EXECUTIVE PRODUCER (In the Entertainment industry. What do they do?)

Bruce Bisbey…please follow me at: https://dumbdogproductionsllc.blogspot.com

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

In most cases, an executive producer is someone who has either personally funded or arranged the funding for a motion picture, television show, or musical album. Executive producers, sometimes just called EPs, are usually different from regular producers who often have a more hands-on role in creating the end product. Executives typically see the film, show, or album as in investment, and most of their actions and decisions are driven by the desire to protect it and ensure its profitability. Though some executive producers have extensive artistic experience, others are in the business purely for financial reasons and may have no recording or on-camera expertise whatsoever.

The position of executive producer (EP) is involved in numerous aspects in the making of a commercial entertainment product. Depending on the medium, the executive producer may be concerned with management accounting or with associated legal issues (like copyrights or royalties). In films, the executive producer generally contributes to the film's budget and usually does not work on set, in contrast to most other producers.

Executive Producers are not involved in the technical aspects of the filmmaking process. Usually they have a financial or creative role in making sure that the project goes into production.

There may be several Executive Producers on a film with different responsibilities. In development, the Executive Producer secures the rights to a story and develops the screenplay. They then hand over to the lead Producer, but don’t get involved in the actual production of the film. In packaging, the Executive Producer authorizes and supervises the packaging of the film.

In financing the Executive Producer raises a significant proportion of funding for the film. They will help with presales, or secure distribution agreements. They have to understand which packages will earn more than they cost.

On smaller independent films, a well-known Producer, Director or star may also be given the Executive Producer title. This acknowledges that their association with the project has helped to get financiers and distributors on board.

In production, the Executive Producer acts as a mentor to the Producer. They also supervise the production for the financiers. This type of Executive Producer is almost always involved in short film production schemes. In this case they co-ordinate the film's production from initial financing through to final distribution.

FUNDING RESPONSIBILITY

The main role of any EP is to foot the bill for a given project. Most movie, television, and music productions are very costly, at least at the outset. The EP essentially acts as a financial backer, investing in the creative team upfront with the expectation that the overall product will make a profit. Executives usually stand to collect a significant share of any profits that are earned, though the specific amounts often depend on how the parties drew up their original contracts.

A person need not be personally financially responsible in order to claim EP status, and in many cases he or she simply acts as a representative for a larger company or entity that is actually making payments. In some cases, a person can be given EP status on account of fundraising activities. This is often the case when an actor of featured artist is named as the executive producer of one of his or her own projects — this does not usually mean that the project was self-financed, but rather that the artist in question was responsible for raising the funds and convincing others to invest.

OVERSIGHT AND DIRECTION

On a film set, the EP’s main job is usually to ensure that the project is proceeding according to schedule. The executive rarely has any control over how a movie is actually being executed, but he or she does have an interest in any changes to the script or plot that may have an effect on the film’s marketability. The executive usually engages directors and producers in regular dialogue to ensure that the investment is being properly managed.

WRITING AND SCRIPTING DUTIES

Executive producers may have more of a hands-on role when it comes to television work. As in film, the title is often given to those who provide or procure the basic funding — but it may also apply to the person who bears the most of the writing and scripting responsibilities. In some settings, this person is referred to as a “head writer”; modern television production tends to assign an executive producer title to this position today, though. As such, it is not uncommon to see two or three names listed as TV show EPs, though it is fair to assume that each may have slightly different responsibilities.

NUANCES FOR MUSICAL ALBUMS

In music, particularly for small releases or new artist albums, an executive producer may also act as a director. He or she often funds, oversees, and even arranges albums or musical collections. This person often represents the entire business side of the album production process, often even going so far as to negotiate marketing and sales pitches.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Executive producers who are also writers or album managers usually have to have a lot of experience in their chosen field in order to find success. This is not usually the case when it comes to films, though. In the movie making business, access to funding and business savvy enough to negotiate and represent financial interest is usually all that is required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•         Supervising the Producer on behalf of the studio, financiers or distributors…
•         Making sure the film is completed on time, and on budget…
•          Raising finances for a film and securing rights…
•          Have excellent negotiating skills…
•          Have a keen business sense…
•          Have good experience of all aspects of film production, financing and distribution…
•          Have good contacts in the industry…
•          Have good contacts with investors and investment groups…
•          Understand the film market…
•          Understand developing trends in production…
•          Understand audience trends…

SOME OF THE VARIOUS VENUES

MOTION PICTURES

In films, an executive producer finances the film or participates in the creative effort, but does not work on the set. His/her responsibilities vary from funding or attracting investors into the movie project to legal, scripting, marketing, advisory and supervising capacities.

The crediting of executive producers in the film industry has risen over time. In the mid-to-late 1990s, there were an average of just under two executive producers per film. In the 2000s, the number jumped to 2.5 (more than the number of standard 'producers'). In 2010 till present, there were an average of 4.4 executive producers per film, compared with 3.2 producers. The increased number of executive producers has allot to do with funding and distribution.

TELEVISION

In television, an executive producer usually supervises the creative content and the financial aspects of a production. Some writers (for example Stephen J. Cannell, Tina Fey and Ryan Murphy) have worked as both the creator and the producer of the same TV show. In case of multiple executive producers on a TV show, the one outranking the others is called the showrunner, or the leading executive producer.

MUSIC

In recorded music, record labels distinguish between an executive producer and a record producer. The executive producer is responsible for business decisions and more recently, organizing the recordings along with the music producer, whereas the record producer produces the music. Sometimes the executive producer organizes the recording and selects sound engineers, session musicians, et al.

VIDEO GAMES

In the video game industry, the title "executive producer" is not well-defined. It may refer to an external producer working for the publisher, who works with the developers.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Film Daily, The Numbers, Film Maker Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Insider Monkey, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Wise GEEK, Film Campaign, How Stuff Works

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