What Does a Video Producer Actually Do? Behind the Scenes of Video Production
Daren Smith put it best:
“A producer isn’t acting, holding a camera, or setting up lights. They’re the ones solving problems before they even happen.”
If you’ve ever been on a video shoot, you’ve seen lights, cameras, a director, maybe even actors—but the person who’s quietly keeping everything from falling apart? That’s the producer.
And that’s what I do.
The Producer: The Problem-Solver of Video Production
A video producer is the glue that holds a production together. They’re not just handling logistics—they’re anticipating problems before they arise and finding solutions before anyone notices.
What Does a Producer Do?
✔ Pre-Production: Planning, budgeting, hiring the right crew, coordinating locations, and making sure everything is in place before the shoot even begins.
✔ On-Set Management: Making sure everything runs on time, solving last-minute issues, keeping the team focused, and handling any unexpected problems that pop up.
✔ Post-Production Oversight: Ensuring the edit stays on schedule, managing feedback from clients, and delivering the final product.
A good producer is a shepherd, a strategist, and a fixer—all at once.
Why Producers Are Essential to High-Quality Video Production
Think of a video producer like the captain of a ship.
• If a camera operator suddenly can’t make it, the producer finds a backup.
• If there’s a sound issue on set, they ensure the team has what they need to fix it.
• If a client has a last-minute request, they figure out how to make it happen without blowing the budget.
Without a strong producer, a production can easily fall apart.
The Difference Between a Good Producer and a Great One
✔ A good producer reacts to problems as they come up.
✔ A great producer anticipates them before they happen.
A high-level producer:
• Knows how to balance creativity and logistics.
• Thrives under pressure and finds solutions fast.
• Brings a sense of calm and control to an otherwise chaotic environment.
Final Thoughts: The Producer as the Ultimate Problem-Solver
The best video producers aren’t always in the spotlight, but they’re the reason everything works.
They handle the details, keep the vision intact, and make sure that when problems arise, solutions are already waiting.
And for me? That’s where the real thrill is.
