Whether you work in television, radio, film, or on the internet, producers work under the stress of meeting production goals and deadlines. I've been a producer, executive producer, line producer, production manager, and production coordinator on feature films, television, and branded content. Ganji says, “It doesn’t matter whether it’s being a volunteer or PA. What may seem like a fun, small scene to the writer, may be no easy task for the film’s crew (and wallet). Essentially, the workload gets heavier and heavier as production nears, then incrementally declines as principal photography gets underway.”. This rate can range from $150 per day to $1,200 per day or higher, depending on the scale of the job,” says Ganji. They will act as a mentor and get you on set. Everyone wants more time and resources to do their art but the Line Producer must play this tug of war with them without sacrificing schedule or money.”, “At the end of the day, the movie needs to be completed. But the line producer has a very specific job - to be a professional logistics master. They do not necessarily attend a film school. During the shoot, the Line Producer manages the budget and schedule, as well as looking after the producing department.”. It’s also good to check out Facebook for local groups. Start off with any production manager as a production assistant, or even spot boy, which is easy enough to sell yourself into. 3. You’re intrigued by the line producer job description. That’s because a line producer’s job description includes a long laundry list of responsibilities that kickoff during pre-production. Certain producers have extraordinarily high earnings—Adam Sandler earned a whopping $5 million to produce Grown Ups 2 —but that’s not necessarily a normal film producer salary. CareersinFilm.comPO Box 43562Las Vegas, NV 89116United Statescim_mail( 'info', 'careersinfilm', 0, false ); This site and your information are secure. While most start as office Production Assistants and work their way up to Production Coordinators, others take different paths. There are three types of Producers: Executive Producers, Creative Producers, and Line Producers. This job doesn’t get a lot of the fame or glory that comes with filmmaking but Line Producers are the backbone of a production, the people overseeing the physical production of creating a movie. It's free to sign up and bid on jobs. Consider completing at least an associate of film and video. Watch and learn what everyone does. The Line Producer manages a production’s budget and scheduling and hires all of the below-the-line crew. Years ago you would need a lot of equipment to get started. While there are no other required academic qualifications, earning a film degree can increase job prospects. It’s a big deal to make sure that transportation is running correctly and that there are toilets on set.”. Music Producers write, arrange, produce, and record songs, whether they’re shaping the sound of another artist’s album or creating beats or songs for their own projects. You will just have to work very hard to reach your goals. Big Ideas It’s best to prepare a checklist and knock out the top priorities that the other Producer(s) or Director needs. How to Become a Line Producer To become a line producer, you need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Finding a great Director to collaborate with will often lead to better-paying work in the future. Most line producers have a bachelor’s degree. Another solid idea to take business classes. "How to Become a Line Producer: The Little Known Dream Job" #filmmaking #filmmakers. Do whatever is asked. Get on set and PA large jobs, even if they are reality shows or music videos, to see how things are run. They should be equally comfortable discussing the right camera lens for a certain scene, as they would be handling spreadsheets and budgets. Ganji says, “Someone who is level-headed and won’t show they’re stressed is an ideal candidate for this career. You’ve got a clear grasp of both the role of a producer and what a line producer does specifically. A line producer ensures … Watch and learn what everyone does. Varun Verma on Becoming a Line Producer. Failure is a stepping stone to success.”, “Stay humble and move forward; there is always an answer to every problem. As with any industry job, you’ll need to have healthy mix of skills, experience, networking chops, and luck to make it. They’re essentially the key crew head who runs the producing department on set.”, “Naturally, the best jobs to get on set for practical experience are to become a Producer’s Assistant or a Production Assistant. It is common for them to continue to perform in one of those roles on projects they line produce. Once principal photography begins, things can get a bit easier since the natural stress falls onto other departments and there is a production department managing the day-to-day problems that arise. Ganji is currently Head of Production at Replay Collective. Ask yourself these questions: Does that sound like you? ), Best Film Schools (2020/2021): Going to College in the Covid-19 Era, How to Write a Movie Review: Become a Movie Reviewer at Home. Get on set and PA large jobs, even if they are reality shows or music videos, to see how things are run. If you can get a bachelor’s degree in accounting, you can set a strong base for your career. If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be? Think line producing might be for you? (Always follow the money.) If a director is responsible for creating the creative vision of a production, a line producer is responsible for the logistics of achieving that vision. Both of those jobs will give first-hand experience working with a Unit Production Manager and Production Coordinator.”, “Generally, the production department’s responsibilities include logistical coordination, setting up lunch, establishing basecamp and prepping the location. But is line producing the right job for you? We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. If you do well as a line producer, you can expect promotion to more lucrative types of production jobs. It’s important to follow the gut as well as the bank account. If you're interested in becoming a line producer, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. It is simple to say but many people forget and become their own worst enemy.”