II. Defining a TV and New Media Producer
• The producer propels the project from an unformed idea to a final broadcast or
download
• At various stages of production, they may bring in other producers who can help in
handling the hundreds of details that need supervision or polish
• The producer is usually the first one on a project and the last one off
• They are essentially the overall project supervisor. They get the project off the ground
and then supervise every step of its development and production
• Not every producer originates the idea; often, a producer is hired to work with a
network or production company after an idea has been created and sold
The producer might be:
• The writer
• The director
• A source of the financing
• A part of a producing team
The job of a producer in television and new media:
• Governing force
• Often doubles as the director (unless the project is heavily actor-oriented)
• Usually hires and fires the director, writers, key department heads, actors, other
talents, and crew
• Makes the final decisions
The job of a producer in the film:
• Acts as the liaison between the studio and the production
• Provides a support system for the film’s director
• Might shepherd their own scripts or projects, hire the director and cast, and oversee
the film’s integrity, production value, and marketing
What makes a good producer:
• Eager to meet challenges
• Can multitask
• Can handle a steady stream of demands and questions
• Creative
• Flexible
• Open to new ideas and information
• Has genuine respect for all kinds of people
• Has an ethical and profitable approach to business
