Film producer

Film producers fill a variety of roles depending upon the type of producer. Either employed by a production company or independent, producers plan and coordinate various aspects of film production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing. During the "discovery stage", the producer has to find and acknowledge promising material. Then, unless the film is supposed to be based on an original script, the producer has to find an appropriate screenwriter.

For various reasons, producers cannot always supervise all of the production. In this case, the main producer may appoint executive producers, line producers, or unit production managers who represent the main producer's interests. The producer has the last word on whether sounds or music have to be changed, including deciding if scenes have to be cut. They are in charge of selling the film or arranging distribution rights as well. The producer's role can vary significantly from project to project, based on the circumstances and funding. They generally are in charge of things like hiring staff, creating filming schedules, checking and approving locations, and much more.

The Term "Producers"
Producers are present in every single genre of television and film and play major roles in each type of production. Although each genre might be widely different from each other, a producer's role and job is the same throughout each and every genre. A producer from a sports program can be compared to a producer of a filmmaker despite how different each genre can be. Although the primary role of the producer can be compared to that of a filmmaker, the role is something that isn't as cut and dry as a lot of people might expect it to be. The roles are very wide-ranging, due to the fact that this occupation has gone through an enormous amount of stages and phases as time went on. Today, in most cases the roles range from supervising the film's editing process to hiring the main staff.

The producer has a great amount of power in every single aspect of the production process. They are never left out and are heavily involved in every single stage of the production. There are times when a producer can try and find promising material to create either a feature film or a television program. If a producer decides to do this, it is usually done in the "discovery stage". The discovery stage is when a producer is actively looking for a variety of ideas, concepts, and/or promising scripts that he/she could make into a show and/or film. In this stage, a producers' power may even stretch to gathering workers for the selected project. Even though a producer today can have a wide range of roles within the field, there are roles that only fit into different types of "producers". Within the industry, there are many different types of producers who are only designated to specific roles such as controlling the staff and handling the finances. For example, to oversee and manage all aspects of video production the role may be filled by the line producer, but an executive producer would be selected to oversee all other producers work.

Types
Different types of producers and their roles within the industry today include (in no order of seniority):
 * Executive producer
 * They oversee all of the other producers working on the same project. They make sure that the producers are fulling their roles on the given production. They can also be in charge of managing the films finances and the handling of all other business aspects of the film.


 * Line producer
 * Manages the staff and day-to-day operations, and the overseeing of each and every physical aspect that is involved in the making of a film or television program. The line producer can be credited as "produced by" in certain cases.


 * Supervising producer
 * He or she supervises the creative process of screenplay development and often aids in script re-writes. They can also serve in place of the Executive producers' role of overseeing other producers.


 * Producer
 * Within the production process they can oversee, arrange, manage and begin every single aspect. They are involved in every single stage of the overall production process.


 * Co-producer
 * Is a part of a team of producers that perform all of the functions and roles that a single producer would have in a single given project.


 * Coordinating producer or production coordinator
 * Coordinates the work/role of multiple producers that are trying to achieve a shared result.


 * Associate producer
 * Helps the producer during the production process. They can sometimes be involved in coordinating others jobs, such as creating peoples schedules and hiring the main talent.


 * Segment producer
 * Produces one or more single specific segments of a multi segment film and/or television production.


 * Field producer
 * Helps the producer by overseeing all of the production that takes place outside of the studio in specific locations for the film.

Development (film rights)
During this stage of the production process, producers bring together people like the film director, cinematographer, and production designer. Unless the film is supposed to be based on an original script, the producer has to find an appropriate screenwriter. If an existing script is considered flawed, they are able to order a new version or make the decision to hire a script doctor. The producer also has the final say on which film director, cast members, or other staff get hired. In some cases, they also have the last word when it comes to casting questions. A producer's role will also consist of approving locations, the studio hire, the final shooting script, the production schedule, and the budget. More time and money spent in pre-production can reduce the time and money wasted during production time.

