Casting, Editing : who is ultimate decider ?

[Randall_Oelerich]

When casting actors (especially lead chars), and when deciding on a final film edit, who typically wields the power for the final say-- director or producer?

 

[Andrew McCarrick]

My opinion the director... others may say differently though. I personally think the producer, in most cases, has far to much creative input. Let the director handle everything creative that goes in front of the camera.

I basically see the director as the CEO, the producer as the CFO, and the production manager/line producer as the COO.

 

[Cassius]

Generally the producer gets final say but doesn't always use it. It depends on the relationship between the director and producer and any contracts that may have given specific powers to the director.

 

[Barry_Green]

If we're talking about an actual producer, then let's put it this way -- the producer hires the director and the editor. If the producer doesn't like what they're doing, the producer can then fire either or both of them and replace them.

Now, that's for a real producer, not a line producer or some other below the line position. The producer is the businessperson who owns the film, who puts together the package, who raises the money, and who hires the director and all other cast and crew. The director has as much creative control as the producer allows.

 

[Kegan]

^ This.

Kegan

 

[gonzo_entertainment]

When casting actors (especially lead chars), and when deciding on a final film edit, who typically wields the power for the final say-- director or producer?

The one signing the checks. Which in my case has always been me.

 

[EuropeanDistributor]

Randall, just sent you a PM.

 

[David G. Smith]

If we're talking about an actual producer, then let's put it this way -- the producer hires the director and the editor. If the producer doesn't like what they're doing, the producer can then fire either or both of them and replace them.

Now, that's for a real producer, not a line producer or some other below the line position. The producer is the businessperson who owns the film, who puts together the package, who raises the money, and who hires the director and all other cast and crew. The director has as much creative control as the producer allows.

The one signing the checks. Which in my case has always been me.

What they said!