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<img src="https://dev.tfs.staging.poundandgrain.ca/app/uploads/2023/03/alex-simpson-I9vjpkRB8XE-unsplash-1-scaled.jpg" alt="role of executive producer" width="670" height="447" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-27722" />\n ◀<img src="https://dev.tfs.staging.poundandgrain.ca/app/uploads/2023/03/alex-simpson-I9vjpkRB8XE-unsplash-1-scaled.jpg" alt="role of executive producer" width="6 ▶
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Of all the positions involved in a film or television production, the most commonly misunderstood also happens to be one of the most important – the executive producer (EP). \n ◀Of all the positions involved in a film or television production, the most commonly misunderstood also happens to be one of the most important – the executive p ▶
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If you’ve watched your fair share of movies and shows, you might be familiar with names like <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0498278/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Stan Lee</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0195669/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Louis D'Esposito</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0722274/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Shonda Rhimes</a>, and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000988/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jerry Bruckheimer</a>. These are all world-class EPs whose projects routinely gross millions of dollars. However, if you were asked to explain what they do and how they contribute to the success of their project, would you be able to?\n ◀If you’ve watched your fair share of movies and shows, you might be familiar with names like <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0498278/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" rel= ▶
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In the simplest terms, executive producers are the money players, the top-level decision-makers, who ensure a project has enough funding and resources to be made. \n ◀In the simplest terms, executive producers are the money players, the top-level decision-makers, who ensure a project has enough funding and resources to be mad ▶
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While this might sound straightforward, actually wrapping your head around the day-to-day duties of an EP can be challenging. This is due to the fact that their involvement in a film or show is simply less visible than that of other positions (e.g. producer or director) and because their responsibilities fluctuate from project to project.\n ◀While this might sound straightforward, actually wrapping your head around the day-to-day duties of an EP can be challenging. This is due to the fact that their ▶
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So don’t fret if you’ve ever found yourself asking: \n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• What the heck does an executive producer even do?</p>\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• What's the difference between them and a regular producer?</p>\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• How much money does an executive producer make? Is it in royalties or a salary?</p>\n
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And if these questions still remain a mystery for you, then you’ve come to the right place! In this blog, we’ll provide an all-in-one overview of the executive producer role.\n ◀And if these questions still remain a mystery for you, then you’ve come to the right place! In this blog, we’ll provide an all-in-one overview of the executive ▶
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Let’s get started!\n
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<h1>What is an Executive Producer?</h1>\n
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The executive producer sits at the top of the production hierarchy as it is their job to source and secure financing for production. Without them, a film or show could never be made as they are the ones who kickstart the project. \n ◀The executive producer sits at the top of the production hierarchy as it is their job to source and secure financing for production. Without them, a film or sho ▶
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Their role goes beyond just getting a project off the ground, however. EPs manage budgets and serve as high-level supervisors throughout the entire lifespan of a project, including its development, production, post-production, and distribution. \n ◀Their role goes beyond just getting a project off the ground, however. EPs manage budgets and serve as high-level supervisors throughout the entire lifespan of ▶
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What’s more, depending on the project, their role can quickly take on a hybrid quality – EPs often find themselves involved in making key creative decisions, especially if they are personally financing a project.\n ◀What’s more, depending on the project, their role can quickly take on a hybrid quality – EPs often find themselves involved in making key creative decisions, es ▶
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For an in-depth explanation of the role of an EP, listen to this exclusive interview with Andrew Barnsley, an executive producer on hit shows “Schitt’s Creek” and “Son of a Critch.” \n ◀For an in-depth explanation of the role of an EP, listen to this exclusive interview with Andrew Barnsley, an executive producer on hit shows “Schitt’s Creek” a ▶
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6886s0Fij4\n
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<h1>What’s the Difference Between an Executive Producer and a Producer?</h1>\n
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In many ways, executive producers are like a company's <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/ceo.asp" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chief Executive Officer</a> (CEO); they’re top-level leaders who manage a project’s resources and are responsible for making major strategic decisions. \n ◀In many ways, executive producers are like a company's <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/ceo.asp" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chief Executive Off ▶
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Meanwhile, producers are similar to a <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/coo.asp" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chief Operating Officer</a> (COO); they’re hired by EPs and are responsible for managing production operations at the ground level.\n ◀Meanwhile, producers are similar to a <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/coo.asp" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chief Operating Officer</a> (COO); t ▶
Despite being higher on the pecking order, executive producers typically have fewer day-to-day responsibilities than producers. They also have far less creative control over a project. Really, when it comes down to it, <strong>executive producers deal with big business-related decisions</strong> such as:\n ◀Despite being higher on the pecking order, executive producers typically have fewer day-to-day responsibilities than producers. They also have far less creative ▶
