A Producer’s Role
The term “Producer” is as broad and varied as the industries they service. In theater and film the Producer is the dealmaker. Usually their responsibilities are:
Find a project. Secure financing. Hire the major players; Director, leading actors, support staff, etc. and manage the team to a profitable conclusion. Their part is primarily that of a CEO of a large corporation.
In broadcast and video production a Producer’s role is much different. Although they are involved in the deal process, their primary responsibilities are in the story telling and the creative process, similar to that of a Director in film and theater. During my career I have found producing broadcast or video demands a wider skill set then in other mediums. That is not to say theater or film producers lack skills, quite the contrary, raising millions of investment dollars and keeping marque talent and huge egos focused on the finish line takes an amazing set skills. I think the way broadcast / video technology has evolved and budgets have been down sized, todays broadcast producers have to be proficient in speaking and understanding a wide variety of disciplines while blending their talents seamlessly. It is this multi language skill set that is the key difference in Video Producers.
For a simple analogy of a Producer to a broadcast project is to compare him to a GC (general contractor ) of a construction project. In construction the GC is the bridge between the client’s architect and the team of contractors that must bring these drawings to life. The GC must understand the vision and purpose of the drawings. He must be aware that many architects do not work in the field therefore their vision maybe a little unrealistic. He must then meet with and hire the most appropriate carpenters, electricians, plumbers, masons, roofers, finishing carpenters, etc., etc. He must layout the timing of material deliveries to coincide with the build process. He must allow for inspections and modifications from both the client and inspectors. He has to be aware of the weather and have ready a fallback plan in case the elements effect is building timeline. The list goes on and on till the project is complete.
Now substitute the title GC with the title Producer; exchange architect with network development team. Replace carpenter, plumber, electrician, etc. with Camera Operator, Editor, Lighting Director, Audio Operator, etc. and you have just descripted the video production process. It is easy to understand that if your GC has swung a hammer, wired a house or worked as a plumber assistant he would have a have a greater appreciation of those crafts and will possess the ability to speak to those craftsmen in terms they understand. He will be aware of their limitations and be able to provide intelligent workarounds when problems arise. If he is truly confident in his abilities and wise in his experience, he will ask them for their input and be open to their suggestions. Production as in construction is a team effort. The GC or Producer ate there to keep the team focused and moving down the field. They are both coach and QB. And sometimes they must even carry the water.
These simple yet critical abilities create a motivated team. A team that feels respected and willing to go the extra mile. A team that feels you’ve earned the right to lead them. You have taken the time to understand their job and appreciate what it takes to do that job well. When all is said and done its usually not just money that moves people to do their best work. Its mostly respect. Respect for their talents, their opinion, and their contribution.
