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How to go from a 16-year-old production assistant to opening your own multi million-dollar creative studio in 4 years: I started working as a production assistant at age 16, but I always knew I wanted to be a producer. So I had to start working my way up … from the very bottom. The first thing I did? Start turning down jobs as a production assistant and look for gigs that would get me to the next level. At this point, that meant hunting for “production coordinator” jobs. So I became a production coordinator. After being a production coordinator, I knew I needed to get into production managing. So I became a production manager. From there, I focused on getting into “line producing”— the next step up. Again, I turned down the stability of production managing jobs whenever possible, giving me the capacity to accept more line-producing work. So I became a line producer. This process repeated over the years — work hard to prove myself and then take the leap to get to the next level. And finally, at the age of 20, I started my own creative studio, SixTwentySix. Through every transition, from one role to the next, I consciously took the risk of losing work to make space for what I really wanted. I’ll be honest, it was a pretty uncomfortable place to be. But so many of the founders I look up to have said the same thing: Want to accelerate your own growth? Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

Chances are you are hiring production professionals who are faking it. This is just facts. Most up and coming in the regional markets weren't trained, weren't brought up on set, or in a production office. Production isn't easy... well unless your creative is weak and you have a big budget, then its impossible not to screw it up. And many have figured out, hire a good DP, say yes to everything and "you too can be an exec producer or even a director!" I'll leave you with this. In Wherespot FB group this past week this was a post: A client wants to hire me to produce a few commercial spots in Houston. The project requires Talent, Director, DP, key grip with gear, and multiple locations, so maybe a location scout. So my question is, what is the person called to put all these pieces together? Would that be the Production Manager? I am looking for a person in Houston who can help me put all these assets together and give me price points for these individuals. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Sigh... this was not satire. This person was being hired to "produce" for a client, and literally asked for help "producing" the job without knowing what he was being asked to do or how.

“What even is a Producer??” The number of times I get this question is astounding, especially when it’s asked by people in the entertainment industry. In conversation, I try to explain using examples from daily life, but often my audience gets lost. Frankly, the answer isn’t all that simple. I’ve found that for every project, every studio, and every producer themselves have a different definition of what the role of “Producer” looks like. For some projects, the clearly defined ‘Line Producer’ is the person who “handles the money,” while in other spaces, like my most recent contract at King Studio, I found this title to be a little more flexible. As a ‘Creative Producer’ at King Studio, I wrote, pitched, developed, ideated, budgeted, hired, planned, managed, coordinated, directed, and wrapped projects. This workload isn’t universal to a Producer’s role; at a smaller studio, the title of ‘Producer’ can be pretty broad. Generally, Producers are go-getters and, at times, jack-of-all-trades. Sounds stressful? It can be, but Producers find joy and order in that chaos. Ideally, the Producer is the engine for the ship that is the project. Sure, you have the captain (director) and the crew, but having a Producer do a lot of the grueling (and maybe heavy?) lifting down below is essential to its success. If you are a Creative, especially one who is struggling to finish projects alone, you need to hire a Producer. Even if this person isn’t skilled in the task at hand, they will hire, resource, or simply grind their way into getting that task done. So next time someone asks you what a Producer is, feel free to try and explain. Or simply say: “They’re the magic behind the mayhem.” #Producer #Creative #Production #CreativeProducer #YouTube #CreativeIdeation #Producing #Filmmaking

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What Does a Production Assistant Do? https://ift.tt/dSzW7EG So you want to get into the film business, but have no idea where to start. Well, many people start as production assistants. They can be the first job you get, and they're a position where you don't need much experience to start. But what exactly do production assistants do? And how much can you expect to make? Today, I want to go over the job of the production assistant and talk about how important they are on set and how valuable your time working as one can be if you can get your foot in the door. And if you have other questions about film crew jobs, check out our breakdown of every job on set. Ready? Let's jump in. 'Wonder Woman' behind the scenes Credit: Warner Bros. What Does a Production Assistant Do? And How Much Do Production Assistants Make? Hollywood is full of jobs that people outside the industry have never thought about. But to make movies and TV shows, hundreds if not thousands of people have to be employed. The very lowest on the totem pole is the humble production assistant, or PA. Without them, nothing would ever happen. What Is a Production Assistant? A production assistant, also known as a PA, is a member of the crew on a film and TV show. They are entry-level jobs on set, reserved for people who are breaking into the industry. The job of a PA is different based on the specific needs of the set and the size of the production. It also matters whether or not the production you're on is union or not, because the union can guarantee you more pay and better-defined roles. There are times when specific PAs are attached to the filmmaker or actors and help them out as individuals as well. 'Fatherhood' Credit: Netflix What Does a Production Assistant Do on Set? Your job as a PA will vary depending on the size of the budget as well as your relative experience on set. More experienced production assistants might be helping the director or writer exclusively. Someone new might stand at the end of a road and make sure no one drives down it. The basic job each PA has, no matter how experienced, is to help the 1st Assistant Director make sure that the production has everything it needs. That means you'll be doing tasks for pretty much every department. It's difficult to say exactly what you can expect to do on any given day, but suffice it to say you'll be doing everything and anything the 1st AD asks of you, whether that's moving things from point A to point B, wrangling cords, grabbing coffee, or setting up props. If you're unsure how you should prepare for the job, check out these dozens of tips on how to prepare for your first PA gig. What Are the Production Assistant Hours on Set? PAs work very long hours. Their shifts are usually 12 hours but can go upwards of 16 hours, thanks to overtime. There are specific laws concerning how long you can work on set one day and what time you would have to report the next day. Make sure you learn what's legal i...

