The Role of executive producer

Since beginning my journey as an executive producer I've learned many things. First of all, to put it bluntly, I've learned that an executive producer "is the money."  My number one job is to find the financing for this project and my number two job is to work with my partners to complete the project on time and staying under budget.  Fortunately, I am working with great people and I know that this second part of my job will be an incredible adventure....no doubt learning much more as well.  So what about this first part, finding financing for a movie?  I've been approached by several people recently who want to make their own movie and have asked me how this is accomplished.

The best answer to this question can be summarized in one word for me: passion.  I have a passion for my project and every time I am speaking with potential investment partners I do so with complete confidence that this is not a question of IF my project will be completed, but simply WHEN my project will be completed.  The word "no" has zero meaning in my life, because those who are not ready to share in my success are not even on my radar.  

Passion is contagious and people want to be a part of something fueled by it, but as my partners in this venture will tell you, passion not only means being focused and determined, but also being willing to learn. In my determination to see my vision fulfilled, sometimes I just need to shut up, listen and learn. My partners are business people, very successful business people, and there is much that I can and have learned from them.  I have learned about ROI, sustainable business models, and big production budget issues. As I share my creative vision with them, I eagerly look forward to expanding my business horizons.  Ultimately my creative vision is now a business, a big business, and so when I am fulfilling my role as executive producer I take that aspect very seriously.

Come back to this blog soon because we have a big announcement pending.  For now, I thank you for joining me on this adventure and I especially thank all of my partners for sharing my passion and their knowledge