The Producer Guide: A Comprehensive Overview to Become a Successful Video Producer

Everyone loves great entertainment. For most people, this means a good movie, music, or TV show. If you have a passion for this industry, then names like Jerry Bruckheimer, Dr. Dre, or Steven Spielberg aren't new to you. These people are among the greatest producers in the world. They are responsible for some incredible and timeless entertainment that we enjoy today. Producers like these are the brains behind every magnificent piece of entertainment.

It's not easy to become one, but you can turn your passion into a creative career if you choose. Of course, it will take a lot of hard work to develop the relevant skills. However, with effort and focus, nothing is impossible. Do you aspire to produce enjoyable entertainment, whether music or movies? This guide explains all you need to know before getting started. 

What does a producer do?

What does a movie producer do in a movie?

In movie productions, the producers handle the practical and financial aspects of the process. They also work with the director to oversee the creative parts.

It's their job to find opportunities by searching for materials worth developing. This could either be scripts, screenplays, or bestseller novels. 

They work with their production team to review these works. After review comes selection. They choose the work with the biggest potential for success. A movie producer is the boss and makes the final decision in every movie production set. In many cases, they come up with the idea for a film rather than find existing works and then hire a scriptwriter.

Summary of a producer's role in every movie

• Hire a director and production crew
• Identify or come up with a movie idea
• Source for funds by attracting sponsors/high-profile investors
• Build a production team
• Work with the team to cast actors and actresses
• Plan the production process
• Handle business operations
• Make final decisions in every area of the production
• Supervise all editing processes and choose the soundtrack
• Ensure publicity and handle all marketing activities 

What does a music producer do?

A music creation process requires three types of producers. The executive, vocal, and the record producer. The executive producer handles business operations and administration aspects. The vocal producer focuses on coaching. They handle critiquing and improving the artist's voice for quality performance. The record producers are in charge of the creative part. They oversee the music recording, including the technical engineering aspects. These must require specific knowledge about music, recording technology, and excellent listening skills.

In smaller labels, a producer can handle two or more of these roles. Whether it's all three or one producer doing it all, their job is to partner with an artist to create music.

They handle all aspects of recording, preserving, and distributing the work. A music producer's role is vast. It can range from programming a beat to planning meetings and signing new artists. Many producers also write lyrics or handle a musical instrument. They oversee the process of a music production project. That means attending recording sessions and ensuring artists deliver top-quality performances. Producers also have to coordinate the recording team while supervising the technical side.

In music production, there can be a record producer or an executive. The former focuses on the creative aspects, ensuring quality recordings. The latter, on the other hand, manages the business side of things. Part of their job will be securing and managing the budget.

A producer can be employed on a record label. Some work freelance and can handle multiple projects at a time.

Summary of a producer’s role in a music recording project

• Handles the financial and business aspects of the recording project
• Provide voice coaching and offer critiques for the artists' improvements.
• Create the beat and determine the sound structure of the music.
• May write or co-write the song's lyrics.
• Plan recording sessions and take the artists through them in an efficient manner.
• Supervise the artist's performance during every session.
• Technical work, such as designing sounds and editing audio.
• Ensure that an album or music project is successfully completed at the date stated on the contract.
• Ensure the album is released on the agreed date.
• Work with the production team to handle publicity and marketing. 

What does a TV producer do?

TV production is one of the many opportunities in the entertainment industry. A TV producer is responsible for creating TV shows. They're in charge of all elements of the project. These include the budget, cast, crew, publicity, and timeline. Many TV shows have multiple producers who handle different aspects of the production. An executive producer may focus on business operations and administration. While a field producer takes charge of video production.

In most TV projects, a producer could handle multiple roles. They may come up with an idea for a new program and pitch it to TV networks. Once it is accepted, they would focus more on the financial and business parts. Some producers write the show themselves. They can also work with screenwriters to co-author the script.

The TV producer's role is diverse and depends on the actual show. An actor sometimes become a producer by offering more creative suggestions or financial support. Depending on the size of the project, a producer may work with directors to offer input on some creative aspects. They do that while also overseeing the administrative parts.

Summary of a TV producer's day in a TV production project

• Identify existing creative materials with great potential.
• Negotiate the rights to adapt existing works into a TV show.
• May hire the director and production team.
• Discuss contracts of the casts and crews.
• Design a schedule for the entire project and set timelines.
• Determine and establish the budget for the show.
• Pitch the creative work to investors or TV networks to secure funds.
• Write or co-write the scripts.
• Work with the director to provide creative input.
• Work with the team to audition actors and actresses.
• Work with the director to oversee filming and ensure quality performances.
• Supervise marketing activities. 

What does a line producer do?

Many producers are involved in creating a film. Among them is the line producer. This person is at the center of every filming project. They handle all the basic details of production. Their main duties include executing the budget, hiring the department heads, and ensuring smooth filming throughout.

Their jobs start at the pre-production stage, so they're one of the first roles to be filled. Once hired, a line producer takes charge of filling the necessary positions for a successful project. They’re in charge of all the contracts and paperwork.

All other department heads report to the line producer while he/she reports to the executive producer. During production, they work with the director and other team members, providing all they need while ensuring they stay within the budget.



