How to Become a Movie Producer

Video Transcript

"O.k. folks. In this clip I'm going to talk to you about how to become a movie producer. Now I'm going to tell you right up front, there is no one way to do this. There are literally hundreds of ways to do this. You can be somebody that just know everyone in town. Be the lucky nephew, son, cousin whatever of someone famous. And who has already there, already has a foot in the door in the industry. That would to my mind, would be the cheap way to go. But it is a way. Take the door, if it's open to you. Another way, would be to go to a college. Get your degree in film production with a in minor in Business. And get out there. Find some investors, find someone with some talent or writer, director. Gives you a little bend of artists. And produce your own projects from the ground up. Get the ball rolling in your career, that way. One project will hopefully lead to another. Which will lead to another and then you be on your way, as well. The common denominator, though and the best way to become a good producer. Is the following. One, you need to know how to run a business. That is essentially, what the producer's job is on a film set. The director is the creative general. The one in charge of everything that is creative and artistic with the project. The producer, on the other hand is the business general. The who is inside of all the financial, logistical stuff related to the project. He is literally the one who makes sure that everyone knows where they're supposed to be. Is the one overseeing all the finances. Is the one making sure people are doing their jobs well. The one doing the hiring, the one doing the firing. The producer has to know how to manage a business because that is essentially, what every movie is. It's a small business. And you have to be good with people, in that regard. That is without a doubt, the most important thing when it comes to being a good producer. So know that you can do that before you even think about tackling the whole producing world. Number two, you have to know people. And by that, I mean you have to have a fatty Rolodex of contacts. That you can call upon to get a job done. Because being a producer is largely about networking. Especially, in the early phases of a project. You have to have a huge, huge back catalog of creative talent. From writers, directors, actors. All the different department heads. And at the same time, you have to know a lot of people in your own side of the production scheme. When it comes to financiers, investors you know, accountants. People who are in charge of just the day to day office work that comes from running a production. You need to have a lot of people in your little black book. That you can call upon to get things done. Because if you know, you know, just a small little network of people. And one or two to three of them bail on you. You could find yourself in a real tight spot. A good producer knows everybody, is pals with everybody. And has a good working relationship with everybody. That is probably the second most important thing. And is very closely connected to the first thing that I said. In terms of importance. You need to be good with people and you need to know a lot of people. Now if you have both of those qualities. You're well on your way. The only thing you need now, is something to produce. So you need to actually get up and be pro-actively looking for material. To make into your next project. Once you have all those components laid out. Good material to work with, a good team of people behind you. And the experience and knowledge to make the project happen. You my friend, are a producer. And you will be a very successful one. And I guarantee it."