Q: How do movies get made? (This isn’t a joke but feel free to suggest one!)
A: They are produced.
A film producer is a person who oversees film production. Either employed by a production company or working independently, producers plan and coordinate various aspects of film production, such as selecting the script; coordinating writing, directing, and editing; and arranging financing.
During the “discovery stage,” the producer finds and selects promising material for development. Then, unless the film is based on an existing script, the producer has to hire a screenwriter and oversee the development of the script. Once a script is completed, the producer will lead a pitch to secure the financial backing (a “green light“) to allow production to begin.
The producer also supervises the pre-production, production, and post-production stages of filmmaking. One of the most important tasks is to hire the director and other key crew members. Whereas the director makes the creative decisions during the production, the producer typically manages the logistics and business operations, though some directors also produce their own films. The producer is tasked with making sure the film is delivered on time and within budget, and has the final say on creative decisions. Finally, the producer will oversee the marketing and distribution.
Wikipedia
All of which is to say (thanks Wikipedia), that a producer is the person who makes all the things happen that mean that the film gets made.
It’s a specialism but not a single technical role: the producer’s specialism is leadership and management, bringing together the initial creative vision, the team who will bring it into reality, and the discipline and sheer will to see it through until it’s done. The producer makes, fills and manages the frame in which the specialists do their work and see it all the way through to the end. They make it possible for the magic to happen, and for you to know about it.
Hold that thought.
P.S. Here’s looking at you, Sharky.