Producing : The Side of Producing People Don’t See by Sean Patrick Burke

THIS is why I became a producer. I 1st ADed for many years on independent films and commercials. The common theme I noticed was a disconnect between the producers and the cast/crew. I wanted to break that barrier. The crew is the backbone to a production.

I completely agree with Sir !

Sean Patrick Burke Well said. That is the part of the mandate of the Independent Produces Guild. We have the first (and only) producers handbook, in 2026 going into its second revised edition. It covers best practices, ethics and more. But what you are describing here is a lead/supervising producer or line producer with some executive authority. There are many types or producers and some of them are simply focused on specific tasks. We have, through Stage And Screen Innovations, the Producing Unique New Creators program - the program trains early career producers (ie. not students, but those with some experience already) so that they can succeed in an industry that remains very closed. Our core values include respect and accountability, for the producer as well as the crew and cast.

Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg thank you for the comment. I am actually not familiar with the Independent Producers Guild. I will look into it.

As to your note, yeah I take a very different approach to producing. I am very hands on. I love set and I try and be around as much as possible. But, I will look into the Independent Producers Guild for sure. Thank you!

Sean Patrick Burke The IPG (independentproducersguild.org)has a number of members here on S32, from emerging filmmakers to some with decades of experience in major studios behind them. We have developed FilmPod and Digital Box Office over the years, launching in the spring. We have the only producers manual covering best practices and ethics, which will go into its second edition in 2026, expanded with contract templates and production checklists. We also supervise the 501(c)(3) Stage And Screen Innovations (stagescreen.org) which operates the Producing Unique New Creators (PUNC) program that develops early career producers. We welcome new member requests - your support goes a long way to creating positive change in independent film industry.

I love this discussion Sean Patrick Burke. I've not served as a producer as of yet but up to this point, only a creator and writer of IPs. I was in the music business for a while and saw the divide and hurt between the producers/creatives. Ialways felt that if I ever became a producer of my own work in film, I'd want to be the one who encourages and builds others up on set. I'm taking certification classes in line producing now but to be transparent, I had my fill of numbers while in the music industry but it's obviously a necessary component. Still, if I had my way, I'd create, be a Producer in name only and love on everyone on set. I'd be happy with that.

Leonardo Ramirez 2 love your sentiments here. I do my own courses on producing and filmmaking in general. A big emphasis is on set structure and how to properly treat everyone. It is a must for our sets. Hit me up if you want to learn more about upcoming courses.

As to the numbers, yes, this is just a part of the gig. Doing schedules, budgets, and overseeing production reports is just a daily job on set. I used to 1st a lot so I usually do the first pass of schedules to get the ball rolling on things.

Very cool Sean Patrick Burke - thanks so much! Would love to check out your courses. Just sent you a connect request.

Veteran producer Todd Garner has reinstated his podcast, "the producer's guide" and his first guest this iteration was with Rebecca Greene, currently at AFI, previously at Sundance and a veteran indie producer and member of Producers United -- they really dig into the current challenges and opportunities. I highly recommend getting into that orbit if this is something you want to pursue. https://open.spotify.com/episode/7c2RNcIxs6uK2pUU53y2Wz?si=FJr6-imXTE2nV...

Producers put up the money for a director to make the movie; however, the Studio assigned producer to 'produce' a feature film is as you have all described here.

As Vic notes, there are lots of different versions of "Producer". Some are 'the Money', some are the stars, some are the romantic interests of other producers, some are on-the-set producers, etc., etc. As many of you note, those on-the-set Producers need to be adept in both numbers and personalities. Having worked over the years in many iterations of producing, from PA to PC to UPM to Line Producer to Producer it's so true that you need to be able to effectively and efficiently balance the needs of the production, the budget, and the cast and crew. It's great that Stage 32 offers training and a forum for this vital aspect of any show. Good luck to you all when producing and/or working with producers.

Vic Alexander, respectfully, not in the independent world. I have worked as a crew person on studio films and the studio producers definitely didn't do what I mentioned. They were just there to make sure the studio money was being spent well and things were kept on schedule. As far as I can tell, they rarely deal with the crew if at all.

In the indie world, I procure the financing (or other producing partners on films), manage development (creative revisions on script), oversee casting, handle logistics (budget/schedule), manage pre-production, oversee the full production, and am there to make sure post is on schedule plus I do notes for rough edits.

This is why I love independent filmmaking. The producers are typically there from the first pitch through distribution.

Pamela Jaye Smith thank you for your comment. You have been a part of some awesome projects. I am also a mythology nerd so that was fun to see your credit as mythologist! We have an amazing Irish Mythology series that incorporates Norse Mythology as well. Gonna be fun... but expensive!

Cool that you're into mythology, Sean. Cause "that's where they keep the stories", eh? How can I learn more about your Irish Mythology series with the Norse influence? No doubt it will be great fun as there are some amazing stories, concepts, and characters in both mythic systems. Wishing you much success with the project.

Pamela Jaye Smith I will shoot you a message!

Thanks for the invite to connect. You definitely have some impressive projects to your credit. Congratulations on the wins. And all best for continuing success!

Sean Patrick Burke Hi Sean, I love this post. Thank you for sharing it.

“What's one thing you do to take care of your crew?”

In the past, with short film, it would be to create a a safe and creative environment, but now I am stepping into the role for my first feature film the whole dynamic has changed.

In development, I am the main producer, but once pre-production starts I’ll be handing the reins over to my co-producer and taking over the director role.

But with the Producer’s hat on, I’ve been thinking about the wellbeing of the cast in dealing with such disturbing subject matter - human trafficking - and having a psychologist on set for the more fraught scenes, for psychological support. We’ll see how that works out in practice, but my intention is for that to go through as an actual budget item on the production.

Good for you, Geoff. That's positive in so many ways. Wishing you and your team an enjoyable and satisfying production. And successful, too!

Geoff Hall, that is a wonderful idea! I can tell you on the multiple sets I have been on, the crew absorbs the emotions from specific scenes. In our films "As You Are", we had some tense scenes involving abuse from a parent. Those days the crew felt super down. More of a somber day for set. But on days where we had kids having a blast, cliff jumping, and whatnot; the energy vibes were positive. So, on deeper and emotional days, I could see a therapist or someone on set to check in with folks not being a bad idea. I have never done this before, so please let us all know how it goes for you!

Sean Patrick Burke thank you, Sean. And thanks for the heads up, that it’s not only the cast who may need a sympathetic ear, but the crew too. And yes, I’ll let you know how this all pans out.

Pamela Jaye Smith thank you Pamela. Your encouragement, as always, is gratefully received.

Totally agree

When I was shooting a hidden-camera show called Krazie Kenyan, I used to take the cast through screen presence sessions between shoots — techniques I’d studied from some of Hollywood’s greats. But beyond that, I always saw every project as a bridge to the next. Everyone on set — cast or crew — had to tell me where they wanted to go next, what kind of projects or directors they hoped to work with. My job was to give them my best, then help them move toward theirs. I would make the introduction based on their growth.

How very generous of you, Daniel. Encouraging individuals improves not only their own careers but the entire industry. You're creating Win-Win situations all round.