How to Be a Successful Producer

A successful, independent producer is often synonymous with a successful media production and will commonly perform various tasks from pre-production through post. Before starting your next project, consider the following responsibilities of a producer:  

• Obtain releases and permits: Producers are often responsible for obtaining release forms. To avoid potential legal issues, it is important to receive permission in writing from both the talent and the owners of locations where productions are shot. It is also imperative for a producer to understand potential legal ramifications when filming in particular locations. For example, different rules may apply to filming in a public space versus shooting in a space that is considered private property. If you are shooting on private property or require exclusive use of city property, you may need a permit, depending on the scale of your production. If you are ever unsure of potential legal ramifications, it is always best to seek advice from legal counsel or a professional. 

• Build a production team: A producer assembles the production team. This includes finding and hiring key crew members like shooters, editors, animators, associate producers, and production assistants.
• Meet production goals: Producers are often tasked with ensuring that production deadlines are met while staying on budget. They create production schedules and clearly outline crew member responsibilities. They also keep track of time while on set, to make sure that every shot that is needed is obtained during the shooting day.

Consider these essential producing duties before your next production and sign up for MNN’s free How to be a Successful Producer workshop on January 15 to learn more! And check out our full winter schedule for 2021 at mnn.org/learn.