How To Become A Producer — Career Tips To Start Producing

So, how does one “put in the work?” Well, as is the case with most things, you start with education. You can go and try to produce a movie right now; but unless you have the requisite knowledge, you’ll be running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

There are some who will disagree, but in the case of specialty fields, education is part of the experience. One cannot be expected to perform well without first being taught what to do.

Film Producer Career Path

Move up from an entry-level role

Hollywood can sometimes feel like a pyramid, with about 90% of workers below the line, and 10% above the line. And unless you’re either 1) extremely talented, 2) extremely well-connected, or 3) extremely lucky, chances are you’re going to need to start below the line. That means putting in years as a production assistant, gaffer, or other supportive role. And honestly, if you want to be a good producer, you should put in those years; because that way, you’ll know how everything works.

Kevin Feige – Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Entertainment – began as an assistant to executive producer Lauren Shuler Donner.

Kathleen Kennedy was a secretary for Steven Spielberg’s office before she became President of Lucasfilm.

Jerry Bruckheimer worked for an advertising agency before producing Pirates of the Caribbean and buying a National Hockey League team.

I bring this up to prove that it took time for even the biggest Hollywood producers to make a name for themselves.

How Do You Become a Producer?

Practice makes perfect

Remember earlier how we outlined all of the things producers are tasked with doing? Yeah, well even the best struggle to keep all of their ducks in a row.

A lot of the time, people get frustrated with waiting for the opportunity to do something they want to do. So, if you want to become a producer, practice all of the things producers do.

1. Manage accounts: if you’re working on an indie or low-budget film, chances are you’re going to need to manage the books. Accounting is serious business; don’t take the responsibility for granted.
2. Make a production calendar: producers use production calendars to schedule shoots. Check out StudioBinder’s production calendar software for practice.
3. Listen to the pros: there are hundreds of videos of producers explaining their backstories on YouTube. We couldn’t include them all in this article; but just know that they’re out there – and they’re full of great information.

In an interview with Indy Mogul, producer Moses Israel said “as a producer you want to give everybody the tools that they need… so that way, when you’re on set, there are no fires.” I say practice makes perfect – but how do you practice when you’ve never been on set before.

Well, that’s easy; with preparation. Check out Indy Mogul’s video for more information on how to become a movie producer in Hollywood.