A film producer is a job role everyone has heard of, but most people don’t understand what a producer actually does.
On this page, we dig into everything you need to know about how to become a producer. We break down the job role including duties, education, career route, and salary.
What Is a Film Producer?
To begin with, they are the head of the film project. So they look over the whole filmmaking process from start to finish. They are the highest paid crew member and can work for many years on one project. Because of this, the producer has the most power and final say during production.
First, the producer finds the film’s script, either by hiring a writer to work on an idea or buying a finished screenplay. The producer will also hire the director in these early stages.
Then they create a budget breakdown with the 1st AD. You can only start filming once you have a secure budget so without the producer, a film would not make it into production.
During filming, they watch over the film’s progress. The producer will make sure the film stays on budget and schedule. On set, they can hire, fire, and make story changes.
Their final task is to approve the film’s final cut and deliver it on time to distributors.
What Does a Film Producer Do?
| Pre-production | – Find the story and script – Hire director and crew – Secure the film’s funding – Create the filming schedule – Help to organize filming |
| Production | – Watch over the filmmaking – Keep the project on schedule – Manage the film’s budget – Lead the production team – Solve any production problems |
| Post-Production | – Watch over post-production – Approve the film’s final cut – Work with the marketing team – Sell the film to distributors – Keep an eye on its success |
How to Become a Film Producer
Essential film producer skills:
- Full filmmaking knowledge
- Understand storytelling
- Budgeting
- Financing
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Organization
- Scheduling
Firstly, if you’re interested in this job role, you need to build up your work experience. Alternatively, you can start producing films straight away, learning through practice. Making a low-budget film will quickly teach you the complete filmmaking process from script and screen.
You don’t need a degree to become a film producer. However, many successful producers have studied filmmaking or media. Most of all, you need have a basic understanding of the filmmaking process from start to finish.
Finding Film Producer Jobs
The producer is an above-the-line job role in the film industry. You can work up into this role by starting as a production assistant and work up to the production management team.
Unlike other roles in the film industry, it is possible to start at the bottom of the career ladder and work your way up into this role. As mentioned the producer must understand the entire filmmaking process and everyone’s job roles.
You can find work in various industry sectors, from film to TV and VFX. However, only the most experienced producers work on major film projects.
How Much Money Do Film Producers Make?
Minimum pay rate for producers: $35/hour
The producer is often the first person on a project and the last to leave. Because of the critical nature of the work they do, they’re often the highest paid crew on a film.
That said, the exact salary of a producer can vary quite a bit.
Career salary sites like PayScale estimate that the average producer makes $35 an hour. However, there’s a huge difference in the low end of their pay range ($15.65) and the high end ($78.30).
How much you earn depends on factors like professional experience as well as the size of the project budget. The performance of a film can greatly increase the wages of a film producer. For instance, their annual salary can be anywhere from $46,000 to $139,000 thanks to bonuses and profit sharing.
Learn more about how producers’ salaries and other crew members’ pay are determined on our crew rates page.