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• What script to acquire</p>\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• How to finance a project</p>\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• What distribution strategy to roll out</p>\n
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Producers, on the other hand, are responsible for managing a production’s day-to-day logistics. In comparison to EP’s, they are more creatively connected to a film or show’s material as it is their job to ensure that the creative vision of a project is brought to fruition. Accordingly, <strong>producers handle the daily creative and operational duties of production</strong> such as:\n ◀Producers, on the other hand, are responsible for managing a production’s day-to-day logistics. In comparison to EP’s, they are more creatively connected to a f ▶
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Hiring and managing directors, cast, and crew</p>\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Continuously coordinating and collaborating with multiple stakeholders </p>\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Overseeing the creative and technical elements of a shoot </p>\n
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For a more in-depth explanation of the role of the executive producer, including their potential career paths and compensation, <a href="https://www.coursecompare.ca/what-is-a-producer/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">check out this blog</a> by Michaelangelo Masangkay, the Director of Production for Toronto Film School’s film production program.\n ◀For a more in-depth explanation of the role of the executive producer, including their potential career paths and compensation, <a href="https://www.coursecompa ▶
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<h1>What are the Duties of an Executive Producer?</h1>\n
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If you really want to understand the role of the executive producer, you’ll have to understand how their duties vary depending on what stage of production a movie or show is in. \n ◀If you really want to understand the role of the executive producer, you’ll have to understand how their duties vary depending on what stage of production a mov ▶
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A day in an EP’s life would look quite different during the development stage of a film than it would during post-production. \n
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In light of this, we’ve opted to break down an EP’s responsibilities not by individual duties, but by the three main stages of production: development, production, and post-production.\n ◀In light of this, we’ve opted to break down an EP’s responsibilities not by individual duties, but by the three main stages of production: development, producti ▶
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<h1>Responsibilities of an Executive Producer During Development </h1>\n
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Development is the first stage of production and includes a number of highly creative and iterative processes including ideation, pitching, script development, audience analysis, casting, and financing. Without a doubt, for an EP, the development stage is the most important phase of the production process. \n ◀Development is the first stage of production and includes a number of highly creative and iterative processes including ideation, pitching, script development, ▶
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An EP’s primary responsibilities during this stage typically include\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Sourcing and developing ideas for a film or television show (buying scripts, purchasing rights to IP, hiring writers to develop original concepts)</p>\n ◀\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Sourcing and developing ideas for a film or television show (buying scripts, purchasing rights to IP, hiring writers to develop ▶
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Raising funds to produce the film or show by reaching out and negotiating with financiers, studios, or other independent sources </p>\n ◀\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Raising funds to produce the film or show by reaching out and negotiating with financiers, studios, or other independent source ▶
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Reviewing key creative elements to ensure that the project does not pose any legal or financial risks </p>\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Hiring a producer and other key executive personnel</p>\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Assessing and approving the budget as proposed by the project’s <a href="https://www.masterclass.com/articles/film-101-what-does-a-line-producer-do" rel="noopener" target="_blank">line producer</a> </p>\n ◀\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Assessing and approving the budget as proposed by the project’s <a href="https://www.masterclass.com/articles/film-101-what-doe ▶
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<h1>Responsibilities of an Executive Producer During Production</h1>\n
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The production phase is when the actual filming or recording of the project takes place. This stage involves the assembly of cast and crew, the setup of equipment and sets, and the recording of scenes. \n ◀The production phase is when the actual filming or recording of the project takes place. This stage involves the assembly of cast and crew, the setup of equipme ▶
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An EP’s primary responsibilities during this stage typically include\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Maintaining a bird’s-eye view of the production</p>\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Ensuring the project is both on-brand and on-budget </p>\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Keeping external stakeholders informed of the production’s progress, including investors, studios, and distribution </p>\n
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<h1>Responsibilities of an Executive Producer During Post-Production</h1>\n
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The post-production stage is the final phase of a film or television production. It is when the raw footage is edited and the final product is enhanced with visual effects, sound effects, and music.\n ◀The post-production stage is the final phase of a film or television production. It is when the raw footage is edited and the final product is enhanced with vis ▶
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An EP’s primary responsibilities during this stage include:\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Ensuring the film meets all legal and technical requirements</p>\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Overseeing and coordinating the creation of promotional materials </p>\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">• Securing any final distribution deals </p>\n
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<h1>5 Key Skills of an Executive Producer</h1>\n