Pre-production
During production, the producer's job is to make sure the film stays on schedule and under budget. They will always be in contact with directors and other key creative team members. In addition to this, cast and film crew often work at different times or places, and certain films even require a second unit. Consequently, it is normal that the main producer will appoint executive producers, line producers, or unit production managers who represent the main producer's interests and vision. The executive producer for Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi was George Lucas himself, the creator of the Star Wars universe.

Production
For various reasons, producers cannot always personally supervise all parts of their production. For example, some producers run a company which also deals with film distribution. Also, cast and film crew often work at different times and places, and certain films even require a second unit. Consequently, it is normal that the main producer will appoint executive producers, line producers, or unit production managers who represent the main producer's interests.

Post-production
During post-production, the producer has the last word on whether sounds, music, or scenes have to be changed or cut. Even if the shooting has been finished, the producers can still demand that additional scenes be filmed. In the case of a negative test screening, producers may even demand and get an alternative film ending. This happened, for example, with First Blood. The test audience reacted very negatively when Rambo died, so the producers re-shot a new ending. In addition to this, producers work with marketing and distribution companies in order to sell the film or arrange its distribution rights.

The Union
Within the industry, all of the producers union contracts are negotiated by The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). It was founded in 1924 by the U.S Trade Association as the Association of Motion Picture Producers. It was originally created to only negotiate labor contracts, but during the mid-1930s they took over all contract negotiation responsibilities that were once controlled by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This alliance negotiates with a wide range of other associations when dealing with producers union contracts. These associations include, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), the Directors Guild of America (DGA), and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). They negotiate over eighty industry wide union agreements and on behalf of 350 producers within the industry. It has been responsible for negotiating all of these union contracts within the industry since 1982. Today, it is considered the industry's official contract negotiation representative for everyone within the industry.

Career Process
There are many different ways to become a film producer. Stanley Kramer started as an editor and writer, while other producers started as actors or directors.

However, most producers start in a college, university or film school. On the occasion of announcing his own film school, 'École de la Cité,film producer Luc Besson admitted that at the beginning of his career, he would have appreciated the chance to attend a film school. Film schools and many universities offer degree courses that include film production knowledge, with some courses that are especially designed for future film producers. These courses focus on key topics like pitching, script development, script assessment, shooting schedule design, and budgeting. Students can also expect practical training regarding post-production. Training at a top producing school is one of the most efficient ways a student can show professionals they are not a rookie.

While education is one way to begin a career as a film producer, experience is also required to land a job. Internships are a great way to gain experience while in school and give students a solid foundation on which to build their career. Many internships are paid, which enable students to earn money while gaining hands-on skills from industry professionals. Through internships, students get to network with people in the film industry as well. This pays off in the end when looking for jobs after school. Once an internship is over, the next step typically will be to land a junior position, such as a production assistant.

Although rates can vary based on a producer's role and the location of filming, the average salary can start anywhere from $20,000 to $70,000, even doubling when working in Los Angeles. The average annual salary for a producer in the U.S. is $109,844. When examining more than 15,000 producers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the average annual salary is $138,640. Producers can also have an agreement to take a percentage of a movie's sales.

There is no average work day for a film producer, since their tasks are changing from day to day. A producer's work hours are often irregular and can consist of very long days with the possibility of working nights and weekends.

