Intro to Line Producing: A Line Producer's Guide from Prep to Wrap
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Webinar hosted by: Tatiana Kelly
Producer at Serena Films (Almost two dozen films which have premiered at Sundance, Tribeca and more!)
Tatiana Kelly is a producer whose first film premiered at Sundance in 2006 and was released by Lionsgate. The film earned two Independent Spirit Award nominations and was an eight-time Best Feature festival-winner. In August 2020, Tatiana released CUT THROAT CITY starring Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke and Oscar nominee Terrance Howard. It reached the Top 10 on Netflix. She is currently in production on her next feature, THE PEOPLE VS. VEGAS DAVE. Previously, Tatiana produced THE WORDS starring Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper, Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, and Zoë Saldana, THE PROCESSIONS, written and directed by Academy Award nominee Robert Festinger, and LIFE OF A KING, starring Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr., which premiered at the LA Film Festival. Full Bio »
Webinar Summary
One of the unsung heroes of any production is the line producer. Whether you’re putting together your own crew or are looking to work your way up the production ranks, it’s crucial to understand the role of this senior position.
When you envision how your shoot will operate, do you see an easy flow or chaos?
You don’t want chaos, but setbacks are inevitable. So, if the director is directing, and each crew member is busy providing their specific skill, who jumps in to handle the various issues that arise and impact multiple departments?
The Line Producer.
The line producer handles logistical issues on both the creative and business sides of filmmaking, making them crucial when the director and other producers are zeroed in on the shoot day.
This is the job for someone who thrives under pressure, can think and plan ahead for the schedule, and be present in what’s needed on set today. They’re responsible for or involved with:
- Hiring the crew
- Keeping everyone safe on set
- Generating the budget and ensuring the film comes in on budget
- Supervising daily operations
- And countless other micro and macro logistics
When the line producer isn’t on their game, the entire production can feel it since many of their tasks involve multiple departments and the budget.
In this Stage 32 exclusive webinar, you’ll learn what it takes to make it as a line producer or look for when hiring one.
Showing you the ropes is Tatiana Kelly, a producer whose first film premiered at Sundance before being released by Lionsgate, and nabbing two Independent Spirit Awards nominations, as well as being an eight-time Best Feature festival-winner.
Tatiana has worked with A-listers, including Oscar winners Jeremy Irons and Cuba Gooding Jr., and Oscar nominees Ethan Hawke, Bradley Cooper, Robert Festinger, and Terrance Howard. And, she is currently in production on her next feature, THE PEOPLE VS. VEGAS DAVE.
With her vast industry experience, Tatiana will show you how to determine your line producer’s fee and credit, set the budget, what the first and most important decisions you’ll have to make are, different options for handling COVID protocols, and how to prep for a shoot vs. post-production.
You’ll also learn what a Wrap Binder is, its crucial role, and how to put one together.
Whether you’re looking to grow your production career or are building your production team, by the end of this webinar, you’ll know the ins and outs of line producing and how to use this position to your advantage.
What You'll Learn
“Pre”-Pre-Production
- Determining the budget
- The Preliminary script breakdown and making cast offers
- Understanding a line producer's fee and credit
Pre-Production
- Determining the Overall Structure: The top decisions to make at the start
- Budgeting: Assessing costs and needs and making decisions
- COVID Protocols: Identifying your overall approach
- Locations: Hiring a location manager and understanding the locations’ impact on planning
- Scheduling: Working with the AD
- Building your team: Determining who you need on your team
- Prepping for the shoot
- Prepping for Post-Production
Production
- Managing the shoot
- Safety First
- Tracking the budget
- Working with a payroll company
- Managing the bond
Wrap
- The Wrap Binder: What to include
Q&A
About Your Instructor
Tatiana Kelly
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Reviews Average Rating: 5 out of 5
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Ella Douglas spectacular all around. demystifies and dispels some common errors made in budgeting & preproduction I wish she was my line producer. :)
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