Executive Producer vs. Producer: Key Differences
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 6 min read

Contents

When you're watching your favorite movie or TV show, you might have noticed the names of the 'Producer' and 'Executive Producer' popping up in the credits. But what exactly do these roles mean? And, more importantly, how do they differ from each other? In this blog, we'll unravel these mysteries, focusing on the key differences between a Producer and an Executive Producer in the realm of film and television production.

What is an Executive Producer?

An Executive Producer, often referred to as an EP, is the top-level official in the production hierarchy. But it's not all just about having a fancy title. Let's break down the interesting facets of an Executive Producer's role.

The Big Picture

When it comes to handling the big picture — the overall vision of the project — it's the Executive Producer who's at the helm. They oversee the entire production from a bird's-eye view, ensuring that the project aligns with its intended direction.

Funding the Project

Wondering who's got the big bucks? The Executive Producer is often the main financier or has a significant role in securing funding for the project. Whether it's their own money or they're courting investors, the Executive Producer ensures the production has the financial backing it needs.

Decision-Making

From deciding on the script to be used, to signing off on the final edit, the Executive Producer is involved in major decision-making processes. Remember, as an Executive Producer, you'd have the final say on a lot of key decisions!

Connecting the Dots

Executive Producers also play a pivotal role in connecting the dots. They build and maintain relationships with networks, studios, and other important entities. So, if you're someone who enjoys networking and building relationships, the role of an Executive Producer might be right up your alley!

Now that we've shed some light on the role of an Executive Producer, let's switch gears and look at the role of a Producer in our next section. As you'll see, while there's overlap in some areas, there are also some clear distinctions to be made when comparing the roles of a producer and a producer executive.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Executive Producer

The Executive Producer, or EP, has a plethora of responsibilities. Often, they're like the ship's captain, steering the entire project through the choppy waters of production. Let's dive into the key roles an Executive Producer has on a project.

Project Supervision

As an Executive Producer, you are the top dog when it comes to project supervision. This means you're accountable for the project's success or failure. You oversee every detail, from the initial concept to the final product. This might involve working closely with directors, scriptwriters, and the production team to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Funding Management

Where does the money come from and where does it go? As an Executive Producer, you'd have the answers. You're responsible for managing the budget and ensuring the project stays financially viable. This might involve negotiating contracts, managing expenses, and sometimes even securing additional funding.

Marketing Strategy

Ever wonder why some movies or TV shows create a buzz, while others fall flat? A lot of this comes down to marketing, and guess who's in charge of that? Yep, the Executive Producer. They oversee the marketing strategy, ensuring the project gets the visibility and attention it deserves.

Talent Acquisition

Ever wondered who plays a key role in getting big-name stars to sign onto a project? You guessed it, the Executive Producer. From casting actors to hiring directors, the Executive Producer is involved in bringing on board the talent the project needs to succeed.

The Executive Producer has a lot on their plate, but remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Now that we've looked at the roles of an Executive Producer, let's switch over to the Producer's role. As you'll see, there are both similarities and differences between these two roles, which we'll explore more in the upcoming sections.

What is a Producer?

While the term "producer" may evoke images of a busy, multi-tasking individual, it's a role that's often misunderstood. So, what exactly does a producer do? Let's demystify this vital role in film and TV production.

The Backbone of Production

Just like the human spine keeps us upright and moving, a Producer is the backbone of any production. They’re the ones who turn ideas into reality. Imagine having a great idea for a movie. It's the Producer who takes that idea and actually makes it happen. They’re the ones who run the show, quite literally.

The Glue that Holds Everything Together

The Producer is like the glue that holds all the pieces of a project together. They ensure everyone from the actors to the production crew is working in harmony. If there's a problem, the Producer is the one who typically finds the solution. You could say they're the team's problem solver and peacekeeper.

The Keeper of the Vision

When a project first starts, it's just a vision. The Producer is the one who brings that vision to life. They work closely with the director and the writer to ensure the project stays true to the original idea. It's the Producer who makes sure the end product matches the vision everyone had at the start.

As you can see, the Producer plays a pivotal role in the creation of any film or TV show. They're the ones who make sure everything runs smoothly and stays on track. Up next, we'll delve into the specific responsibilities of a Producer, which will give you a better idea of how they differ from an Executive Producer.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Producer

Now that we understand the general role of a Producer, it's time to dive into the specifics. What exactly is a Producer responsible for? Let's unravel their key tasks and obligations:

Story Development

A Producer's journey starts with a story. They work with writers and directors to develop the narrative. The Producer is essentially a storyteller — they mold the story, ensuring it's engaging and compelling for the audience.

Funding and Budget Management

Producers are the ones who secure funding for the project. Whether it's convincing investors or managing crowd-funding campaigns, they have to ensure the money flows. Once the budget is in place, it's the Producer's job to manage it effectively, making sure every dollar is well spent.

Recruiting the Team

From the director, the cast, to the crew — the Producer is often involved in the hiring process. They bring together a team of people who can turn the vision into a reality.

Production Supervision

During the production phase, the Producer is the captain of the ship. They oversee the filming process, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and on schedule.

Post-Production and Marketing

When the cameras stop rolling, the Producer's work isn't done. They oversee the post-production process, making sure that the final product is polished and ready for the audience. Furthermore, they're involved in the marketing and distribution of the project, helping it reach the right audience.

As you see, a Producer's job is diverse and demanding. They handle both the creative and business sides of a project, making sure it turns from an idea into a successful production. But how does this compare with the role of an Executive Producer? Let's delve into that next.

Key Differences between an Executive Producer and a Producer

So, we've covered what a Producer does. But where does the Executive Producer come in, and how are their roles different? Let's look at some key distinctions:

Level of Involvement

One of the primary differences is the level of involvement. While a Producer is hands-on and involved every step of the way — from story development to post-production — an Executive Producer often operates from a higher level. They might not be involved in the day-to-day operations. Instead, they provide overall guidance and have a say in major decisions.

Source of Funding

A Producer is responsible for securing funding for a project, but where does the money come from? Often, it's the Executive Producer who provides a significant part of the funding. They're the ones who put their money on the line to make the project possible.

Focus of Responsibilities

Both roles involve a mix of creative and business responsibilities, but the balance is different. A Producer is often more involved in the creative side — working with the director, cast, and crew to bring the story to life. An Executive Producer, on the other hand, tends to focus more on the business side — they ensure the project stays within budget and is profitable.

Power and Authority

With a title like "Executive Producer," you might think they outrank the Producer. But this isn't always the case. In some scenarios, the Producer has more authority on the creative side of things, while the Executive Producer might have more control over the budget and business decisions.

There you have it — the key differences between an Executive Producer and a Producer. It's not a case of one being more important than the other. Instead, they each play crucial roles in turning a creative idea into a successful production.

If you're looking to further understand the roles and responsibilities in film production, don't miss Jessy Moussallem's workshop, 'Film Production 101: A Beginner's Guide.' This workshop will provide you with valuable insights into the world of film production, including the key differences between executive producers and producers, as well as other essential roles in the filmmaking process.