When Executive Producers and Producers Clash (and How to Avoid it)
The term ‘producer’ is thrown around a lot, with their names credited in all movie and television productions. Then there are many different types of producers
The term “producer” is widely used in film and television, but not all producers have the same responsibilities. From co-producers and associate producers to executive producers, each role plays a distinct part in bringing a project to life.
But when it comes to executive producers and producers, their differing priorities can sometimes lead to creative and logistical conflicts. So, what happens when these two key roles clash on set?
Understanding the Roles
While all producers contribute to a film’s success, executive producers operate at the highest level, securing financing, acquiring scripts, and making key business decisions. Meanwhile, producers handle the day-to-day logistics, ensuring the production stays on track.
For a detailed breakdown of their responsibilities, check out our guide: Executive Producer vs. Producer: 8 Key Differences in Filmmaking. You can also dive deeper into What Exactly Does an Executive Producer Do? or explore What Does a Producer Do? to understand the hands-on work behind the scenes.
But while their roles are distinct, they don’t always see eye to eye. Differing priorities and creative visions can lead to tension on set. Let’s explore some famous clashes between executive producers and producers—and what we can learn from them.
Related Reading: Careers in Film: How to Become a Producer
Behind the Scenes Battles: When Producers and Executive Producers Clash
Hold on to your hats, because we’re about to embark on a rollercoaster ride in the world of film production…
The Walking Dead (2010-2022)
Frank Darabont (Executive Producer) vs. AMC executives and Gale Anne Hurd
The original showrunner and executive producer of hit television series The Walking Dead was abruptly fired after the first season. He clashed with executives from AMC, the broadcast network for the show, over budget cuts and the creative direction of the show. Disagreements surrounding pacing and a proposed focus on character development as opposed to action, began.
Darabont was determined to maintain a high standard of work and fought for more resources to achieve that as the show moved into pre-production for season two. However, AMC were keen to reduce the show’s budget going forward, sparking more tension. Eventually, Darabont was pushed out of the show, leading to him sue AMC, citing unfair dismissal and lack of compensation.
Gale Anne Hurd, another producer on The Walking Dead, found herself in the middle of the disagreements between Darabont and the network. In 2013, in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Hurd was asked about her close involvement in the show’s creation with Darabont and the aftermath of his departure after the first season.
Frank is a close friend, and we talked about if I should stay on. It was important to keep the family going and make sure the cast was protected.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Graham King (Executive Producer) vs. Bryan Singer (Producer/Director)
Bryan Singer is noted as an uncredited producer of the Freddie Mercury biopic, but only after his initial role as director was fraught with conflict, especially with lead actor Remi Malik.
The background to Singer’s involvement has many different points of view, with Graham King stepping in to complete filming after Singer’s departure. There was talk of the cast and crew caring deeply for the movie, and its meaning to millions of Queen fans.
King spoke to The Hollywood Reporter in November 2018 prior to the film’s release about the tumultuous end to filming, where he and other crew members, such as cinematographer Newton Thomas Siegel, had to fill in at times.
“I understood why Brian wanted to shut the film down for a while, to deal with his life, and I was there to finish the film, no matter what it took.”
Singer was said to have been flaky with his attendance on set, with him stating he simply wanted some time away from the project to care for a sick parent. 20th Century Fox ultimately made the decision to let Singer go, and filming resumed with King taking the helm alongside fellow producer Dexter Fletcher.
Some notable mentions as we head into a galaxy far far away…
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Kathleen Kennedy (Executive Producer) vs. Gareth Edwards (Director)
Now I know this example involves a director rather than a producer, but the Star Wars franchise has seen its fair share of differences between its creatives.
Following Rogue One’s principal photography, executive producer Kathleen Kennedy and Lucasfilm were concerned about how the film may be received by its established fan base. Director Gareth Edwards’ original cut was dark in tone. Here is a prime example of where the business side of filmmaking can intersect with the creative side.
Kennedy’s concern regarding the film’s reception was probably to do with ensuring the potential profit was at maximum. Therefore, several reshoots occurred, overseen by Tony Gilroy and sidelining Edwards completely. While Edwards is still credited as director, Gilroy had a profound influence on the film’s final cut, causing huge tension.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Kathleen Kennedy (Executive Producer) vs. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (Directors)
Once again, the business side of the film industry clashed with the creative side during the development of Solo: A Star Wars Story, just a few years after Rogue One’s release.
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s original vision for the movie included more comedy and an improvisational tone to further develop Han Solo. However, Kennedy and Lucasfilm disagreed with their approach.
