As the title indicates, a Movie Producer helps in the producing or making of a film.¹

Other key positions such as Director, Cinematographer, and Editor involve leading their respective departments in the creative process of making a film. A Cinematographer helps to decide how the movie will be shot and look. An Editor determines what shots and scenes are used to tell the story of the film. And of course, the Director leads in all of these decisions.

The role of the Movie Producer is an essential one in filmmaking. Why? This video offers a look at what this role entails.

But filmmaking is not only a creative pursuit. It demands a host of financial, logistical, and administrative decisions to ensure that the Screenwriter’s idea can actually be made into movie that people watch and enjoy.

It’s the Movie Producer who takes the reins in making sure the film gets made, period.

The title of Movie Producer is an umbrella term that encompasses the many, many responsibilities that the person in this role has.²

Watch this video for a comprehensive overview of a Movie Producer’s responsibilities.

We’ll get into the main types of Movie Producers in a moment and the specific roles they each tend to have. But in general, the Movie Producer to varying degrees takes on these duties:

• Sourcing movie ideas
• Developing screenplays
• Securing financial backing
• Hiring above-the-line crew such as the Screenwriter and Director
• Overseeing the budget of a movie during of the filmmaking process
• Mediating any conflict or issues during the filmmaking process
• Providing input on key elements of a movie, such as the look and edit
• Managing the distribution of the film

Some Movie Producers may handle all of the above responsibilities; others may be put in charge of just one or two duties. Let’s take a look at the different types of Movie Producers and what they typically oversee.

Even on the most economical of film shoots, several Movie Producers are often needed to ensure that every part of the filmmaking process is being properly overseen and managed.

That means onboarding multiple professionals, each with a designated title and set of responsibilities.³ Some of these Movie Producers include:

An Associate Producer is typically assigned to oversee a specific part of production. For instance, pending the scope of the project, they may be tasked with working with any VFX needs. Or they might be responsible for the casting of all Background Actors.

Whatever their specific duties, they are generally hired by the head Movie Producer and report back to them.

A Company Producer tends to be part of a post-production house that is overseeing part or all of a film’s post-production needs.

The Company Producer might coordinate the editing of a film, the sound design for it, or any other number of needs that become priority during this phase of the filmmaking process. A person in this position may communicate directly with the head Movie Producer on a production or report back to their superior within the post-production house.

The role of a Co-producer on a film is somewhat similar to that of an Associate Producer, though the former tends to have more responsibility on a production.

A Co-producer will likely be in charge of a specific part of pre-production, production, or post-production. While they may still report to the lead Movie Producer on a project, Co-producers with enough experience often transition into positions of being more senior Movie Producers on future productions.

The title Movie Producer is a catchall for many different positions on a film. This video explains what they are.

Of all the different types of Movie Producers, many people have most often heard the title of Executive Producer or EP.

Though they may be involved with other aspects of the filmmaking process, the Executive Producer is primarily responsible for getting the financing that a film requires. And this is often no easy feat!

An Executive Producer might be the person who is providing the funding for a film, or they may be the person reaching out to others for that funding. Funding often comes from several different sources, which means that the Executive Producer must coordinate and secure deals with each person or entity that financially supports a film.

The role of a Line Producer is a bit different from the other Movie Producer positions we’ve already listed.

A Line Producer’s primary focus is the film’s schedule and budget. Their job is to make sure the project they’re working on comes in on time without going over the budgetary numbers set for each department.

Pending the size of the production, they likely will also be in charge of hiring the below-the-line crew. Any communications between the other Movie Producers, Director, and rest of the crew will typically come through the Line Producer, too.

Other types of Movie Producers, including Consulting Producers, Creative Producers, Supervising Producers, and VFX Producers, may also be part of a film. The titles given to anyone in a producing role depends on the size of the production, the involvement of each person, and the ever-present delicate politics of the project.

As mentioned earlier in this post, a Movie Producer is a person who helps in the producing or making of a film. With that in mind, all it takes to become a Movie Producer is to start on a project where you’re doing just that.⁴

In many cases, that likely means researching movie ideas or beginning to work with various Screenwriters on their projects.

To really begin learning what it means to be a Movie Producer, you might also consider shadowing, interning for, or working with someone with experience.

What are the steps to becoming a Movie Producer? This video explains.

There are no shortage of Movie Producers looking for support, but keep in mind that such a position may translate into pro bono work where your “pay” is the opportunity to observe and learn on the job.

In such cases, be clear about expectations and the kind of commitment you can make to the project. Never sacrifice your financial stability or wellbeing on the hope of one day getting a paid gig from a Movie Producer.

Instead, be honest with yourself – and the Movie Producer – about the time and energy you can devote to the project while still taking care of your life needs.

However, as you gain experience, expertise, and connections, you may very well begin to find more lucrative opportunities in the producing world.

To be a successful Movie Producer, you don’t necessarily need to master each of the skillsets below, but you must have working knowledge and competency in each.

Movie Producers are typically the individuals to which everyone else looks for a film’s financing. This video breaks down how to make that financing happen.

This list isn’t exhaustive, but some of the qualities that a Movie Producer should have include:

• Vigorous knowledge of the filmmaking process
• Strong business acumen
• Excellent people management
• Extensive communication abilities
• Robust multi-tasking capabilities
• Inexhaustible ability to brush off rejection

All of the above qualities are important, but perhaps most imperative is the last point. To be sure, if you choose to go into the filmmaking business – specifically as a Movie Producer – you will encounter rejection.

Rejection of project ideas. Rejection of funding. Rejection of every choice you make – especially when you’re still a novice Movie Producer. That comes with the territory of working in the entertainment industry, and it’s easy to become discouraged by it. Don’t be. Just keep going.

Some filmmaking professionals consider themselves strictly Movie Producers. Others may go by a hyphenate such as Writer-Director-Producer.

The following list includes individuals across the spectrum of various titles.⁵ But the one thing they have in common is that they all have found great success specifically as Movie Producers in the industry:

• J. Abrams
• Avi Arad
• Jason Blum
• Jerry Bruckheimer
• James Cameron
• Lorenzo di Bonaventura
• Lauren Shuler Donner
• Kevin Feige
• Brian Grazer
• David Heyman
• Kathleen Kennedy
• Peter Jackson
• Frank Marshall
• Amy Pascal

Jay Silverman explains the difference between the common misconceptions and reality of being a Movie Producer.

The films of the above Movie Producers have made many millions – and in some cases, billions! – of dollars. To be a successful Movie Producer, you do not necessarily have to make the same blockbusters. However, studying the careers of these individuals can help in guiding your own professional path.

As with nearly every other filmmaking specialty that we discuss, no, you don’t have to go to film school to be a successful Movie Producer. That being said, film school can provide multiple advantages once you attempt to be part of the film industry.⁶

Looking for advice as you venture into producing your first project? This video has it.

For one, going to school for film can help you learn the craft, which is essential for a Movie Producer.

Two, a film education offers you the opportunity to produce student films and local short films to gain experience and confidence in your producing skills.

And three, film programs give you the chance to forge relationships with other students and get a head start on that important network of peers and colleagues that will help you find success in the future.

A Movie Producer is many positions rolled into one. When you’re a Movie Producer, you’re a business expert. A filmmaking expert. A collaboration and management expert. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the skillsets you must have for this profession.

But as with any filmmaking specialty, it all begins with making the choice to do it and taking action toward that career goal. It means going out and finding a great short script to make. Or getting an internship on a film set to shadow another Movie Producer. Or any of a dozen different paths you can take right now. Which one will you pursue today?