A–M

 * J. J. Abrams: Lost, Cloverfield, Alias, Mission: Impossible III, Star Trek, Fringe, Star Wars: The Force Awakens
 * Irwin Allen: The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno
 * Judd Apatow: The Cable Guy, Anchorman, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad, Freaks and Geeks
 * Avi Arad: Spider-Man, X-Men, Blade
 * Lawrence Bender: Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, An Inconvenient Truth, Reservoir Dogs, Good Will Hunting
 * Armyan Bernstein: Air Force One, The Hurricane, Children of Men, Bring It On
 * Albert R. Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli: James Bond film series
 * Mel Brooks: The Elephant Man, The Fly, Frances, 84 Charing Cross Road, Young Frankenstein
 * Jerry Bruckheimer: Top Gun, Crimson Tide, The Rock, Con Air, National Treasure, Pirates of the Caribbean film series, CSI (franchise)
 * Tim Burton: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Cabin Boy, James and the Giant Peach, 9
 * Jim Carrey: Bruce Almighty, Fun with Dick and Jane
 * Yash Chopra, Aditya Chopra: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Veer-Zaara, Dhoom 2
 * Raymond Chow: The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, Enter the Dragon, Project A, Winners and Sinners, Game of Death, Game of Death II
 * Ethan Coen: Blood Simple, Raising Arizona, Barton Fink, Fargo, No Country for Old Men
 * Tom Cruise: Mission: Impossible, Vanilla Sky, Narc, The Others, Minority Report, War Of The Worlds, The Last Samurai, Shattered Glass
 * Dean Devlin: Independence Day, Godzilla, The Patriot
 * Lorenzo di Bonaventura: Constantine, Shooter, Transformers
 * Leonardo DiCaprio: The Aviator, The 11th Hour
 * Vin Diesel: The Fast and The Furious, The Chronicles of Riddick
 * Michael Douglas: Romancing the Stone, Jewel of the Nile, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
 * Eric Eisner: Risky Business, Beetlejuice, Hamlet 2
 * Nora Ephron: Michael, You've Got Mail, Bewitched
 * Robert Evans: Love Story, The Godfather, Chinatown, The Saint
 * Chantal Feghali : Alexander, Cloverfield, Terminator Salvation, World Trade Center, I Know What You Did Last Summer, The Score, Sleepy Hollow, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer
 * Kevin Feige: Marvel Cinematic Universe films
 * Buzz Feitshans: Rambo, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
 * Ted Field: The Amityville Horror, The Last Samurai, Runaway Bride, What Dreams May Come, Jumanji, Revenge of the Nerds
 * Peter Fonda: Easy Rider
 * Todd Garner: Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, Here Comes the Boom 
 * Mel Gibson: Braveheart, The Passion of the Christ
 * Richard N. Gladstein: Finding Neverland, The Bourne Identity, Pulp Fiction, The Cider House Rules
 * Charles Gordon: Field of Dreams, Waterworld, Die Hard, Die Hard 2
 * Brian Grazer: Splash, Parenthood, Apollo 13, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Beautiful Mind, The Da Vinci Code
 * Matt Groening: The Simpsons, Futurama, The Simpsons Movie
 * Paul Haggis: Crash, Million Dollar Baby, Letters from Iwo Jima
 * Tom Hanks: Cast Away, Band of Brothers, Mamma Mia, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Polar Express, Evan Almighty, My Life in Ruins, City of Ember, The Pacific
 * Michael Hausman: Ragtime, Silkwood, Amadeus, House of Games,The People vs. Larry Flynt, Gangs of New York, Brokeback Mountain, All the King's Men, Taking Woodstock
 * David Heyman: Harry Potter film series
 * Peter Jackson: The Lord of the Rings film series, King Kong, District 9, The Hobbit film series
 * Shintaro Katsu: Shogun Assassin, Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo
 * Howard Kazanjian: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Return of the Jedi, Demolition Man
 * Kathleen Kennedy: The Sixth Sense, Always, Munich, Jurassic Park, Star Wars: The Force Awakens
 * Alexander Korda: Things to Come, The Four Feathers, The Thief of Bagdad
 * Stanley Kubrick: Fear and Desire, Killer's Kiss, Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut
 * Gary Kurtz: Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, The Dark Crystal
 * J. F. Lawton: Under Siege, V.I.P., Jackson
 * Bruce Lee: Way of the Dragon, The Game of Death (1972-original footage), Enter the Dragon''
 * Spike Lee:  Crooklyn, Malcolm X
 * George Lucas: Star Wars, Indiana Jones
 * Branko Lustig: Schindler's List, Gladiator
 * Charlie Lyons: The Guardian (2006 film), The Water Horse, The Half Life of Timofey Berezin, Mardi Gras
 * Eric Manes: Voices of Iraq
 * Frank Marshall: The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, Back to the Future trilogy, Jurassic Park, The Sixth Sense
 * W. David McBrayer: Beat the Drum
 * Rick McCallum: Star Wars
 * Ismail Merchant: Bombay Talkie, A Room with a View, Mr & Mrs Bridge, The Remains of the Day, Jefferson in Paris, The Golden Bowl, The White Countess
 * Arnon Milchan: Pretty Woman, Natural Born Killers, L.A. Confidential, City of Angels, Entrapment, Fight Club, Unfaithful, Daredevil, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Fountain, What Happens in Vegas
 * Walter Mirisch: West Side Story, The Sound of Music
 * Hayao Miyazaki: Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Whisper of the Heart
 * Scott Mosier: Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy

