Becoming a film producer: how do you get started?

The producer may not be visible on screen, but he or she plays an absolutely crucial role in the successful completion of a film. They take care of financing the project from A to Z, raising funds from banks and partners, or contributing their own capital. He also has a say in the project.

On a day-to-day basis, the producer works with all the collaborators involved in the shoot, from script-writing and shooting to theatrical distribution. Their tasks are varied, and often little-known:

• Receive, read and select script proposals
• Drawing up a film project with the production teams
• Calculate the total cost of financing the project, and draw up a complete business plan
• Seek financing solutions from public and private players
• Organizing casting and filming
• Organize promotional campaigns and ensure theatrical distribution
• Monitor cost trends and adjust financial forecasts if necessary

Would you like to get started?

Let's find out everything you need to know about setting up your own freelance business!

What qualifications are required?

The answer is simple: no specific diploma is required to become a film producer. However, it is common to have a background in audiovisual professions (a BTS audiovisuel with a Production Management option, for example).

After the second year of post-baccalaureate studies, it is possible to enroll at the École nationale supérieure des métiers de l'image et du son (ENSMIS) in Paris. Other private schools, such as ESRA and ESEC, also offer training recognized in the profession.

What qualities are required?

The world of cinema often attracts enthusiasts. A love of the ^7th art is an indispensable quality for making the right decisions as an entrepreneur.

More often than not, young producers have to show imagination, courage and audacity to build their reputation. It's also a job of patience, because a film is built over time. It usually takes several years from the birth of an idea to its theatrical release.

It's also important to build up as wide a network of contacts and contacts as possible . A producer needs to know how to federate a team, inspire confidence and build support for his idea. Last but not least, he or she must be skilled in economic and financial management, so as to scrupulously monitor budgets.

How to set up your company?

Your business creation project must meet a demand expressed by the market. That's why it's vital to start by drawing up a market study.

The latter enables us to understand how supply and demand are structured and matched.

In particular, you'll need to detail your positioning, your target clientele, your areas of expertise, the price of your services, and so on. The objectives are manifold:

• Understanding your offer
• Understanding the match between your offer and potential demand
• Understand the competition to stand out from the crowd and ensure the success of your project

Your market study should then lead to the construction of a business plan. A business plan is a compass for every entrepreneur. It should include the following elements:

• Presenting your project
• Presentation of the market in which you operate
• Presenting your growth strategy
• Presentation of the management team
• Your financial forecasts

As this is a very specific business sector, it's essential to take the time to analyze your offer down to the last detail, in order to guarantee the soundness of your project.

How do you choose your legal status?

There are several legal forms you can use to set up your own film production company:

• EIRL (Entreprise individuelle à responsabilité limitée). As the name suggests, the entrepreneur is only liable for the amount of capital he or she has contributed to the company. His or her personal assets are protected in the event of bad business, and cannot be used to recover any debts.
• EURL (Entreprise universelle à responsabilité limitée). It offers the same advantages as the EIRL, but its manager is considered a self-employed worker. They benefit from a specific social protection scheme, which is less effective than that of salaried employees.
• The SASU (Société par actions simplifiée unipersonnelle) is particularly flexible. Its day-to-day operation is set out in the articles of association. The Chairman of the SASU is covered by the general social security system.
• The micro-entrepreneur status status is particularly easy to set up, manage and wind up. Your social security contributions are calculated on the basis of your gross sales. This is capped at €176,200 for sales activities and €72,500 for services.

Why choose a domiciliation company to set up your head office?

French law allows companies to separate their registered office from their actual place of business. Domiciliation companies offer a a wide range of prestigious and prestigious addressesoften located in the most sought-after areas of the capital, or of major French cities. You're free to domicile your company wherever you like, and give your business card a real shine!

Using a domiciliation company can also considerably lighten your day-to-day workload, thanks to a wide range of services: telephone secretarial services, day-to-day mail management, administrative, tax and legal assistance, meeting room rental, and so on. This frees you up to concentrate on your high value-added tasks.

As you can see, domiciling your business is a major asset for new film producers!

This simple, inexpensive alternative will win your customers' trust, and give you every chance of maximizing your project's success!

With SeDomicilier, you can obtain your certificate of domiciliation in less than 5 minutes, in a 100% online process. What's more, all your services are then available in a personalized, secure virtual office!