The Operative Mechanisms of Film Creators
In the world of cinema, movie producers play a pivotal role, overseeing projects from conception to distribution. This role requires a unique blend of talent, experience, business acumen, and the ability to deal with various people under stress [U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics].
One such figure who embodied these qualities was Howard Hughes, a 22-year-old prodigy who made waves in the industry with the 1930 film "Hell's Angels". Hughes, an ambitious billionaire who dropped out of college, began his career in movie production with a bang [1].
Before his breakthrough, Hughes had started his early career by investing $500,000 in 40 fighting planes for the production of "Hell's Angels" [2]. The film, about World War I fighter pilots, was marked by groundbreaking aerial filming using real airplanes instead of models. However, the production was fraught with challenges, including deadly accidents and a delay due to Hughes' desire for specific cloud formations [1][3].
Despite these obstacles, "Hell's Angels" was a critical and commercial success, launching the career of actress Jean Harlow and cementing Hughes' reputation as a visionary producer [4]. Yet, Hughes' hands-on approach to filmmaking and his tendency to interfere in productions earned him a reputation as a difficult figure in the industry [1].
Following "Hell's Angels", Hughes went on to produce more than 20 movies, including "The Front Page" (1931), "Scarface" (1932), and "The Outlaw" (1943) [5]. Other influential producers who made their mark in Hollywood include Mack Sennett, Cecil B. DeMille, Irving Thalberg, David O. Selznick, Walt Disney, Hal Wallis, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Spike Lee [6].
The landscape of movie production has evolved over the years. The emergence of independent film producers in the 1940s, following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that studios had established a monopoly, has led to a shift in the industry [7]. Today, most movies are made by independent producers, either for direct distribution or under contract for one of the remaining six major studios [8].
The Producers Guild of America recognises several roles within movie production, including Executive Producer, Associate Producer, Assistant Producer, Co-Producer, Supervising Producer, Coordinating Producer, and Line Producer [9]. These roles, each with its unique responsibilities, provide a pathway for aspiring producers to rise through the ranks.
For instance, Steven Spielberg, a household name in cinema, began his career as an independent producer after making short films in college [10]. Small or independent filmmakers are seen as providing the best prospects for beginners, as digital technology continues to cut production costs [11].
In conclusion, the journey of a movie producer is one filled with challenges, creativity, and ambition. From humble beginnings in acting, writing, or other areas of filmmaking, these individuals rise to supervise and package projects, interfacing with the studio and managing the work of hundreds of individuals [U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics]. Their contributions have shaped the film industry, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in cinema.
In this context, Howard Hughes, despite his tumultuous approach to filmmaking, showcased his exceptional talent in the entertainment industry, specifically movies-and-tv, by producing groundbreaking films like "Hell's Angels". The evolution of the movie production landscape, which led to an increase in independent producers, presents a pathway for aspiring producers to thrive in the entertainment industry.
