How to Become a Film Producer

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Although there is no single path to be strictly followed to become a film producer, an adequate level of training and a lot of experience are certainly the main ingredients to undertake this career. The journey can be difficult, but if filmmaking is your thing, you have a few ways to get an edge over others.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Training

Step 1. Find out about this job

Before doing anything else, it is necessary to have some preparation on the tasks and responsibilities that a film producer faces on the job. The study presented to you is self-taught and does not follow an official path, but it constitutes an absolutely crucial step since it will prepare you to walk the path you have set yourself in front of.

• Film producers are involved in almost every aspect of making a film. As a film producer, you will be responsible for:

  • Find a script, a story or an idea for the film. You could delegate some of the work to a screenwriter, but the initial task of finding a story to work on is on your shoulders.
  • Find financing for the production budget. If the project is small enough or you are wealthy enough, you could finance a project yourself, but many producers need to secure some form of outside funding.
  • Hire a creative team to make the film. The lead producer will need to hire the lower-tier producers and can also hire the director. It is these others who usually hire those who are least involved on the production side, including the actors.
  • Manage schedules and expenses. It is necessary to keep the project moving and also to understand what aspects of production are to be cut should the funds run out.
  • Secure distribution. If you work at a large studio, much of this work will have already been solved. If not, however, it will be necessary to find independent distribution companies.
  • Promote the film. You will have the help of the studio and the distributor, but many of the final decisions will be your responsibility.

• Also note that there are different types of positions for manufacturers, and each takes care of different aspects in the production process.

  • The lead manufacturer has the final say in most decisions and takes care of all financial, legal and deadline planning matters.
  • An executive producer takes care of many financial problems and can help secure the script or story of the film.
  • An associate producer essentially assists the executive producer in his duties.
  • A line producer has a lower level position. Usually he takes care of the problems that arise during filming.
  • A co-producer is a producer involved in some part of the creative production of the film.

  

  Step 2. Get a bachelor's degree from film school

  You can study at a film school or a humanities university that offers some training in film studies. Either way, you need to get a bachelor's degree in production, film studies, or some other closely related field.

  • During your studies you will have to take lessons on film production, visual storytelling, editing, screenwriting, digital production, film criticism studies, drawing and preparing a film.
  • If you enroll at a university with a good film program, you can also create short films in certain courses. These films can and should be included in your cinematic portfolio.

  

  Step 3. Consider continuing with the master's degree

  While not absolutely necessary, go on to major and earn a degree in theater or film production to prepare you even better for this career.

  Master's degrees focus on both the creative and commercial sides of film production

  

  Step 4. Continue your education after graduation

  Even after completing your academic studies, it is appropriate to continue your education. Keep up to date with the latest news and innovations regarding film production. You can learn on your own or by taking extra lessons.

  Find universities that offer film studies. Many may offer continuing education courses. Even if you don't get another degree by completing them, you usually receive some sort of certificate after attending

  Part 2 of 3: Experience

  

  Step 1. Get your first experiences

  Start gaining some experience as soon as possible. If you are still a middle or high school student, or a high school graduate with no college education, you should look for some way to get involved in film or theater events organized by the school or place where you live. Experience not directly related to production can also be useful to you.

  • Many film producers start out as writers or actors, so even if it's not possible to have a first experience in direct film production, try to get it in one of these fields. It can help you get started.
  • If you don't have immediate opportunities in film settings, look for other theater-related opportunities. Win a part in a school show or write a script for a theater in your city. While not directly related to production or cinema, this type of experience can also be a good starting point.
  • If you are still in high school, also consider taking classes in acting, theater, drama, film and film business.

  

  Step 2. Complete an internship

  During your college years or shortly thereafter, you should seriously consider completing an internship. With regard to this aspect, it is advisable to look for a position that specifically gives you experience within a production staff.

