Aspiring to be directly involved in the filmmaking process? If so, becoming a film producer is one of the career opportunities that you can try. In particular, film producers have the responsibility to oversee the entire film-making process, starting from the script-making process, fundraising, determining roles and casts, to distributing films. Although there are no specific steps that need to be taken to become a film producer, there are actually some tips that can be applied to increase your percentage of success. First of all, make sure you really have a great interest in film, and have the ability to work together in groups. Then, if possible, have an academic degree in a relevant field to further develop your skills. After graduating from college, try to find a job that is aimed at beginners in the film industry. Gradually, work your way up to a higher career position until you can finally become a producer!
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Part 1 of 3: Enriching Capability in Film Production
Step 1. Improve interpersonal skills to improve the quality of your collaboration with others
Learn to be an active listener! The trick, maintain eye contact with the other person and nod your head periodically to affirm their words. Then, take their words seriously to show your appreciation and concern for the topic at hand. Also show a friendly attitude by trying to initiate conversation on various occasions, and showing genuine interest in what the other person has to say.
- Because film producers have to interact with many people, such as crew, actors, and studio employees, practice your ability to communicate as openly as possible with others.
- Introduce yourself to new people and chat with them to practice your communication skills.
- Try working with film workers from different projects. By doing so, you will be "forced" to practice communication skills in order to achieve the vision and mission that have been set previously.
Step 2. Practice multitasking or multi-tasking at the same time to learn to balance your responsibilities
Arrange production schedules and plans in advance so that you are not overwhelmed when the production process has started. In particular, make a list of responsibilities that need to be completed, and list them in order, starting with the most important responsibilities. Then, try to group similar responsibilities and complete each group at the same time to keep your focus.
- Generally, a producer has quite a lot of roles behind the process of making a film, and often also works on several film productions at the same time.
- Do your best to avoid distractions so that no important responsibilities are missed or completed by deadline.
- Remember, producers are humans too who can't get things done alone. Realize these limitations and don't hesitate to delegate work to production assistants and the crew on duty.
Step 3. Improve your negotiating skills to get the best price on everything
Set the amount you want to reach at the end of the negotiation process. Then, clearly communicate your needs to the other person, then listen to their responses to find out what they may and may not fulfill. If they can't meet your requirements, offer to compromise to show your flexibility and seriousness in working with them.
- Since film producers have huge financial responsibilities, make sure you always negotiate the best possible price to cover various needs with the entire film crew.
- Don't be afraid to turn down offers that aren't profitable and/or don't match your terms.
- In fact, it takes a lot of practice to improve one's negotiating skills. Therefore, don't be discouraged if you make some mistakes early in the process.
- If possible, find a specialized trainer to help you develop your negotiating skills. Generally, a negotiation coach will pretend to be your opponent in a negotiation to improve your negotiating skills.
Step 4. Learn to make decisions quickly and diplomatically
Before making a decision, always consider all the pros and cons of each option. In particular, don't involve your emotions and/or personal ego in the decision-making process to keep the results objective, and choose the most profitable and reasonable option to fulfill each responsibility you have.
- Producers often receive various questions that must be answered quickly and objectively so that the production process is still completed on schedule.
- Don't be impulsive! That is, do not make a decision without first considering all the options you have.
- Ask others for their opinion on the decisions you make. Trust me, a third-party perspective is often helpful for making the most objective decisions possible.
Tip:
If the decision you made turns out to be bad, accept the mistake and fix it immediately. Show that you are responsible for every choice that has been made.
Step 5. Increase the frequency of watching movies to find out the latest projects in the film industry
In particular, make sure you stay up-to-date with the latest films in production and/or coming soon through entertainment websites or magazines, then watch as many films as you can. Write about popular genres and films that have had success in theaters. Also make a list of films that you enjoy and that are in a genre similar to the project you want to work on.
- In order to have the foresight in determining the next project, a producer must understand the types of films that have great potential for success and are popular in the market at that time.
- Watch behind-the-scenes footage of various films to enrich your understanding of what happens in a production process.
Step 6. Try producing a short film to understand the process of producing a film
To simplify the process, work closely with other filmmakers to write scripts, shoot scenes, and edit films to produce a final product that is ready to be shown. Even if the filmmaking budget is quite large, still base each decision on the most financially efficient option. Thus, your production budget will not swell. After the film is finished editing, feel free to upload it to the internet or send it to various film festivals to reach a larger audience.
- By producing a short film, it will help you to learn the process of producing a film from start to finish.
- Make sure all the scenes in the film you can easily produce yourself. For example, don't create scenes that involve too many special effects to save money.
- If you don't have an idea for a short film, try offering students collaboration opportunities in other film programs.
Part 2 of 3: Taking Formal Education
Step 1. Earn a bachelor's degree in film production
Check the websites of various film schools and/or universities that offer film programs, which generally include majors in film production, screenwriting, and/or cinematography. If possible, take a program that focuses on studying the science of film production (including the science of being a production assistant) and scriptwriting so that you can begin to familiarize yourself with working in the film industry. While studying, focus on taking notes on important material and getting involved in various projects to get the most out of your grades.
