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 list everything you need to know about becoming a producer. We break down the job role including duties, education, career route, and salary.
What Does a Film Producer Do?
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.
Production Duties
| 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 |
Education and Skills
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.
Key Skills:
- Full filmmaking knowledge
- Understand storytelling
- Budgeting and financing
- Teamwork and leadership
- Organization & scheduling
Career Route
The producer is an above-the-line job role in the film industry. You can work up into this role by starting as a runner or production assistant and work up 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.
Salary
The producer is often the first person on a project and the last to leave. As such, they are typically the highest paid crew member receiving 5% of the overall budget.
At the start of their career, they might only make a small wage as a production assistant. However, their pay will increase with the more experience and skills they learn. To make the most of your career and contracts, it would be helpful to join a film union.
The exact salary of a producer varies depending on experience and project budget. According to the Producers Guild of America, the average wage for a producer is around $79,000 per project. Of course, Hollywood film producers will make a lot more than this.
