Chances Are, You're REALLY A Producer: See Your Type and How Your Day Job Prepared You For Set Life
- Eunice Shelley
- Apr 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 14
If you're what I call a Corporate Creative, chances are you already have what it takes to make a movie. In other words, you don't NEED film school; you just need a script and a strategy.
You’ve led teams, launched brands, and managed mind-blowing budgets. If you’re anything like me when I was still in corporate, you've pitched big ideas to executives and juggled priorities with flair.
So, why do you still think you’re not “ready” to make a film?
The Reality: You Are Ready
Here’s the truth: You already possess producer-level skills. You just haven’t applied them to a film set—yet.
Even if filmmaking isn’t your 9-to-5, you likely have the network and know-how to bring a story to life. I know this because I once stood in your shoes. Let's dive deep and give you a real game plan to start making moves.
Proving You’ve Been Doing Your Producer Thing
Executive Producer – "The Plug"
In the film industry, the role of an executive producer can vary based on the deal. Generally, they oversee the production of films, TV shows, or other media projects from start to finish. They manage budgets, secure funding, and hire key personnel. Additionally, they provide creative input and ensure the project meets desired artistic and technical standards.
If you already know how to connect people, make a dollar out of fifteen cents, and close deals, you can step into your executive producer bag. You know how to get it poppin!
Line Producer – "The Project Manager"
One of the most critical yet underrated roles in production is the Line Producer. They manage day-to-day logistics and financial aspects to keep the production on schedule and within budget. Sometimes, they bridge the gap between creative and technical teams.
What about you? If you've tracked budgets, led teams, and met impossible deadlines, you know how to deliver under pressure. That alone is a superpower in today’s world of frazzled minds. Even if you're managing a retail department, coordinating schedules, or acting as the go-between for different teams, line producing could be your jam.
Creative Producer – "The Story Vision"
Creative Producers are vital for project success. They ensure that stories are "production ready," meaning they help the writer adjust the story to fit budgetary and schedule constraints while maintaining the creative vision. This role can significantly impact the final outcome of a project. A creative producer knows how to balance art and commerce, time and vision. This delicate dance creates magic on screen.
If you’ve turned messy ideas into clear, moving experiences for customers and brands; if you're a writer at heart who loves to make the impossible possible—guess what? You have the makings of a fantastic creative producer.
Related Roles that Translate to Film Production
Here are some roles that can quickly translate to production roles:
Program Manager
Brand Manager
Event Coordinator/Planner
Marketing Coordinator
You may not be in these specific roles, but you likely know someone who is. This means your next crew might already be in your contacts.
Unit Producer or UPM
The Unit Producer or UPM handles daily tasks to ensure the project is well-managed. Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever been a receptionist, personal assistant, or manager, you can tackle the Associate/Assistant Producer role. This role involves anticipating needs and managing blind spots, knowing more about the project than others before problems arise. A competent assistant is a hero who absolutely deserves recognition! Ryan Coogler has an Associate Producer credit for Sinners, and you KNOW he is nothing less than a boss.
Crafting Your Game Plan
Okay… But what’s the plan? Here’s a simple roadmap to go from “I have an idea” to “I made a damn film”:
Start With a Script You Can Actually Produce
Skip the 100-location epic. Start with something lean, powerful, and feasible.
Aim for 4 pages, 2 characters, and 1 location with a strong emotional core. I call this the 420 Method. It’s how we get first-time filmmakers from script to the big screen.
Build a Crew From Your Existing Network
Know a marketing director? They could be your Executive Producer.
Have a friend in project management? That's your Line Producer.
As the storyteller, you are already the Creative Producer. You don’t need to add much more; just a few sharp people who believe in the vision.
Use What You Know
If you can manage deadlines and track budgets, you’re well-suited to manage pre-production.
If you’ve led a product launch, you can direct a 5-minute short film. Even if you've moved homes, you can handle the logistics of a film set!
Ava DuVernay didn’t step onto a set until she was 32. She realized her life experience and work wisdom were assets, not liabilities. The same goes for you, friend!
Integrating into a Proven System
That’s where programs like our Producer's Lab come in. I started where you are, with tons of corporate experience and battle scars translating to wisdom. Once I figured it out, I launched Flip The Script Filmmaking Fellowship, which evolved into Page to Production—specifically designed for creatives like you—those with vision, skills, and no time to waste on guesswork.
What You’ll Get:
A proven script-to-screen blueprint
Budgeting and scheduling templates
Guidance on assembling your team
Feedback on your story
Support through the entire process—without the film school fluff
This is only for those who are done waiting and ready to produce the life out of their story.
You’ve Been Preparing for This All Along
You’re not behind. You’re not “starting over.” You’re simply shifting into high gear—from the boardroom to behind the scenes where the magic occurs.
Once you see the overlap, you’ll realize filmmaking isn’t a pipe dream; it’s the next project you were built for.
Let’s make your movie real.
Learn more about our producer labs and start directing the story that’s been waiting on you.
Comments