- Although one does not have to have an academic degree to become a film producer, at least this degree can make it easier for you to make connections and learn various things in the film industry. As a result, you will not feel overwhelmed when you finally enter the world of work.
- Join a film club or similar organization available at the university. In this way, you can make more connections and enrich engagement in the field.
Step 2. Earn a master's degree in film production if you want to further deepen your skills
If you have the time and funds, try applying for a master's program at various film schools or universities. For example, you can take a major that specifically studies film production, or take a major that studies cinematography and/or scriptwriting to enrich your experience as a film crew. Most importantly, complete all assigned tasks or projects well, so that you are able to learn various knowledge needed by film workers, and be able to produce your own projects in the future.
In fact, one does not need to have a master's degree to get a job as a film producer
Step 3. Take a business management class to practice your financial management skills
Many producers also have the responsibility to negotiate contracts and develop budget allocations. Therefore, make sure you also have good money management skills. Later, this ability can be applied in the budget management process to fund your film projects.
- Some universities offer business classes or training that you can take while in college. However, you can also take part in community or online training if you are no longer a student.
- Taking business classes or training can also help those of you who are interested in setting up your own production house in the future.
Step 4. Join a scriptwriting class to improve your ability to recognize quality manuscripts
Many producers are used to reading scripts to find new content they want to produce. If you want to apply the same method, make sure you pay more attention to the material related to the method of preparing the basic format and structure of the manuscript. This will make it easier for you to identify scripts that have great potential for success. Then, also practice writing your own script that has the potential to be produced as a whole film in the future.
If you have trouble finding a script writing class, please search the internet for various popular film scripts to study independently
Tip:
If your favorite script was written by someone you know, or by a participant in the same writing class, try getting them to produce it with your help.
Part 3 of 3: Getting Involved in the Film Industry
Step 1. Move to a city with a promising film industry, if possible
Remember, a producer generally has to spend a lot of time on location shooting scenes. Therefore, try moving from residence to the center of the film industry, such as Jakarta or Yogyakarta for Indonesia. However, if you currently live in the United States, try moving to Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, or Toronto. In other parts of the world, some cities that are popular for the film industry are London, Mumbai, Paris, and Hong Kong. Most importantly, find a place to live that is in line with your budget so that financial problems do not arise afterwards.
If you're having a hard time moving, try looking for opportunities to work with independent filmmakers in your city
Step 2. Start your career by applying for a job as a production assistant
In particular, the production assistant is responsible for picking up the phone, meeting the needs of the crew working on the scene filming location, as well as ensuring the smooth running of the entire production process. To get the job, try sending your resume to the production house or agency that interests you. Once accepted to work on set, always take the time to chat with the crew to build a positive relationship with them.
- Some production assistants have to work on location shooting scenes, but some are asked to work in offices. Don't worry, the longer you work, the more workload and responsibilities you will receive.
- Apply for a job in a production house whose content interests you. As a result, the activity of producing content will later become a job that you can enjoy.
Step 3. Get used to working long hours
Generally, the producer is the first person to come to the scene recording location, and is the last person to leave the location. In other words, you may need to work more than 12 hours a day, depending on the scale of the project at hand. In addition, you may also need to work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays to complete the shooting process on schedule. So that your energy is maintained properly while working, don't forget to get enough rest, OK!
For film producers, balancing personal and professional relationships is not easy. Therefore, whenever your workload is not too much, don't forget to schedule a special time to mingle with the people closest to you
Step 4. Build connections with other film workers to expand your network and advance your career ladder
Spend more time chatting with your supervisor and the crew you work with. Get to know them closer through dinner activities or just drinking coffee together. In particular, establish positive connections with everyone so they can remember you if they have a potential job offer.
Take advantage of sites like LinkedIn or Backstage to connect with other film professionals, as well as to expand your connections
Warning:
Don't cut ties with anyone so you don't come across as "difficult" to work with. Be careful, such assumptions can make it difficult for you to get new projects.
Step 5. Fund independent projects that interest you, if possible
If you can find a filmmaker whose work and/or abilities you enjoy, try inviting them to discuss collaboration opportunities over lunch or coffee. In particular, explain your desire to be involved in the production of their next film, and ask about their wants and needs. If you have more funds, offer to help fund their project. If not, feel free to ask if there is any other type of help they need.
Don't get involved in a project that doesn't interest you. Remember, the duration of the production of a film is generally very long. Of course you don't want to spend time and energy on a project you don't like, do you?
Warning
- Film production times are generally inconsistent. Therefore, be prepared to work very long hours, and/or work on weekends or holidays.
- Fundamentally, film producer is not a safe and/or consistent career choice. That's why it's a good idea to keep looking for a side job while working as a film producer.
