Producer Work

A producer is the head of the production unit that makes movies, videos, television shows, concerts, etc. He handles the realms of the production unit that works towards a project of executing visual content for a broadcast. A producer provides financial and managerial support to the film making unit to execute their creative dreams.

There are three important functions of every producer: financial management, people management, and time management. The producers provide the creative team with the necessary finances to execute the film making plans. They arrange finances, set budgets, manage expenses, and evaluate the profits expected once the movie is released. Secondly, he together with the director, recruits the actors, script writers, sound recording artists, choreographers, designers, etc., and builds up the creative team. Thirdly, a producer is responsible to set deadlines and direct the creative team to complete recording and shooting for the movie within the given deadlines. Often the production units face several risks and uncertainties: an actor resigning, unfavorable climatic conditions, accidents on set, strikes called by unit members, etc. A producer is expected to tackle these responsibilities and make certain that the pace of work is not affected by these shortcomings.

Different Designations of Producers

There is always a team of producers that manages the work of the production units. Hence, there are producers working at different levels of the hierarchy, known by different names. Common designations for a producer's profile are-

Executive Producers: He is the operational head among all producers. He plans, leads, supervises, and executes the functions actually performed on location. Often he works as the representative of the production house.
Co-Producer: He is called the co-producer, since he together with other producers, handles the responsibility of investing finance, overseeing the work of the production unit, planning & implementing activities, managing schedules & appointments, etc.
Associate Producer: He supports the producers by tackling responsibilities on behalf of the producer. He handles specific tasks assigned to him by the producer and reports about the proceedings as per his observations to the chief producer.
Line Producer: He is responsible to manage the day-to-day functions of managing accounts, arranging supplies, and meeting requirements of the production houses. Most importantly, he handles the last minute crisis that happens on location and makes certain that the crisis does not lead to losses or delays.
Coordinating Producer: Since there are different producers handling varied responsibilities, the coordinating producer is employed to coordinate the functions between all the producers and ensure every activity synchronizes with the work of other producers and with the production plans.

Work Requirements

If you plan to make a career in movie production houses, then we suggest that you acquire relevant qualifications by completing a Bachelor's Degree in Arts Management, Film Making, Film Production, or Entertainment Management. It is essential to gather knowledge in finance, resources management, scriptwriting, designing and visual aesthetics, etc., to make a successful career in this field. Also, competence in understanding the financial concepts, managing resources, and making reservations against risks are required, in addition to creative, communication, and coordination skills to be a successful producer.

Work Conditions

The work life of a producer is subject to tremendous stress. As the head of the project, the producer is held accountable for every success or failure experienced by the production unit. He undergoes a lot of pressure to cater to the needs and problems of the production units. Also, this profile is not spared from other typical features of the entertainment industry: erratic work timings, excessive traveling, work under deadlines, instances of failures, criticism from audiences, media pressure, etc.

The success of a broadcast project lies with the director and the producer. While the director oversees the execution of creative aspects of a project, it is the producer who leads and directs the production unit in making movies and ensures the project is well managed and well executed.