Common belief holds that knowing the intricacies of the entertainment industry and filmmaking is sufficient to make a movie producer successful. Nope.
You may find it helpful to understand the basics of film production as well as the details of financing and marketing a full-length feature movie. It is not enough knowledge to be a successful producer. While it may be useful to have a job as a studio executive or another job in the field, you still need to acquire specific skills that will help you produce independent films.
These 5 skills are essential to becoming a successful film producer.
Organization is the first and foremost skill you will need. You are the one who kept the club minutes, edited the yearbook, and organized the prop closet by era. While it’s a hard skill to master, you can learn it and improve your organizational skills.
If you are one of those people who cannot locate their keys and doesn’t know what amount is in their checking account, then you need to get help. Get organized. It doesn’t matter if you have a proxy.
Stephanie Culp, as well as many other books on Amazon, has written books such “How to Get Organized Even When You Don’t have the Time.” This will give you a basic idea. Do whatever you need to, but get organized.
A second skill that is essential is the ability to make quick decisions. Even the best planned film productions can change at any moment. The decision will be made on the spot, whether to continue shooting despite the approaching storm clouds or move to another location. This could completely disrupt your schedule. You must make the right decision in the right time, regardless of what it is.
It is important to forget all your doubts. It is your job to know that you are the boss. You will make mistakes and suffer the consequences. Your team will trust your decisions and be able to accept responsibility if you act quickly.
Be a good negotiator. This is the second important skill you must learn. You will need to make deals for everything on set or on location. This includes equipment, set property, crew, film stock, etc. Everything will need to be discussed. Bardya Ziaian By negotiating rates you can often save 15% or more on nearly all items in any branch of filmmaking.
Negotiating is a process that involves negotiating. If you are unable to get the deal you desire, you can simply say no. You can do it. No. You can make it clear that your offer will be accepted elsewhere.
Diplomacy is also essential to be a successful producer. This is the fourth important skill you must learn. It’s incredible how often a film shoot turns into a third-grade playground. In a matter days, rumors can start and friendships can be made or broken.
It is possible for your crew and actors to harass you. Sometimes, you’ll need to intervene in small-scale disputes and personality conflicts. It is important to avoid making one opponent feel like you are taking his side. Look un-biased. It will only lead to factions against your group, and that’s not what you want.
Energy is your fifth skill. Yes, energy is essential. It is important to prepare yourself for the difficult weeks ahead. You’re not there for a sprint; you’re there for a massive marathon.
Independent movies have often a more restricted schedule due to their smaller budgets. You’ll need to be serious about it and train like an athlete. So you can make it through the tough times, exercise and eat right.
You will have the skills to make a successful independent film once you have mastered these five production basics. That’s how you can become a successful filmmaker producer.