I'm dating myself here, but the first film I ever worked on was "The Shawshank Redemption." I remember seeing Nikki Marvin walking around the set, a small woman in an oversized coat (if memory serves), commanding respect and authority without ever saying a word. When I wasn't watching Roger Deakins work, I was watching her. I knew next to nothing about the business at that time, and I remember asking someone on set, "Who is that, and what does she do?" I got a one-word response... "Everything."
For a producer who really knows what they're doing, that statement is still true today. A great producer doesn't just "manage a set." They protect the actors, champion the writers, support the directors, govern the BTL staff, looking out for their well-being and respecting their time. They are open with their praise and constructive with their criticism. They know the script, they know the budget, they respect the locals and the filming environment, and they never, ever "phone it in." In short, a great producer knows that they can only serve the film by also servicing the people and places that make it happen, and they do all of this without most people even knowing they're doing it. So, why aren't they protected?
Do you think producers need more advocacy for their rights and protections? Let me know in the comments section below, and if you haven't done so already, hug a producer today (or if you don't want to seem creepy, at least say "thanks").
https://variety.com/2025/film/features/movie-producers-united-hollywood-...
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Congratulations on working on The Shawshank Redemption, Michael Fitzer, MFA! Incredible film! I think producers need more advocacy for their rights and protections. Producers do A LOT! I tried to make two feature films way back, and it was so much work! I didn't know anything about producing going in. I suggest aspiring producers learn a lot about producing before making their first film, show, etc.
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Wow, The Shawshank Redemption is my all-time favorite movie!
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I had skimmed this article before Michael Fitzer, MFA - but I am thankful you shared it here and prompted me to read the entire thing. I think many (me included) just assume producers at that level have nothing to worry about - blew my mind to read they have to even ask for something like health insurance during production.
Producers are not the engine - the entire production operational structure is the engine. Producers are the fuel. And some of these studios may (hopefully) realize that if you're too busy trying to get to some financial/market share objective to stop for gas.... well, we know the rest :)