The voice over industry

What does a producer do in film and TV?

Q: What is the difference between a producer and an executive producer?

Producers manage day-to-day production, while executive producers focus on financing, overall strategy, and high-level decision-making.

What does a producer do? When you watch a movie or binge a TV show, the first names you see after the opening logo are usually the producers. But what is a producer, and why is their role in film and TV production so important?

At Voice123, we’ve worked with thousands of producers on various AV projects, so we understand that whether it’s a big-screen blockbuster or a streaming hit, producers are the behind-the-scenes heroes of every production.

What is a producer

A producer in film and television is the person responsible for bringing a creative idea to life and turning it into a finished production. They oversee every stage of production, from script development and financing to hiring the director and managing the cast, crew, and post-production team.

In filmmaking, a film producer acquires the story rights, secures funding, organizes the shoot, and ensures the film is completed on time and within budget. In television, producers coordinate episodes, maintain continuity, and work with networks and streaming platforms to deliver consistent quality.

What does a producer do every day?

Producers are responsible for developing the concept, securing funding, and hiring department heads. During filming, they solve on-set challenges, keep the team motivated, and ensure the project stays within scope.

So, what does a producer do in a movie or a TV show that’s different from others on set? Unlike the director, who’s focused on the artistic side, the producer is responsible for balancing creativity with business. They’re the bridge between investors, the studio, and the creative crew.

For TV, producers also work closely with showrunners to maintain the tone and quality of each episode. Whether it’s a high-budget series or a short digital campaign, the producers ensure the story stays consistent and compelling from the pilot to the finale.

What do producers do: Different types of producers

Film Producer

A film producer takes charge of turning an idea into a movie. They handle everything from acquiring the rights to a script to managing post-production edits and marketing campaigns. When we talk about what does a film producer do, think of them as the CEO of the movie — they make every executive decision that keeps production running.

Executive Producer

The executive producer (EP) is often the big-picture strategist. So, what does an executive producer do? They secure the funding, approve the creative direction, and ensure the production aligns with studio or network standards. Sometimes, an EP is a studio executive, financier, or well-known creator lending their influence to a project.

Associate Producer

The associate producer plays a supporting role by managing specific elements of production — such as coordinating schedules, assisting with logistics, or handling post-production workflows. They ensure that communication stays smooth across the team.

Understanding the chain of command helps clarify the debate between executive producer and producer — one drives the financial vision, while the other delivers the creative execution.

Executive Producer vs Producer

The executive producer vs producer comparison is one of the most misunderstood distinctions in the entertainment industry, yet it’s key to understanding how productions come to life.

Executive producers (EPs) are the project’s top decision-makers. They may not be involved in daily production, but have ultimate authority over financing, creative direction, and studio negotiations. They’re responsible for raising or securing the budget, approving the script, and hiring the main producers to handle execution.

Director vs Producer

In film and TV, director vs producer comes down to vision versus execution. The director focuses on creative storytelling like camera angles, performances, and tone. The producers ensure the project happens on time and within budget.

So, what a producer does complements the director’s artistry. For instance, if a director wants to reshoot a scene, the producers determine whether there’s time and money to do so. If there isn’t, they’ll negotiate alternatives that maintain quality without breaking the budget.

And if that project needs multiple voice overs for international markets, producers often coordinate with dubbing teams and hire professional voice actors on Voice123 to match tone and style for every language version.

What do producers do: Job description

They develop the material for the project and get it ready for production.
They hire key members for the project – director, manager, writer, talent, heads of departments, crew, staff, and any other personnel required for the project.
Producers also negotiate key talent. This means they are responsible for hiring the right voice actors for productions that require voice acting.
They manage all the people involved in the project – from the director to the staff.
Producers set a budget for the project and secure the funds through investors. Sometimes they might even use their personal funds for a project.
Once the funds are secured, the producers oversee the project to ensure it stays within budget.
The script breakdown and the production schedule are fixed from start to end.
They will also hire any additional staff or crew needed.
It’s not only during the preproduction and production stages that producers play an important role. They also play an essential part during the post-production phase – from editing through to music composition.
Sometimes, test screenings and last-minute changes are necessary, and the producers will need to continue working on the project to ensure it’s 100% complete.
Finally, once the project is complete, the producers have to initiate the marketing of the project and work with the PR team to ensure there is enough buzz created around the project.

Final thoughts

So, what does a producer do in film and TV? They plan, fund, manage, and oversee the journey of every production from script to screen. They bridge creativity and commerce, transforming vision into reality.

Thousands of producers trust Voice123 to find skilled voice actors who can elevate any production with professional performances. Post your project today to find the right voice for your next project!