What precisely does a "producer" do?

[Brian63]

This came up recently in a conversation, where we were both unsure what the role of a producer is. As compared to a writer, director, actor. Also, how does the job description vary whether you are a producer of a single movie, movie franchise, long-running TV show, theater play, video game (do those have a producer?), etc.?

Does a "producer" differ from an "executive producer" in any meaningful way? Or are they synonymous?

 

[ZiprHead]

The way I understand it is that the producer is the person in charge of the entire project and is either the boss of the production company (think Spielberg's Dreamworks and Amblin) or is hired by the movie studio or production company to run the project.

There used to be only one but now I'm seeing producer so-and-so, then producers so-and-so, so-and-so, so-and-so. Then co-producers. i don't know what all these "producers" do.

 

[Brian63]

Music albums also have producers too, IIRC. Not sure if it would apply to individual songs, a concert, music video, a band.

Do not recall this title ever being applied to books though.

Maybe it is analogous to a sports agent as well. Handles the business-side of someone's else's athletic or creative goal.

 

[Politesse]

This came up recently in a conversation, where we were both unsure what the role of a producer is. As compared to a writer, director, actor. Also, how does the job description vary whether you are a producer of a single movie, movie franchise, long-running TV show, theater play, video game (do those have a producer?), etc.?

Does a "producer" differ from an "executive producer" in any meaningful way? Or are they synonymous?

They're the ones who do all the work, haha.

Essentially, they coordinate a project and make sure it is funded, permitted, liability-free, etc. Most of the other people you mention have much more specific artistic roles, it isn't down to a director to make sure the film gets made per se, only that the camera scenes are shot and edited. On large projects with thousands of employees, you may have multiple producers and directors in a kind of hierarchy, like any other large company. "Executive producers" are usually direct representatives of a major studio, at whose desk the buck stops if there are questions or diagreements among the other coordinators. Watch the Mel Brooks movie "The Producers" sometime, it's got a few laughs and gives you a decent idea of what producers are meant to do. Most of the "business decisions" and many assorted practical concerns in the day-to-day. It is possible for someone to write, direct and produce the same project, but it isn't as common on larger projects for reasons of sanity. The Lord of the Rings saga would be a notorious counter-example.

"Producer" and "cinematographer" are easily the most under-appreciated roles in Hollywood.

 

[Politesse]

Music albums also have producers too, IIRC. Not sure if it would apply to individual songs, a concert, music video, a band.

Do not recall this title ever being applied to books though.

Maybe it is analogous to a sports agent as well. Handles the business-side of someone's else's athletic or creative goal.

Don't forget stage plays.

 

[Tharmas]

"Producer" and "cinematographer" are easily the most under-appreciated roles in Hollywood.

And film editors, IMO. We know an assistant film editor in Hollywood who only occasionally gets a screen credit. IOW, a thankless job.

 

[Politesse]

"Producer" and "cinematographer" are easily the most under-appreciated roles in Hollywood.

And film editors, IMO. We know an assistant film editor in Hollywood who only occasionally gets a screen credit. IOW, a thankless job.

Also true! Really, auteur theory has a lot to answer for when it comes to recognition in the film industry.

 

[prideandfall]

"Producer" and "cinematographer" are easily the most under-appreciated roles in Hollywood.

And film editors, IMO. We know an assistant film editor in Hollywood who only occasionally gets a screen credit. IOW, a thankless job.

Also true! Really, auteur theory has a lot to answer for when it comes to recognition in the film industry.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjME1xJoVRo[/YOUTUBE]

 

[Wiploc]

The way I understand it is that the producer is the person in charge of the entire project and is either the boss of the production company (think Spielberg's Dreamworks and Amblin) or is hired by the movie studio or production company to run the project.

There used to be only one but now I'm seeing producer so-and-so, then producers so-and-so, so-and-so, so-and-so. Then co-producers. i don't know what all these "producers" do.

I think Rossio suggests that some of them can be honorary titles. If you can't get any more money, but you're not done asking for things, you may be able to get your boyfriend credited as a producer.