aka: script developer, development executive
If you watch film credits, you will see a bunch of different producers listed. However, you might be wondering what a development producer does and what makes them different from regular producers.
Keep reading to learn more about this job role, including how to become a development producer, the education and skills, common career paths, and earning potential.
What Is a Development Producer?
The development producer finds the scripts and stories for the screen. They are the first person on a project and only work during the development stage.
The development producer has all the roles of a producer but with the added knowledge of what sells to an audience. As such, this is a senior job role requiring extensive film industry knowledge. They work with various people to launch a project, from executive producers to screenwriters and assistants.
Once they have an idea, they might hire a writers team to turn it into a screenplay or pitch it to executives for further investment. A big part of the job is to know how to sell an idea and get people excited about the project.
When they have a complete script, they then hand over the project to a producer, who will begin funding the film. Although many development producers are also producers and, as such, can cross over into production.
What Does a Development Producer Do?
| Pre-production | – Audience research – Find ideas and scripts – Pitch and present ideas – Finalize the screenplay |
| Production | N/A |
| Post-production | N/A |
How to Become a Development Producer
Essential development producer skills:
- Screenwriting knowledge
- In-depth research
- Organization
- Strategy
- Pitching and presenting ideas
- Sales
- Persuasion
- Multitasking
This role is best for people interested in business as it requires skills such as pitching and research.
There are no specific education requirements to become a development producer. However, a degree in filmmaking is useful for teaching you the basics of film production. Many people start their careers as production assistants.
The development producer must fully understand the filmmaking process from script to screen. They also need to learn research skills and how to break down a screenplay. Although they don’t budget the film, it’s helpful to understand the costs of making one.
Lastly, they need to pitch the idea to directors, producers, and executives. As freelancers, they only get paid on greenlit projects, so need to be good salespeople. Many development producers juggle more than one project and have several ideas to pitch at once.
Finding Development Producer Jobs
To get a foot in the industry, the development producer can begin in any entry-level role. They can start as office runners, script readers, or assistant producers.
You will likely work on low-budget films before moving into higher budgets. Throughout your career, you will need to continue to learn about marketing and film audience trends.
When you have enough experience, you can apply for development roles. Keep in mind this job is a senior position and, as such, the end goal for many people. However, it’s possible to transition into other roles, such as producing or screenwriting, from this position.
A development producer can work as a freelancer or full-time for bigger studios. In addition, streaming services may hire them to find and commission projects throughout the year.
How Much Money Do Development Producers Make
Minimum pay rate for development producers: $59/hour
If you work for a studio, you will have a salary that depends on the project size, your experience, and even where the studio is located. For freelance roles, however, you’ll likely earn a percentage of the overall budget, which can be anywhere from 2-5%.
