If anyone who knows the film industry, what are my first steps in becoming a movie producer? Either way, I want to get into the industry. I have worked for a theater company preparing press kits for new releases, doing media and public relations and also assisted stars with appearances ( I tried schmoozing with Woody Allen, James Earl Jones, Jack Nicholson and Sylvester Stallone but with no luck). I now work for a huge talent Company in NYC but it offers NO growth potential. Also, if anyone is out there reading this that can offer me any job in the film industry in NYC…Reply to this post, please!
-M
Watch “Search and Destroy” with Chirstopher Walken. It’s about how to become a movie producer.
Sounds good to me, Christopher Walken rocks. Is it a movie with that title or are you for real?
-M
Try to get jobs as an Assistant Director, then work your way up from there.
No, I’m for real. The title of the movie really is “Search and Destroy.” It was directed by Scorcese. Although the movie is about a man’s attempt to become a movie producer, it’s not a how-to manual and you probably wouldn’t get any real insight into actually becoming a producer. But it’s a good movie on the subject regardless and defintely worth renting.
There are actually a few distinctly different types of film producers, that fall into two basic categories. The first type oversees the development of a project, working with the writers to get the script into a filmable shape; hiring the films keys such as the director, actors, and any additional writers. During the actual filming, you won’t see these producers on the set very often. They’re back in the studio office, most likely working on developing future projects and dealing with any major problems on the current film. They might show up the first day of filming, but generally speaking, if ‘the suits’, as they’re called by the crew, show up after that, it’s a sign that the film might be in trouble; behind schedule or over budget, and they’re there to put pressure on the director. This type of producer tends to be more money-oriented, about the bottom-line, but it’s not fair to say that’s always the case. I’ve met many who truly do care greatly about making a quality project. They’re strengths should be in recognizing a good script, the ability to help make it a great script if work on it is neccessary, and champion it to the studio so it gets green-lit.
If this is the type of producer you want to be, one who deals mainly with the development of a project, a good way to break in is to become an assistant. Go and see Swimming With Sharks with Kevin Spacey. If that film doesn’t scare you off from this job, nothing will! Obviously, the film is over-stating the type of bosses you’ll encounter, but not by a hell of a lot, if you’re unlucky. As an assistant, you’ll do the usual gofer jobs (getting coffee, copying, etc.), and you’ll also read a ton of scripts and do ‘coverage’ on them, which means you’ll write up a summary of the script for your boss, along with whether or not you think they should consider filming the script. In other words, you’ll read a lot of really, really, really bad screenplays. But those rare occasional gems will almost make it worth it.
Do a good job, and eventually you’ll work your way up to a development executive, bringing in scripts, and eventually to producer. The turnover rate is very high, and it’s very likely you won’t spend your whole career at one studio (or independent production company).
The second type of producer is the more hands-on, nuts and bolts type of movie producer. They deal with the day-to-day complications of making a film, and they’re on the set everyday. You’ll deal with the budgets, over-seeing the crew, making sure they’re on schedule and on-budget. You’ll deal with the day-to-day problems that arise on the film set. You’ll deal with tempermental stars, camera packages that haven’t shown up, why the crew hasn’t broken for lunch yet 'cause you’re gonna enter into S.A.G. meal penalties in fifteen minutes, etc., etc., etc.
If this is the type of producer you’re thinking of becoming, a more hands-on producer, as Johnny L.A. suggested, a good way to break in is as an A.D. You’ll probably start off your career as a Production Assistant, who is really the low-man on the totem pole of the set, the set gofer, but it’s a great way to get an idea about all the jobs on a film set. Work your way up to a 2nd-2nd A.D. (essentially a key set P.A.), 2nd A.D. (doing all the paperwork for the A.D.; perhaps handling extras), and finally 1st A.D.
A 1st A.D. has to be something of a drill sargent; you need to wrangle the crew and keep the filming moving. If this doesn’t fit into something you think is in your nature, another path to becoming a Line Produer is to become an assistant to one.
boohowdoy writes:
> The title of the movie really is “Search and Destroy.” It was
> directed by Scorcese.
Scorsese was only an executive producer on that film. (There are a whole slew of producers, assistant producers, and executive producers listed for that film.) The director was David Salle. If you don’t remember who did what in a film, check in the IMDb before you discuss it.
Please note: A background in finance and administration is highly recommended.
Typically, producers first go to film school and many, at some point, take accounting courses. Producers must be knowledgeable in ALL aspects of film production (including logistics).
Most people we know who are producers now worked in many different departments throughout their careers before becoming producers.
Most film unions will let you work in an entry level position as a permitee. Eventually you will need to join one of the guilds. Most entry level postions are as Production Assistant or general office staff (volunteer). Aim for being a producer’s assistant.
Great so far. I was wondering what background experience and education I would need. I’ve had tons of administration experience but not so much in accounting.