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To be successful in show biz, an executive producer must have a unique combination of business acumen, creativity, and industry-specific knowledge. \n
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Here are a few skills you’ll need to be a successful EP:\n
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">1. <strong>Financial Management:</strong> An EP’s most important job is to secure financing and distribution deals. As a result, they must have an expert-level understanding of finance and accounting</p>\n ◀\t<p style="padding-left:25px">1. <strong>Financial Management:</strong> An EP’s most important job is to secure financing and distribution deals. As a result, ▶
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">2. <strong>Market Knowledge:</strong> The best EPs possess a deep understanding of the film and television industry and its trending markets. Because of this, they are able to accurately predict the potential success of a film or show and know exactly where it will make money </p>\n ◀\t<p style="padding-left:25px">2. <strong>Market Knowledge:</strong> The best EPs possess a deep understanding of the film and television industry and its trend ▶
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">3. <strong>Leadership and Management:</strong> EP’s must be strong communicators capable of effectively delegating tasks and leading a large, complex team </p>\n ◀\t<p style="padding-left:25px">3. <strong>Leadership and Management:</strong> EP’s must be strong communicators capable of effectively delegating tasks and lead ▶
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">4. <strong>Networking and Negotiation:</strong> Building and maintaining relationships is at the centre of an EP’s job. They must be able to juggle relationships with studios, investors, producers, and other key industry players while negotiating deals and “selling” their projects </p>\n ◀\t<p style="padding-left:25px">4. <strong>Networking and Negotiation:</strong> Building and maintaining relationships is at the centre of an EP’s job. They must ▶
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\t<p style="padding-left:25px">5. <strong>Creativity and Storytelling:</strong> Although EPs are the money players, they require the creative ability to read scripts and assess the overall vision of a story </p>\n ◀\t<p style="padding-left:25px">5. <strong>Creativity and Storytelling:</strong> Although EPs are the money players, they require the creative ability to read sc ▶
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<h1>How Does An Executive Producer Make Money?</h1>\n
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Executive producers can be paid in a variety of ways. Some EPs will be paid <em>a salary</em> by a studio, which will vary widely depending on the scale of a given project. \n ◀Executive producers can be paid in a variety of ways. Some EPs will be paid <em>a salary</em> by a studio, which will vary widely depending on the scale of a gi ▶
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According to <a href="https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/toronto-executive-producer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,7_IM976_KO8,26.htm#:~:text=The%20average%20salary%20for%20Executive,a%20range%20from%20%243%2C830%20%2D%20%2455%2C181." rel="noopener" target="_blank">GlassDoor</a>, the average salary of an EP In Canada in 2023 is <strong>$124,382</strong>. \n ◀According to <a href="https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/toronto-executive-producer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,7_IM976_KO8,26.htm#:~:text=The%20average%20salary%20for%20Ex ▶
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Of course, this number should be taken with a grain of salt. For instance, if an EP is working on a small-scale indie project, they may be happy to work for much less pay. Alternatively, if they’re hired for a major Hollywood blockbuster, their salary range could reach millions of dollars.\n ◀Of course, this number should be taken with a grain of salt. For instance, if an EP is working on a small-scale indie project, they may be happy to work for muc ▶
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Additionally, EPs can be paid in <em>points</em>, which are payments based on a specific percentage of their film or show’s profits.\n
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<h1>Do executive producers earn royalties?</h1>\n
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Whether or not executive producers earn royalties (payments based on the sales performance of the product) is another commonly posed question. \n
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In film and television “royalties” are referred to as <em>residuals</em>, and they are reserved for the creatives involved in the project. That being said, if an executive producer plays a direct role in the creative development of the script, they may have the right to earn residuals on their film or show. \n ◀In film and television “royalties” are referred to as <em>residuals</em>, and they are reserved for the creatives involved in the project. That being said, if a ▶
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<h1>The Executive Producer, Demystified</h1>\n
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Although an executive producer is one of the most important positions in a film or television production, their day-to-day responsibilities can remain somewhat elusive. In this blog post, we’ve aimed to demystify the role of the EP by providing a comprehensive overview of their key duties and skills. \n ◀Although an executive producer is one of the most important positions in a film or television production, their day-to-day responsibilities can remain somewhat ▶
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If there’s one thing you should remember, it's that EPs are the top-level decision-makers responsible for financing a project. Without them, there would be no movies or shows!\n ◀If there’s one thing you should remember, it's that EPs are the top-level decision-makers responsible for financing a project. Without them, there would be no m ▶
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Oh, and one more thing! \n
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If you’re interested in breaking into the film and television industry – as an executive producer, perhaps? – then <a href="https://create.torontofilmschool.ca/newsletter/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">sign up for Toronto Film School’s industry-focused newsletter, Insider Advantage.</a> \n ◀If you’re interested in breaking into the film and television industry – as an executive producer, perhaps? – then <a href="https://create.torontofilmschool.ca/ ▶
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Packed with exclusive content and useful industry insights, Insider Advantage is essential reading for anyone looking to make their mark in the world of film and television. ◀Packed with exclusive content and useful industry insights, Insider Advantage is essential reading for anyone looking to make their mark in the world of film an ▶
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