  • It is very likely that you will not be able to secure an internship at a large film studio while you are still at university. However, you can find production internships in small studios, television networks, and local radio stations.
  • Note that most internships and internships are unpaid, but at least you will earn college credit by completing them. This experience can be very valuable and an internship within your curriculum will be a great merit. If you do this well enough, you may even be able to start networking for the future.
  • If you can't find an internship through an actual film studio, start by turning to the university departments of theater studies. Any experience in this field is better than nothing.

  

  Step 3. Produce short videos

  While you are still studying, start making short films and videos. These first projects don't have to be huge - a few minutes will be enough. The idea is to give yourself a taste of what it means to be a producer on a small scale, as you gradually build your portfolio.

  The short starter videos you will produce can be distributed over the Internet. Any video, which will need to be 10 minutes or less, can be uploaded quite easily and today some videos on the internet can even go viral if they capture the right audience. Even if your work will not enjoy a wide exposure, it is possible to gain some experience in the production sector, as well as in the distribution sector

  

  Step 4. Develop additional key competencies

  In addition to experience in theater and cinema, there are other necessary and multipurpose skills that you should try to develop.

  • Some of these include communication, leadership, management and creativity skills.
  • Consider taking business courses while you are at university. A second specialization or even a not too demanding business course can be extremely useful. Business courses dealing with finance, marketing and management will offer you the maximum benefit.
  • Leadership skills are needed since you will need to manage the people in your crew. Communication skills are needed if you want to give instructions and coordinate activities effectively. Management skills are just as necessary as it is necessary to understand how to approach things correctly
  • While it is appropriate to set the commercial aspect of production, on the other it is also necessary to imagine the best solutions to find captivating stories and interpret scripts. Therefore, creativity is a necessity.

  Part 3 of 3: Entering the Sector

  

  Step 1. Know what to expect in the job market

  The market is constantly changing, but there are some things you can count on to be quite similar over time. Once you finish school and are ready to enter the world of work, do a little research on your job prospects, desired salary and other aspects of your career.

  • Overall, job opportunities in the United States have a 3% growth expectation during the 2012-2022 decade. This is a slower industry than most other jobs.
  • Chances are you will face stiff competition along the way.

  • As of May 2012, the average annual wage for producers in the broader field of work in the United States has been as follows:

    • Cinematography and video- $ 94,110
    • Cable TV and other subscription programs $ 83,220
    • Television broadcasts- $ 56,950
    • Show art production companies $ 49,690
    • Broadcasting- $ 48.110

    

    Step 2. Look for a top-level position

    Everyone has to start somehow. Most entry-level positions related to film production are not well paid, nor do they give much power or control. However, they are essential steps in making a career.

    • Note that in these positions you can find jobs as a production assistant or story editor. Even if you will have limited power and responsibility, you can at least gain useful potential and experience.
    • Look for work at a film or television studio. It is easier to find a job at a small studio rather than a larger one.
    • Assistant managers and other managers in entry-level positions usually don't make much money, especially in the nonprofit sector, so be prepared to live on a tight budget for a year or so.
    • Your chances of finding work could improve if you lived in an area where opportunities are more frequent, such as Los Angeles. Of course, many others have the same idea, so competition will be even fiercer in these areas.

    

    Step 3. Find a longer project to make

    In the meantime, you should start focusing your energies on raising funds and resources to invest in a larger film project. It doesn't have to be a feature film, but at least longer and more complex than the ones you worked on in university.

    • When you're working on a big project, you can write your own script or hire a writer. Alternatively, it is possible to purchase a literary work already written directly from the author.
    • Also consider working on a commission or contract basis. For example, schools may be willing to get you a contract to produce educational films. Although it may not seem fascinating, the experience will certainly be very useful.
    • Consider presenting your small independent film festival projects. Such contests and events might be small, but those deeply involved in the industry don't pay attention to this. So, make sure you leave a mark and you might impress the right people.

    

    Step 4. Make a career

    As you gain experience with projects and industry experience, your portfolio will grow and more people will start to notice your talent. You will be able to get higher level job positions that will allow you to have more control over the production process. This path can take time, but with a little patience, energy and skill you can reach the summit.