aka: Exec, EP
There are many different producers who work on a film. However, the executive producer is one of the top positions and may even include some of the people working in other roles, like writers and actors.
Keep reading to learn how to become an executive producer, including what the job entails, recommended education and skills, the typical career route, and salary expectations.
What Is an Executive Producer?
To begin with, the executive producer is one of the first people on a project. They may work independently as freelancers or on behalf of a studio.
The role can apply to anyone senior and involved in the making of the film. As such, writers, actors, and anyone who helped budget the show can have a credit.
The executive producer is a senior job role with a focus on budgeting, funding, and project planning. However, the role varies depending on each project, with some people working on set and others acting as CEOs.
The role requires immense knowledge of filmmaking and scheduling. One of their primary roles is to ensure that the project finds investors and has enough funding. They will also ensure the film is made on time and within budget and help the producer solve problems. However, the executive producer has more authority than the producer and the final say on budget decisions.
If working during production, they will also help with scheduling and legal paperwork and ensure they work within union regulations.
What Does an Executive Producer Do?
Pre-production | – Secure funding – Manage budget – Attach talent – Hire producers – Solve problems |
Production | – Scheduling – Legal paperwork |
Post-production | N/A |
How to Become an Executive Producer
Essential executive producer skills:
- Filmmaking knowledge
- Budgeting
- Financing
- Negotiation
- Networking
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Scheduling
Executive producers and producers have similar education and skills. Although a degree is not necessary, attending a film school can help you learn the basics. Despite not working on the set, it’s important to understand the filmmaking process from script to screen.
Most of all, they must learn about film budgeting, scheduling, and financing. To find funding for a film, they will use their industry contacts, take advantage of tax breaks, and pitch projects. As such, this role requires networking, confidence, and strong negotiation skills.
In addition, the executive needs strong teamwork and interpersonal skills. They will work with and lead a variety of people and personality types. The job also requires you to stay organized, keep the project on budget, and ensure the film remains on schedule.
Finding Executive Producer Jobs
The executive producer is an above-the-line job role. Many people start out as producers or in other senior positions before moving up. It’s common to start out as a production assistant before moving up.
One route to a producer is to work as a production manager or assistant producer. These mid-level job roles will give you insight into the whole filmmaking process. Most importantly, these positions allow you to understand budgeting and scheduling.
It will take many years to become a producer on major projects. Once you have enough experience and contacts in the industry, you should move into an exciting position.
How Much Money Do Executive Producers Make?
Minimum pay rate for executive producers: $28/hour
It’s well-known that executives are among the highest-paid individuals on a film. But when you look at the typical pay rate above, you might be wondering how that’s possible.
That’s the base pay of an executive producer. However, in addition to base pay, they also receive compensation related to the success of their film. For instance, they also make money from:
- Bonuses
- Commissions
- Profit sharing
What might only look like $28 an hour could easily come out to anywhere between $59,000 and $180,000 a year.
The exact salary of an executive depends on many factors like location, film budget, and type of production. Plus, the number of projects you work on as well as if you’re working on movies or TV shows can impact how much you earn.