aka: exec, EP
An executive producer is responsible for the high-level oversight of a film or TV project. They are typically involved early and focus on financing, approvals, and major decisions rather than day-to-day production work.
The executive producer helps ensure a project is viable, funded, and supported at a senior level.
What Does an Executive Producer Do?
An executive producer’s responsibilities span development and production oversight, with some involvement in post-production depending on the project. The role is focused on funding, approvals, and high-level decision-making.
| Stage | Typical responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Pre-production | Secure or approve funding, approve budgets, attach key talent, and hire or approve producers. Help shape the overall direction of the project and ensure it is financially viable before moving forward. |
| Production | Oversee progress at a high level, approve major budget or scheduling changes, and step in when larger issues affect financing, contracts, or delivery. |
| Post-production | May stay involved to approve final costs, delivery requirements, or distribution arrangements, depending on the structure of the production. |
Who Does the Executive Producer Work With?
- Producer – oversees the project day to day and manages budget, schedule, and crew.
- Development Producer – may be involved early when shaping and packaging the project.
- Director – sometimes involved in approvals or attaching key creatives.
- Financiers and distributors – help fund, sell, or distribute the project.
How the Role Changes on Smaller Productions
On smaller or independent productions, executive producers are often more hands-on. They may be directly involved in financing, packaging the project, or helping move it forward.
On larger productions, the role is usually more removed from day-to-day filmmaking and focused on oversight and approvals.
Executive Producer vs Producer
The producer manages the project from development through delivery, handling schedules, budgets, and the crew. The executive producer focuses on funding, approvals, and major decisions that affect the project as a whole.