Skills required to become a film producer Shahzaad Ausman
ď‚— Having the right knowledge on film making might
help you run a studio or be a studio executive, but to become a successful independent filmmaker, you need to have that special awe. As a producer, Shahzaad Ausman says to become a good producer, you must develop certain skills in you as an individual.
ď‚— The top 5 requisites among the rest are as follows:
Organization ď‚— This is perhaps the most important skill required for a
producer. Some of you might be organized enough, but you would all agree that this skill cannot be taught to anyone neither can one learn it that easily. It is just about trying and getting it into your system with practice.
ď‚— In case you keep forgetting the place you left your
wallet at or are still calculating as to when did you last change the oil of your car, you certainly need to work in this area. Try reading some self-help books like - How to get organized. Many training sessions could give you easy and effective tips on being organized. Pick your method your way, but do get organized as being a producer this is a basic necessity for you.
Quick Decision Making ď‚— An individual's ability to make quick decisions is
indeed helpful in several fronts of life. When it comes to film making, the actions and procedures are quite planned and hence predictable regarding the results, yet the field of film making is full of surprises.
ď‚— Several gray areas keep on forcing last-minute
changes in your plans. Being the producer, you would be the captain of the ship with all the onus for good or bad coming back to you. This would call for many decisions to be made right now with no time to think.
ď‚— To develop this skill within yourself, first of all, realize
thoroughly since the beginning until the end you are responsible for all the decisions taken during film making. Any mistakes that follow cannot be blamed on anyone else, but you, the producer.
ď‚— You must have the power to judge when your
decisions have gone wrong. Being a filmmaker, it is a must for you to be decisive and accept the blame whenever necessary. Remember you are the role model for your crew & cast and they would follow whatever you say.
A Good Negotiator ď‚— All the decisions you make regarding the expenditure
of the film would be final. You must understand that without negotiation if you continue paying the prices quoted always, you shall far exceed your stipulated budget which is not something truly advisable.
ď‚— As a producer, you have to know the maximum price
you could pay for any item as per your budget. Then try negotiating the bid by 20-30 percent. If it doesn't work out, make it a point to say no, but do not exceed your budget in any circumstances.
Diplomacy ď‚— A producer needs to manage a big group of talents
and the crew. Hence, you must keep a close watch on the gossips and rumors. When you become a part of some feuds and conflicts, work out a remedy for the situation without taking any sides. This is art you would need to master as you would use it every working day.
Energetic ď‚— A producer must be very energetic to face the hectic
schedules every day. While a lot of you may think that consuming caffeine in the morning wakes you up to fresh, remember a producer needs to have some real energy to face the bilk of challenges that come across during the process of film making. So, you must eat well & have a lot of vitamins to avoid any break downs during the long working days.
ď‚— Mastering these 5 basic individual skills would make
you a successful film producer. Yet, applying your knowledge on film making to the fullest is a prerequisite to becoming an independent filmmaker.
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