no that's my job - not your job - or is it?

tired

tired

Well-known member
I'm directing a short film and getting some crew together - I have a producer (no experience except for community theatre) and we seem to be crossing each others paths. Perhaps I should have organised things myself but I thought a producer could work on the logistics - locations, financing etc

He is making decisions about what crew we need without discussing it and seems more interested in being involved in the casting process (and I'm afraid) the directing.

in a no budget film what are the duties of a producer - is there any guide or do we just work it out on the go. I'm not talking about 'the duties of a producer' out of some textbook - I need a real world guide and I guess that applies to all the crew not just the producer.
 
If you want things to go your way, you need to be the producer. After all, the normal hierarchy is that the producer has final say. You can't blame the producer for stepping on your toes. That is a not so uncommon of a problem. If the director and producer cannot get along, it is the director that leaves, not the producer (the producer normally owns the show). There's no rules. This has to be worked out between the producer and the director. Many a director has walked off a set because the producer was interfering too much with their vision.
 
normally, Producer is the owner of the movie.. So, you are (also) the producer, and the producer you hired should be Executive producer..
He should listen your wishes, or you don't need him..
 
You need to sit down and talk to each other to define your roles. Usually, a little crossover between Producer and Director is a good thing as long as you keep their egos in check.
 
You may want to structure it this way:

Executive Producer - You
Line Producer - your current producer
Director - you
 
There is a very good textbook on the subject: Film Production Management by Bastian Cleve. You will find there are different types of producers in professional productions and knowing their responsibilities can help you define your producer's role. It sounds like you really want a Unit Production Manager from your post.

In small productions we wear many hats. Just be clear in defining your roles to cover your bases.
 
thx guys - it's an unusual situation but I do have the rights to the script so I have that leverage - what I should have done is specified that he was a line producer or production manager.

I guess we just need to sit down and sort it out. thx for all the sound comments
 
Videotape the conversation. That could be some pretty good drama right there. ;)

I cringe at it, actually, because I've had to deal with this twice as a student. Once where the producer kept trying to direct on the set, and another where the producer did almost nothing, so I had to do her job too.

I guess it's better just to be one of the producers, or the producer, when you can.
 
I'm dealing with this problem as well. I came late into this feature, which has been shooting for a year (!). I'm doing sound, but at times there are three crew, me, the writer/director, and the unit producer. Obviously, we all chip in to do everything.

The solution is to have a pre-production meeting and set parameters. This is your script, your project, so lay down terms. If he isn't on board, fire him and get someone else.

Look on-line for hierarchy of production film crew. There's a wealth of information.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top