What Does A Documentary Film Producer Do?
A documentary film begins and ends with the producer. In essence, the producer in a documentary film must be available from the start to its end. He’ll arrange for all the elements needed, catalyze the process, the production cycle, the release, and marketing strategies. As the driver, the producer interacts with all elements of the documentary film from the inception of the concept to the time when it hits the silver screen.
Here are the ten key things that a documentary film producer does.
1.Developing the story
It is the documentary film producer who advances the literary property needed to begin the project. They’ll look for a story either real or imaginary that is fresh and interesting for the targeted audiences. After facilitating the writing of the script, the producer will get a suitable director to bring the literary idea to life.
2. Securing the rights
The documentary film producer may choose to buy the script. They’ll work to secure the necessary production rights to avoid any legal battles that may come if this isn’t done within the required procedures and protocols.
3. Shaping the idea into a viable documentary film
After grabbing the documentary film idea, the producer will convert it into a concept that is viable for the film. He will work with writers for rewrites and script development. Here, the producer acts as the quality controller.
4. Sourcing funds
The most important role of the producer is to solicit for funds to keep the film on the move. They’ll approach studies and investors to raise the moneys needed to make the idea into a film. This explains why most producers are vastly connected in the filming industry.
5. Hiring the director
The director will recommend, vet and hire a director to run the documentary film. It is here that the producer hands over the wheel and takes the backseat in the production process.
6.Adopting a cast
Here, the producer co-works with the director to ensure that the cast meets the initial filming idea. Remember that the producer is the person controlling the resources. They’ll have a great say in determining the cast.
7. Managing the production process
The producer develops a detailed production budget and schedule for the crew and director to adhere to. They’ll walk around the entire production period just to ensure that everything is running as it was originally planned.
8.Overseeing the posting
This comes after or towards the end of the production process. Here, the producer finds a good editor to arrange and compile the work. They’ll check the budgets, schedules and any concerns raised on the plot.
9. Marketing the film
The producer must ensure that the film produces the desired monetary yields by working with the marketing team to promote and sell the final product. The producer tales the film as a product to sell by working with the marketing team to present a strategy that will build a hype and audiences.
10. Negotiating distribution rights
The producer negotiates the film’s distribution rights and a proper release plan. they’ll work with investors, stars with stake and the director to determine how the final material will produce to its greatest potential.
