What Does Film Producer Actually Do? (Hint: All the things)

As a film producer you get to write checks, tell people what to do and of course see your name at the top of the credits. But you know how James Brown says 'Pay the Cost to be The Boss?" Being a solid producer is about making it happen—from the first idea to the final cut.

As someone who’s produced nine shorts in five years (that's my baby flex), I’ve seen it all—budget battles, last-minute location changes, and actors who, let’s just say, “found their truth” in the most inconvenient ways. Producing is part art, part science, and 100% hustle. Let’s get into it...

1. The Big Picture Boss

A producer is like the CEO of a movie. You develop the idea, secure funding, and hire the dream team. Basically, you’re the one who makes sure the movie doesn’t just live in someone’s imagination.

I learned that firsthand when I pitched the very first Flip the Script film to potential sponsors with no proof of concept, just a bold vision to give overlooked creatives an opportunity to tell stories that mattered. The thing is, when you're starting out as a producer, people need to believe in you even more than the project you might be pitching. Knowing this, I lead conversations by understanding other people's needs then aligned them with my goals. Using that strategy, I secured funding, built a team, and brought storytellers togeter to make 3 movies in just a few weeks. And that's without film school or big names backing me. That’s what producers do: we turn belief into a budget and a blank page into a finished film.

2. The Money Magician

Producers make miracles happen with budgets. Stretching every dollar is a talent—and sometimes an extreme sport. You decide where the money goes, balance costs with creative needs, and occasionally have to tell people, “We can’t afford a live tiger, but what about a really scary housecat?”

On our first Flip the Script shoot, we used one house for three totally different films—and turned it into three distinct worlds with smart production design. I cooked lunch myself, secured snack sponsors, and made sure the crew stayed fed and focused. That’s the kind of resourceful magic producers bring: stretching the budget without shrinking the vision.

3. The People Wrangler

Directors may yell “action,” but producers keep the whole ship afloat. You’re the one juggling crew schedules, putting out fires, and making sure everyone gets fed (hangry crew = mutiny). You’re basically a professional cat herder, and trust me, not all cats want to be herded.

That first year of FTS, one of our writer/directors thought pouring milk on the actors early in the day was a brilliant idea. They shot one scene then had to wait for HOURS for the rest of their scenes to be filmed. While they sat soaked, I had to think quick to kept spirits high. We swapped their stinky shirts to keep them semi-comfortable, and kept them as cool as possible. It was awful but thankfully, the talent was gracious and understood they were working with a new filmmaker.

That’s the job: hold it all together when chaos hits, keep talent calm, and somehow make it all look intentional.

4. The Creative Collaborator

Here’s the fun part: you’re shaping the story, not just signing off on it. From giving notes on the script to deciding on the final cut, your creative input matters. You’re part visionary, part mediator, and all-in when it comes to making the film sing.

Asha Chai-Chang came to Flip the Script with a script packed with great ideas but no clear throughline. I worked with her to shape it into one powerful, focused story that became a standout short film. That project helped launch her into the Netflix fellowship and a string of award-winning work. Sometimes producing means editing with love and helping people trust the power of one strong idea.

5. The Fixer

Every producer has that one day they’ll never forget—the one where everything went wrong. As the fixer, you’re the one who steps in when equipment breaks, a location falls through, or the weather decides to have a meltdown. Your job is to make sure the show goes on, no matter what.

During Season Four of Flip the Script, we had a blue kickball that was central to the story. We used it early, stored it with props, and then the child actors “borrowed” it for playtime. When it vanished before the final scene, we improvised with a blue pool float, adjusted the camera settings, and made it work. You’d never know in the final cut, and Just In Time went on to win multiple festival awards. That’s producing: solve the problem, save the scene, and keep it pushing.

Being a producer so much fun but it isn’t for the faint of heart. It can be chaotic, challenging, and absolutely worth it when you see the final product. I’ve been in the trenches (sometimes literally), and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Want more behind-the-scenes stories and tips to help you crush it as a producer?

Want more real talk and real wins?

Subscribe to my YouTube for exclusive content, wild on-set stories, and the lessons no one else is sharing. You'll get insider tips, a little inspiration when you need it most, and everything you need to slay the producer game.