- Written By: R. Kayne
- Edited By: L. S. Wynn
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2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
An "executive producer" is someone who is either financing a film, or is representing a studio or party that is financing a film. Films can have multiple backers, and therefore more than one executive producer. Executive producers -- often referred to as "the suits" because of their formal attire -- may not have any movie-making experience at all.
When a studio invests in a motion picture and it assigns an executive to oversee the making of the film, this executive is given the title executive producer. But he or she doesn't have a specific job on the set. Instead her responsibility is to make sure that everyone else is doing their job -- that the project is on schedule and is not over budget. The executive producer protects the studio's investment by overseeing the project.
The executive producer will work closely with the director if any concerns arise. For example, if bad weather holds up filming, or an actor is injured -- if anything at all goes wrong that threatens the picture staying on budget or on schedule -- the executive producer will press for solutions.
Another role of executive producer is to make sure that as the film is being made as planned; they ensure that ad hoc changes do not inherently alter the original project the studio approved.
Sometimes viewed as an outsider or interloper, it is nevertheless the function of an executive producer to look over people's shoulders. Movies could not be made without financial backers, and executive producers play a credible role in protecting the investments of those backing the art of filmmaking.
There is an exception to the rule of executive producers being "outsiders." Sometimes an actor, director, or producer will financially invest in a film he or she is making. In this case the investor will carry the title of executive producer in addition to their normal credit of actor, director, etc.
Anyone with enough money to invest can become an executive producer. This title does not require experience of any kind, or input into the process.
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anon156252
Post 7 |
An executive producer means different things on different projects. An executive producer on a film is very different from one on a TV show. In movies, an executive producer is responsible for financing the production of a film - this does not necessarily mean they invest their own money. Usually, they find and negotiate the funding from one or more investors. This can be why you see a movie star credited this way, because they've helped convince investors to fund the film. There is no set percentage or fee for an executive producer; it's up to all the parties involved (executive producer, other producers, any investors, etc.) to negotiate a rate before any work is done. If the executive producer successfully raises all the investment and the film goes into production and is distributed, the executive producer (along with most of the above-the-line team and investors) participate (i.e. receive) any profits. If the film does not make any money, nobody owes anyone anything. Usually a production company or LLC is formed in order to protect any and all assets and people involved in the production of the film. So if I were making "Godfather 4," I would form a company with the other producers and investors called Godfather 4, LLC. And all profits and losses would be through that company. Nobody would 'owe' anybody anything. If Godfather 4 doesn't make any money, then the investment is considered a loss. |
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anon138796
Post 6 |
how much is the executive producer paid? What percentage of the budget does the executive producer receive? |
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anon120759
Post 5 |
My understanding is that sometimes an actor will be given an "Executive Producer" credit not because they contributed money but rather because they spend their free time on the set and help oversee production even when their character isn't in the scene. For example Kiefer Sutherland on 24 and Richard Dean Anderson on Stargate SG-1 have both received Exective Producer credits, but I don't think either of them has financially backed the show they're on. |
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anon50110
Post 4 |
I want to know what happens if a film don't sell. Does the producer owe the executive producers or is both their loss? |
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jsmmns
Post 3 |
I am new in this industry but given the title "Executive Producer" would carry I think, the same responsibilities as a "Music Producer". The "Music Producer" is responsible for gathering the musicians and charting all materials for the recording session along with scheduling the studio time. In my mind it only stand to reason that the Executive Producer is one who would act as a broker if you will, producing the monies needed to get the project completed and marketed, through pooling investors together. The fee of the Executive Producer varies per project. |
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aleem
Post 2 |
What percentage of the budget is the Executive Producer fee ?
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anon1489
Post 1 |
how much is the executive producer paid ie what percentage of the budget does the executive producer receive? |