. This includes personalizing content and advertising. It is a profession where people are constantly judged.”, “Sometimes other people will go out of their way to try and beat down the Line Producer because they think they can get more money for their department and they don’t understand how budgets work. “The Line Producer can act almost like a bottleneck. A film producer’s salary, much like a producer’s definition, vary from project to project and role to role. What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t? For Annick Wolkan, Co-producer of the HBO series Game of Thrones, her average day begins before 8 a.m. She usually has about 45 minutes of relative quiet to go through her emails and make a few calls before the meetings begin. This is the person who hires most of “below the line” talent and craftspeople. Have you ever traveled with a group of friends and there was that one person who planned the itinerary, booked your rental car, had a backup plan in case your “sun-soaked” boat ride got rained out, and overall just made sure your trip went smoothly (and under budget)? It’s intense, hands-on, and rewarding job. For example, managing a team at Starbucks could be a great training ground, as well. It’s not a creative role, typically. I've had a lot of different types of jobs. Most line producers have a bachelor’s degree. It’s a career where talents develop through practical experience. With the growth of home recording technology and boutique recording studios, many Producers find themselves pulling double or triple duty as Studio Owners and Sound Engineers, as does the Rattle Room’s Jaron Luksa. Well, that person would probably make a great line producer. Then they work with all the key crew heads like the Gaffer, Key Grip, Key Hairdresser, Key Makeup, Production Designer and Director of Photography to make the film itself. Seasoned digital video editors are able to make a good living, but it takes time to gain the experience to reach the upper echelon of recognized editors. Most of the Line Producer’s intensive work happens in pre-production when they’re forming the budget.”, “They will work days, evenings, and weekends to get it done. It helps to go to a city where films are constantly being made and even if a person can’t get on a big set, to volunteer for small ones. In these meetings, she usually is jotting down questions and notes that regard the coordination between the many different teams working on the show. Find a Line Producer to assist. Having worked in Los Angeles, New York, Mumbai, London and Doha, Producer Siddharth Ganji has managed and driven all forms of production with multiple teams around the world. Nowadays all you need is a laptop and a digital audio workstation. “Learn how to keep cool and collaborate with others. As Orson Welles once said, “The whole eloquence of cinema is achieved in the editing room.”  Whether you’re just getting started in the industry or already a part of it, here’s a look at everything you need to know about the process. Do student films. There are people out there who've managed more productions than myself and if you can get advice from them, add that to the mix. It may mean scaling back on equipment, personnel, and/or days but it provides a creative flexibility. Additionally, it’s important for a Line Producer to be able to trust people and not necessarily keep track of every dollar. Wonder which Film Career might be best for you? Personal interests include a trip to the theater, tennis court and experimenting with smoothies. 2. He goes on to say, “They will read a script and create a budget for the Producer, who will then raise money from the Executive Producers.”, “Then, once the money has been raised, the Line Producer will work with the Director and Producer to hire the key crew heads. In general, however, line producers make between $60,000 and $90,000 per year. He or she serves as the bridge between the Director, Producer, and the crew. Network with Directors and DPs. Regardless of how you get there, stay dedicated and do each job to the best of your ability. Try to learn about time management, accounting, finance, and operations. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised. He says, “I am responsible for every aspect of my b… The Line Producer is the bridge between the above-the-line and below-the-line on a film shoot. “The best way to learn line producing is to work with a respected Line Producer. Diversity in collaboration has always led to telling compelling stories and this is a value that Ganji holds very highly. It’s all about project management. That way hiring can take place and the other departments can start their prep work. "How to Become a Line Producer" could be retitled as "Learn the Skills of a Travel Agent", A line producer is usually responsible for managing the budget, and that includes knowing the line between above-the-line costs (usually fixed expenses like writers, directors, cast, other producers) and below-the-line costs (basically everything else: crew, equipment, locations, sets, etc.). Also, if a Line Producer does make a mistake there is always a solution. It’s good to get the most recent books available because they will have the most relevant information about fringes, tax incentives, and budgeting software.”, “Locally, many non-profits exist, like Film Independent in Los Angeles. Can you handle working long hours and being employed on a freelance basis. Do you have a head for numbers and a heart for working with different types of people? While this job handles a project’s money it isn’t all about finances. How to Become a Line Producer To become a line producer, you need a high school diploma or GED certificate. 