The Producer
June 18, 2010

Everyone has heard the term. It can be seen all over the credits of any movie. But actually defining the job of Producer can be a very complex task.

"To put it simply, the producer oversees the entire filmmaking process," said Allison Freitas. "From raising funds to coordinating schedules, supervising everyone on set, and even planning distribution, the producer is responsible for everything." As Wikipedia.com puts it, "The producer is involved throughout all phases of the film-making process from development to completion of a project."

"Everyone, including the director, reports to the producer," Freitas continued, "and ultimately, if something goes wrong, it's the producer's fault."

However, there are other types of producers that come in many forms and grades, each with very different production tasks. For example, an Executive Producer rarely takes any part in the making of the film, acting only as a financial investor, or providing something necessary for the film's completion (money, services, etc.). A line producer is in charge of all technical (below-the-creative-line) staff. Associate producers are often assigned specific mini-tasks throughout the production process. But despite the differences, each job plays a major role in completing the project.

"It's a stressful job," Freitas admitted. "And sometimes you have to be the bad guy and start yelling. But once the film is finished, you realize it's totally worth it."

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