Filmmaking is a very demanding and detail oriented career. It takes skill and determination; drive and creatitivity. Films can take months to create and involve a large number of people; unless you are working on an independant film with a limited budget. There needs to be someone who overseas the entire project and that is the Producer.

There are many levels and differerent kinds of producers, but I will focus on the leader of the team. Here are a few tips and some responsibilities of the Film Producer.

Becoming a Producer

To become a Producer it's advisable to attend a film school or at the very least take a few classes in filmmaking. It's not required of course, but since it takes a great deal of detail and knowledge of all areas of your film, it would be a good idea to understand them.

Most producers work their way into becoming a Producer; usually working up from Production Assistant, possibly editor, or sound, Director, through the various levels of Production and finally Executive Producer.

Responsibilities of the Producer

A Producer is responsible for all aspects of the filmmaking process. They bring together the team that is needed to create the movie. Usually inspired by a script or even a novel, they gain the rights to the screenplay or adaptation rights for the novel in order to turn it into a film.

After securing rights, if they are connected to a major studio; they will approach major studio heads to gain funding and possible distribution through their resources. If an independant filmmaker, they will secure funds to make the film on their own. Either by going to friends and family, gaining a grant or government loan, or by going to a bank.

Once they have gained funding, they need to hire the staff to make the film; usually first is the Director they wish to work with. Together for the most part the Producer and Director will go through whom else they would like to bring on board. Camera, Lighting, Sound, Editor, Foley and if needed Special Effects will all be needed. Of course if you are making this film on your own, a lot of these areas can be done at a reasonable cost by a few people doing mulitiple jobs.

During filming, creative control usually lies with the Director; although the Producer can certainly imput their ideas. Producers tend to take care of the business end of the film, from arranging advertising, promotion, distrubution.

Do You Need to Join a Union?

In the United States and Canada, if you wish to work professionally on films, at least in a Studio production (Hollywood style) you will need to be a part of the Producer Guild or Union. The entertainment industry is unionized, regulating the salaries, work environment and work hours for their actors, directors and producers.

If you are an independant filmmaker, you won't necessarily need to join a union. You may not get the same type of distribution as a large studio, but you can get your film seen.

If you enjoy the business side of filmmaking, you can certainly create a successful career of being a Producer. You will need to have a good business head, enjoy details, be organized, know how to hire staff that will give you the type of results you want; and be able to garner support for your film.

It will take dedication and time to achieve your goals, but if you are persistant you can get your film made.