Hello! I'm Aeron and when I saw an opportunity to help an animation film get the financing it needs, I signed my name up immediately and didn't know what I was getting myself into.
I have a lot on my mind lately. I have some things going already, but this is a full indie project so I am not sure where my focus should be.Should I have made a script breakdown? How do you create a script breakdown for an animation film? How often should I be talking to the crew and asking for updates on various things? Is there anything I should prepare for that isn't explicitly stated when you sign up for becoming the producer?
I would also like to note that everyone on this project are either students or working for the first time on an animated film.
So, ultimately what things should I be stating explicitly as my role on this film and what important documents should be covered to avoid headache down the line?
Thank you for any assistance!
Hi Aeron, you're being very honest about what you did. You're not going to like what I have to say. You shouldn't have gotten involved if you do not know what you're doing. The best course of action would be for you to depart the project. The longer you wait, the worst the situation becomes. Just let whomever it is know that you've had a few things come up that you have to focus on, so you'll have to depart the project. Wish them well, and sign off. After that, what do you do? Dive head first into learning about producing live action TV and Film, and Animation. Then you'll have the knowledge and confidence to produce.
Lindbergh Hollingsworth I figured that's what I might need to do. I was hopeful for the first couple of months that I could do it, but seeing how things are going, I have been debating if I should continue on this project. I really appreciate the straightforwardness. I will be stepping down and learn about producing. But I guess besides diving head first into learning, can you point me to the direction of where I can start learning about producing live action TV and Film, and Animation.
Hi Aeron, I largely agree with Lindbergh here. Producing is no joke. It's one of the most all-encompassing positions on a film and requires so many different skillsets in order to be successful.
Where I do differ my opinion from Lindbergh is that I do not necessarily think you need to fully depart the project. Given that this is an independent project with no financing and a crew of students and first-time feature animators, there is some flexibility and room to grow with this team collectively, so long as everyone is on the same team and same page.
I imagine you were brought onto this project by the director. You will need to have an honest conversation with them about your concerns and more importantly, what their expectations are of you. There may be room for you to research and learn more about the role of the producer as you go through this project. I am a firm believer that the best way to learn producing is by doing it.
However, that being said, if the director has expectations of you that are unrealistic (finding obscene amount of financing, managing the unpaid crew weekly, etc.), then perhaps you do need to depart.
Wishing you the best as you navigate this, but above all else, you need to have an honest conversation about expectations with your collaborators.
Sean Hussey I have yet to talk to the director about departing, so you have given me some great pointers on where I should start the upcoming meeting I have with him. I have also been meaning to talk to the whole crew as well to make sure we are all on board and on the same page. Thank you for your insight!
Aeron, if this is a student film, then it can be a major learning experience for all. If it's not a student film, this isn't the time for you to learn. The production requires knowledgeable people for (hopefully) success.