by Carol Basuru
The Executive Producer
- Is often the client initiating the media project.
- Provides the financing for the project or can generate financing.
- Approves each step of the pre-production, production & post production process.
- Signs off on the final budget. Will also oversee the distribution of the project.
The Producer
- Oversees the entire project from start to finish and is in direct contact with the client or executive producer
- Hires the writer and other Above the Line personnel. Oversees the writing of the script drafts
- Breaks down the script and generates the initial budget (additional budgets are usually generated by the Line Producer)
- Creates the initial production schedule (later schedules are generated by the Assistant Director)
- Manages legal issues such as obtaining rights for music, artwork, photos, etc. and oversees contractual agreements for cast, crew, locations, etc.
- Works closely with the Director to help realize the Director’s vision for the project, including conducting casting sessions, location scouting, etc.
The Director
- Interprets the script and has the overall vision of the project.
- Rehearses the actors/talent to get the best performance needed to tell the story
- Works with the Director of Photography (Cinematographer) to create the look to best serve the story and the characters. The look is actualized through shot selection, camera placement, movement and lighting.
- Works with the Production Designer to further actualize the vision by creating the environment of the story and characters.
- Sometimes works with the Writer to help develop the script
- Selects the cast, locations, special effects, music, etc. needed to tell the story.
The Writer
- Writes the script or screenplay for the project. Researches and creates the story and writes it in script format.
- Works with the Producer, and sometimes the Director, rewriting and developing the script. In TV dramas & comedies, the Writers are also the Producers of the show.
The Actor
- Reads the script, then interprets and performs the characters of the story.
- Rehearses with the Director to get the best performance possible to serve the story.
