5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me About Being a Producer

Here's some lessons I learned over the past 10 years as a producer. It’s part of an interview I did with Authority Magazine. Enjoy!
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1. Good work takes time.

People will always try to rush what they don’t - or can’t - understand. That does not mean you oblige them.  And that does not mean you ignore or belittle. You have to know how to measure expectations. See the world through your clients’ eyes - know when it’s time to break down how something works, or when it’s time to keep things simple and stop showing how the sausage is made.  Every client is different when it comes to giving them what they need, in order for you to have enough space and tools to do your job. 

2. You can’t do everything alone.
I thought I could do this back in the day. And in fact, I did a lot of things on my own when I started out. I still do - but for the most part.. If you want you and your client to be less stressed, and more satisfied at the end of a BIG project: Don’t cut corners until you have to. 

If they ask for a budget, figure out what you need to get the best result. Don’t overestimate your abilities or speed to get something done. Instead, give yourself cushion to fail, and still succeed. Hire people who are well-versed in the field you need help in - avoid just recruiting your friends for every project, if they’re novices.  Yes, you can shoot, and do audio, and light, and all that other stuff…  But if you only have a window of three hours to set up and shoot a 10-page scene - you’re better off calling in more hands to help.

3. You’re going to have to consistently state your boundaries. 

People are people. And they’ll never know if they’re asking for too much, until you tell them. That does not diminish your value, nor render you incapable of making a quality product. But you have to know, and voice, what is reasonable - and what is not.  One hundred and eighty hours of editing for $650 is not reasonable. In fact, that reminds me of another thing….

4. Charge Hourly for edits.

I can’t tell you how much this saves you in the long run.  Use an app like Clockify for starters, there are better programs out there.  Make notes, and track your time. The right way: accurately, truthfully, and with a paper trail. I guarantee you, once a client understands that each minute is a labor that must be compensated - it will save you and everyone else involved a lot of headaches.

5. Always have a contract. Always check before adding Hours.

Number one rule in this industry, and a lot of others is: never trust the money, if there’s nothing signed on the dotted line. Period. People will still try you, but… a good contract will not only spell out the scope of work, but also provide address information should you need to pursue legal remedies. If you’re working for a friend? Use a contract, write out and agree upon your scope of work before starting. You will keep that friendship.

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- Paul A. Notice II
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