What is a Line Producer in Film?
The line producer is one of several important members of the film crew that works largely behind the scenes, often going unnoticed. In fact, even people that are somewhat familiar with the film industry still ask, “What is a line producer in film?” Like much of the film scene, the line producer’s role is one that is largely kept behind-the-scenes, secret, and virtually undiscussed.
What is a Line Producer?
The line producer is the individual in charge of the financial aspects of the film and acts as the budget manager. This individual will closely analyze every line-item of the budget, hence their title “line producer.”
The role is complicated and consists of a lot of different working parts including budgeting, hiring, location scheduling, logistics of day-to-day production, and post-production budget as well as deadline tracking.
What Does a Line Producer Do?
The line producer is in charge of the budget, line-by-line. They have many different responsibilities throughout the pre-production process and into the production process.
When the film shoot is complete, the line producer begins a handful of responsibilities relating to the post-production budgeting.
During pre-production, the line producer will:
- Prepare the production company for the project.
- Prepare budgeting for the project.
- Recruit the necessary personnel for the film and define service needs.
- Schedule the film shoot days and appropriate locations.
During production the line producer will:
- Provide oversight for the production from day-to-day.
- Work with the 1st AD as well as with the Unit production manager to communicate needs and other items.
- Define and coordinate equipment rentals and budget associated.
- Make necessary schedule changes and accommodate last minute adjustments.
- Interact between the crew and the producer, acting as the liaison to provide clear and accessible communication.
During post-production, the line producer will:
- Discuss post-production requirements with the post-production crew, specifically the supervisor of this phase of the project.
- Oversee budgeting for post-production services including editing, sound design, and visual effects.
- Keep track of all post-production deadlines and procedures.
An Important Role
While you may not have heard of the line producer before, this is an incredibly important role that is very common on larger productions such as feature films.
Smaller productions, specifically those that are for businesses creating marketing content or short films may not require an individual line producer, but they will likely have a member of the film crew that takes on many of the responsibilities of the line producer to get the job done.