N–Z

 * Christopher Nolan: The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, Interstellar, Dunkirk
 * Michael Nozik: Syriana, The Motorcycle Diaries, Quiz Show, The Legend of Bagger Vance, Mississippi Masala
 * Tyler Perry: Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Madea's Family Reunion
 * Jon Peters
 * Julia Phillips: The Sting, Taxi Driver, Close Encounters of the Third Kind
 * Brad Pitt: The Departed, 12 Years a Slave, Kick-Ass, Moneyball, World War Z
 * Hal Roach: Our Gang
 * Robert Rodriguez: El Mariachi, Desperado, From Dusk till Dawn, Grindhouse
 * Scott Rudin: No Country for Old Men, School of Rock, The Royal Tenenbaums, Clueless
 * Harry Saltzman: James Bond, Battle of Britain, The Ipcress File
 * Adam Sandler: The Waterboy, Big Daddy, Little Nicky, The Animal, Mr. Deeds, Eight Crazy Nights, The Hot Chick, Anger Management, 50 First Dates, The Longest Yard, Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo, Click, Joe Dirt, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry
 * Martin Scorsese: The Grifters, Naked in New York, The Aviator
 * David O. Selznick: King Kong, Gone with the Wind, The Third Man
 * Run Run Shaw
 * Daryush Shokof: Seven Servants, Iran Zendan,Heaven's Taxi
 * Joel Silver: The Matrix, Lethal Weapon, Predator, Veronica Mars, V for Vendetta
 * Dean Silvers: Flirting with Disaster, Spanking the Monkey, Manny & Lo, Wigstock: The Movie
 * John Singleton: Boyz n the Hood, Hustle & Flow
 * Sam Spiegel: The African Queen, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Lawrence of Arabia
 * Steven Spielberg: The Goonies, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Poltergeist, Transformers (executive)
 * Ben Stiller: Blades of Glory, Zoolander, The Ruins, Tropic Thunder
 * Shobuj Taposh: Cycle, Chittagong, Bangladesh
 * Quentin Tarantino: From Dusk till Dawn, Hostel, Grindhouse
 * Irving Thalberg: Mutiny on the Bounty, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Grand Hotel, A Night at the Opera
 * Hal B. Wallis: The Maltese Falcon, Casablanca
 * Fran Walsh: The Lord of the Rings, King Kong, The Lovely Bones, Halo
 * Robert Watts: Return of the Jedi, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, You Only Live Twice
 * Harvey Weinstein
 * Ralph Winter: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, X-Men, Fantastic Four, X2: X-Men United
 * James Wade Woodbury: '' (Movie Producer Financier), Arranges Loans for Movie Projects
 * Christopher Woodrow
 * Saul Zaentz: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Amadeus, The English Patient
 * Darryl F. Zanuck: The Grapes of Wrath, All About Eve, The Longest Day
 * Robert Zemeckis: The Frighteners, Matchstick Men, Monster House