What Does a Producer Do? 10 Types of Producers & Their Roles
Image via: Noble Bison Productions
Date: 7/25/25
A producer’s job spans every phase of the production process. And if you’re planning for a smooth video shoot or film project, it’ll be essential to know what a producer does and the different types of producers involved in various productions. That way, you understand the level of support and value your particular production needs.
Below, we’ll break down a producer’s core responsibilities and roles throughout the production process and discuss different types of producers in the industry. By the end, you’ll know how producers keep projects on track and deliver polished final products.
What Does a Producer Do in Video Production?
Producers oversee both creative and logistical elements of the video or filmmaking process, guiding a project from pre-production through post-production. At its core, a producer manages the people, processes, and finances that transform a concept into a polished final deliverable, be it a motion picture, television advertisement, documentary, or another form of media.
Since producers are involved from start to finish, their responsibilities shift through each stage of a production. And depending on the size of the production, there may be a handful of producer types to handle various parts of the project. Here are different ways producers provide their expertise in each stage of production:
PRE-PRODUCTION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Producers begin by refining the script or screenplay, shaping the story, aligning creative decisions with client goals, and confirming that the script fits the production schedule.
In larger and more creative productions, producers secure funding (often pitching to financiers, distributors, or leveraging the PGA network), with co-producers sharing financing duties or targeting specific territories, such as Los Angeles or New York investors.
Next, producers help assemble the production crew and creative teams (director, cinematographer, production manager, department heads below the line) and negotiate contracts, coordinating with unions as needed.
Finally, producers help build the production schedule, scheduling location scouts, casting, equipment rentals, and rehearsals, while a line producer breaks down the budget, estimating costs for crew, gear, locations, VFX vendors, and post-production.
PRODUCTION RESPONSIBILITIES:
On set, producers work alongside the director and 1st AD. While the 1st AD manages daily operations (call sheets, safety protocols, shooting logistics), the producer addresses any higher-level issues: late talent, missing permits, or last-minute VFX needs.
The line producer tracks daily expenditures against budget, reallocating funds or finding cost savings (like negotiating equipment rental rates). Associate producers handle hands-on tasks, coordinating digital file transfers to post, managing the PA and craft services schedules, to keep the production running smoothly.
POST-PRODUCTION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Once production wraps, producers transition into post-production oversight. They ensure editors, sound mixers, colorists, and visual effects teams have what they need and are on track with deadlines.
For major TV or film productions, producers will coordinate with distributors to ensure delivery formats and deadlines are met. This could include a theatrical release, a streaming platform, network television, or independent festival screenings.
Through every stage, producers steer logistics to deliver a final product that aligns with both creative intent and practical constraints. It’s no easy feat. But that’s why, as the size of a production grows, so does the need for more than one producer role. Next, we’ll explore the types of producers and the specific duties delegated across each position.
10 Types of Producers in TV, Film, & Video Production
Noble Bison Productions production crew behind the scenes on set
There isn’t a single “producer” title; surprisingly, the titles “TV Producer” or “Movie Producer” often break down into multiple roles. A successful production process relies on different producer roles to handle specific responsibilities. Below are the most common types, along with examples of core responsibilities that a particular producer role handles.
1. Executive Producer (EP)
In high-level productions, the executive producer typically secures funding and distributor relationships. They may be studio executives in the film industry or financiers in Los Angeles or New York who back the project. In commercial work, an EP might be the person who brings a major client or brand on board. They set overall objectives, review high-level budgets, make creative decisions, and approve the final delivery.
At Noble Bison Productions, our Executive Producer, Tim Hull, secures locations, acquires permits, manages budget priorities, and works closely with clients to ensure each project aligns with their brand vision and budget.
2. Creative Producer
Creative producers focus on story development and the overall creative process. They work closely with the screenwriting team to refine the screenplay, maintain narrative consistency, and develop a cohesive visual approach.
In a documentary, the creative producer might research subjects, set up interviews, and oversee logistical details that influence the shoot’s tone. This role ensures the final cut reflects the intended message and creative vision.
3. Line Producer
A line producer manages the day-to-day budget and production schedule. They break down the screenplay into cost line items—crew salaries, equipment rentals, location fees, post-production services, and visual effects.
During production, they oversee daily expenditures and ensure shooting days start and end on time. If a shoot requires specialized VFX post-production or an unexpected location change, the line producer finds cost-effective solutions to keep the project on schedule.
4. Field Producer
A field producer manages on-location shoots. They coordinate all the logistics of securing permits and liaising with local contacts. For example, if you decide to film a short film in the Rocky Mountains, a field producer may be hired to arrange drone permits, book local guides, and ensure the crew’s safety in changing weather conditions.
5. Associate Producer (AP)
An associate producer handles delegated tasks from senior producers. In branded videos or documentaries, an AP might coordinate the delivery of camera files to post-production, manage social media assets, or handle talent releases and clearances. They often bridge the gap between the producer’s office and the production team, tracking deadlines for post-production deliverables or ensuring the production assistant has the correct call sheet each morning.
6. Segment Producer
Found in longer-form series, a segment producer oversees specific episodes or topics within a larger production. Each segment producer organizes research, scheduling, on-location shoots, and edits for their designated section. This division of labor makes large film production or multi-segment TV programs more manageable.
