Working Life

Line Producers are responsible for the physical shoot, its budget, the production schedule, and all related logistical matters.  They must deliver the maximum creative effect against the shooting script for the available budget.

Role and Responsibilities 

• Book crews, confirm participants, secure any location permits, book any travel or transport, and ensure all personnel and resources necessary are in place.
  
  
• Book all necessary resources for post-production.
  
  
• Organiser of people, places, and “stuff”.
  
  
• Collect signed permissions and release forms from any interviewees. 
  
  
• The producer and director are completely reliant on the line producer’s ability to break down scripts and to play a major part in working out where and how to shoot each scene, what’s needed for this, and how long it will take.
  
  
• Financial management – and on the day, control of the shoot float and any per diems – falls to the line producer. 
  
  
• On smaller shoots on which there isn’t the space or budget for a shoot runner, the line producer must ensure the crew are fed and watered.
  
  
• The role requires good project, people management, and trouble-shooting skills. 
  
  
• Line Producers will also have an extensive phone contact list of freelance crew and equipment hire companies and negotiate all related contracts.

• They are entirely responsible for the safety and well-being of crew and other personnel on location and must be familiar with all safety regulations concerning filming on location.

Works with 

• Producer
• Director
• Camera and Sound Crew
• Editor
• Talent/Cast
• Post-Production Team

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Education Route: While a formal education is not necessary, it is now usual for line producers to have completed a media studies course or equivalent.

Career Path to Line Producer: Line Producers will often have started as runners or in office-based administration roles in a production company.

Career Path from Line Producer: Series Producer/Supervising Producer, Executive Producer, Head of Production.