I added this post to my blog on our website this evening but I thought it might be helpful to repost it here.  It's my hope that it expresses, even slightly, the daily ins and outs of working as a producer.  If I failed miserably, let me know...

“What do you do?”

“Oh I’m a producer.”

“So what exactly do you do?”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had that conversation.  With friends, with family, with random strangers at a party.  It’s not a common job where I come from.  And I understand the need for explanation.  So I’m going to answer this question for you so you’ll never have to wonder again.

The role of the producer isn’t for everyone (just ask our Director) and there are many different kinds of producers.  Undoubtably you’ve noticed “Line Producers,” “Associate Producers,” and “Executive Producers” in the movie credits.  All of these people may do some or all of what I’m going to describe.  I pretty much do it all. 

I saw a quote once that said “I’m a producer.  What don’t I do?”  To put it simply we do anything and everything that needs to be done to get the film off the ground.  From beginning to end, finding the script to getting the finished product into theaters and your DVD players -- I’m your girl.  Your producer is a jack of all trades, fixer of all problems and knowledgeable in all subjects.  My goal is to do a great deal of the work so I can hand the project over to the director and allow his creativity to run wild. 

I know, I haven’t explained much and it’s still a little fuzzy.  That’s why I came up with this very modest, very simplified and very abbreviated list of “Producer To-Do’s.”

1. Read through scripts and find one you love that’s worth making.  A producer is in charge “finding” a script through submissions, inquiries, online... however you can get them into your hands.  Read, read, read!!
   

2. Work with the writer through rewrites.  Most scripts need this.
   

3. Create a budget.  This is crucial and is definitely a hot-button issue for everyone involved.  It’s a long process and everyone wants a bigger chunk.  It’s our responsibility as producers to stick to the budget we create.
   

4. Hire a director.  Often the writer isn’t the director, but in my case I already had the script and director.  So we move on..

5. Find funding.  in the low budget world this consists of donations, grants, scholarships and loans. 
   

6. Hire the crew.  This is a long list.  Suffice to say it’s a lot of work

7. Find and hire the talent.  Again, in the low budget world this includes making a lot of phone calls, talking to several agents, managers and actors.  Working out deals with the Actors Guild, signing contracts, etc

8. This is where we calm down the director.  One of many more times to come.  I won’t list them all.  It would take too long.
   

9. Find, book and sign agreements for locations.
   

10. Obtain insurance.  FIre, damage, theft, injury.... you get the idea.
    

11. Book any travel, hotels, hospitality, etc.
    

12. Set the pre, shooting and post schedules.
    

13. Find an editing location and editor.
    

14. Hire a catering service for meals and snacks throughout the day.
    

15. Find distribution.  Theatrical, DVD, international, cable, airplanes, etc.
    

16. Be available on set.  We’re a catch-all; we’re the fixers.  We manage the day-to-day activities on set.
    

17. Check and review all incoming paperwork and dailies.  If you want to know more about this ask me.
    

18. Work with the editor towards a final cut.  Picture, sound, music, effects, etc.
    

19. Create an ad campaign -- or work with advertising company.  In our case this would also include entrance into film festivals.
    

20. Sleep.
    

Like I said, this is a shortened list.  If my old producing professors saw this I’m quite sure they’d add another 20 items to the list. 

To be a producer is to be ever moving and constantly learning.  Each new project brings with it new places, new ideas and new people.  You may need to be well versed on World War II for one movie and elephants on the next.  You’re a manager, a financial guru and creative mastermind.  And I think I have an unnatural love of paperwork. 

I hope this has helped clarify some of the questions you might have had about the job description of a producer.  We’re busy people but we love what we do.

I can only start by saying I'm learning a lot lately.  My ways aren't always the right ways and there are surprises around every corner. 

This past weekend I was removed from Facebook.  Not a huge deal... just the main way I keep in touch with friends and family, my brothers in Iraq, keep you all updated on the movie.... 

But that blog has already been written. 

It was tough to get through those couple of days without it.  (I'm finally back up as of this afternoon!!) I felt disconnected, like I was missing opportunities to talk with friends and to get the word out about all the fun things we have planned for the website.  Ridiculous I know -- it even surprised me how attached I was. 

I'm glad I had the time though.  It made both Adam and I slow down a little bit, appreciate what we have, where we are and where we're going.  And I realize now more then ever that what I think is best and efficient might not be God's best.  He moves things in ways I'll never understand and puts people places that honestly makes no sense at all, but they happen to be there for us.

This week we saw this first hand.  Whether it was a passing kind word from a stranger or a random Hollywood connection or a donation from out of the blue....

So far, since we launched the website less then a week ago we have raised over $2000.  I hope this seems as absolutely amazing to you as it does to us.  We've had friends from college reconnect with us through the site -- and then donate!  Dear friends of ours shocked the socks off me by handing us a check for so much more then I ever, ever dreamed.  We have been blessed.  Truly, and beyond measure.  We never imagined this response from so many people. 

And it doesn't stop there by a long shot!  A girlfriends mom called me up from Virginia with a Hollywood connection I would have never known she had.  Family in Texas has referred several people to us willing to help us in any way they can.  Music help from Virginia and Michigan has been pouring in.  Editing space in California and North Carolina has been offered.  And our dear Regent alums in LA have bent over backwards to donate their time, connections - even food to the cause. 

I'm so thankful for this week.  It's taken the blinders off and returned the focus to the right place.  My -- our -- work on this film is important.  We know the job that has been set before us and I feel like we're running at it full-speed, face first.  But it's always good to have those reminders thrown in.  That I can be doing all the work to get to the goal...  but what's the goal for?  I'm remembering why I'm running towards that goal again.

Thank you friends and family for your love towards both of us, your patience as we make mistakes, your encouragement as we march along on this journey, your so, so generous donations towards what we know will move mountains in its own way and your prayers on our behalf -- not just for the film, the crew and the people we work with but for Adam and I personally.

We love to keep you updated and what kind of producer would I be if I didn't point you in the right direction.  A new Producer's blog is up and a new Article will be out tomorrow-ish.  Keep checking back as things are changing daily. 

As I say every day -- we're so thankful for each one of you.  We would never be here without you. 



www.suddendeaththemovie.com

We truly, truly can't tell you all how much we appreciate your support and encouragement over the past few months. We couldn't come to this place without you!

I'm so pleased and proud to announce the launch of our brand new Sudden Death! website! Adam has worked tirelessly on it and I couldn't be more impressed with his work. It looks fantastic. I'm so happy you're now able to see the fruit of his labor, and we look forward to getting your feedback!

Check it out at: www.suddendeaththemovie.com

Be sure to catch up on our new production blogs, news and articles.  It's a lot of fun.