COLUMN: What Does a Video Producer Do?

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What Does a Video Producer Do?

Description

Just like the director, the video producer is a valuable asset on the set. But why are they so important? Here are a few facts to help you figure out the basics of the video producer’s job and how you’ll benefit from hiring one.

Intro

Every project, from a Hollywood movie to a short commercial video, requires a video producer. This person makes the whole production process go smoothly, preventing and eliminating all the mishaps along the way. Sounds pretty serious, but this doesn’t explain much. What does a video producer do?

Actually, the more precise question would be “What don’t they do?” Here’s a basic video producer definition: It’s a skilled professional who organizes every step of the production stages: from the development of a video idea to funding, tech, equipment, as well as director, scriptwriter, and actor casting. They also hire other specialists, like cameramen, sound engineers, consultants, technical staff, etc. They take over all those duties in order to quickly and accurately complete the work on creating an effective video for the client.

Naturally, this is just a small part of the video producer job description. There’s much, much more to it. Cinema-Friends will take you through all the steps involved in clipmaking and show what the video producer does at every stage.

The Role of a Video Producer

So, what does a producer do in the film industry? Basically, their work on a video begins when there’s even no general idea of what it should look like.

Pre-Production

The producer meets with the client to figure out what message they wish to convey to their target audience. Then the two discuss the deadline and decide who will be involved in the process and what the result should be like. After that, the producer approves the budget and explains what it covers. They also monitor the tasks given by the client.

At this point, the role of producer in film making gets more complicated. If the production step requires a talented specialist, the producer does the casting and negotiates on the conditions. They hire a film crew, stylists, and scriptwriter, meet with directors and make up a list of the tools needed for the work. In addition to that, producers scout and find suitable locations for filming and get all the necessary permissions.

Production

This phase puts the crew’s skills to the test. What does a producer do? The quality of the footage and scenes is on their shoulders. Their task is to make sure that everyone involved in the project gets the resources they need and complete their tasks on time. If someone’s missing on the set, the video producer is to blame. During the production, they monitor the video material so that everything meets the client’s demands.

Troubleshooting is also one of the film producer responsibilities. It’s also up them to fix any mistake that might occur when filming as fast as possible to stay within the budget limits. Basically, the producer constantly follows the schedule.

Post-Production

During post-production, the video producer tightly collaborates with video editors and graphic designers, helping to realize all the ideas suggested in the script. They check the quality of the video and sound several times and proofread every piece of text shown in the clip. Over the course of the production, the video producer must stay in touch with the client to always be aware of potential changes. At this stage, the role of producer in the film is almost over. Once everything’s checked, the producer presents the final result to the client.

What Skills Does a Video Producer Need?

Strict time management and the ability to quickly set up a team are the main video producer skills necessary to ensure the best result and avoid cost overruns. A good producer must also be flexible and know when to compromise. Interpersonal skills are welcomed as well since video production is always a collaboration. The producer must be able to understand the motives of the crew and work to meet the needs of each, often sacrificing their own in the process.

Here’s a list of things video producers at Cinema-Friends are competent in:

• Laws and other legal acts regarding cinematography and television;

• Methodological and regulatory documents relating to the production, rental, and display of audiovisual products;

• The management structure of cinema and television;

• Organization and technology of the production process;

• The basics of filmmaking, editing, and sound design skills;

• Fundamentals of material culture, marketing, and management;

• The main directions and trends in the creative, economic, and technical development of the video production industry.

Understanding technology and trends in the video production industry is a must. One of the key responsibilities of a film producer is to be active and able to see the big picture. They need to think ahead and anticipate what the client might want from the project.

All in all, the professional approach and attention to the smallest details ensure the highest quality of producer videos compared to clips shot without involving the producer.

When do you need a video producer?

Despite such an impressive list of duties and responsibilities, video producers aren’t always required for a project. But let’s consider a few situations when you definitely need one.

• You need someone who would professionally evaluate the scope of the project.

• You’re not sure you can adequately develop an artistic concept of a video and the optimal tactics of its production.

• You don’t have time for reading and approving the script and production project of the film. Just be sure to check if the client’s vision of the clip and the final producer’s video coincide.

• The project requires a person who would search for the resources necessary for the implementation of the film project and set up a creative and technological basis for all three stages of video production.

• You struggle to put together a creative team and organize its work. After all, the video producer role is to make everyone work like a well-oiled machine.

• You need a production flow supervisor.

• There’s no one to check the quality of the source footage and see if it fits the main idea.

The film producer role in the project mostly depends on the amount of work that needs to be done. But in any case, producers are always ready to renegotiate the terms of employment in case something changes

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