Someone asked me recently what I thought the role of the Producer was in a specific film. I have to admit that the answer I gave was not entirely satisfactory. So, willing to learn, I would be grateful for any opinions on how one determines the specific function(s) of a producer when viewing a film/TV programme. i.e. in the same way that one can say "That's a typical Spielberg movie!" or "Mike Leigh's screenplay was up to his usual standard", can one say the same thing about the role of the Producer in contemporary films? Is a 'good' film always associated with a 'good' producer and vice versa? Is there anything in particular that one should watch for in a film or TV programme in order to determine the Producer's input into the final product? Is a 'good' producer one that makes a fat return on the investors' money? One that puts together a good team? Someone that is associated with a glossy slick product? I always had the impression that the Producer was hidden behind the scenes, stapling together bits of paper and shouting at people when the schedule is not adhered to, but I would suppose that this is not doing justice to what must be a very important, if not vital function in the materialisation of any film/TV programme. David Moon ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]