What is a Line Producer, and What Role Do They Fill on Set?
The Line Producer is one of the first people that is employed on the film production crew by the producer and executive producer. This individual is responsible for managing the budget and overseeing day to day physical tasks related to the production to ensure everything remains on budget. Line Producers have a role quite similar to the Unit Production Manager’s role in that they take great responsibility when it comes to overseeing the budgeting of the film.
Line Producers negotiate deals with vendors and take responsibility in determining the total overhead costs of the production which is then provided to investors.
This data is used to raise financing which the Line Producer then uses to prepare a budget that is closely followed as day to day production tasks are underway.
Line Producers work on a freelance basis. They generally work long hours, but the role is highly rewarding with common salaries starting in the upper figures.
Line Producers build a strong reputation that helps them to advance in their career as they continue to evolve in film production.
Line Producer Job Requirements
The Line Producer is in charge of various business aspects and the related budgeting of those aspects as they relate to production. Line Producers define the balance of above the line costs related to writers, producers, directors and casts, and below the line costs related to everything else.
Crew salaries, equipment purchase or rental, supplies, locations, development costs, set design and construction, insurance, and other fees.
Line producers are usually recruited in the late stages of development by the production team. At this time, they are provided a script and asked to determine an assessment below the line.
This is a defined cost of production which will involved breaking down the script into a schedule which shows when and how long it will take to shoot each scene.
Pre-Production
During pre-production, line producers will work closely with production staff including the director, production manager, first assistant director, art director and various other heads of department to develop a schedule and appropriate budget. They will also set the shooting date for the film at this time.
Line producers will then focus their time on hiring the production team, preparing a production office, scouting a location for filming to take place, and ensuring proper compliance with appropriate codes for the location.
They also may be found sourcing equipment and suppliers, helping to select a film crew, and working to engaging artists and other contributors that will come together to produce the film.
Mid-Production
During the production process, Line Producers are responsible for the final budget that is delivered to the production accountant and they then work to delegate the various daily operations out to production staff and crew.
This includes overseeing production activities and ensuring that everything is completed in a timely manner.
Line Producer Skills
Line Producers have several skills to help them succeed in this demanding role. They must have in depth knowledge of scheduling and budgeting to ensure they can appropriately define the line balance for the production.
They also must possess strong physical and technical ability to oversee filmmaking processes. Communication skills are vital to this role.
Line Producers work closely with several crew members and must be able to tactfully speak to others and remain calm even when in stressful situations.
Additional skills required may include:
- Risk assessments to ensure regulatory requirements are met.
- Ability to work well under pressure.
- Excellent industry contacts and networking.
- Exceptionally oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to budget.
- Ability to schedule.