Film & Television Industry and My Trade Association

There are many trade association, unions, organization and your everyday garden-variety clubs within the entertainment industry, more specifically the film and television industry.  The trade industry of my choice is the Producer Guild of America (PGA).  The PGA is a national non-profit trade group (not union) that represents, protects and promotes the interest of all members in the producing team in film, television and new media.  The beauty of the group is also a hurdle for any new producer to the craft.  Before you can become a member you have to have produced something that can be thoroughly verified.  This is what helps separates this group from being a social club.  A major value of the group is credit integrity –making sure that the selected individual not only received credit under their title, but have also performed the prescribed function of a producer. 

The PGA provides a tremendous network and support apparatus that will set up any amateur producer for success.  Since 1950 up to today the PGA has been working in effort to unify all producer through film and television.  My career goal is to write and produce movies and an organization like this will help to expand my horizons as it relates to producing films.  I also believe this organization will lend a great of credibility and legitimacy to my productions and the productions I’m a part of.  I would suggest anyone seeking to become a producer look into this group.  Being that you had to have at least produced or received on screen credit should be a motivator to…get to producing!

One of the major issues taking place now as it relates to film is the actual credit itself and who deserves them.  You’ll notice at the beginning of just about every movie; in the credits you will see executive producer, producer, co-producer, associate producer, line producer.  And may be you found you’re self-wondering what does all these people do? I’ll explain that in another blog, but for now just know that only one of those individual can claim the right to when best film of the year.  Right, now with the PGA they are working with Hollywood and other trade organizations to standardize the producer credits.  Because as it stands right now just about anyone can be a producer to include someone who has no relevance to the film being produce.

The PGA brings organization, standardization and strategic thinking as it relates to producing within the film and television industry.  This allows for a common ground as it is applied towards actors, directors, unions, etc.  Ultimately, this helps fluidity amongst working professional to accomplish a common goal of getting project finished on time, within budget and most importantly correctly crediting the right individual to the right works.