Producers...

fulhamfanincork

I'm no movie expert but am intrigued as to what Producers actually do?

From what I've read on the web, the main thing they do is find locations to film?

Any more information other than that please?

cheeers.

duckworth

As far as I know, they do everything to make the film happen - i.e. Find financing, choose directors, help with locations like you said, try to get big-name actors involved etc. The most successful ones tend to become the most powerful people in Hollywood - i.e. Harvey Weinstein.

Usually, when you see Executive Producer on the credits, it means they put up some money to get the film made.

What Just Happened with Robert De Niro is a good insight into the role of a producer - it's not a great film, but it's interesting.

jaykhunter

It's my understanding that producers get everything the director needs to make his film; and also act as the main liason between the director and the hollywood suits. More of a co-ordinator, make sure everyone's doing what they're supposed to and things arrive on time, right place etc?

fulhamfanincork

Cheers.

bnt

As I understand it, the Director directs the shooting - the actors and the action - while the Producer(s) are more like project managers.

Sometimes the Producer(s) can hire and fire the Director. Spartacus (1960) was a personal project of Executive Producer and star Kirk Douglas, who set the whole thing up. He optioned the book, oversaw the screenplay development, appointed director Anthony Mann; then fired Mann a week in to the shooting, and replaced him with Stanley Kubrick, with whom he had worked on Paths Of Glory..

That was the last time Kubrick was just a Director: with every subsequent project he was also Producer, much more involved at all stages of the project. With a Director like Stephen Spielberg, his projects are generally so personal that he has to be the Producer too. Both of the Coen Brothers, Joel and Ethan, perform both roles as needed, all the way through a project.

Mr. Denton

They also make a tonne of money. If you look at all the top celebrity earners in Hollywood (whether they be director or actors) you'll find they have probably an extensive producer history too. In terms of getting movies made they're probably the most important people in the business.

Mickeroo

If I recall correctly Wag the Dog is a good insight into what a producer does.

mike65

There are different types of producer - line (hands on day-to-day stuff) executive (beware these fellas they use their name to get the project running and drain lots of money from the bottom line with outrageous % deals) and standard variety who are the hub of the talent required to get a film up and running and liaise with the studio. They also have the final word on the final cut as a rule.

Basic rule - the more producer names in the credits (esp executive) the worse the film.

iMax

fulhamfanincork wrote: »

I'm no movie expert but am intrigued as to what Producers actually do?

Coke & Hookers mostly

Read this. As well as explaining how to get into producing & suggesting how to get out of it alive (not do coke & hookers), it's a fascinating read.

The book "What Just Happened" On which the DeNiro movie is based, is also a compelling read. It's by Art Linson who's credits include "Fast Times at Ridgemont high", "The Untouchables" & "Fight Club"

Kess73

bnt wrote: »

As I understand it, the Director directs the shooting - the actors and the action - while the Producer(s) are more like project managers.

Sometimes the Producer(s) can hire and fire the Director. Spartacus (1960) was a personal project of Executive Producer and star Kirk Douglas, who set the whole thing up. He optioned the book, oversaw the screenplay development, appointed director Anthony Mann; then fired Mann a week in to the shooting, and replaced him with Stanley Kubrick, with whom he had worked on Paths Of Glory..
That was the last time Kubrick was just a Director: with every subsequent project he was also Producer, much more involved at all stages of the project. With a Director like Stephen Spielberg, his projects are generally so personal that he has to be the Producer too. Both of the Coen Brothers, Joel and Ethan, perform both roles as needed, all the way through a project.

And pretty much ruined whatever friendship they had.