Half of you know what a producer does, and half of you think we’re just glorified PAs. So let me set the record straight.
When people ask me what a producer actually does, I often say: we’re the glue. And sometimes I joke, “sometimes it feels like we’re doing everything except sleeping.” We hold together the creative vision, practical logistics, budgets, and most importantly, the people - without ever losing sight of what the project is truly about. At the heart of it all is collaboration.
Directors live and breathe the creative vision. My role is to create the conditions for them to succeed. That means ensuring the right crew, locations, and resources are in place so they can focus on storytelling. Sometimes I act as a sounding board for ideas. Other times, I quietly solve problems before they ever reach the director - think of it as a “need-to-know” basis.
Producers are often the bridge between clients and the creative team. Clients need to feel heard and confident that their objectives are being met. At the same time, the crew needs space to do their best work. My job is to translate client goals into creative solutions and explain creative choices in a way that aligns with brand objectives.
A shoot only runs smoothly if everyone feels respected and supported. Collaboration here is about trust: making sure the DP has enough time to light the scene, sound isn’t an afterthought, and runners know their efforts matter. When the crew feels valued, the energy on set improves - and it shows in the final film.
Freelancers bring fresh perspectives and specialist skills. They might not be part of the day-to-day team, so it’s crucial to onboard them quickly - sharing the project vision, timelines, and expectations so they can slot in seamlessly. The best collaborations happen when freelancers feel like part of the team, not just hired hands.
This is the tightrope every producer walks. Too much control stifles creativity; too little, and projects drift off course. The art is in creating structure without suffocation: clear timelines, realistic budgets, and transparent communication - while leaving room for sparks of creativity to flourish.
In the end, producing isn’t just about managing people - it’s about enabling them. Giving everyone the space and support to bring their best to the project is what makes a good film great.
We often work behind the scenes, which is pretty cool, because it gives us a deep understanding of all the moving parts that make a project work. And when that balance is right, the results speak for themselves.