The credits start rolling and you see one producer title after another. Do you know what they all mean? Do you care? Well, if you want to move up in the industry, it’s pretty critical you know the basic difference between producing roles. This post covers the fundamentals what a co-producer is, and answers the question “what does a co-producer do?”
What is a co producer?
What exactly does the co-producer do?
There are a ton of production credits at the end of a film or tv show. The co-producer is almost always there. We can assume what the role involves if we know what a producer is, but who are they really and what do they actually do?
Let's define their title and then their day-to-day tasks.
CO-PRODUCER DEFINITION
What is a co-producer?
A co-producer is someone who produces a project with another producer. They are considered an above-the-line producer. “Above-the-line” is a phrase used to characterize high-level decision-makers and talent.
Co-producers usually work right beneath the executive producer and often assists with finances, casting, and other high-level duties.
WHAT DOES A CO-PRODUCER DO?
- Works jointly with another producer to oversee the project from development through post-production.
- Provide notable value to project through their attachment, services rendered, essential equipment, locations, etc.
- Film co-producers often works as second line producers.
Other key players may be dubbed a co-producer when they are instrumental in either funding the production or providing some other benefit like services or special equipment.
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Different types of producers
Now you have a firm command of what a co-producer title means. But how is it any different from other producer titles? Before we delve into differentiating, it’s important to note that the meanings behind different producer labels are not set in stone. Sometimes they’re just handed out because someone helped on a project by giving advice.
Producer
The main producer is the lead figure responsible for overseeing the entire film production. This includes just about everything: securing financing, hiring key creative talent, managing schedules– essentially guiding the film from development through distribution.
The producer typically holds final authority on major decisions and is the primary driving force behind the project. Compared to a co-producer, the producer has significantly more control and ownership over the creative and financial outcomes.
Executive Producer
An executive producer most often plays a high-level role by securing funding, contributing to business relationships, or lending their name to attract attention to the project (this is why A-list actors are often executive producers).
They may have limited involvement in the day-to-day production but are instrumental in making the film viable. Unlike a co-producer, who may be deeply involved in the production process, the executive producer’s influence is typically strategic or financial.
There is also the co-executive producer– a title which has the same relation to executive producer that co-producer has to producer. A co executive producer helps with many EP tasks, but isn’t involved enough to get a full EP title.
Line Producer
The line producer is in the trenches. They’re in charge of managing the daily physical aspects of the production. They supervise the budget, help hire crew, and ensure the shoot stays on schedule and within budget.
While a co-producer may assist with certain production elements, the line producer is entirely focused on execution and logistics, serving as the on-the-ground authority during filming.
Associate Producer
An associate producer is probably the most nebulous producer title. It’s a more flexible role that varies depending on the production’s needs. They might help with casting, post-production, or other specialized tasks. Or, they helped a little with financing, or connections. Often an AP credit operates as a “thank you” to someone who helped in a way that doesn’t conveniently fit into another title.
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Up Next
What Does a Line Producer Do?
Now you know how to answer the question, “What is a co producer?” Time to get your hands dirty. The next post explores the role of the line producer, a significantly more involved job description. Let’s get to it.
Up Next: What Does a Line Producer Do? →
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