A line producer in a film set is the go-between for members of the team, including the writers, cast, directors, and other below-the-line staff. They are always on the film set, ensuring smooth filming.

Summary of a line producer's duties on a film set:

• Work with the executive producer to establish the film budget.
• Hire the production team and crew.
• Handle paperwork and contracts for film directors and other staff members.
• Review the script to determine shooting locations.
• Work with the location manager to find the right filming spots for each scene.
• Supervise the acquiring of filming equipment.
• Create a filming schedule.
• Ensure staff and crew members are paid on time.
• Act as a liaison between all departments, especially top-of-the-line staff, and below-the-line team members.
• Maintain communication with all department heads.
• Oversee all logistics of a film project.
• Supervise wrap-up and prepare for post-production after filming.

What does a podcast producer do?

Creating high-quality podcasts require a production team. This team is headed by a producer who handles all aspects of the process. Their responsibilities can range from generating content to tracking analytics.

A podcast producer works with the presenter to create quality audio shows that will engage listeners. They ensure that the podcast is successful in attracting and retaining an audience with each episode. They oversee every recording process to ensure top standards. For this reason, they must be knowledgeable on the topic.

Most podcast producers are responsible for coming up with ideas for the show. Then they carry out deep research to create valuable scripts before pitching them to the commissioners.

Summary of a podcast producer’s duties:

• Handle the production process.
• Plan the production schedule.
• Research topics and create scripts.
• Supervise episode recordings.
• Assist the presenter during recordings.
• Prepare guidelines, talking points, or interview questions for guests.
• Track analytics for each episode.
• Troubleshoot technical issues during recordings.
• Edit content.
• Promotions and marketing activities. 

What does a game producer do?

If you have passion for video games technology, pursuing a career in game production can be the right move. As a producer, you will oversee the whole game production process from beginning to end. You will be the project head, delegating duties to everyone on the team.

A game producer handles more of a business role than a creative. They work with the designers, artists, programmers, and sound engineers throughout the project. They oversee all of these departments, ensuring everyone works within the set budget and timeline.

A game producer is more or less the project manager. Therefore, the following skills are non-negotiable:

• Excellent communication
• Technical skills
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Leadership
• Ability to resolve conflicts
• Negotiation skills

These duties are expected from a game producer:

• Assemble and oversee the production team.
• Brainstorm with team members to come up with new game concepts.
• Negotiate rights for existing materials.
• Establish the budget and timeline for the project.
• Supervise all aspects of the production process.
• Manage the team to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Control marketing and promotional activities.
• Handle contracts with external partners.
• Ensure all legalities are in place.

Top 8 Reasons to Become a Producer

Entering the realm of production across diverse industries like music, film, game, podcast, TV and more presents an enriching career path. Here are five captivating incentives that might entice individuals to step into the role of a producer:

Creative Autonomy:

Becoming a producer grants individuals significant creative autonomy. From conceptualization to execution, producers wield substantial influence over the artistic direction of a project. This level of control enables them to express their unique vision and make critical decisions that shape the final outcome.

Diverse Project Portfolio:

Producers have the opportunity to work on a wide array of projects spanning various mediums, including film, television, theater, and digital media. This diversity allows producers to explore different genres, formats, and storytelling techniques, keeping their work dynamic and engaging.

Get a chance to earn a great income

You have a higher chance of earning a good living as a producer than most jobs. The level of income depends on various factors. Some producers earn no less than $70000 per annum. While others make half of that. But the famous ones in the industry earn income running into millions of dollars per year. In general, it can be said that a career as a producer can be both financially and personally rewarding.

Legacy Building and Influence:

Producing offers the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. By producing iconic films, groundbreaking television shows, or memorable live events, individuals can make a lasting impact on popular culture and inspire future generations of storytellers and creatives.

Building Networks and Collaborations:

Producing offers ample opportunities to connect with a wide range of professionals within the industry, including directors, writers, actors, and technicians. By fostering collaborations and building networks, producers can create synergistic partnerships that enhance the quality and reach of their projects.

Leadership and Collaboration:

Producers play a pivotal leadership role in orchestrating and managing multidisciplinary teams of creative professionals. Collaboration with directors, writers, actors, and crew members fosters a supportive and dynamic working environment conducive to innovation and excellence.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities:

Producing offers entrepreneurial-minded individuals the opportunity to develop and finance their own projects. This entrepreneurial aspect of the role enables producers to take risks, pursue passion projects, and potentially achieve financial success in the competitive entertainment industry.

Dynamic and Ever-Evolving Field:

The entertainment industry is characterized by constant evolution and innovation. Producers have the opportunity to adapt to emerging technologies, trends, and audience preferences, keeping the role fresh, dynamic, and full of potential for creativity and growth.

Conclusion:

Embarking on the path to becoming a successful producer is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and boundless opportunities for creativity and growth. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive overview and embracing the diverse motivations behind choosing a career in producing, aspiring producers can unlock their full potential in the dynamic world of entertainment. Whether driven by a passion for storytelling, a desire for entrepreneurial freedom, or a commitment to social impact, producers play a vital role in shaping culture, inspiring audiences, and leaving behind a lasting legacy. With dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, aspiring producers can chart a course towards success and fulfillment in this thrilling and rewarding profession.