Hello. I may get the opportunity to Produce my first feature. I have been asked to send a one page document about what I expect to get as a producer - for instance, pay, point from the film, etc. But I honestly do not know since it's my first! Could anyone guide me on this? Would be a real help. Unsure yet of the budget so I do know, specifics are more challenging to come by. Thanks a lot. Xochi
Producing : Producer Contract by Xochi Blymyer
Assistant Director, Director, Line Producer, Screenwriter, Unit Production Manager
4 years ago
Producer Contract
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I'm still flyin' blind after 40 years - eventually I think I'll get the hang of it. But I'm still flyin'.
Are you acting as an Executive Producer, a Line Producer, or as a Creative Producer?
Dan MaxXx asks some pertinent questions. I would also ask - who's asking you to write this document? In any of the "producer" jobs that Karen "Kay" Ross mentions, you would know what the budget is going in and thus be able to determine what your expectations should be concerning pay, credit, etc.
How can somebody ask you to be a producer and not trust enough to reveal the budget and financing?
Xochi Blymyer Sent you a DM, contact me back and let's chat.
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Hi Xochi Blymer, congratulations. Deal points for a producer agreement would usually include when services start (for example, in development or production), guaranteed compensation (your fee; a first-time producer's fee ballpark would probably be between about $50,000 for low budget up to about $350,000), contingent compensation, consultation/approval rights (final script, budget, cast, schedule, marketing, etc.), insurance, and travel and expenses, among other negotiable points.
Thank you Dane, Appreciate it.
Thanks Everyone. To answer some of the questions, an Exec Producer is making me his partner and wanted this information for the investors as part of the package he gives to introduce his team. Depending on which project, I would be Creative Producer and/or Line Producer. He is working on a multi project deal, it's yet to be determined the budget of one particular show. Presently I work as a 1st AD so can def do the breakdowns/schedules. The points element is one I've not had to deal with until now!
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Congratulations Xochi Blymyer ! So happy for you! I second Dane, and Kay in the advice and want to double down on being clear about what your credit will be. My two cents - I prefer payment to begin in development. If your pay starts when production/principal photography begins you could end up working a lot of days or weeks and then poof! Project rescheduled or cancelled or ... "___________" fill in the blank and you could end up being unpaid for the work you did. Or worse, having to sue to get paid for the work you did while waiting for production to begin along with payroll. Good luck and have fun!
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My first feature was shot in 10 days, First rule. there is no backend deal, if you get a distributor unless it grosses 4 times the budget, you will never see a dime. So upfront is where both of your compensation will come from. Producer fees are about 2% of the budget, beck end push for 3 points (which you never see) however, you could be the exception. they will negotiate you down to about 1.5 points.
PRODUCING FEE: how much do you need to live, pay your bills, and have a little fun? for the 6 months to 10 months you will need to give to the project.
Line producing is a separate fee, my advice hire someone else to do it for you, and be their boss.
And way to go winner. I hope you break like both your legs.
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Think of what you can bring to the table that adds value and what it's worth, then ask to be paid for your time either up front or immediately upon securing financing. You'll never see a penny on the back end.