The entertainment industry plays a highly notable role in our lives. Most of us, as the audience spend our lives watching films from the other side of the screens and have no clue about what goes on behind those screens. While watching a movie, we sometimes feel that the storyline is lacking something and it could have turned out finer if you were the one to write it. Thus, if you are ready with your script for a film or an idea for a new web series or are beginning to write one, this article will help you to know how to find a producer for film, TV or theatre.
TV or web series, theatre projects and especially films are the backbone of the entertainment industry. Right from the time when we are a teenager, we all grow up with immense love for films and serials in our lives and have a special place for them in our hearts. Whether you’re a 10-year-old kid or a 60-year-old oldster, the entertainment industry is a mixed-bag and offers something to each one of you. Let us read ahead to know how to find a producer for your film, TV or theatre.
Who is a Film or TV Producer, and what are his duties?
When we hear or think about the name “producer”, whether it is a producer for a film, TV or theatre we think of someone with authority. Trying to find a producer for theatre or your film is not an easy task, but an important one. So to put it in simple words, a producer manages and supervises a project from its beginning to the end. He/she plans and coordinates the production, script, financing, etc. takes part in all the creative and financial decisions, and looks after all the work done behind the scenes. He/she also has the responsibility of delivering a project on time and within the budget.
Different types of producers you should know about to find a Producer for your Film, TV or Theatre
When we see any movie, two to three producers are mentioned in the hierarchy of the credits. Producers differ from each other based on their duties and responsibilities. Therefore, whether you want to know how to find a producer for the theatre, TV or film you must know these differences. Let us take a look at the list.
Executive Producer
The executive producer is the in charge of the finance of the film and all the other producers working on the sets work under his supervision. Mostly, an executive producer for a TV series is a writer and gets credit for it while an executive producer for a film often provides funding for the film. When you are finding a producer for your film or TV, he/she would supervise the budget.
Line Producer
The line producer performs the job of managing all the staff present as well as routine work and operations. He looks after the budget and all the physical aspects involved. The line producer is the production manager when you are finding a producer for theatre.
Producer
From the pre-production stage to the post-production stage, a producer’s involved throughout. He can arrange, manage, start as well as oversee every facet in the production process of a film or theatre. While finding a producer for your film, TV or theatre, he would be working on the creative aspects of the project as well.
Co-Producer
A co-producer shares the responsibilities as a team or group member with all the other producers. He can perform any job ranging from business functions to the creative responsibilities and from investing directly in the project to getting the script for the film or TV series.
Associate Producer
An associate producer is also known as the assistant producer. They have to perform any job given to them by the producer. When you are finding a producer for your film or TV, the associate producer also coordinates other people’s work such as creating schedules, arranging production staff etc. Their job mostly varies from project to project.
How does Production work in Films, Theatre and TV?
Producers or production companies are one of the two legs on which the entertainment industry runs. Whether it is about production in a film, theater or TV, it works more or less similarly. After the first feature film was produced in 1906, producers have mostly been appreciated behind the scenes. Whereas, they are the ones who perform the most commendable job on the sets and deserve appreciation for it.
Films
In film making, production by and large goes through five stages, setting off with development and winding up with the distribution. The producer of the film carries out multiple jobs through all these stages. He works on the script with the scriptwriter and all the creative matters with the director. Along with making financial arrangements, he also looks after its use. He/she hires the required crew members, artists, and designers. Finding a producer who can make the film a huge success, stick the whole crew together like cement and instill team spirit in them is important.
Theatre
Theatre projects is a very wide category and include staged play, musical, comedy, dramas, skits etc. A producer does all the basic jobs from arranging finance to hiring cast and crew. The conversion of a script from a piece of paper to the stage is very long but a very artistic process. It begins from finding a script, taking various small but important decisions to cast, rehearsing, and at last performing. Like films, you will find financial and creative producers here as well.
TV series
Under TV series, the production of a single episode consists of three categories: pre-production, principal photography, and post-production. The showrunner of the TV set is the creative producer in the films. Finding a producer for your TV set means finding its showrunner who will provide creative solutions in the script wherever necessary. Along with arranging the lighting, budget, costumes to finding guest actors, and shooting locations, they do all the jobs. He/she can write the pilot episode and sometimes major episodes also. And in some rare cases, the executive producer casts himself in the show as well.
