What do producers do?

Question

I mean I know that a producer has to make the financial basis of a movie, and advertise it. But what does it exactly mean? And how do they start? Do they start a movie to begin with, or is it the director?

I'm just curious:)

Answer 1

A movie producer does everything.  They are the boss.  They are responsible for all aspects of the movie making process except the artistic parts (directing, acting, editing, cinematography, etc...but they do HIRE those people.  

Often, people who contribute to the process, money people, actors, important people, are given "producer credits" when they don't actually do anything about production.  That's way it's common in movie credits to see as many as 6 names listed as Producer.  But on a movie set, there is usually only one actual producer.

Answer 2

Depends on the project and medium. ie - flims, tv shows, etc. Generally the Executive Producers put in the money but sometimes those are titles  just given for whatever reason. Often the Producer is the key person in charge of... production.  In corporate terms, the Producer is sort of the CEO. The directors, writers, actors, and others work under him/her on the project. The producer may or may not have a financial commitment but if you're putting in money, you usually get a producer credit of some type. So, as the CEO your interest is in completing the project, promoting it and making a profit. In my opinion that "profit" part is what producers do. Most creative types generally have no concept of business, costs, margins, P&L, ROI, EBITDA, etc, etc, etc.  

Answer 3

They also manage the film process, and hires the director. Without a producer, the film does not get done. These may help give you a better idea of what a producer in film or television does.

Careers in Television and Video: Pre-Production Part 1

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...

Careers in Location Production for Television and Video: Pre-Production, Part 2

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...

Careers in Television and Video: Producing a Video Project and Script Development

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Obviously it can vary, but the usual scenario is this:

The film is the Producer's baby.  The Producer bought the screenplay, or had an idea and hired a writer to write the screenplay.  The Producer then got the film 'backed' financially, or he puts up the money himself.  This money hires the Director the Producer wants.  Sometimes the screenplay can attract the attention of Talent (Actors) who quickly agree to appear in the film, or become 'attached'.  This can help get more money and also get a higher-profile Director.

The Producer then hires the rest of his crew, and the Director's crew and the team goes into production.  While in production (filming), the Producer ensures everyone is doing their job, is being paid and the vision of the film is going well.

Once production is finished, the crew leaves and the Director stays behind to start Post Production (editing).  The Producer hires an editor, or, if the film is going to be distributed througha studio (WB, Universal etc), then they might provide an editor and a publicity team to start hyping the film amongst us - the consumers.

When the film hits the screen and DVD shelves, its the Producer who usually takes home the money, because he has already paid his Talent, Crew and Director for working on the project.

Of course, situations vary and there are many different kinds of contracts that allow SOME talent to get money at the same time the film is in theaters (called 'points'), but its for 'above the line' talent like Angelina Jolie or Tom Cruise, etc.

So you see, the Producer takes it from an idea right at the start all the way through to a final product that should make money.  In a nutshell, that's what a Producer does.