editor, the Facilities Companies (such as film labs, CGI studios and negative cutters) and the Production Accountant.
First Assistant Director
The first assistant director (1st AD) assists the production manager and director. They oversee day-to-day management of the cast and crew scheduling, equipment, script, and the set. They ensure the filming comes in on schedule while maintaining a working environment in which the director, principal artists (actors) and crew can be focused on their work.
Second Assistant Director
The second assistant director (2nd AD) is the chief assistant of the 1st AD and helps carry out those tasks delegated to the 1st AD. The 2nd AD works closely with the Production Coordinator to create the daily Call Sheets that let the crew know the schedule and important details about the shooting day.
Third Assistant Director
The third assistant director (3rd AD) works on set with the “First” and may liaise with the “Second” to move actors from unit base, organise crowd scenes, and supervise one or more production assistants.
Production Assistant/Production Runner
The production assistant or runner assists the first assistant director with on-set operations. Also, assist in the production office with general tasks.
Script Supervisor
Also known as “continuity”, keeps track of what parts of the script have been filmed and makes notes of any deviations between what was actually filmed and what appeared in the script. They make notes on every shot, and keep track of props, blocking, and other details to ensure continuity from shot to shot and scene to scene.
Stunt Coordinator
Where the film requires a stunt, and involves the use of stunt performers, the stunt coordinator will arrange the casting and performance of the stunt, working closely with the Director.
The main goal of a producer is to make stuff happen. A producer is there to co-ordinate, organise and ensure everything that needs happen during the production stages is prepared and ready for action. A producer is involved throughout all phases of the process from development to completion of a project. If you want to read more about the roles a producer does during production click here.