Line Producer Wearing Many Hats / Photo Credit: Film Strategy
LINE PRODUCER IN MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION…
(In the Entertainment industry. Line
Producer)
Line Producer in Motion Picture Production
Typically, a Line Producer manages the budget of a
motion picture. Alternatively, or in addition, they may manage the day to day
physical aspects of the film production, serving a role similar to the unit
production manager. Line Producers usually do not act as part of the creative
team for a picture. A line producer is a type of film producer who is the key
manager during daily operations of a feature film, advertisement film, television
film, or an episode of a TV program. A line producer works on one film at a
time. They are responsible for human resources and handling any problems that
come up during production.
According to Producers Guild of America (PGA)
guidelines, the Line Producer is the individual who reports directly to the
individual(s) receiving "Produced By" credit on the theatrical motion
picture and is the single individual who has the primary responsibility for the
logistics of the production, from pre-production through completion of
production; all Department Heads report to the Line Producer.[3]
The line producer functions like a chief operations
officer in running the production company. During pre-production,
responsibilities include supervising the assembly of the shooting company,
recruitment of key personnel and services, and production organization for how
to shoot the script and transform it into a movie. The line producer plans
start dates for everyone and everything, and monitors the budget in the lead up
to picture. Film production generally follows a rigorous schedule. The line
producer facilitates casting, location scouting, set building and decorating,
offices and stages, wardrobe, props, stunts, physical and visual effects,
camera, lighting, rigging, transportation, cast, crew and union relations,
travel, cast and crew accommodation, contracting of legal permissions and
agreements, safety and risk management, prep and shooting schedule. In short,
the line producer oversees the joint planning, negotiations, implementation and
accounting for production.
Expenditures on every film or television production
are divided in two segments: above the line and below the line. Above the line
refers to writers, producers, directors, and actors (including extras). Below
the line refers to everything else: that is, crew, sets, equipment rental,
insurance, and so on. In the middle of that division is the line producer—the
line. He or she is hired by the executive producer(s) to oversee the production
from a business standpoint. Whereas the creative control of the film or show is
the director’s domain, the logistics, labor, and financial concerns rest in the
hands of the line producer.
Duties
The line producer is brought on during pre-production
and first must dissect the script to estimate costs based on personnel,
locations, equipment, and all other requirements of the project. This cost
estimate is presented to the producers to raise funds for filming. He or she
will work closely with the director, production manager, and other department
heads to create a budget and shooting schedule. The line producer will
participate in below-the-line decisions like hiring crew and renting gear based
on the budget he or she has established and that has been approved by the
producers. During filming, the line producer will act as the eyes and ears of
the producer to ensure the production runs on schedule and on budget. This
person is a troubleshooter on set and has the authority to make decisions that
will affect the schedule or budget.
To keep the production running smoothly, the line
producer will implement a cost monitoring system as well as conduct a health
and safety assessment and deal with any insurance concerns, including
regulatory compliance. While it is the production accountant’s responsibility
to handle payroll and track invoices, the line producer establishes
departmental budgets for salaries, expendable materials, and equipment.
Additional labor hours or materials require the approval of the line producer.
At the end of a film shoot, the line producer oversees the wrap of the
production and conducts a preliminary audit of costs in cooperation with the
accounting department. In television the line producer may also serve a variety
of functions and take on tasks similar to those of a production manager,
remaining in this role through the life of the series.
Skills & Education
There’s no specific college degree that trains you to
be a line producer, though an extensive knowledge of every aspect of the film
and television industry is a must. If a script calls for the hero to evade his
captors by hijacking a cigarette boat from a Miami marina, you need to be able
to quickly estimate the associated costs. Education through a college-level
film/TV production program is beneficial, as it will give you a firm
foundational knowledge of production. You can build your experience through
student films, independent productions, or internships with production
companies. Breaking in to bigger productions is possible by working as a PA or
administrative assistant in a production office. The best experience for
becoming a line producer is experience as a unit production manager. Courses in
accounting, finance, or business administration are helpful as the line
producer is expected to have excellent skills in quickly creating cost
estimates and scheduling large-scale projects.
What to Expect
The line producer is most often an industry veteran
who has worked in a variety of positions, gaining a well-rounded knowledge of
production. Expect to work for several years to reach this level. This is a
freelance role, so there may be long periods of inactivity between gigs. You
should frequent film festivals, industry seminars, and workshops for
opportunities to network. Resourcefulness, diplomacy, and efficient
decision-making skills are invaluable for a line producer. You must be
comfortable moderating compromises between members of the crew and be able to
stand behind your choices. You will be working in a highly collaborative
environment, but are also a leader and at the end of the day are responsible
for the cost of a project. You are entrusted with potentially massive financial
investments, so attention to detail is crucial and failure can mean huge losses
for the studio and producers. Expect long hours and daily fires to put out.
This can be both a professionally and financially rewarding career for those
with strong problem-solving and leadership skills.
Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks,
Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New
York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media
Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily
Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend,
Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America,
Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media,
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE INFORMATION IS
PROVIDED "AS IS" AND BRUCE BISBEY MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF PERFORMANCE,
MERCHANTABILITY, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, REGARDING THIS
INFORMATION. BRUCE BISBEY DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE COMPLETENESS, ACCURACY OR
TIMELINESS OF THIS INFORMATION. YOUR USE OF THIS INFORMATION IS AT YOUR OWN
RISK. YOU ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND RISK OF LOSS RESULTING FROM THE USE OF
THIS INFORMATION. BRUCE BISBEY WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL,
INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER, WHETHER IN AN ACTION BASED UPON A STATUTE, CONTRACT, TORT
(INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE, RELATING TO THE USE OF
THIS INFORMATION.
Line Producer Wearing Many Hats / Photo Credit: Film Strategy