Producer Powerhouse: The Hierarchy Behind The Scenes‼️ By Syed Abu Turab ➖️➖️➖️ The world of media and film production is a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and… sometimes, confusion. Titles like "producer" can be an umbrella term, encompassing a variety of roles with distinct responsibilities. Let's break down the producer hierarchy and shed light on what truly happens on set. ▪️Executive Producer: The Money Mover (and More) Think of the Executive Producer (EP) as the project's financial backbone. They secure funding, oversee the big-picture vision, and liaise with distributors. EPs may delegate tasks but ultimately hold the purse strings and ensure the project's viability. ▪️Line Producer: The On-Set Orchestrator The Line Producer is the logistical maestro. They manage the day-to-day operations, budget, and shooting schedule. They directly oversee hiring crew members, securing locations, and ensuring a smooth filming process. ▪️Showrunner/ Supervising Producer: The Creative Captain (in television) In television, the Showrunner/Supervising Producer reigns supreme over the creative direction. They develop the show's concept, write scripts, oversee the writing team, and manage the overall creative vision throughout the season(s). ▪️Producer: The Glue That Holds It All Together The Producer, reporting to the Line Producer or Showrunner, handles a variety of tasks. They manage paperwork, supervise specific departments, and bridge communication between various crew members. Producers ensure everything runs efficiently and problems are addressed swiftly. ▪️Who Reports to Whom? A Hierarchy in Action Imagine this: The EP entrusts the Line Producer with the budget. The Showrunner guides the creative direction, and Producers report to either the Line Producer or Showrunner depending on the project structure. ▪️Beyond the Title: What Producers Actually Do So, what does a producer actually do on set? Their tasks can vary, but they might be: 1️⃣ Scouting locations 2️⃣ Creating call sheets (daily production schedules) 3️⃣ Managing crew logistics (travel, meals) 4️⃣ Handling talent relations 5️⃣ Problem-solving unexpected issues ▪️Understanding the Roles Breeds Success Clear communication and respect for each producer's role are paramount in media/film production. By recognizing these distinctions, aspiring professionals can navigate their careers effectively, and production companies can optimize workflows for a successful final product. ⚠️ Feel free to tag me with #asksyedabuturab or share your thoughts in the comments. Let's keep the conversation going and empower each other in the media landscape. Sharing this article fosters a more informed and collaborative industry! #awareness #spreadawareness #filmmaking #mediaindustry #televisionproduction #contentcreation #producerlife #showrunner #lineproducer #executiveproducer #careersinmedia #behindthescenes #artists #jobopportunities

I often get asked, “what does a producer do?”. It’s my favourite question as it opens a platform for a long conversation. On any given day a producer is: ✅ A project manager (the obvious) ✅ A CEO (managing a team of talented individuals working on solving a business problem within a set budget with the aim of delivering stellar service and making profit) ✅ An HR partner (looking for the best talent to execute the vision) ✅ An accountant (budgets, burns, reports, margins) ✅ An engineer (problem-solving and looking for solutions) ✅ A travel agent (we all did this at some point in our career, let’s be honest) ✅ A creative sparring partner ✅ A sales rep ✅ A business developer ✅ A strategist  ✅ A therapist ... This list can go on and on and on. So why am I sharing this? Two reasons: -> A kind reminder to respect your producer as they are likely doing their damn best for your vision and work to come true and succeed. -> If you ever wonder whether to hire a producer (for any role), you won’t find a more versatile, more curious, and fast learning individual out there. So go for it! What other 🎩 do fellow producers wear? Curious to hear your thoughts in the comments. #producer #producerlife #production