For those on their motion picture (also known as a movie) grind, ever wondered if your involvement on a particular project should amount to your name scrolling through the credits at the end of the film? Well to be sure you don’t miss out on that recognition, understanding the variety of ways that a “Produced by” credit can be received is required.
To begin the understanding of even knowing when the potential of a producer credit may arise, there a four key phases of the production process that one must be aware of. These phases are the “development” phase, the “pre-production” phase, the “production” phase, and the “post-production and marketing phase.”
Focusing solely on the development phase, there are a variety of functions that may take place in achieving a “Produced By” credit. This phase essentially involves gathering the creative work, team, and required funds that are required to turn a mere script or idea into an actual film. Functions within the development phase include the conception of how the overall production of the film will take place. Whether this is being intimately involved with the ideation of a project, advancing the underlying theme, outlining the development of characters and how they will impact the film, and several other considerations, are all matters that contribute to the conception of production. Additionally, a significant inclusion in selecting the writer(s) to assist in carving out how the script will materialize adds to one’s ability to receive a producer credit throughout the development process. From a legal stance, this process also includes securing the necessary rights that are required to move forward with the project, in the short and long term. This includes securing a copyright for the script that is to be developed into a final product on the screen. The copyright will provide a legal claim to the copyrighted work and deter others from attempting to exploit the protected work. Another crucial component is the financial aspect that goes into filmmaking. After all, these projects, whether large or small, require legitimate monetary backing. Securing financing and serving as the point-person for the studio and/or financing party will also contribute producer recognition throughout this initial phase.
But there is a caveat to receiving a “Produced by” credit. The acting individual must have been responsible for at least a majority of the duties that fall under the four phases noted above.
Stay tuned for the breakdown of the other three remaining phases that will influence whether or not a “Produced by” credit is possible for the motion picture resume.
For more information and guidance, visit the Producers Guild of America website.
