3 Mistakes to Avoid and 3 Tips For Success for New Producers

Being a producer is one of the hardest  jobs in Hollywood. It takes tenacity, ingenuity and a LOT of passion. Producers are the ones that hold the creative vision and convince writers, actors, investors and distributors that it’s a fantastic vision which needs to be turned into a reality. Producers are responsible for turning a script into an entire creative team, a workable budget, and for making sure the project gets finished no matter how long it takes (James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ took 10 years to complete) and what roadblocks come up. They can be the last ones to get paid, and the first ones to be blamed if the film falls flat.

All that being said, if you’re willing to put in the work (and a ton of hustle) being a producer can be incredibly rewarding. 

Whether you’re just starting out, or you’ve been in the business for a while, here are 3 common mistakes and 3 tips for success that can benefit producers at any stage of their career:

Common Mistakes:

1. You’re Not a Team Player.

Being a leader is an essential part of being a producer, but don’t forget making movies is a team effort - know how to lead with confidence, while at the same time making your team feel valued. Everyone, from your lead actor to your set PA, deserves respect and kindness. Also, just because you’re in charge doesn’t mean you need to have all the answers all the time. If you don’t ask for help when you need it, can’t handle criticism, or struggle to course-correct when budget or creative compromises pop up (and they definitely will!) you won’t succeed. Ask questions, be open to learning more, get advice from folks who’ve been doing it longer than you;  it will make you a better producer and make your job easier.

2. You’re Inflexible.

A producer is the one in charge of tracking and managing a budget, which means it’s easy to become totally consumed with the dollars and cents. Staying within your budget is important, but don’t get so caught up in it that you forget the entire point of your job: to MAKE ART. The best producers are highly creative thinkers who can find their way around problems for the good of the film. Make sure your choices serve the story, not just the bottom line. Never say, “no” when you can say, “we’ll make it work!”

3. You Blame Others.

99% of the time production problems aren’t your fault. But they are your responsibility. Don’t waste time (and money) proving you’re right rather than fixing the problem. Your job is to make sure your project gets finished, and pointing fingers stalls the process. Rather than placing blame on others you need to know how to put your ego aside, fix the problem, and move on.

Tips for Success:

1. Pitch your Story, not your Budget.

Too many producers lead with their budgets. The thing that’s going to seal the deal with an investor isn’t how cheap your film can be made for (though that’s always part of the discussion), it’s how great the story is. So read the script. This may sound obvious but I’ve met producers over the years who don’t even bother to thoroughly read what they’re selling. Know the story of your script, what makes it great, and be able to communicate WHY it needs to be made now. Remember, no story equals no movie.

2. Know Your Niche.

When you’re just starting out, working in different genres can be an incredible learning experience. But once you discover what genre/format fits you best, it can help focus your career to pick a lane and stick to it. It gives you the opportunity to become known for a specific thing, the same way directors do (like Wes Anderson or Tarantino). Confidently “branding” yourself this way means potential investors will know exactly what they’re going to get from you, that you have experience making that kind of content, and that you already have a built in audience for it. Maybe horror is your thing, or romantic comedies - choose whatever niche you love and become the best producer you can be in that genre.

3. Remember, it’s just a Movie.

Making a movie is a stressful environment that involves a lot of personalities, a lot of money, and never enough time. With that kind of pressure it’s easy to lose perspective and start acting like the world will end if your production isn’t successful. Strive to make the best project possible, but don’t forget, at the end of the day it’s just a movie. Through the process try to stay objective, keep a sense of humor and (though it can be tough) try to keep a bit of work-life balance. Your cast, crew, and family will thank you for it - and probably want to work with you on your next project.

What are your best tips and tricks as a producer? Let me know at @CaroleKirsch