How to Become an Executive Producer

What is an Executive Producer?
An Executive Producer is one of the most senior positions within the production team. The role of the Executive Producer can be found in both TV and film production. Usually, they are responsible for either finding the financial funds for a production or for the creative efforts. For instance, in film production, they may be responsible for attracting investors, marketing the film, or script creation.

As you would have gathered from the above there is a multitude of things that an Executive Producer may be responsible for. Perhaps this is best highlighted by the Producer’s Guild definition:

“An Executive Producer supervises, either on his/her own authority (entrepreneur executive producer) or subject to the authority of an employer (employee executive producer) one or more producers in the performance of all of his/her/their producer functions on single or multiple productions. In television, an Executive Producer may also be the Creator/Writer of a series.”

TV Production
Indeed, in the production of a TV show, the Executive Producer may be the person who creates the idea for the show and then is responsible for managing a team of scriptwriters. As such, often they have an input on deciding who will be cast for the production. Further, often they will work with the cast and help to direct their performance to create their ideal vision for the work. They are also responsible for the final sign off on wardrobe and set design decisions.

Want to find out more? Here is a short clip from Executive Producers Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin:

Film Production
In film production the Executive Producer is responsible for ensuring that the film’s production is completed within budget and to the agreed style. Usually, they would have raised funds towards to the project or may have the rights to it.  While they are not usually present on set to deal with the technical aspects of the production, they are responsible for the financials and creatives.

Skills

  • Must be a seasoned professional
  • Understanding of the Production process
  • Creative talent
  • Highly organised
  • Marketing experience
  • Ability to delegate and manage
  • Excellent negotiation skills
  • Ability to budget

How to Become an Executive Producer
Experience is essential for becoming an Executive Producer. If you are lacking experience you should look to volunteer as a writer on local community productions. A lot of Executive Producers will start out working as freelance writers, working their way through to story writers and editors.

Become an Executive Producer Today
If you are ready for the next step in your career, why not take a look at the latest Executive Producer vacancies on our jobs board? You can view our latest vacancies here.