This is the reason why producers are always looking for good scripts. Many producers have readers working for them, evaluating stacks upon stacks of scripts looking for something exceptional. When a producer finds a script they believe is exciting and original that will appeal to cast, crew and an audience they begin the process of pitching it to potential attachments. First, however, it must survive certain practical logistical tests that we will refer to as “viability testing” which we will discuss in our next article.
So the role of the producer is to find a strong script that they believe they can sell to actors, director, investors, distributors and crew. Finding a script may be the most important part but a producer does not deserve the title unless they can bring all these elements together and shepherd the project through to a successful completion.
The word "successful" is important here. The producer needs to have a strategic vision for the project and know what they want to accomplish with before they begin. The next article discusses the tactical considerations of the producer as he or she moves into pre-production. What we need is a strategic vision that goes beyond just getting the movie shot.
No one else on the project has this perspective. When the movie is completed, what is going to happen to it? We will address this strategic vision in our last lesson but the producer must have an idea of what success looks like in the final, distribution phase of the project before they even say "yes" to make the movie.
Ultimately, this is the most important decision the producer will make. Project selection is critical and there should be a lot of scripts to which you say "no". If you say "yes", you will be judged as a producer by how successful you are at getting the project made and whether or not it does anything when it is completed.