What Does a Line Producer Do?
The line producer role in film and television production is a keystone hire. They are responsible for all logistics, crew, locations, equipment, and facilities hiring, and the successful production of the project. The line producer creates the film budget and schedule for the production, and ensures adherence to the approved costs.
To excel as a Line Producer, one must embody a blend of leadership and teamwork. Strong leadership skills are vital, but collaborating effectively within a team is equally crucial. When working on First Reformed, all of these attributes were required for a successful production.
The Line Producer Role in Film and Television
Here are the key qualities needed:
Leadership and Teamwork
Possess the ability to guide the team and work collaboratively to achieve common goals.
Negotiation Skills
A successful Line Producer must navigate negotiations skillfully, balancing budget constraints with creative demands.
Multitasking and Problem Solving
Juggling multiple responsibilities is standard, requiring a knack for resolving issues swiftly and efficiently.
Diplomacy
Handling diverse personalities and ensuring smooth communication calls for a diplomatic approach.
Adaptability in Emergencies
Quick thinking and adaptability in unexpected situations are essential to maintain project momentum.
Long Working Hours
Being prepared to work extended hours is part of the job, often necessary to meet tight deadlines.
Morale Management
Keeping the team motivated and maintaining high spirits on set is crucial for productivity.
Proactive Personality
A proactive, A-type personality is often required to thrive in the fast-paced environment of film production.
Each of these attribute plays a pivotal role in managing the complexities of production while ensuring a seamless workflow.
The Line Producer’s Management of the Film or TV Show Crew
Working with a film or tv series production crew, the producer manages all of the department heads, their individual departmental budgets, and execution of their responsibilities. Line producing requires extensive experience to make sure a production runs smoothly, with all the crew reporting to the line producer.
Additionally, they must work with the production accountant on a daily basis to monitor expenditure, “hot costs” – the daily cost run – and the cost to complete the production. The production office is the central core of the line producer’s world, with supporting crew being the production manager, the production coordinator as well as the post production coordinator.
Line Producer Responsibility for the Film or TV Budget
The line producer is responsible for both creating and balancing the budget of the film or television production. Expert planning and anticipation of any eventual conditions which may affect the shoot must be taken into consideration. This process begins with a script breakdown, scheduling of the filming, and the budgeting of development, prep, shoot, and post periods. Cast, producer, and director fees are also included in the budgeting process.
While they generally are a freelance employees, on some occasions they are in-house members of a production company. Trusted and proven, they work consistently, returning to work with the teams they perform well for.
How To Find A Line Producer
I’m often asked how to find a line producer by my industry colleagues. When I was an on-the-lot producer at Disney and Columbia Pictures producers would say “too bad you’re working I’d need a guy like you”.
Finding a good line producer or DGA UPM (I’m both of these as well as an executive producer and producer) is a matter of doing your research like any endeavor. A great source is IMDB as well as Mandy.com. Your local film commission is also a great way to find qualified crew in your area.
If you are in the position of being financed, you can approach Hollywood and New York talent agencies whom have BTL (below the line) rosters of working line producers. They will gladly send you a packet of resumes of available line producers.
If you are not financed, you will need to find a someone willing to work with you to get you there. If you can pay them weekly or on a retainer basis, all the better.
Line Producer Available For Hire
Line Producer Available for Film & Television Productions. Veteran Major Hollywood Studio & Indie Film and TV Producer Jack Binder (‘First Reformed’, ‘Reign Over Me’, ‘The Upside of Anger’, The Mind of the Married Man) is currently available for hire for film and television work. Full Line Producer & Producer Credits are Here. You can contact Jack via this contact page
Major Hollywood Studios, Mini-Majors & Independent Production Companies
Jack Binder has built a 25 year career producing and line producing for the majors, minis and indie film and tv production companies based upon integrity, attention to detail and dependability. These are the critical elements of a line producer from film budgeting to production management.
Binder has worked with The Walt Disney Studios as on on-the-lot producer, Columbia Pictures (also on-the-lot), New Line Cinema, 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate Films, HBO amongst many others. Complete reliability is Jack’s hallmark, creating peace of mind for all involved in the production at hand.
Major Movie Stars
Hollywood movie stars Jack Binder has worked with include: Ethan Hawke, Kevin Costner, Ben Affleck, Adam Sandler, Ethan Hawke, Keri Russell, Evan Rachel Wood, Amanda Seyfried, Donald Sutherland, Liv Tyler to name just a few.
Binder creates the film budget for every production he works on (as well as for other fellow filmmakers), follows-up with detailed revisions on a daily basis.
Always On Budget & On Schedule
Productions Jack has managed have always come in On Budget & On Schedule. Realistic budgeting and scheduling combined with an intense attention to detail – the devil is indeed in the details! – makes Jack an extremely sought-after and prized member of all productions he boards.
Producer & Line Producer Credits
For a Complete List of Jack’s Producer and Line Producer Credits please Click Here and his IMDB Profile can be found here.
Jack Binder is based in Los Angeles, CA (Santa Monica), London, UK and works worldwide on all continents, countries and jurisdictions. He specializes in multi-territory productions entailing a complex requirement for logistics and knowledge of worldwide film crews, film tax credits, production incentives and film production workflows.
If you need a line producer, a film budget & schedule or advice please feel free to get in contact for a Free Consultation.
Get in touch to discuss your production and hiring Jack – please Click Here
