Indieproduction, LLC | Brent's Philosophy Of Production

Brent's Philosophy Of Production

“Film Production” is a wide topic with many facets to explore. There is the creative, or artistic side, headed by the director who pulls the best from writer, actors, designers, and director of photography to put his or her vision up on the screen. And then there is the business side, management, and on this side the producer is the main force in the feature film.

Being a line producer and production manager by trade, I will focus on this business branch. However, as all crafts and disciplines on a film must work together to serve the whole, the producer’s knowledge and experience must encompass not only the business but the creative side, and the various crafts involved. To make a correct judgement on the worthiness of a screenplay, to select the right director, to find and hire the right cast and crew for a project, and to sell this package to financiers and distributors, it is essential to develop at least a working knowledge of each facet of filmmaking. A good producer doesn’t have to know how to do everything on a film set, or even how things work. But it is the producer’s job to know how each of these facets help make the whole picture, and how to converse with, cajole, and caress the various creative types involved so that they will make great work…at a price.

I think the producer’s primary job function is to be a facilitator of great work in others. To produce is, literally, to make things happen. The best producers make strong decisions to provide guidance for filmmakers and support their best intentions, and to curb those intentions that may be unrealistic or wrong for the picture. It is the producer who must keep the production on track while also supporting the creative instincts of the director and allow for “movie magic” to take place on a set. But they must also be the one who says no, on occasion, and says no from an educated place. By that I mean, for the sake of the picture.

In the best of all possible worlds, once film is rolling through the camera, the producer sits back and lets people do their jobs so that each specialist feels a creative stake in the project. Of course, in reality it is necessary for the producer to get involved in the many problems that arise in the normal making of a film. That is where experience and knowledge of the entire process will make the decision-making easier.

So just how does one do this? There is no simple answer. Every producer has a different style and different way of making things happen. Each film is also its own animal. Some have to be coaxed along, some must be taken by the tail. A production arrives with its own set of unique circumstances – a script, director, creative personnel, budgetary restraints and technical requirements – which requires a flexible and open mind. The ability to juggle many tasks at once is essential. And one must have a forceful enough personality to be taken seriously by the cast and crew. Keeping morale up is essential when people get tired and over-worked. Sometimes the producer must be the cheerleader and root for the home team. Sometimes the producer must also know when just to get out of the way and trust the process. There is a tendency to micro-manage, especially when a producer is new or uncertain about things. Often times the people a producer hires know much more about their individual specialty and the producer must know when to trust their advice. There are times, however, when they are wrong and as the producer, the head of the business side of filmmaking, one must recognize this and make difficult decisions, such as replacing key personnel on a film or at least laying down the law when things go awry and turn things around for the better.

The best way to become fluent in the work, obviously, is to have practical on-the-job experience, but one can also take courses, workshops, seminars and read. There are many tremendously helpful books available on the subject of producing and production management. I have provided a suggested reading list which may help you but more are available every day. The internet and web-sites are a great source of information also. But since our business is a people-oriented one, mentors are very important. Learn from the examples of others, and their mistakes. Keep growing and learning. Continue to study the new technologies and the old masters.

In my own experience, I have tried to take each opportunity as it arises. Especially in the early stages of a career, it’s much better to work for low wages, deferred or even no fee on a film that brings new contacts and knowledge rather than sitting home waiting for a better offer. One must take chances to succeed in this industry. Don’t become callous and jaded. Above all, a producer must persevere during the roughest times. Half of success is just showing up every day. The film industry routinely chews people up and there are always others waiting to take their place. To survive, you have to remain positive, open to challenges and ready to plunge in when the call comes.

Finally, see as many films as you can. The good ones remind you why you wanted to pursue this career in the first place. The bad ones illustrate examples of things you can avoid in your own work. If you really want to be in production, you must really love movies, first and foremost. Seeing your hard work months or years later on the screen is the ultimate reward for any of us in this business.

Good luck and I look forward to helping you find your way.