How to find a Producer for Film, TV or Theatre?
The journey to find a producer for your film, TV, theatre requires patience and taking steps, one at a time. Before you approach any producer with your script or pitch, you should give a thought about what are your expectations. You should do thorough and proper research about different producers and make a list of the ones who suit your needs best. You can get information about producers from various websites such as production hub, IMDb and many more.
Things to keep in mind while approaching a Producer
Whenever you approach a producer, make sure that he is within your earmarked budget. You should also note if he has worked on the same or at least a similar genre before, but even if he hasn’t it doesn’t mean he won’t be willing to or looking for something new or different. Making a list would help you in saving time and sorting out the useful producers that you want to approach.
Apart from researching about the producers, you can use age-old ways such as your connections and word of mouth. You can take help from your family, friends, and colleagues and ask them to use their connections. Attending film festivals where you can meet producers and introduce yourself or form new connections is also a good idea. Also, you can get suggestions from your agent if you have one as it can be very useful. Lastly, you may visit project forums such as IFP designed for connecting and meeting with people in the industry.
Tips to Find a Producer for your Film
We know by now that finding a producer for your film is a prolonged process. A good way to find the right producer for your film is to write an excellent script. Do as many rewrites as you can and show it to the trusted and knowledgeable people of the industry to get their feedback. Write a script that is unique and can offer something new and different from the others. Now, here are a few tips about how to find a producer for your film.
Research about the Film Producer
Doing the proper research before approaching any producer is very necessary. Most of the producers have certain policies and guidelines about how they work on their websites. You should read those carefully and also watch their previous films or work and figure out if they are good for you. In this way, you will save a lot of their as well as your own time.
Begin a Conversation
To build a healthy relationship with the producer of your film, on both personal and professional levels come in handy. Meeting up with them will help you both in understanding each other’s expectations. A strong relationship with the producer will also benefit you in future projects.
Proper Planning
Making a proper plan is as important as writing a good script. Planning about the timeline of shooting, potential sources for funds, etc. helps the producer in knowing everything you can offer. A good plan also shows how serious and committed you are to the project and how willing you are to make it a success.
How to proceed further after you find a producer for your film?
Finding a producer for your film isn’t where your job ends. After you find the right producer for your film, TV or theatre, you have to make a plan to move ahead with them. When you are sure that your goals and vision match with the producers’, then you start working on the other aspects of the project. You should sign a legal contract with all the terms and conditions. The contract will help you in deciding everyone’s responsibilities and protect you against any possible future problems.
When you find a producer for your film, you have to put your trust in him. You should believe that even if he can’t do all the jobs himself, he knows how are they done. Also, you may find the right producer for your film, but you can’t work with them on the project at hand due to some reason. In that case, also, forming a healthy and strong relationship with them may benefit you in the future. Therefore, you should be polite with everyone you meet and form a wide network of connections. Believing in yourself, your work, and your producer will surely make your dreams come true.
FAQs Regarding How to Find a Producer for Your Film, TV or Theatre Project
To find a producer for your movie, you need to do detailed research about various producers, make a list of those who fulfill your needs, use your connections, attend film festivals and project forums, take the help of your agent, etc.
The producer is undoubtedly the most important person on the set as he always has to be prepared for everything in advance. He has to make sure that the shooting happens without any problem or stoppage but also needs to be ready with a solution in case any problem arises.
Films have so many producers because the production of a film or TV show involves a lot of work and responsibilities. Each of the producers has a different job and responsibility on the set. Along with doing their job, they also help in other people’s jobs.
Editor’s Note | Find a Producer for your Film
Every business and industry is facing the negative impacts of COVID-19 all over the world. The entertainment industry is among the worst affected ones. Many of the films and TV shows are facing delays in production, and some are even canceled. Due to the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of crew workers, especially those working as freelancers have lost their jobs. Many of the shows with a live audience won’t be resuming soon due to not having an audience. The only good thing is that scriptwriters can spend a lot of time writing amazing scripts at home for upcoming projects in the future.
