The best indie and big studio films all have one thing in common – they all have a producing team that knows all about what goes into that movie magic. The casting, the crew, the locations, the schedule, they run it all. It’s not always clear on how to get started as a producer, especially if you’re new to the field.
We spoke with Jennifer Varenchik about what aspiring producers should keep top of mind as they get their hands on their first projects. She is an experienced producer with her own production company, Native Muse Productions.
Originally from Los Angeles, she made Hawaiʻi home in 2019 and in that same year, she joined the Hawaiʻi Filmmakers Collective (HFC), where she met local filmmakers and has since collaborated on numerous projects that have gone on to be selected in several film festivals, including the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival. In 2024, she stepped into the role as Executive Director of the organization.
See her top 5 tips below:
1. Be Organized
At its core, producing is about being highly organized and overseeing many different aspects. Jennifer puts it simply, “If you can produce an event of any kind, that has maybe 50 or so more people attending, you can be a producer.”
In independent filmmaking especially, a lot can fall through the cracks as there are many items at play. Permits, equipment rentals, insurance contracts, and even food all need be coordinated, often with small teams and limited time. A producer should know how to delegate and overall make sure everything (and everyone) shows up when and how it’s supposed to.
2. Be Communicative
Communication goes hand in hand with organization. Whether plans change or if a department needs something, those updates need to be clearly, quickly, and effectively shared with everyone affected.
On a set where timelines are tight and roles often overlap, miscommunication can cause just as many problems as disorganization. Producers must also use their voice on set, especially when enforcing regulations and being firm on alternative solutions.
Communicating also goes beyond cast and crew. When you’re building out your team or looking for additional resources, Jennifer emphasizes, “You need to be willing to take your shot and ask [for what you need], especially if you are a producer who doesn’t know anybody. You have to be willing to call.”
Reaching out to people (oftentimes someone you don’t know) is a key part of the job, no matter for locations, permits, sponsorships, or general production support.
3. Think Long Term
As a producer, thinking long term means looking past just making the film and considering where it’s going. Will the project be submitted to festivals? How is it being distributed? Will it be discoverable in the future? It’s important to answer these questions by first identifying who are the main stakeholders and who makes the final decisions.
Producers should help build a timeline, define what the project is meant to do, and then take steps to plan ahead creatively and effectively.
Ideally, the director would have a clear vision and post-production action items are part of the conversation early on. Although not everyone works the same way, inviting early input leads to a much more collaborative environment and fewer surprises down the line.
Jennifer notes, “I think the more brains, the better,” which includes meeting with the editors, sound, music, VFX, and other post-production teams before shooting begins.
4. Be Positive
Things won’t always go according to plan. With so many moving parts, that’s a given in filmmaking. What matters is how you respond. As a producer, that means staying level headed and always looking on the bright side.
“I think that’s the most important skill to have. To keep your calm, keep a solution-oriented mindset, and to be proactive,” says Jennifer. When something goes wrong, be the person who can take a breath and keep things moving without getting stuck on placing blame.
For producers starting out, mistakes will happen, and that’s okay. Own up to them, apologize when needed, and fix the issue at hand. Making a film is a high-pressure experience for everyone involved, so encouragement and steady leadership go a long way.
5. Remember Your Why
“I try to get involved with projects that have a bigger meaning,” Jennifer highlights. “Whether it’s teaching people about autism or having indigenous representation, I always try to align myself with projects that are doing something beyond entertainment.”
When things get difficult, remember why you’re making the movie in the first place. Producing can come with plenty of pressure. That’s why there should still be room for joy in the process.
Having your “why” gives you that extra push in the midst of challenges. For producers, that also means being intentional about the set environment so be mindful of the people you hire and the culture you’re building.
For women and people of color, especially, it’s important to embrace your titles, take up space, and be proud of the work you’re doing.
Final Thoughts
Producing does not have a one-size-fits-all blueprint. While there are certain benchmarks and to-dos that stay consistent, every project comes with its own challenges and surprises.
Just remember you’re making art, and as producers, you are building the foundation for the film’s success. The more you cross your T’s and dot your I’s, the smoother the process will be.
As the climate of the industry evolves, don’t be afraid to collaborate amongst your peers and make your own movie magic, as Jennifer inspires, “It’s a great time now to be a filmmaker so I encourage as many people to do it because if I can do it, anyone can do it.”