33 Film Producer
What is it Like Being a Film Producer
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, Greg Zakowicz unboxes the career of a Film Producer with Jenni Powell.
Guest: Jenni Powell is the Emmy Award-winning producer of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, Welcome to Sanditon, lonelygirl15, Emma Approved, and The New Adventures of Peter and Wendy. Powell serves as the current Chair of Producing at the New York Film Academy where she teaches Story Generation, New Media, and Transmedia.
Connect with Jenni
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What does a Film Producer do? Emmy Award-winning producer Jenni Powell shares her transition from studying psychology to making waves in film and new media. As Chair of Producing at the New York Film Academy, she sheds light on the day-to-day responsibilities of a producer, the importance of resourcefulness on indie sets, and how strong leadership can nurture a positive team dynamic. Jenni also offers practical advice for up-and-coming filmmakers, discussing why networking, mentorship, and self-trust are vital to success in the entertainment industry.
What Does a Producer Do & Different Types of Producers?
A producer is the driving force behind a film or television project, overseeing everything from pre-production to post-production. According to Jenni, a producer’s responsibilities include:
Finding and developing projects
Hiring key personnel, including directors, writers, and cast
Managing budgets, schedules, and logistics
Ensuring the project stays on track from start to finish
Handling contracts and negotiations, including working with union
Jenni highlighted two primary types of producers:
Line Producers: Focus on logistics, scheduling, budgeting, and ensuring the production runs smoothly on set.
Creative Producers: Work on the storytelling, project development, and overall vision while still ensuring financial and logistical feasibility.
Larger productions often have both types of producers working together, whereas indie projects may require one person to wear multiple hats.
How to Get Started in Film Production
While there is no single path to becoming a producer, Jenni’s journey offers key insights into breaking into the industry. Here are the most effective steps:
1. Get Experience on Set
Volunteer for student films or independent projects.
Take on production assistant roles to gain exposure to different departments.
Accept any available job to build experience and credibility.
2. Learn Every Aspect of Filmmaking
Producers need a broad understanding of every role on set.
Try editing, casting, scriptwriting, or even acting to gain different perspectives.
The goal isn’t to master every role but to understand the workflow and know how to hire the right talent.
3. Leverage Education (But It’s Not Required)
Jenni did not attend film school but learned by working on student projects.
Film school can provide a structured learning environment and networking opportunities.
If attending film school isn’t an option, self-education through hands-on experience and mentorship is equally valuable.
4. Be Willing to Start Small
Indie films, web series, and digital content platforms offer opportunities for new producers.
Jenni transitioned from reality TV to YouTube web series, proving that unconventional routes can lead to success.
Smaller projects allow for more creative freedom and hands-on experience.
Though Jenni started out acting in student films and extra roles, she quickly realized she preferred managing projects over waiting for her time in front of the camera. This realization pushed her to learn as many behind-the-scenes roles as possible, from casting and script supervision to production coordination. Her background in psychology turned out to be invaluable, enabling her to navigate group dynamics and keep teams motivated through long shooting days. This holistic blend of creativity and logistical planning eventually led her to full-fledged producing jobs—sometimes juggling multiple indie projects at once.
A Day in the Life of a Film Producer
A producer’s schedule can vary wildly depending on the stage of a project. Before shooting starts, Jenni works on budgets, timelines, and contracts—often collaborating with line producers on logistics and with creative teams on casting and concept development. On shooting days, she coordinates call times, handles unforeseen emergencies, and ensures everyone has what they need to meet deadlines. After wrap, she might dive into post-production oversight, marketing strategies, or distribution plans. Even with extensive preparation, she notes that flexibility is key—something will almost always go off-script, and producers need to pivot gracefully.
Essential Producer Skills and Tools for Success
Much like any fast-paced field, producing demands several core competencies:
Organization and Planning
Mastering call sheets, schedules, and budget breakdowns is crucial. Tools like spreadsheets or project management software can help keep details in order.Problem-Solving
Unexpected issues will arise, and producers need to adapt quickly.
Adaptability
With a hundred moving pieces on set, a sudden location problem or last-minute actor change can happen anytime. Jenni’s resourcefulness often means tapping into favors from friends or reimagining a scene on the fly.Networking and Mentorship
Because reliability and trust are paramount in entertainment, positive word-of-mouth can lead to your next project. Jenni advises seeking multiple mentors—especially for women, who may find extra support from female industry leaders.Communication and Team Management
A producer acts as a linchpin, coordinating directors, actors, writers, and crew. Jenni credits her psychology training with helping her read group dynamics and resolve conflicts effectively.
Overcoming Challenges in the Entertainment Industry
Long workdays and gender disparities are among the industry’s ongoing challenges. Jenni hopes to see a shift toward more reasonable hours, given that 12-14-hour shoots can wear down even the most passionate crew. She also acknowledges that while producers hold significant decision-making power, women still face hurdles in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field. Drawing on her own experiences, she encourages emerging female producers to seek out mentors, trust their instincts, and walk away from environments that feel unsafe or exploitative. Fostering a culture of respect and open communication is, in her view, critical to the industry’s growth.
While the industry is rewarding, it comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some key obstacles and Jenni’s advice for tackling them:
1. Unpredictable Work Schedules
Film production often requires 12-14 hour workdays.
Time management and organization are critical.
Set boundaries when possible, but understand that long hours are part of the job.
2. Financial Stability
Many producers juggle multiple projects and may need secondary jobs while establishing themselves.
Budgeting and financial planning are crucial to surviving in the early years.
3. Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry
While progress has been made, women in production still face challenges.
Mentorship from other women in the field can provide guidance and support.
Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to walk away from uncomfortable situations.
Advice for Aspiring Film Producers
For anyone interested in film, Jenni suggests experimenting widely. Take part in drama clubs, create small-scale video projects with friends, or assist on indie sets to see which aspect of filmmaking resonates most. She also advocates for film school programs that allow students to explore multiple disciplines, from cinematography to screenwriting. By understanding how each role fits together, a producer can collaborate more effectively. Finally, she reminds newcomers that being proactive, reliable, and genuinely curious will help form the connections and build the reputation they need for long-term success.
If you’re in high school and considering a career in film production, here’s what you can do now:
Join the drama club or participate in school film projects.
Learn video editing and basic filmmaking techniques through online tutorials.
Volunteer for local film productions or community theater.
Watch films critically, analyzing the production aspects.
Start networking early by attending film festivals or connecting with filmmakers online.
Takeaways For Those Interested in a Career as a Film Producer
Experience in various roles is crucial for a producer.
Education in film school can accelerate learning but isn't mandatory.
There are two main types of producers: line producers and creative producers.
Independent projects offer flexibility and creative freedom.
Producers often juggle multiple projects simultaneously.
Networking is essential for finding new projects.
Producers must be adaptable to changing circumstances.
Experience in other fields can enhance producing skills. Networking is crucial for success in film production.
Building relationships can lead to more significant opportunities.
Being reliable and valuable on set can enhance your reputation.
Women in film should support and mentor each other.
It's essential to listen to your instincts in uncomfortable situations.
Organization and flexibility are key skills for producers.The film industry is high risk, high reward.
High school is a time to explore different interests in the arts.
Collaboration is vital in the film industry.
Interested in other art-related careers? Have a look at these previous episodes:
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