What is an Executive Producer?
Intro
Every wondered what an executive (exec) producer actually is? It’s one of the best known, and least understood roles in the film industry. An exec producer is many things and for different films it can mean completely different things. From investor and production owner to experienced production hand, the only thing you can say for sure is that the exec producer is almost always the big boss. In this blog we’ll cover everything you need to know about what an exec producer is and what they do.
What’s in this blog?
What is an Executive Producer?
An Executive Producer (EP), or Exec Producer, is a senior-level producer who typically oversees multiple aspects of a film or television project. Unlike other producers who might focus on day-to-day operations, the EP is often more involved in the financial and business sides of the production. They ensure that the project aligns with the broader strategic goals of the production company or studio.
Credit: CBC Arts
Key Skills of an Executive Producer
Leadership: Executive Producers must lead and inspire teams, making high-level decisions that guide the direction of the project.
Financial Acumen: They are responsible for budgeting and financial planning, ensuring that the project stays within financial constraints.
Negotiation: EPs often negotiate contracts with key talent, distributors, and other stakeholders.
Creative Vision: While not always involved in the nitty-gritty of day-to-day production, EPs must have a strong sense of the creative direction and overall vision of the project.
Problem-Solving: They must address and resolve major issues that arise during production, ensuring that the project remains on track.
What does an Executive Producer do?
An Executive Producer (EP) oversees the entire production process of a film or TV project. In pre-production, they greenlight projects, secure funding, hire key crew, and negotiate contracts. During production, EPs monitor progress, provide creative input, and manage the budget. In post-production, they review final cuts, develop marketing strategies, and oversee festival submissions and awards. Their role ensures the project meets its creative and financial goals.
1) Pre-Production
Project Greenlighting: EPs often have the final say in whether a project goes into production.
Funding: They secure the necessary funding through investors, studios, or production companies.
Assembling Key Crew: EPs play a crucial role in hiring the director, lead actors, and other key personnel.
Contracts and Agreements: They negotiate contracts with talent, crew, and other stakeholders to ensure that everyone’s interests are aligned.
2) Production
Oversight: While day-to-day operations are typically handled by line producers and other production staff, EPs monitor the overall progress and intervene when necessary.
Creative Input: They provide feedback and guidance on major creative decisions, ensuring that the project remains true to its vision.
Budget Management: EPs keep an eye on the budget, making adjustments as needed to avoid overspending.
3) Post-Production
Review and Approval: EPs review the final cuts of the project, providing feedback and approving the final version.
Marketing and Distribution: They work with marketing teams to develop strategies for promoting the project and ensure it reaches its target audience.
Festival Submissions and Awards: EPs often oversee the submission of the project to film festivals and awards bodies to gain recognition and accolades.
How much do Executive Producers get paid?
Executive Producers (EPs) in the film and television industry are traditionally not paid like other members of crew. From profit shares and bonuses to locked salaries of up to £400,000 per box set season. An Exec Producer’s salary is based on several factors, including the project's budget, their experience, and the specific type of production. Here’s a detailed look into the different models of payment and examples of how various EPs are compensated:
Average Salary of an executive producer:
Film Industry: Executive producers in the film industry can earn anywhere from £70,000 to well over £1 million per project. The substantial variation depends on the film's budget and the EP's role in securing financing and overseeing the project (Yellowbrick) (Backstage).
Television Industry: For television, EPs typically earn between £100,000 and £400,000 per season. On popular or high-budget shows, their income can be significantly higher, sometimes earning between £35,000 and £110,000 per episode (Yellowbrick) (Backstage).
Payment models for an Executive Producer:
Fixed Salary: Some executive producers are paid a fixed salary, especially those working on television series where they are paid per season or per episode.
Profit Sharing: Many EPs negotiate profit-sharing deals, where they receive a percentage of the film's profits, both from box office receipts and subsequent sales or streaming revenue.
Project-Based Fees: EPs often negotiate fees on a per-project basis. This fee can be substantial, particularly for large-scale productions where the EP’s reputation and connections play a crucial role in securing financing and distribution deals (Backstage).
Examples of Executive Producers and Their Compensation
Jerry Bruckheimer: Known for blockbuster hits like "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Top Gun," Bruckheimer’s films have grossed tens of billions of dollars. His earnings often come from a combination of fixed fees and profit-sharing agreements, making him one of the highest-paid producers in Hollywood.
Kevin Feige: As the president of Marvel Studios, Feige oversees the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His compensation includes a high fixed salary and substantial bonuses tied to the box office performance of Marvel films, many of which gross over £1 billion globally.
Kathleen Kennedy: The president of Lucasfilm and producer of the Star Wars franchise, Kennedy's salary reflects her senior role and the enormous success of the films she oversees. Like other top-tier EPs, her compensation includes profit-sharing and bonuses based on box office performance (Backstage).
How to become an Executive Producer?
Networking is crucial for aspiring Executive Producers. Attending Producers Guild of Great Britain (PGGB) events and BAFTA-organized gatherings offers valuable connections and workshops. Major film festivals like the BFI London Film Festival and Edinburgh International Film Festival also provide excellent networking opportunities. Gaining experience through producing short films builds a portfolio and practical skills. Working as a production assistant or in other supportive roles on larger projects offers insights and connections. Developing pitching and funding skills is essential for advancing in this role.
Networking Events for Executive Producers:
Producers Guild of Great Britain (PGGB) Events: These events offer networking opportunities and workshops to connect with other industry professionals.
BAFTA Events: Engaging in BAFTA-organized events can help aspiring EPs meet industry peers and expand their professional network.
Film Festivals: Attending major film festivals like the BFI London Film Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival can provide valuable networking opportunities.
Our experience of working with an Executive Producer
As a video production and documentary video production company in the UK we’ve worked with crews of all shapes and sizes. Working with an executive producer is no different. In a recent documentary we produced for the BBC we worked directly with an executive producer called Samantha Smith to help us get the project over the line.
The executive producer’s role on our BBC documentary production was multifaceted:
They helped us develop our pitch before putting it in front of the BBC commissioner.
They pitched the production themselves to the BBC through their contacts.
They helped us develop the script and production plan.
They critiqued the initial rough cut of the production before sending it to the client.
Final Thoughts
The role of an Executive Producer is both challenging and rewarding, requiring a blend of creative vision, financial acumen, and leadership skills. By overseeing the production from its inception to its release, EPs ensure that the project not only meets its creative goals but also achieves commercial success. For those looking to break into this prestigious role, building a strong network, gaining varied experience, and continuously honing their skills are key steps on the path to becoming an influential Executive Producer in the film and television industry.
