2. Executive producer
An executive producer sources and secures the financing for a film production, either
through an independent financing company, through a studio, or by financing it
themselves. Executive producers act as the liaison between the film’s financiers and
the producers who ultimately run production and oversee postproduction.
To work as an executive producer, you must have a range of skills such as:
- Must be a seasoned professional.
- Understanding of the Production process.
- Creative talent.
- Highly organised.
- Marketing experience.
- Ability to delegate and manage.
- Excellent negotiation skills.
- Ability to budget.
3. There are no specific educational requirements for an executive producer. Many
executive producers advance into the position after working within the industry.
Executive producers in the film industry typically start out by focusing on a particular
skill, such as directing, writing, acting, cinematography, or editing. They may start by
producing and directing short films while in college, and progress from there by
working on low level jobs in the industry and working their way up.
Executive producers in the television industry may start out by getting a university
degree in media or communications, and slowly move up by working in television or
radio and gaining experience along the way.
In 2020, women held 28% of producer jobs and 21% of executive producer positions,
an increase of two percentage points in both categories. This information shows that
79% of executive producers are male this is almost 4 times the number of female
executive producers, therefore, it is harder for a woman to get to that position (you
could assume, as in most important careers, that the industry is sexist and would
chose a male over a female most of the time).
4.
5. Line producer
A line producer works in both preproduction and production. They are in charge of
the physical execution of a film, from location scouting to keeping the production
budget, to handling the logistics of daily catering for crew members. Their work
begins long before filming starts.
Line Producers must possess an in-depth knowledge of scheduling and budgeting, and
of all the physical and technical processes of filmmaking. They need excellent
industry contacts and must command the respect of the production crew. Exceptional
communication skills are required, as well as the diplomacy to balance the creative
expectations of the director, artists and creative personnel with the financial resources
available. They always need to plan for the worst, while simultaneously being able to
inspire others to excel in their work.
6. In terms of education 79.7% of line producers have a bachelor's degree and 8.8% of
line producers have master's degrees. Even though most line producers have a college
degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree.
The percentage of women producers went from 24% in 1998 to 27% in 2019, even
with the slight increase, it is still very unbalanced.
7. Location manager
A location manager, is responsible for making all the practical arrangements for
locations used for film, television or photographic shoots outside the studio.
Productions are made in a range of places and they need to research, identify and
organise access to appropriate sites.
As well as arranging and negotiating site use, the role usually includes managing sites
throughout the shooting process. This involves working to strict budgetary and time
limits and maintaining a high standard of health and safety and security.
A location manager must be creative to find the perfect locations, organized in order
to handle logistics, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills—not
only do they help map out cast and crew arrival times, but they are also community
liaisons, dealing with local citizens and law enforcement.
Traditional education is not required to become a location manager, but a degree in
film studies is beneficial. Many aspiring location managers start as production
assistants and location scouts to gain experience and build a network.