Related: Rolling Stone Interview with Kathleen Kennedy on the future of Star Wars
Several months into filming, Lord and Miller were blindsided and replaced by Ron Howard, who eventually completed the film as director and brought us the cut we know today. While Rogue One’s reception was positive, it was a different story for the eventual version of Solo: A Star Wars Story, which was lukewarm at best.
How Clashing Affects a Film Production
As we’ve learned from the above examples, clashes between producers can have huge consequences for the filmmaking process.
Business and creativity don’t always go together, with budgets, scheduling and human resource issues interrupting the creative vision and vice versa. While an executive producer has their eye on the profit, a producer may have more responsibility when it comes to the creative side.
We know from cases such as Bohemian Rhapsody, that delays caused by crew absences and conflict can put a huge strain on the already tight budgets and efficiency of the production, directly impacting how much profit a movie can make.
Such conflict can also affect the tone and feel of a project. The original script and vision may look nothing like the final product in terms of plot, characters and structure if the goal posts are moved.
Let’s not also forget the human impact of such conflicts in a film production. The livelihoods of sometimes thousands of people at a time can depend on one project. There’s far more at stake than just the profit.
Resolution & Collaboration
Just like in the movies we write, there will always be some sort of conflict during the production process. It’s important that everyone tries to find common ground and find a road back to smooth collaboration.
Open Communication
Communication is key. Frequent and clear discussions between executive producers and producers about logistics, budgets, creative visions and ideas will pave the way for a more straightforward process.
Lord of the Rings producer and director Peter Jackson and executive producer Robert Shaye for New Line Cinema, the trilogy’s distributor, had conflicting views regarding the films’ budget and scope. However, it was their consistent and honest communication that brought us the success we know and love.
Shaye recalled some of the discussions later in an interview with Deadline back in 2021, 20 years after the release of The Fellowship of the Ring.
I said, ‘Let’s do them one at a time and see how it goes.’ He (Peter Jackson) said, ‘No, no, we have to do them all at once. The actors are going to be older. It’s going to take a year to get the films done and one film released. Many of these locations will require us to build roads, to bring equipment in and we’ll have to completely cut up a significant part of the landscape. The New Zealand government won’t allow us to keep those roads and the disarray.’ So, the bottom line was, there was no way around it. All three had to be made at once.
Delegation
Having defined business and creative roles and responsibilities can help establish boundaries between executive producers and producers. When these roles are respected, it becomes easier to minimize any disagreements that occur.
Husband and wife team Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas have been responsible for some of Hollywood’s biggest successes, such as The Dark Knight, Inception and Interstellar, through their joint production company, Syncopy.
Thomas is known for her ability to put her trust in her creative team, with an established network of writers, directors, actors, and creative technicians. Nolan focuses on the writing and directing, notably the creative side of the filmmaking process, where he does give much credit to Thomas, who sticks more to the logistic elements and bigger picture.
Creative Collaboration
Commercial viability as well as creativity should go hand in hand during the filmmaking process, and it can be a tricky road to finding common ground. Flexibility, and ironically, an increased willingness to be creative should any unexpected changes occur, is vital to ensuring a successful journey to the finished product.
As writers, directors and producers of The Matrix, the Wachowskis had a very specific and ambitious vision for what the movie was going to look like. Executive producers cautioned them with their awareness of the movie’s commercial viability. The Wachowskis worked with them to ensure The Matrix was what they envisioned, with consideration for the budget available.
Lessons Learned
If you are an aspiring producer, it’s a good idea to go into any project open minded. While it is important to be true to yourself, all film projects come with their unexpected challenges, so make sure to stay flexible and be willing to have those difficult conversations. Channel clear communication with everyone you encounter, not just your fellow producers.
Know what your role is and those of others you’re working with. Whether that’s budgeting, casting, coordinating, creating, or a mixture, knowing where your boundaries are within the production can keep things running smoothly.
Conclusion
The dynamic between executive producers and producers is crucial, yet complex, balancing business with creative vision.
As illustrated by the conflicts in notable productions like The Walking Dead and Bohemian Rhapsody, disagreements can significantly impact a project’s trajectory, from budget constraints to shifts in creative direction.
However, these challenges also highlight the importance of effective communication, clear role delineation, and collaborative problem-solving.
By understanding and respecting each other’s responsibilities, producers and executive producers can navigate conflicts and contribute to the success of their projects. Ultimately, the synergy between these roles is essential for delivering compelling and successful films and television shows.
We’d love to hear about your experiences working on a film set. Share your thoughts with us on our social media!
Or if you’d like to learn more about the producer role, and the dynamics of the film and television industries, check out our dedicated articles here.
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