The Producer: The Boss Behind the Camera
“Honey, who is Jade Osiberu?” Pearl, in her usual inquisitive nature, asked. “She is the producer of the movie,” I replied. “Who is a producer?” she persisted.
As I opened my laptop to catch a particular scene from Brotherhood that I liked, memories flooded back. Weeks ago, I had watched the film and spoken glowingly about it as a film I would revisit when I had the time. The name ‘Jade Osiberu’ flashed on the screen, and it became the start of a session where I summoned my skills to explain to my five-year-old, like a five-year-old.
Many years ago, I managed an employability project that trained thousands of young people on in-demand skills, including the art of filmmaking. During the first classes of one of the first cohorts, I found myself in an introductory filmmaking session with one of Nigeria’s reputable film companies. It was here that I learned that film production is a complex process that involves many different roles and responsibilities, one of which is the role of the producer.
A producer is a crucial part of the filmmaking team, responsible for overseeing the production from start to finish. The producer’s primary function is to ensure that the film is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest possible standard.
The producer’s role begins long before the cameras start rolling. They are responsible for securing the financing for the project, which involves negotiating with investors, studios, and other sources of funding. Once the financing is in place, the producer begins assembling the rest of the team, including the director, writer, actors, and crew.
One of the most important aspects of a producer’s job is managing the budget. They must work closely with the director and other department heads to ensure that the film is being made within the agreed-upon budget. This involves monitoring spending, negotiating deals with vendors, and finding creative ways to save money without compromising the quality of the production.
The producer also plays a key role in overseeing the creative aspects of the film. They work closely with the director, writer, and other creative team members to ensure that the story is being told effectively and that the film is meeting the artistic vision of the project. This can involve everything from script development and casting to location scouting and post-production.
If you are like me who grew up watching Mount Zion movies, you may have thought that the Producer and Director are one and the same because it’s always Mike Bamiloye you saw. You could not be more wrong. The director is different from the producer. The director is primarily responsible for the creative side of the production. They work closely with the writer, actors, and crew to bring the script to life, making decisions about everything from casting to camera angles to lighting. The director is ultimately responsible for creating a cohesive and compelling visual narrative that tells the story of the film.
While the producer and director work closely together throughout the production process, they have different areas of expertise and different priorities. The producer is focused on the business side of the production, while the director is focused on the creative side. However, both roles require a great deal of collaboration and communication to ensure that the project is successful.
In many ways, the producer is like a boss or project manager for the film. They are responsible for keeping everything on track and making sure that everyone is working together effectively. This can involve dealing with conflicts, solving problems, and providing leadership and support to the rest of the team.
However, being a producer is not just about being a boss or manager. It requires a great deal of creativity, vision, and passion for the project. A good producer is someone who is able to balance the business and creative aspects of filmmaking, while always keeping the project’s goals and objectives in mind.
In many ways, I still find it amusing that in the Mount Zion movies of the 90s, Mike served as the Writer, Director, and Producer. However, through the introductory filmmaking course I took, I came to understand that the producer may also assume some of the creative responsibilities of the director, especially if they possess a background in filmmaking. Similarly, the director may take on some of the business responsibilities of the producer, particularly if they have experience managing large-scale productions. Nevertheless, in general, the producer and director play distinct roles that complement each other and work collaboratively to create a successful film.
