what is a producer

A producer is a person responsible for overseeing the production of a creative project from start to finish. They are responsible for the financial and business-related decisions of the project, while the director largely handles the creative decisions. Producers can work on movies, TV shows, commercials, and other commercial ventures. They plan and coordinate various aspects of production, such as identifying promising projects, arranging finance, finding writers and directors, and bringing together a creative team. Producers also supervise the pre-production, principal photography, and post-production stages of filmmaking. They are responsible for hiring a director for the project, as well as other key crew members. During production, a producer can oversee, arrange, manage, and begin every aspect of production. They approve locations and hire a team of staff for the production, delegating certain responsibilities to a line producer. Producers have ultimate legal responsibilities for the health and safety of the crew on set and delivery of a completed project at the end of the production process. To become a producer, one must possess experience and a skillset to be successful in the industry. Most producers start as writers, actors, or even entry-level workers. However, the essential characteristics needed to become a producer may include persistence and assertiveness, contacts, and understanding every facet of the production journey, from pre-production to post-production.