7 Different Kinds of Producers and What They Do
Updated June 24, 2022
What does a producer do?
A producer is a film professional who provides guidance and direction to team members to create a movie or show. They determine the staff who work on a film or television project, where filming should take place and how the editing process functions. The producer is like the manager for the process of creating a movie or show from beginning to end. These are some common responsibilities that producers manage when working on the production of a film or show:- Hire the best talent: Depending on the producer's specific responsibilities, they may locate and hire various film or television writers, actors, artists and directors. They are skilled in assessing talent and character and selecting the staff who can best contribute to a project's success.
- Secure project funding: Some producers pitch the film or television idea to those who might fund it, including investors and sometimes other producers. To do this, the producer convinces these people that the project has potential for success and can earn them money.
- Oversee and plan: Producers are often on set to ensure the crew is following the filming schedule and to provide support for decision-making. Producers also work with the director and writers to determine where filming should take place and if they need any special, offset locations.
- Monitor editing: A producer usually monitors the cutting and editing process to ensure the vision for the project aligns with the editor's work. They may offer input during this process or change how the film or show appears for the final project.
- Manage screenings: The producers typically arrange screenings for the film or show to test audience response and determine if any further changes should occur before releasing. Sometimes, producers choose to show two different endings or versions of a film to learn which may perform the best.
- Arrange the debut: On opening night for the new film or for the season premiere, producers often plan parties or events to increase awareness for the release. They may assist or lead marketing teams in communicating the release date to potential viewers and encouraging them to watch.
Showcase your skills with help from a resume expert
7 different kinds of producers
Creating a film or a television series requires an expansive team of professionals, including different producers. These are some of the different types of producers in the entertainment industry:1. Co-producer
A co-producer is a professional who works with other producers on film or television projects. They combine their skills and resources with other producers to assist with funding, hiring cast members and monitoring the progression of the project. A co-producer can be any person who is vital to the creation of a film or movie. When a person is a co-producer, it can mean that a team of producers divided the responsibilities and each managed a different focus during development and debut.Read more: Learn About Being a Film Producer2. Assistant producer
An assistant producer provides support to other producers by managing staff, overseeing research and supplying information. Assistant producers can work on the sets of films or television series. They may manage communications like phone calls, emails and messages to and from producers and other film or television staff. To be successful, assistant producers can improve their organization, time management, multitasking and interpersonal skills. When an assistant producer is essential to the production of a film or show, other producers may credit them as line producer instead of assistant.3. News producer
News producers assess and organize materials for news reports and media coverage. They manage stories and determine which news articles or briefings the show prioritizes. News producers are quick thinkers because they may need to respond to major events, support their team's ability to cover the event and supply accurate and reliable information to their viewers. A news producer helps to maintain timing during production and facilitates communication between the camera crew, anchors, field reporters and technical staff.4. Line producer
Line producers are like assistant producers, but they usually have more responsibilities and independence. A line producer may assist with writing and editing the scripts, organizing events, monitoring production. Line producers may have some impact when offering suggestions or options, as they usually have more experience than assistants. To be successful, line producers can improve their originality, interpersonal abilities and constructive thinking.5. Digital content producer
Digital content producers may support film or television projects by generating digital content for promotion. They may help to write and edit the script for the show or film or provide material for social media marketing or other campaigns. They might also manage the project's websites, video creation, trailer releases and other content for promotional aspects.Related: How To Successfully Work on a Movie Set6. Supervising Producer
A supervising producer may manage other groups or crews within the production team, but they don't oversee the entire operation. They provide guidance to a specific department, depending upon what their specialty is. If a project is smaller or doesn't require as many producers, it's likely that staff may choose to have fewer or no supervising producers and instead have the lead producer provide guidance to each team. A supervising producer may also work on a television set to oversee offsite projects or funding acquisition.7. Lead producer
A lead producer oversees and manages other producers and monitors the film or television project's progression. They ensure quality by making alterations and determining which staff should perform which tasks. Lead producers also work closely with those who are funding the project to inform them about progress and viewership. For television series, the lead producer may also be the showrunner. Some actors may provide funding for a project and earn the title of lead producer.
Media & communications
Explore more articles
- 9 Types of Forensic Scientist Careers
- How To Become an Online Professor in 5 Steps
- 15 Professional Nursing Organizations (With Certifications)
- 30 High-Paying Jobs That Provide a Work-Life Balance
- How To Become a Police Officer in Colorado (With Salary)
- 20 Good Second Jobs To Earn Extra Income (With Benefits)
- 12 Remote Jobs for Former Teachers (With Salaries)
- 20 Jobs With the Most Job Security in 2024
- 5 Part-Time Jobs for Seniors Near Me (Plus Companies)
- 12 Jobs for Management Science Majors (With Salaries and Duties)
- Guide To a Lawyer's Average Hours (With Tips for Work-Life Balance)
- 15 Pros and Cons of Working as a Physical Therapy Assistant