So What Do Executive Producers *Actually* Do?

Executive Producers also known as "EPs" are a wide-ranging often misunderstood role. 

I'm going to share what I've found from my real-world experience creating and executive producing unscripted TV shows and sports documentary series with A-list celebrities and production companies. 

I've had anywhere from 8-10 executive producers per project on my unscripted TV shows.

The list below doesn't cover every scenario, but is a great starting point based on what I've personally seen.

Making unscripted TV is a team sport, and you need the right people around you to get your project across the finish line.

7 Real-Life Examples of Executive Producers

1. The Creator

I earned my first EP credit for creating the original concept for my first unscripted TV show.

Here's what I created and provided in the early stages:

• Pitch deck
• Sizzle reel
• Exclusive access to athletes and talent

My original concept was good, but not TV pitch ready yet.

So I collaborated with a more experienced producing partner to help shape the story and refine the format of the show. 

But just because you're the creator doesn't mean you get an automatic EP credit, this is all dependent on your deal terms and precedent in the industry.

2. The Producing Partner(s) 

In my experience, the producing partner(s) can also be EPs.

These partner(s) come in at the early stages to make key decisions alongside the creator to ensure that the project has the best creative and business strategy behind it.

Producing partners often have solid industry experience and can lead the direction of the project and increase its odds of success in the current market. 

Before selecting a producing partner, I try to make sure they are aligned with my values and that they bring what I'm missing from my project.

3. The Connector 

The connector is a very important piece of the puzzle, often making them EP credit worthy.

This connector can be a producing partner or someone else. 

As a first time TV show creator, I didn't have that many film & TV connections.

But one of my producing partners had connections to major companies and networks who we could pitch.

This connector was the ticket to getting my unscripted TV show in front of the right people at the right time.

From there, we were able to close sale.

The more I build my reputation and project slate in the industry, the less I need a connector.

But when you're first starting out, this role can make or break your project.

4. The Financier

Financiers secure financial support to ensure your project is made. 

In my experience, financiers are often EPs on my unscripted TV projects.

Financing EPs aren't necessarily involved in the creative development of the project, but obviously serve a key role. 

I've had financing come from personal connections, producing partners, and production companies, among others.

In some cases, the financier has reimbursed me for personal development costs I've put towards creating the project.

Bottom line: you need financing to make your TV show happen.

5. Production Company & Studio Execs

If you have a production company or studio partner, the executives at that company will often become EPs of your project. 

It doesn't matter how much or little they're involved in the project. 

From what I've seen, it's just what comes with creating unscripted TV shows.

My biggest advice here is to make sure you are creatively aligned with any company or studio you partner with.

Their execs will likely have a say on creative and the direction of your project.

6. Celebrity Attachments

In my experience, celebrity attachments can give you a major leg up in this current market.

A celebrity co-sign can give your TV show the validation it needs to get greenlit. 

I've had celebrity EPs on 2 of my unscripted TV shows. 

I didn't interact with them day to day, but had the opportunity to meet them once.

This can be a more passive yet valuable EP role.

Just depends on the celebrity and their clout and belief in the project.

7. Sports League Execs

I primarily create unscripted TV in the sports doc world, so I'm often working with athletes, teams, and sports leagues. 

If we need event access to film athletes during production, a deal is made between my production team and the sports league that runs those events.

Sports league execs have been attached to my projects as EPs since the league is a key player in making the show.

Action Steps & Summary

I always try to find EPs who are aligned with my vision and share similar values.

Secondly, EPs should be able to move the needle on your project and get it closer to the finish line.

I see quite a few folks who try to capitalize on first-time creators, overpromising what they will bring to the table.

No unnecessary middlemen please! 

Here's the 7 types of EPs I've seen (from unscripted TV shows I've created and executive produced in the sports world):

1. The Creator

2. The Producing Partner

3. The Connector

4. The Financier

5. The Production Company & Studio Execs

6. The Celebrity

7. The Sports League