"The Business of Producing"...
The film business is eighty percent (80%) business and twenty percent (20%) creative. The title "Producer" can be confusingly vague, yet they tend to play an important role in securing a project's deal and subsequently getting that project through the production stage. While there are various types of producers (line producer, executive producer, associate producer) etc., we will focus on the simple yet complex "producer" role in regards to film.

Film producers are key cogs in the initial stages of finding a viable script, developing a business and marketing plan, negotiating a deal and putting together a team. First and foremost the team should consist of a good attorney and accountant. Other team members, such as an agent, usually come along after proven success. They want to make sure you can make money for them as well. While it has been proven that you do not have to live in Los Angeles or New York to get a film deal, it is vitally important to build a team of persons who have relationships with persons who have decision making power in those cities. Upon what can sometimes be years of shopping and negotiating a deal with investors, studios and distribution outlets, the Producer them becomes the conductor of putting together a production team.

Hollywood is a business centered on making money through entertainment. All of those involved in the movie making business should keep this top of mind. A project may be one of the best ever conceived, but if it doesn't have wide audience appeal and a potential to garner attention of studio executives, your great idea will sit on a shelf. Here are some key suggestions: be open to negotiation, be able to walk away from a deal, keep the rights, keep your integrity, don't promise what you cannot deliver and always pay attention to the details.

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