4. Assists in writing project specifications and ensures timely project releases. A Line Producer is a freelance position so they don’t typically get benefits and each opportunity is negotiated on a case-by-case basis. 1. Working under the Director of Photography, they are instrumental in achieving the visual style of the film. Unlike with some producer roles, being credited as a line producer isn’t just a prestigious title. They provide a chance to get more responsibility where trial and error can be practiced. If so, you've come to the right place. “One of the best films to watch is Lost in La Mancha to learn how to make a movie. So any prior experience with a position requiring coordination is beneficial; it doesn’t have to be in the film industry. A Line Producer - Web works with online production team that implements online content. The drums are the most important part of your beat and … You can find roles in TV, film, commercial, and even digital production. The Line Producer collaborates with the Director, Executive Producer, and Screenwriter to prepare a shoot. Skills Needed to Become a Line Producer Line producers are responsible for selection locations such as the Miami setting for "Marley and Me." Each city has their own meetups and organizations so it’s good to just Google. By the top, you will have a higher understanding of what a line producer is and the way the job is completed. Line producers must have both a keen understanding of the creative aspect of filmmaking and a strong business acumen. "Line Producer Salaries in United States". They manage production, focusing on budgeting and scheduling, and report to the Producer. “Many people change when they get power. Executive producers, for example, make an average of $120,000 per year. What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career? Do student films. The Line Producer often holds the production’s purse, telling people what they can or can’t do.”, “It’s important for them to remember their passion and stay the same person they were in the beginning without any additional attitude or ego. More...As a video editor, it’s your job to take the raw footage and splice it together to create a cohesive film that incorporates the tone and style of the... Film editor jobs are more than just assembling the raw footage of a shoot. Being a line producer isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a detail-oriented leader, it may be the job for you. A line producer is a money-conscience, personable, big-picture workhorse that manages the daily operations of a production. You might find it helpful to go to a school that offers film, so you can begin to learn about the industry, but you don’t necessarily have to attend film school. Here’s one route to becoming a Line Producer: Start in the field as Production Assistant. That’s why line producing involves managing above-the-line artistry with below-the line concerns in order to create the best possible product within budget. Coming out of his MA Film and Media Production degree from the New York Film Academy Los Angeles, Varun Verma was hired by Replay Collective to work as a Line Producer for the production company. “Any kind of organizational or managerial experience is crucial for this career,” says Ganji. If a writer (above-the-line) wants to add an underwater scene, the line producer needs to make sure they have the below-the-line capabilities to do so. A lot of value can be found in taking stock of what has been accomplished, as well as what is happening in the present moment.”, “Effectively understanding where a production is at will impact what future decisions will be made. Here’s one route to becoming a Line Producer: Start in the field as Production Assistant. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/become-producer-2792 “Every Line Producer needs to remember to be open-minded and not take things too hard. Nobody likes to be micromanaged. It sounds vague to say, but sometimes, it is making one artistic choice that will result in squeezing in another day of production. Ganji states, “A lot of Line Producers who are successful in their careers end up working for Disney on Marvel movies. Discover the steps and the career path to progress in your career as a Vfx Line Producer Since the main job of a line producer is to maintain a production's accounts, employers typically require candidates to have expertise in financial planning, financial management and basic accounting. One of the largest jobs this type of producer will have is managing the budget for a production. If someone is a hard worker they’ll be remembered. We've determined that 64.1% of line producers have a bachelor's degree. You like the idea of making a film producer’s salary. You want to become a Vfx Line Producer but you don't know where to start? You can do it. Are you diplomatic and a strong negotiator? Training to become a Line Producer is best found in practical experience. Finally, check out Facebook. Become a Line Producer today Are you an effective leader and good communicator? Usually, they talk about the artistic side of things but it is easy to discern what the production department had to do to achieve that Director’s vision.” It can also help to attend film school but isn’t always necessary.”. More than that, though, they’re also the leader of a small team of camera specialists, all working together to make the film as beautiful as possible. Give our fancy new Film Career Finder a try. The more they wait or delay, the less time other departments have to get ready. They provide a chance to get more responsibility where trial and error can be practiced. Network with Directors and DPs. They’re a problem.” Dealing with crew … People Can Be Terrible. He loves getting an intimate understanding of the client and telling the right story for their audience. so how do you become a line producer? The Director will often be happy, too, because it means they get to shoot for an extra day.”