Film industry question

[wdfifteen]

I see credits on films and TV shows for "producer" "executive producer" "associate producer" "first assistant associate producer" (OK the last one was my invention).

My question is: what are these jobs? There are some big names listed as "producer" on TV and films and then there are references on TV shows to the "producer" arranging for guest's appearances. Hard to believe Jerry Bruckheimer does the same job as the guy out looking for talent for the Late Show, but they're apparently both "producers."

[gordner]

Producers credits often go to the people that financed the film, I know that from working briefly in Vancouvers film industry.

[Hugh R]

Beats me and I work in the Industry.

Typically a lot of producers are investors in an independent film. In TV, a lot of them are writers, but maybe not on that episode. The Unit Production Manager (UPM) or sometimes called the Production Manager is the one who runs the day-to-day of the show. Some "Producers" will have a specific job like a producer on the movie "Ladder 49" his job was to get as much free fire truck equipment and as many off-duty firemen to bring their gear to the set and work for nothing or very, very little.

On a show like Jimmy Kimmel Live! a Segment Producer works with the writer's on a particular gag or skit, and acts as a Project Manager to budget, get approval, arrange for all parties involved, necessary permits/licenses/releases, etc.

[craigster59]

The producer title is often times given as an incentive/bonus to writers, UPM's, actors, directors, etc. It's an extra paycheck and also gets residuals (a declining paycheck everytime an episode is shown 'first run" and also paid whenever the show is 'packaged" and sold into syndication in the various markets (U.S., European, etc.). Also when a DVD package is released, they all get a piece of the pie.

As you can imagine, it can be extremely lucrative. For example, on "Friends", the principal actors were making $1 million an episode. At 22 episodes per season, that's $22 million a season. When the episode is rerun, the residual is 100% so they get another $22 mill. As it is shown again, packaged, resold, etc. the percentage dwindles until it is 0%.

I know actors who after 10 years of leaving a show, will get an envelope in the mail with 22 checks for, say $15.16.

Other times producer credits are given by a studio to someone who isn't presently "working", but was instrumental in a past hit show and they want to keep that person in their "stable".

Also, when I worked on E.R., the guy who directed the pilot episode Rod Holcomb, only directed 5 more episodes. But, since he directed the pilot he got a piece of every episode of the show that ran for 18 years, over 400 episodes.

Yeah, it's good to be "above the line".

[GH85Carrera]

Wow, ER was on for 18 years?

I never saw a single episode but I am not into soap operas.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Wow, ER was on for 18 years?

I never saw a single episode but I am not into soap operas.

I'm sorry, 15 seasons. It just seemed like 18.

[fxeditor]

In my experience Executive Producers are usually remarkably clueless but incredibly well connected people who's only job is to come in toward the end of a film's final editing/color session (known as DI) and make my life hell for a few days!

But seriously, sometimes they are actors that didn't actually act in the movie but had the clout to get the project produced. Sometimes they are studio execs (often from another studio!),the original creator of the media the movie is based on,or even a famous colorist who won't color a feature unless he gets a EP credit! All people who are getting a nice chunk of the money off these movies that never seem to make a profit! It's a nice racket if you can get into it.

Michael

[onlycafe]

do they need a cook?

[Rusty914s]

My neighbor has under 100 features and is now on his first TV series.

As I understand it, Hugh R. is correct. The rest of the answers are amusing but...

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by Rusty914s

My neighbor has under 100 features and is now on his first TV series.

As I understand it, Hugh R. is correct. The rest of the answers are amusing but...

You must live in a nice neighborhood. Hollywood is politics, plain and simple. Finding your next job/ project is like running for Congress, you're shaking hands and kissing babies. It's like being in a Beauty Pageant, except Miss Congeniality is the top prize.

You can be good, no, great at your job but the industry is now run by young accountants, not artists. That's why you see the rehashed crap that they call movies. Very little new ideas and innovation (except from the fringe countries/ foreign films). The guys can read a spreadsheet, but they can't read a call sheet.

[Rusty914s]

I do but I'm in RE development so it's like a car guy that's in the car business and drives a nice car...

I meant to say that my neighbor has over 100 features, not under He also won the Oscar for best picture which a nice one to have...

Originally Posted by craigster59

You must live in a nice neighborhood. Hollywood is politics, plain and simple. Finding your next job/ project is like running for Congress, you're shaking hands and kissing babies. It's like being in a Beauty Pageant, except Miss Congeniality is the top prize.

You can be good, no, great at your job but the industry is now run by young accountants, not artists. That's why you see the rehashed crap that they call movies. Very little new ideas and innovation (except from the fringe countries/ foreign films). The guys can read a spreadsheet, but they can't read a call sheet.

[slakjaw]

I recently got a gig as a second AC for an short film in Minneapolis. Pay is zero but it still beats working for the phone company

[Hugh R]

OK, I'll bite, what is a 2nd AC? Assistant Cameramen, focus puller, film loader? Why does zero pay beat anything else? If so wake up and smell the burnt toast.

[slakjaw]

Assistant cameraman. I was being sarcastic I guess I'm excited to do it because I want to work in the film industry. Someday. So I can work nights at the phone company for a couple of weeks and help out on the short during the day. Hopefully learn a few things.

[URY914]

Here's another question:

When a movie is shown on TV, it appear they MUST show the credits rolling at the end even if it is compressed to 1/4 the size of the screen. What is up with that? Some Hollywood law?

[M.D. Holloway]

The Producers...funny musical

[URY914]

Originally Posted by URY914

Here's another question:

When a movie is shown on TV, it appear they MUST show the credits rolling at the end even if it is compressed to 1/4 the size of the screen. What is up with that? Some Hollywood law?

BUMP

Anyone?

[slakjaw]

I will take a guess. copyright... I think it's required they list songs played in the credits for instance. I'm also guessing the broadcast company probably has to ask permission to do stuff like change aspect ratio cut some scenes and stuff like that.

Not much of an answer but here a bump for you.

[TGTIW]

Credits? Yes copyright, but more so Union and Guild rules.

[Hugh R]

Its in the Screen Actor's Guild and other union contracts, but it doesn't say anything about the speed they roll the credits.