Why so many Producers?

People often ask what does a producer do? Why are there so many producers on one project?

When we watch the credits roll at the end of a television show or film it may be confusing to understand the role of the Producer. Every Producer performs a particular function. There are many different types such as Executive Producers, Co-Producers, Supervising Producers, Associate Producers, Segment Producers, Coordinating Producers, Producers and Line Producers. 

Television shows and films are made up of many people who are tenacious and persevere through challenging hours, circumstances, various location experiences as well as fierce competition within the industry. Think about the films and television shows you watch; what you see on screen is a sliver of what goes into making it. A whole crew of people are behind what is ultimately put on the screen. From Production Designers, Camera Operators, Grip an Electric (Lighting), Hair, Makeup, Editors, Special Effects, Location Managers, Production Coordinators, Production Managers, Production Assistants and so on. All these people are hired by the Line Producer or Producer. Before we even get to the physical production stage a team of other Producers are creatively and financially working to get the project to fruition. 

If we think of production as a wheel, Producers are the hub and the various departments are the spokes. In order for that wheel to turn everyone must work in sync perfecting their own craft for the greater good of the product. In its simplest form, the creative producers dream up the vision and the physical producers make it happen. One cannot operate without the other. Basically breaking down into the creative and physical production aspects of a project. 

A PRODUCER IS DEFINED AS BY THE PRODUCERS GUILD OF AMERICA. P.G.A.


A Producer initiates, coordinates, supervises and controls, either on his own authority, or subject to the authority of an employer, all aspects of the motion-picture and/or television production process, including creative, financial, technological and administrative. A Producer is involved throughout all phases of production from inception to completion, including coordination, supervision and control of all other talents and crafts, subject to the provisions of their collective bargaining agreements and personal service contracts.


AND A LINE PRODUCER IS DEFINED AS......


A Line Producer performs the Producer functions involved in supervising the physical aspects of the making of a motion picture or television production where the creative decision-making process is reserved to others, except to such extent as the Line Producer is permitted to participate. Unit Production Managers, who perform no more than the customary services of a Unit Production Manager should be credited only as such.

For further clarification go to http://www.producersguild.org/