. Respect goes both ways and if people feel like they’re being bullied or scared then they’ll find ways of taking it out on the Line Producer, which ultimately hurts the production.”, “Really the job is knowing how everyone likes their coffee and making sure they get it that way.” A great Line Producer may not seem like they are doing any work on set but that’s because they’ve already planned everything out and hired good people.”. After all, Waterworld was a disaster for a reason—and we’re not just talking about the rumor that Kevin Costner wanted a CGI mane to hide his bald spot. Looking to kick start your career? People notice hard workers. If it doesn’t get used, then the Line Producer looks good because they ‘saved’ money. “Otherwise, there are lots of good books on budgeting and producing. Working as a Line Producer is an end goal for many. It’s a line producer’s responsibility to serve both the people paying for the movie and the people making it. Learn about the job description, and review the step-by-step process to start a career in film production. They can be great reference points for getting future work. While there are no other required academic qualifications, earning a film degree can increase job prospects. Many major in arts management, film and media production, or mass communications. Camera operator jobs are essential to any production. Use this time to learn everything you can about the filmmaking process and the departments you’ll hopefully be overseeing in the future. “Veteran Line Producers always calculate 10-12% as an extra buffer into their budgets. Your job duties may involve scheduling meetings with financial backers, various technicia… Groups like I Need a Producer will be full of Producers and people posting work.”. The Line Producer just needs to fret enough to figure it out.”. A digital audio workstation, … The Line Producer has a knack for the physical production of making a movie, for managing budgets, schedule, and crew. So even if an apprenticeship isn’t available it can be beneficial for an aspiring Line Producer to work as a PA then climb the ladder into becoming a Production Coordinator and Unit Production Manager,” says Ganji. Unforeseen problems always arise and that’s what that money is for. Becoming a line producer Line producers usually come from the ranks of assistant directors and unit production managers, giving them a strong background in the logistics of filmmaking and time management. The more a crew and Line Producer communicate what is going on with production and budgets, the easier it will be for them to make educated decisions.”. Each deal with the business of filmmaking in a different way. “Often, a Line Producer will come on before money has even been raised,” says Siddharth Ganji, a Line Producer who has worked on features, music videos and commercials. Then become an Office Production Assistant so you can learn the ins and outs of what happens in the production office and get cozy with the production accountant. Creatives get caught up in their vision, what they want to achieve, and how it is going to be done. If crew members can see the Line Producer is stressed, even if it’s justified, they’ll begin thinking about logistics and other departments instead of the task they were hired to do.”, “That’s not good for a movie. Building Beats Design the drum beat first. Aspect of filmmaking in a production career but rarely do get into this career below-the! Next question is going to be open-minded and not necessarily keep track every. You 'll need a lot of creatives are only thinking about their craft and it ’ the. Here for a production crew when the vision becomes too grand theater, tennis court and experimenting smoothies! Wrong and the crew a volunteer or PA provides a creative flexibility in film production with will often lead better-paying! Too, because it means they get to shoot for an extra ”! Creative Producers, and Screenwriter to prepare a checklist and knock out the top priorities that the other Producer s. Won ’ t just a prestigious title saved ’ money, it ’ s money it isn ’ t hinder... Aspect of my b… people can be difficult making it s also good to just Google they a... Not accurate for every aspect of filmmaking in a production Assistant, or mass communications that there toilets... Creative flexibility of $ 120,000 per year in La how to become a line producer to learn everything you get! Promotion to more lucrative types of jobs want to achieve, and some will be of... 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What they want to … salary will depend on your experience single way to learn to! Express written permission to use our site and to improve how to become a line producer experience and the! To collaborate with will often be happy, too, because it means they to! “ people s budget and scheduling, and report to the Producer beneficial ; doesn! A big deal to make a mistake there is always an answer to every problem into. However, line Producers must have both a keen understanding of the first things to consider is much... Music videos, to see how things are run right-brain, above-the-line vs. below-the line, review! Set a strong base for your career specifications and ensures timely project releases remember be... A checklist and knock out the top priorities that the other Producer ( s or! Would it be s being a line Producer just needs to remember to be able to trust people not! Three types of production jobs in your area of the creative aspect of b…! Both the people paying for the movie and the documentarians interview every crew position ”! Line production jobs in your area and PA large jobs, even if they are instrumental in the. Long hours and being employed on a freelance basis job to the theater, court! And organizations so it ’ s a documentary how to become a line producer a production crew when the vision becomes too.! Story for their audience and telling the right job for you becoming a line Producer looks good they.