Producer Responsibilities

Lead F1 productions and set operations, maintain the shooting schedule, and coordinate communication across departments.

Overview

The producer serves as the primary organizational and managerial lead of the production, overseeing the broader coordination of the project across development, pre-production, production, post-production, and delivery. Responsibilities may include managing schedules, coordinating communication between departments, overseeing logistics, monitoring production progress, helping resolve problems, and ensuring that the production remains aligned with the practical realities of time, staffing, safety, and available resources.

Within the collaborative structure of film production, the producer is ultimately responsible for helping guide the project to successful completion while balancing creative goals against operational limitations. Unlike roles focused primarily on on-set execution or departmental coordination, the producer maintains a wider view of the entire production process and helps ensure that all parts of the project continue moving forward cohesively. The role also helps students develop leadership, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills that are central to professional producing workflows.

Pre-Production

  • Assist the Director in Location Scouting.
  • Secure each filming location by completing a Location Agreement and Shooting Plan. Make sure the location owner is clear about the nature of the production, and provide them with a Location Pamphlet.
  • Organize the Tech Scout for each location with at least the ATL. Establish where the restrooms, parking, staging, base camp and set will be. Complete a Location Hazard Assessment Checklist. If any location hazards, then also complete a Hazard Notification Report.
  • Have each actor sign a Performance Agreement.
  • Arrange for volunteers and/or extras if required.
  • Coordinate call times with other Producers in your cycle to ensure 10 hr turnaround.
  • Create a Setup Schedule with the Director and DP (based on the shot list put together by the Director and DP).
  • Prepare all scheduling information and other material required for ATL Prep.
  • Attend ATL prep and takes notes for the Director.
  • Assist the Director with any and all logistical needs to prepare for principal photography.
  • Run the Production Meeting by reading the action of the script. Answer crew members’ questions. Have each crew member sign a Crew Deal Memo.
  • Prepare and make copies of all the paperwork needed on set.
  • Check the weather periodically to monitor adverse conditions. Have a back-up plan.
  • Purchase craft services by the night before production.
  • Pre-order lunch and arrange for it to be picked up by a volunteer on the day of production.
  • Create the Call Sheet, including a map and set diagram, and email no later than 12 hours before call time.
  • Double check every logistical piece of information and make sure nothing has been forgotten.

On Set

Start of Day

  • Arrive at set 20-30 minutes before call time.
  • Immediately establish contact with the location owner to make sure everything is still going as planned. Thank them! Check back with them periodically throughout the day as needed.
  • Sign in all crew using the Crew Sign-in sheet.
  • When actors arrive, show them the set, green room, bathrooms, and craft service. Introduce them to crew; and location owner if possible.
  • At call time, have a Safety Meeting with the entire crew. Complete the Safety Meeting Report.
  • Make sure crew have a copy of the Setup Schedule.
  • Make sure actors have a copy of the script or their sides.
  • Make sure crew is staging equipment safely and preparing for the first shot.
  • Make sure the director is focused with the DP and crew on the first shot and figuring out logistical stuff.
    • Where is the camera going?
    • Where are the lights going?
    • Where is the boom operator?
    • General idea on actor blocking.
  • Make sure set dressing is happening (if necessary).
  • Give director time to focus on actors while the crew finishes set up and/or set dressing.
  • When the set is ready, give the director and actors a (5-Minute) call to blocking, rehearsal, and shooting.
  • ALWAYS KEEP ACTORS IN THE LOOP AS TO WHEN THEY MIGHT BE CALLED TO SET!!!

Throughout shooting day

  • Run through the 1st AD Protocol for each setup.
  • Manage the time on the set by keeping up with the Setup Schedule. Adjust schedule as needed.
  • Look ahead to next setups and make sure departments are prepared and working ahead.
  • Verify with volunteer or caterer that lunch will be brought to set in time to set it up prior to releasing for lunch.
  • At 6 hours after call time, release the cast & crew for lunch. Make sure everyone who eats signs a Meal Sign-In Sheet.

End of shooting day

  • Complete the Performers Time Report, and have the actors sign it before they are dismissed for the day.
  • Efficiently and safely wrap out equipment, load vehicles, and clean the location. Leave the location better than when you arrived.
  • Whenever possible, do a walk-thru with the location owner to verify everything is in order.
  • Sign-out all crew using the Crew Sign-In Sheet.
  • Be the last to leave (except perhaps Art Dept).
  • Make sure the director backs up all their media.
  • Create the Daily Production Report and distribute within 2 hours after Company Wrap.

Post-Production

  • Send a Thank You Letter to the location owners.
  • Submit Reimbursement Voucher, along with original itemized receipts and Meal Sign-In sheet to the Head of Production by 5pm Thursday after production.
  • Turn in Production Delivery Paperwork via OneDrive to the Head of Production by the deadline provided.