The film production process requires a massive collection of creatives, executives, and film crew positions and members. Film directors and producers are two of the most important jobs in film production, but what exactly is the difference between a producer vs director and how do they differ?
In this article, we’ll demystify these key roles on any film set and address the various duties that each one brings to the table.
Key Differences Between the Producer vs Director
When it comes to structuring any major project or business, it’s best to divide labor or duties to suit the strengths of each position and create an easy-to-understand hierarchy of roles.
In a business, you may see a director of operations and a director of business development. In many artistic companies, labor is divided between an artistic director and a managing director. One of these roles is responsible for the artistic vision while the other handles logistics, staffing, and finances.
Similarly, In filmmaking, a structure exists to streamline the production process. The film director handles the creative decisions and artistic aspects of production. Meanwhile the film producer — or producers — manages the business related details from pre-production to post-production.
What Does the Film Director Do?
In many ways, a film’s director is the artistic captain of the ship. For example, they make decisions that will affect the look, feel, and style of the film. If a task relates to the creative side of things, then it’s likely part of the director’s job.
Film directors wear many different hats, but they can’t do everything themselves. Directors collaborate with other key film crew members like the cinematographer, the screenwriters, production designers, costume designers, actors, and a variety of other production members to achieve their vision for the film.
Common Tasks for Directors
Directors are responsible for many tasks in the filmmaking process. Here are a few of the common tasks they manage:
- Work with screenwriters to interpret the script and translate it in film
- Conceive the style and artistic approach of the film
- Collaborate with other departments to achieve the artistic aspects of the film (costumes, lighting, set design, scoring, visual effects, etc.)
- Work with film producers to cast the film
- Direct the actors and camera operators
- Work with editors to shape the final cut of the film
What Does a Film Producer Do?
Similarly, film producers have lots of responsibilities. They have so many, in fact, that most film productions have several types of producers to achieve different tasks.
Overall, producers handle production management. They ensure that directors and the creative team have all the resources they need for success. Additionally, they manage the film’s financial support, logistical planning, and a variety of other responsibilities on the business side of production.
Executive Producer
The executive producer oversees all other producers for the making of a film. In most cases, the executive producer’s job is to secure the funding for the film. Finally, they interface with donors and production companies to ensure that funding is being used appropriately and to keep production on track.
Line Producer
The line producer often manages crew staffing, film scheduling, and overall on-set logistics. Plus, line producers are present on set throughout the shoot to oversee the day-to-day production needs.
Supervising Producer
The supervising producer generally works with screenwriters to facilitate updates and adjustments to the script as needed.
Other Types of Film Producers
Many films feature a range of other producer roles like field producers, segment producers, coordinating producers, and associate producers. For example, they each manage more specific aspects of the production process and answer to the executive producer.
Common Tasks for Producers
A film’s producers are commonly responsible for the following important tasks:
- Source scripts and material for the film
- Raise money to produce the film
- Set the budget and schedule for various aspects of production
- Hire crew members, work with casting directors, and staff other production jobs
- Promote the film via marketing and distribution channels
How Producers and Directors Work Together
Film directors and producers are in constant communication throughout the production process. Finally, they discuss filming progress and setbacks, production needs, funding requests, and any unexpected hiccups along the way of creating the final product.
To make a successful film, the producers and director should have a positive relationship built on respect, trust, communication, and a mutual vision for the film. Hopefully this article was helping you decipher the key differences between a film producer vs director and what their respective roles are on a film set.
