Image: Dumitru (Adobe Stock)
Author: VANAS
What do Executive Producers Do?
When you think of Steven Spielberg, Guillermo del Toro, Jennifer Lee, and John Lasseter, you probably imagine them in front of the camera or directing blockbuster films. However, these A-listers, along with many others, are increasingly being credited as executive producers on a variety of animated feature films, documentaries, and TV series. The role of an executive producer (EP) can vary significantly, from providing crucial support and guidance to emerging directors to being a marketing tool that adds prestige to a project. As Chris Evans from The Guardian explores, the EP title is both coveted and multifunctional.
The Role of an Executive Producer
Chris Evans, a journalist at The Guardian, writes about Robert Mitchell, who is the director of theatrical insights at Gower Street Analytics. Robert explains that the involvement of A-listers as executive producers can range widely. “Sometimes they are on from an early stage, helping to get it made,” Mitchell says. “In other cases, they’re a name added much later in the day, sometimes after the film is completed, often on animated documentaries. Suddenly, it becomes ‘presented by a big shot/A-lister name’, which seems to be much more of a marketing thing.”
This strategic addition can benefit both the film creators and the stars. For smaller filmmakers, having a big name attached can provide much-needed funding and promotional clout. For the A-listers, it’s an opportunity to support worthy projects and make good money. Producer Bill Doyle explains, “EPs get paid well, especially if they are actively involved, shepherding the project into action, fighting the battles in getting it funded and making it happen, even though they’re not physically producing it.”
Varied Involvement
Steven Spielberg, for instance, is attached as an executive producer on multiple projects, showcasing the varied roles an EP can play. “On The Adventures of Tintin, Spielberg was deeply involved in the creative process, guiding the film’s direction and production,” says Doyle. “But he also lends his name to projects where he’s not involved day-to-day, adding prestige and helping secure funding.”
Another example is Jennifer Lee, who served as an executive producer for the animated film Frozen II. As chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, Lee plays a significant role in the development of many animated films, even when she’s not directing them. Her involvement lends credibility and artistic guidance, helping shape the final product.
Behind the Scenes and On the Credits
While some executive producers are heavily involved in the production process, others contribute in different ways. “This could be the person who bought the rights to the book, but didn’t have anything to do with the physical production, or managers of the actors that helped fund the movie, or those that helped get the sales done for smaller projects. So there are plenty of EPs that are not really hands-on,” says Doyle.
In some cases, the credit is about pure artistic admiration. For instance, Guillermo del Toro’s executive producer credit on the animated film Puss in Boots stems from his respect for the work and his desire to support it.
The Impact on Animated Documentaries
The trend of attaching A-listers as executive producers is particularly noticeable in the world of animated documentaries. Star power can be a crucial factor in getting an animated documentary made and seen. For example, Flee, an animated documentary about an Afghan refugee’s journey, gained significant attention and acclaim, partly due to the involvement of executive producers like Riz Ahmed and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. Their support helped the film secure financing and reach a wider audience, showcasing the power of A-list backing in this genre.
“As a documentary filmmaker, you’re going to take any money that a big name can raise. If you are making an animated documentary, for example, and you get someone like John Lasseter to support it, he may not have diddly squat to do with the day-to-day, but he’s going to help you get the financing and exposure,” says Doyle.
Notable Animated Documentaries
- Flee (2021) - Directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, this animated documentary tells the story of an Afghan refugee’s journey, gaining significant acclaim and support from executive producers like Riz Ahmed and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.
- Waltz with Bashir (2008) - Directed by Ari Folman, this film explores the director's memories of the 1982 Lebanon War through animation, creating a powerful and unique narrative experience.
- Tower (2016) - Directed by Keith Maitland, this documentary uses rotoscopic animation to recount the events of the 1966 University of Texas tower shooting, blending real-life interviews with animated sequences to powerful effect.
Supporting Emerging Talent
Despite some criticisms, the involvement of A-listers can be invaluable for emerging filmmakers. Producer Michael Stevenson highlights that getting big names on board often doesn’t require much of their time, but can provide significant benefits. Stevenson enlisted the help of Jennifer Lee for his short animated film The One Note Man. “As long as we put together the right package and look after them, they are amazing advocates for up-and-coming filmmakers.”
The executive producer credit serves many functions in the film industry. For emerging filmmakers, the support and name recognition of an A-lister can be a game-changer. For the stars, it’s an opportunity to diversify their portfolio, support new talent, and sometimes, earn a substantial paycheck. Whether it’s through hands-on involvement or simply lending their name for marketing purposes, A-listers as executive producers have become a staple in modern filmmaking.
VANAS Online Animation School offers a Production Management program at VANAS to launch your producer career. Whether you aspire to be an executive producer or a filmmaker, understanding the dynamics behind the scenes can be crucial to your success in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an executive producer do?
- An executive producer can provide support, advice, and guidance to filmmakers. They can also help with funding and marketing the film.
How involved are A-listers as executive producers?
- The involvement can vary. Some are deeply involved from the early stages, while others may join later for promotional purposes.
Why do filmmakers want A-listers as executive producers?
- Having a big name attached can help secure funding, provide credibility, and attract a larger audience.
How can I become an executive producer?
- Building a strong network in the film industry, gaining experience in production, and finding projects to support are key steps.
What is the benefit for A-listers to become executive producers?
- It allows them to support new talent, diversify their portfolio, and earn additional income.
VANAS Online Animation School offers a Production Management program at VANAS to launch your producer career. Whether inspired by the stories of Steven Spielberg, Guillermo del Toro, Jennifer Lee, or John Lasseter, your journey in animation begins with the right education and opportunities.