7. Supervising Producer
Common in TV show production, a supervising producer oversees multiple aspects of a series—story arcs, script revisions, editing, and post-production. They coordinate with the showrunner, writers, and directors to maintain consistency across episodes. A supervising producer might oversee VFX budgets for a sci-fi series or ensure each episode meets network standards before delivery.
8. Co-Producer
A co-producer shares production responsibilities and may contribute funding, creative input, or distribution connections. In larger studios, co-producers often split responsibilities with the producer, focusing on specific production areas, such as VFX, music licensing, or securing talent.
9. Assistant Producer (AP)
Different from an associate producer, an assistant producer typically assists producers on set, conducts research, and helps maintain production archives. They also help coordinate post-production screening schedules or manage production insurance documents.
10. Production Manager
While not always labeled “producer,” production managers handle many day-to-day operations alongside line producers. They draft call sheets, manage equipment rentals, and resolve scheduling conflicts. In a TV advert production, they coordinate quick turnarounds, ensuring that post-production deadlines align with marketing release dates.
Each type of producer contributes to the larger goal: guiding the production process, ensuring that development through post-production runs smoothly, and that the final product meets industry standards.
What Makes An Effective Producer? Top Skills and Traits
Noble Bison Productions crew on set
Producers of any type are multifaceted, with a blend of soft skills, technical know-how, and resilience. Below are several traits that distinguish top producers from merely good ones in the entertainment industry.
Organization and Time Management
Communication & Diplomacy
Budgeting and Financial Acumen
Problem-Solving Skills
Creative Judgment
The top producers excel at time management and organization, often working with scheduling tools, creating detailed call sheets, and planning ahead — a missed deadline can cascade into costly reshoots. Furthermore, they’re able to effectively communicate complex schedules, creative concepts, and expectations.
The best producers foster a collaborative environment where departments work together, from crew to executive leadership. Speaking with clients, department heads, and vendors requires clear communication to prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary added costs.
Translating creative feedback from executives and financiers into actionable tasks is another key skillset. Balancing creative vision with practical constraints requires diplomacy and tact. For example, if a client requests a “more dynamic shot with VFX,” the producer works with the cinematographer and post-production team to adjust the shooting script or VFX budget accordingly.
Producers also have a creative eye of their own. While they don’t operate the camera themselves, they know when a scene isn’t working and can suggest alternatives. They advise on shot selection and evaluate rough cuts. In a dramatic feature film (perhaps a project aspiring to Spielberg-level), a producer might recommend cutting a lengthy dialogue sequence to maintain narrative momentum.
Producers know how and where to allocate funds for the production and closely track expenditures to immediately flag cost overruns. They’ll usually maintain line-item lists of expenses, including crew rates, equipment rentals, location fees and permits, travel, catering costs, and much more. These budgeting skills are sharpened over time and with experience in the industry. An experienced producer knows how to identify cost-saving opportunities and negotiate rates within industry standards.
The filmmaking process rarely proceeds exactly as planned. Weather shifts, equipment malfunctions, and last-minute talent changes are common. Effective producers stay calm under pressure, offer practical solutions, and manage day-to-day operations with ease by navigating disruptions effectively.
From Vision to Screen, Producers Guarantee Your Success
Producers are the backbone of every video and film project—whether that project is a Hollywood feature film, an indie documentary, a scripted TV show, or a corporate brand video. They shape a creative vision into a practical roadmap, balance budgets against artistic goals, and serve as the central point of communication throughout the production process. A strong production hierarchy not only reduces risk and stress but also ensures a polished final product.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, a producer supports each stage of the production process to reduce risks of wasted time and budgets. Small projects will benefit from their planning and coordination that comes from their broad experience, which includes negotiating fair rates, secure required permits, and keeping shoots on schedule. Without a producer, teams risk miscommunication, overspending, and last-minute delays.
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Ideally, bring a producer on board before pre-production begins—when you’re still ironing out the screenplay or creative vision. Early involvement allows them to scout locations, estimate budgets, and advise on creative feasibility.
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Technically, yes, but it’s not ideal. Combining these roles will likely create conflicts of interest or overload, as each demands significant time and focus. A dedicated 1st AD lets the producer focus on higher-level concerns.
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No, producers come from diverse backgrounds. Some do come out of film school programs (such as USC, NYU, and AFI), but others get hands-on experience as production assistants, and prior roles in development and acquisitions.
Some film producers begin as line producers or production managers, working “below the line” on set before moving into full producer roles.
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A producer oversees the entire project from concept to delivery, handling budgets, contracts, client communication, and high-level problem solving.
The role of a 1st Assistant Director (1st AD), by contrast, manages on-set operations. They create detailed shooting schedules, issue daily call sheets, coordinate cast and crew movements, enforce safety protocols, and run the set, ensuring the director can focus purely on creative decisions.
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Co-producers share production responsibilities and may handle specific areas, like VFX, music licensing, or international distribution rights. A supervising producer is often found on TV series or longer form content, and oversees multiple aspects of a show, from story arcs and script revisions to editing and post-production, ensuring consistency across episodes.
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An executive producer typically secures funding, aligns with distributors or financiers, and makes high-level creative decisions. A line producer manages the day-to-day budget, hiring, and scheduling. In a branded TV advert, the EP might be a senior marketing executive or even a screenwriter with financing backing, while the line producer oversees actual shoot logistics.
Looking for a video production company with a trusted producer? Reach out!
Noble Bison Productions guarantees expertise and professionalism at every stage. We offer clients smoother shoots with transparent budgets and high-quality final videos that you’re proud to share!
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