Q&A for How to Become a Film Producer

Editors cut and adjust shots to put them together. They may also do some special effects or film correction depending on the project and the scope of their role. If you think about it, it's not a whole lot different than an editing a newspaper; it's just rearranging the material and adjusting it so that the story makes sense.

It depends on what your goals are. Becoming a producer on high-profile productions, such as Hollywood films, is very difficult. However, many people start by producing their own low-budget films, which is not as hard. It helps to spend some time working on other people’s projects so you can get a feel for the work involved and make connections in your local film industry. Start with short films instead of trying to jump into a full-length production.

The producer is largely in charge of logistics and all the little details that make a film project come together. They often finance the movie or find sources of funding (like grants or donations), and are in charge of hiring the writer, director, and other staff members. They also oversee all parts of the production process (such as scouting locations and keeping track of the budget) and may have final say on many creative decisions.

Yes! However, taking classes is still a good idea since it will help you learn the technical aspects of the craft. It’s also a good way to make connections with other people who are interested in filmmaking. Participating in film productions as a production assistant or other crew member is also a great way to learn and get experience before you try producing on your own.

By actually producing something, anything. You have to start somewhere. Write your own script, hire a director and crew to film it, and oversee it to completion. Meet an already established director and crew and join them as a producer and oversee the project to completion. Nobody is just going to hand you something, you need to seek it out yourself and show some initiative. The producer is the one that organizes everyone to complete the project, and that depends entirely on your own drive.

Yes, you can produce your own movies, shows, etc. You don't need a production company to be successful, even though it would help you a lot.

You can start producing films with no experience, but to get paid and have it be your career, you should build your experience up.

You don't need to have prior experience in film production before you start a company, but it would dramatically increase your odds of being successful. Knowledge and experience are power.

No, but some people do get degress in film production. You should be knowledgeable about all aspects of film production before attempting this job.

Most famous actors that you hear of as producers actually have a producing partner. These actors know that these films they star in are "green-lighted" because of their involvement, and have leveraged this fact. This gives the actor more control over the projects, as well as the ability to retain more of the profits. One of the best examples would be Tom Cruise and his producing partner Paula Wagner, who formed Cruise/Wagner Productions. However, there are other examples, such as Elijah Wood's SpectreVision (which he formed with two director friends), where the main focus is not on projects for the actor but films generally (or even specifically, like horror films for SpectreVision).

Not necessarily, but it will help! If you want to be good at something, you have to be really knowledgeable and well-versed in all of the details.