Pitt In Hollywood - Producers

1. What does a producer actually do?
2. Do producers need to know how to write or know anything else about production?
3. What is the most important job of a producer?

What does a producer actually do?

The film's producer acts as an administrator, communicator, and guide, helping hundreds of people reach a final goal: completeing the film on schedule, on budget, and as the director envisioned. The producer administrates all the various aspects of film production, from the initial concept to script and budget preparation to shooting, post-production, and release. The producer hears all questins and complaints and must be diplomatic in handling problems. The producer must know everything (or know how to find out about it), be "hands-on" or "hands-off" depending on what the situation calls for.

Do producers need to know how to write or know anything else about production?

He or she does not have to be able to write, direct, edit, or act to help screenwriters, directors, editors, and actors do their best work. Producer's should however, understand the daily decisions and difficult logistics behind the art of filmmaking.

What is the most important job of a producer?

A producer's guiding agenda is the budget. The producer must work within the limitations of the budget, creatively selecting the best possible people and solutions to bring the script from page to screen. If the project runs out of money, the production can't be completed. The film can't be printed or distributed, and therefore won't ever make it top theaters. Most film investors take out insurance, called a completion bond, to avoid the often disatrous financial results of an uncompleted film.

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