Producing : Producing by Timothy (RobbyLone) Woodard

Timothy, technically speaking no you do not need a formal producer with years of experience and you can go the route of using a collaborative group of creatives. However when you do go this route someone in that group will need to turn into a producer and handle the business side of things (paperwork, unions deals, contracts, reports, budgets and accounting) otherwise you can find yourself in a world of trouble when funds run out or you have a legal issue arise. As a former and current creative turned producer/UPM I understand that issues of having a Producer look at your ideas as unprofitable and there for passing on it, however once you start getting into the thick of filming you will really appreciate having someone handle the business side so that you and your creatives can continue to shoot and do what you do best instead of getting bogged down with details in the office. Good luck.

Exactly what Kyle said... and to add, Creators are creative, Producers are innovative. A nifty narrative about a boy and his dog solves no problems or has intrinsic value other than highlighting and aspect of the human condition. Don't overlook the value of a producer. It would be like a musician going directly to a publisher and getting baffled when asked for a list of deliverables in addition to the creative work.

Its not that I'm bashing any producers out there that aren't the ones that just sit in chairs and look for only the profitable ideas. Its more, or less, looking for that new kind of producer. I couldn't agree with any of your points more. A producer is needed for the money aspect and the business side of things. But is there a way to do it without having creativity limited? If that makes sense.

I have to agree with everyone's comments above. Timothy, I believe what you are asking is this, "Can't one of us be the Producer". The answer is Yes. However; whichever one of you take on that role needs to be able to say to the Director, "You've done 37 takes, we can't afford to shoot this scene anymore, we have to move on"... The "Producer" that you are talking about is the one says, "Hey, I have an idea for a movie." Then they hire a screenwriter, director, etc... In your case, if you get do get the financing secured, you bypass the typical "Hollywood" route, in which case you can make your movie how you want, without limiting your creativity, but make sure that the person you designate as your Producer has a grasp on the task at hand. I hope this answers your question!

Thank you Ray, that's what I was shooting for. Couldn't think of how to write it. I don't want to bring in someone who wants to tell us how to shoot our projects if they don't know us as a group. I do want someone who can handle all of the money and what not without telling us, "hey, i handle the money. you can't do that."

Interesting conversation here .... someone who handles the money without saying you can't do that .... is that like a cameraman who tells you you can't shoot without light, or the sound man who tells you not to shoot while the helicopter is overhead or the train is passing? You seem to think that someone telling you the limitations of your budget would be restrictive, when quite the opposite is true, working within a reasonable structure that is flexible enough for creatives to deliver is what Hollywood was built upon. Art is created in the mind and translated into the physical world with all it's limitations, the artists are the masters of maximizing the output possible within real world parameters, you will find it is possible to be creative and on budget. A good producer will guide you along your creative path and keep you from making the budgetary missteps that could scuttle the entire project. Of course if you already know everything you won't need a producer, but you will need a lot of money to pay for the lessons trial and error demands.

Timothy, I'll answer your question in the way that it was meant by saying this: I am shooting a feature that I wrote, will direct, act in, edit, and do the special fx..... However; since I am the one trying to get it made, and making contacts to raise the money, and preparing to launch my indiegogo campaign, I am the Producer as well... With that being said, I do have an old friend coming on board as a Producer, to help with the business side of things. I am shooting it the way I want, with the budget I want, and "I" will not jeopardize the creativity, and I am the one who will decide where and how the money is spent.... Is this the "Hollywood" way.... absofuckinglutely not, but if we had Hollywood budgets, we wouldn't be having this discussion!!! So, my scenario fits what you are asking.... Correct me if I am wrong!!!!!???????

A producer is not necessarily a producer - not "just", anyway... The term producer is often misunderstood as "The person that brings the money to the project", basically as the cash-cow. But that is not always the case (this is usually the executive producer). The producer is the person overlooking, coordinating and administrating the production from start to finish. He is the pencil-pusher, accountant (if you don't have a designated line producer) and fairy godmother of the production. Sometimes this also entails getting the money, but it is not a prerequisite. A good producer is able to lift a whole lot of weight of the directors shoulders, ease the life of the production manager and functions as a mediator between the production departments and the outside world. There is a reason why they are above the line. They usually work as much, or more, then anybody else, need to have high stress resistance - which will be tested. Do you need one? No. But if you find a good one, you will notice the difference and will want to have a good one from there-on. A good producer really is worth gold!

Patrick, you are absolutely right! I think the post was referring to losing creative control of the project by bringing on a producer.

If you have an idea and you do not want/need the approval of an "outsider", you should definitely go for it! Although I would recommend that you assign someone to do the producer's job within your group. Maybe the director whom already has a view on the film and knows what to use the money on, or anyone you know you can trust within your group.

Producers do a LOT more than just raising money. Sure, someone you know can take on that role. It's a shitload of work, and having some experience is helpful.

Thank you everyone for the feedback. My view of the producer has definitely changed for the better. I always viewed a lot of producers as the people that just wanted to say, they came up with the project idea. I am not saying that everyone who is a producer has that mindset. They really want to help make sure a project gets off the ground and can run smooth without too many set backs, if none at all. I try to do a lot when I set down for a film project, which is why so many of them don't end up being finished at times. I don't have a dedicated group of friends to help me with my projects. Its just me and my friend Charles and Joe right now. So I hope in the long run I can get a good team together and really get everything moving.

That seems to definitely be the stereotypical view of a producer...however in my experience the producer tends to be the director's biggest fan, working in every way possible so that he or she can realize their visions. The producer is there from the beginning all the way through to the end & trust me it is one of the hardest jobs ever. The producer has to multi-task, know a little bit about everything (jack of all trades), always be on their feet, be adaptable, creative, have charisma/personality, always evolving & know when to step in & when to leave well enough alone. I personally don't think a film should be made without a producer-if even it is a friend who must learn the role before production begins...if that is the case make sure that person is strong, loyal, honest, creative & adaptable. And if you are a group of friends-perhaps a few of you should take on the role of producer & split up the jobs as being a producer is a huge job for one person alone-especially on an indie film. Good luck!

a producer also controls the money the most imprtant part of getting this finished all the way

Producers are vital to a production and there to actually serve a Director or Studio's best interest. It also depends on what you are talking about project wise. A TV producer is much different than a feature length film producer. All in all though, producers are something you can't skimp on because they will get shit done for you and your crew.

Kudos to Kyle. Yes, someone needs to be the "Producer." You wouldn't go to shoot if someone wasn't also "The Director" would you? That's a flaming recipe for disaster to happen -- even if there is technically 'no money' being spent. BTW, I will act as both Producer and Director on my shoots. And whoever is chosen/willing to be Prod. has to be able to be the Prod.

I think people automatically assume the "producer" puts the money up or raises. Many just manage the funds like an accountant along with overseeing a multitude of other details as much as I'd like to be able to not have to deal with them they are a necessary evil and a good one like good D.P. or Editor is worth their weight in gold.