What does a film producer actually do?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Ollie to unpack the true role of a producer, the “glue” of a film production and the person who is first in and last out of every project.

From raising finance and optioning rights, to hiring directors and cast, solving crises on set, navigating contracts, and fighting to get films distributed, this is a brutally honest look at what it takes to survive in independent filmmaking.

Ollie shares:

• How he broke into the film industry
• Starting at the bottom (making tea & coffee on set)
• Why producing isn’t glamorous
• The reality of unpaid development work
• Raising finance & working with investors
• Building a production company
• Producing BAFTA-nominated films
• The emotional highs of film festivals
• The harsh economics of indie film

He also opens up about:

• Career crossroads
• Walking away from “safe” jobs
• The pressure of supporting a family
• Why resilience matters more than talent

If you’ve ever dreamed of making movies — this episode reveals the truth behind the curtain.

Oliver Roskill

@oliverroskill

Resources:

Producers Anonymous

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