It amazes me how many people working in this business don’t actually understand how film credits work — especially when it comes to the difference between a producer and an executive producer. I’ve run into this more than a few times. Someone will say, “I want double credit. I want to be executive producer and producer.”
Here’s the thing — that’s not a thing. In the film world, you’re either one or the other, not both. Let’s clear this up once and for all, so you can walk into your next production meeting sounding like a pro.
Understanding the Producer Credit Hierarchy
In movies, the producer is the top credit. That’s the person who’s picking up the Academy Award when a film wins Best Picture. The producer is the one who shoulders the project — the person who gets it made.
Right underneath the producer is the executive producer. This is usually the money person — the financier, the dealmaker, or the one who helped put the financial structure together. There are a few branches under those titles too, but it’s important to know who sits where in the hierarchy.
Now, just to clarify — in television, it’s actually flipped. The executive producer is the most powerful credit in TV, while “producer” is more of a supporting role. But in film, producer is king.
The Film Credit Breakdown
Let’s break it down a little further.
- Produced By: This is the highest credit possible. It means that person did the majority of the work and carried the film from start to finish.
- Producer: The main person running the production, making the creative and logistical decisions.
- Executive Producer: Usually the financier or someone who brought the funding to the project.
- Co-Producer: A supporting producer role, a bit higher than associate producer, often helping oversee certain aspects of production.
- Associate Producer: A lower-tier producer credit, often given as a thank-you or for helping in a smaller capacity.
One thing that always makes me laugh is when someone introduces a collaborator and says, “This is Bob, my co-producer.” Technically, that means Bob’s under you. If you’re equals, the right phrase is “producing partner.” Small detail, but it matters in this business.
Why You Can’t Be Both Producer and Executive Producer
So, let’s go back to that double-credit idea. When someone says, “I want to be producer and executive producer,” what they’re really saying is, “I want to be president and vice president.” You can’t hold both titles — it just doesn’t make sense.
Sure, I’ve seen amateur productions try it. Maybe someone with a big ego wants both credits to feel more important. But in real, professional filmmaking, it’s one or the other.
If someone invests money or helps raise financing, that’s an executive producer. If they’re doing the nuts and bolts — hiring crew, running the set, coordinating post, selling the film — that’s a producer.
And yes, sometimes someone does a bit of both. Maybe they put in money and they’re on set every day. In that case, give them the producer credit, because producer is the higher honor in film.
The Producer vs Executive Producer Rule to Remember
At the end of the day, it comes down to this:
In film, the producer is the one grabbing that Oscar. The producer is the leader who makes the movie happen. The executive producer is essential too, but they’re more behind the scenes, often dealing with financing and business.
So next time you’re putting together your credits, remember — you can’t be both. Choose the one that fits what you actually did on the film. And if someone asks for both, just think of Hank Hill saying, “I’m going to be president of the movie.” It’s funny because it’s wrong.
