Why You Want A Producer On Your Project And What To Look For

IndieGoGo presents our Monthly Blog featuring author, filmmaker & film consultant Roberta Marie Munroe.

The producer on a film, any film, is the most important person involved. Yes, you're the director and it's your vision, however nothing happens (and if it does it usually doesn't happen as well) without a solid producer overseeing your project. I've met some incredible creative producers who helped the filmmaker craft a successful film by not only becoming a creative partner but also by being physical producers as well - someone who takes care of the hundreds of details required to create an accomplished work. In shorts, since you may only have one person producing your film, you'd do yourself a huge favor by choosing someone who can do both. This is true for docs and narratives.

Over the years while working with clients from my consulting business, and at film festivals like Sundance, I've had the pleasure of meeting many film producers who believed in the director, loved the script, were able to help the project get financing, casting, and facilitated post production. Some were already feature producers who sense that  the filmmaker has a great feature script they'd eventually like to produce once the director has earned some chops making their short. This is a great scenario because the producer and director get to practice working together on a small scale before throwing themselves into the grueling two year feature film process.

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Excerpt: Roberta recently published How Not To Make a Short Film.  Here are samples of a few cliches to avoid.  See more here.

 

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High Profile Name Producers

I have watched many filmmakers holding out for the big name producer only for that producer to, months down the road, have to pull out because something bigger has come along. If you're going the 'name' producer route make sure you have solid backup.

Generally speaking, the more seasoned the producer you attach to your film the more producing you are going to have to do yourself. So you should make sure to have another producer (or Line Producer) on board who can address the details of your shoot. No, seasoned producers are not slackers. However, they are usually very busy and not available to find out if you can get a free camera package or investigate the best location for you to use, or to help with the breakdown of your budget.

How Will I Know If This Is The Right Producer?

The first thing I'll tell you is there aren't many (any?) producers I know out there who help directors finance their shorts, and by this I mean they are not going to find you cash money. However, they should be able to get you donated stuff, a free or close-to-free crew but the actual cash you need to go into production will be all on you.

Top 10 Things To Look For In A Producer

1. They tell the truth. Be very suspicious of hyperbole. I once had a client whose producer did way more talking than they ever did doing which required the director to constantly be pulled away from directing actors to deal with the production issues the producer had promised to take care of.
2. They can quickly give you the names of at least 3 directors they've worked with for references. (Make sure to call them!).
3. They are meticulous when it comes to detail. You never get a misspelled email or incorrect phone number from them. They remember everyone's name.
4. They possess good manners. If no one returns the calls they make on behalf of your project - you're in trouble.
5. They meet deadlines and/or often have paperwork or information necessary in early.
6. They take responsibility for mistakes. Blaming underlings (or worse, blaming you) for errors in the early stages of the game will provide you with a map of the road that will probably follow.
7. If they haven't produced a short film before, they are able to show you, via their resume, the skills required to do the job. Again - get references!
8. While they're great at the schmoozing part, they also are happy to do the not so glamorous work of running errands, returning equipment or filling in for craft service if they don't show up.
9. They do not make promises they cannot keep. You will need to be honest with yourself early on and follow your instincts - do not be blindsided by equipment, crew or other donations (they assured you would be available) not being available last minute.
10. They are always adding value to your project. You will have more than enough to deal with when making your short. 

They should never be the source of problems but the source of solutions.

Where Do I Find A Great Producer?

Film festivals are a great place where you can meet producers who have already accomplished what you are trying to: they were able to get a film made that got selected for a festival. Just make sure to talk to the director they are there with. Maybe that film got made with very little help from the person who was given a producer credit and you'd want to know that before asking them to come onto your project only to find yourself alone doing all of the work.

Other good places to start looking for a producer is by inquiring with other filmmakers and checking out your local filmmaker group. Most cities, big and small, all over the world provide some sort of filmmaker networking organization. You're part of one right now!

And if you ever need help…you know where to find me.

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To contact Roberta please visit her on IndieGoGo at www.indiegogo.com/RobertaMunroe and make sure to check out her website www.RobertaMunroe.com for upcoming seminars, workshops & special events.

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Previous monthly blogs:
Short FIlm Scriptwriting - Keep It Fresh