Becoming an Associate Producer

What is an associate producer? What are the associate producer jobs? Do you even know how to become an associate producer? All are important questions and can be answered here with our handy little run-down of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the associate producer.

First off, associate producer jobs are covered by two types of associate producers. The first is a junior partner of a film production company; a smaller film production company has a big film on their hands may task their film producer to fill the role of associate producer for the bigger company's producer. An associate producer can also be hired directly by any film production company to do the leg work of the film producer. Either way, the associate producer jobs are exactly similar to the film producer's jobs; assisting in arranging for supplies, helping in hiring the critical staff and talent, and (most importantly) finding the funding your film will need. An associate producer is involved in every aspect of pre production and post production and can even make important decisions if need be.

That may be all well and good, but you may not know how to become an associate producer to any film, let along a major one. Associate producer jobs are usually found through networking and interning; the latter is usually unpaid but the skills and contacts you cultivate more than pay off in the long run. Networking is a little more tricky; you have to know your stuff and know some people. If you have a cousin who is a makeup artist on one film, they may be able to give you tips on other films that are hiring. Also, contact old professors or guidance counselors from your business or film school; they may have important leads or at least the name of an alumni who is working in the film industry. Unpaid internships may be the only way to go for most people; be sure that doing so will not put you in such a bad financial situation that you wind up having to quit before you land some important associate producer jobs.

Now that you have the tools and tips you need and know how to become an associate producer, there is only one thing to remember; be persistent and be present. Consistency and tenacity will get you recognized and get you a job as an associate producer.