What exactly do producers do?

To sum it up in two words: almost everything.

Producers have one of the most important roles in the production process because they are responsible for managing all three stages of video production: pre-production, production, and post-production.

You will see them working with virtually everyone and everything. They’re in charge of essential tasks that help the production process run in a smooth and timely manner.

Want to learn more before hiring a producer for your own project? Here is a brief introduction to some of those responsibilities.

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Planning, collaborating, and approving.

• Producers often brainstorm for the project, approving all ideas and decisions before production happens. This ensures that everything runs smoothly and consistently; however, this doesn’t mean that they should be deciding everything on their own. They work with everyone for a reason: to collaborate. 
• BW Producers love collaborating with their team and clients, ensuring they share the same vision and produce the best results for the project.

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Creating and funding the budget.

• Before production starts, producers set and fund the budget to cover all production expenses. 
• It’s important to make sure that productions stays within budget.

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Hiring the crew.

• Producers are in charge of hiring the crew
• Crews consist of the Director, Writer, Talent, Grip and Electric department, Hair and Makeup artists, etc. 

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Organizing and distributing the call sheet.

• The call sheet is a document that gives the crew all the necessary information needed for the shoot. For example, it will tell everyone when and where to meet, where to park, what the schedule is, and more.

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Marketing the project.

• Once the production is complete, producers arrange promotions for exposure. This includes uploading teasers and posting on social media.

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Types of Producers

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Some projects require multiple producers to split up duties and responsibilities. At times, there will be more than five different producers all working on the same project.

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• Executive Producer: Executive producers can be seen as the head producers. They manage all the other producers and make sure they’re carrying out their responsibilities.

• Co-Producer: Co-producers work with other producers by  assisting with casting, scheduling, and other important tasks.

• Line Producer: Line producers are in charge of budgeting and funding for the actual production. They hire the crew and ensure everyone gets paid. 

• Post-production Producer: Post-production producers focus on editing and making sure that the final cut is perfect.

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Tips

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Being a producer isn’t easy. It takes a lot of time and practice just to get to that position. Here are some tips that can help prepare new and aspiring producers.

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Connect with various people in the industry.

• Networking builds connections for future projects. Aside from working your way up, connecting with people shows them that you're committed to working with them in the future.

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Be organized and efficient.

• Organization is a must-have skill for producers since they’re the ones who keep track of everything. They must be efficient workers so they don't waste time. This is especially important when there’s a deadline.

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Have good communication skills.

• Communication is key when working on a team. Producers maintain contact with everyone. When information gets passed down the line, it most likely came from a Producer first.

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Make good decisions quickly.

• Producers most likely have to problem solve or trouble shoot on the fly. The solution doesn't have to be perfect, but it does have to be effective. They must always be ready in case of an obstacle. 

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Always do your best.

• Producers make it a point to put their best foot forward when achieving their goals on set. Slacking off is never appropriate when working in a professional environment and makes work harder on everyone else. Giving your very best not only helps the project come out better, but also makes you feel more accomplished and proud of your work.

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BW Producers have experience in all of the above and would love to help you bring your project to life. If you would like to get set up with one of them, contact us HERE.

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