Producers are expected to have a broad set of skills relevant to all phases of the production, creativity in storytelling and knowledge of the industry. Similar to most jobs, skills such as communication and organisation is key. However, producers must ensure they take this further as the whole production and production team is under their responsibility and their leadership should be both effective as well as driving passion and creativity.
My interest is toward film/TV production, these are a brief overview of the skills and expertise needed to be a successful producer:
Logistical – schedules, equipment, staff
Expenditure – budget, finance
Creativity – storytelling, artistic process, ability to work under pressure/to a time frame
Understanding of the entire process – marketing, development of music/script, pre/post-production, editing, craft, technicalities, health and safety
Communication – interpersonal skills, negotiation, connections in industry, decision making, problem solving
An interesting website explaining this further is: https://www.screenskills.com/education-training/careers-information/job-profiles/content-creation/producer/
My current favourite TV producer is Michael Schur (founder of Fremulon®). Some of my favourite TV shows, for example Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The US Office, Parks and Recreation and The Good Place were either produced, written or created by Schur. These shows are full of witty humour, relatable situations with characters that I often find remind me of people I know in their mannerisms. Cameron Williams, a journalist for Vice says, “While each is unique, they share a core interest in portraying everyday interactions. The producer and writer is a master at capturing the oddities of the workplace, and how we bond with strangers we’ve been randomly grouped with and asked to treat in a “professional” manner, whatever that means.”¹ Schur knows how to make his audience laugh, relate and form connections with his shows. This proves in the long running productions he was involved with, such as writing and producing SNL from 1997-2004 and The US Office from 2005-2013.²
In Schur’s interviews he often talks about his journey to success. His attitude toward his talent is laid back, obviously it comes very naturally which also proves in his brilliant TV shows. He often talks about learning from the best, “…the only real way you can learn how to write and produce TV is by watching people who are better than you do it.” and “you just hang out with people who are good at it and learn everything that they do…it comes from kind of grinding it out day after day after day with people who know what they’re doing.”³
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