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Tip #1379: Keys to Success from an Executive Producer

Larry Jordan – LarryJordan.com

Be prepared, build relationships and leave your ego at the door.

This article, written by Tanya Jones, first appeared in PremiumBeat.com. This is a summary.

From being prepared to checking your ego, here are a few industry lessons from an executive producer to help you stand out and always make the cut.

Be Prepared for Things to go Wrong and Be Ready to Fix Them. Be ready to think of all possibilities and ask your team to weigh in. You don’t have to come up with the exact solution, but you have to take the lead and gather the players to solve it. You must exercise the maturity and ability to stay calm and keep everyone else calm. Timing is key, as well. Move fast and think on your feet.

Be Likable, Smart, and Have a Good Attitude. My motto has always been this, “It’s not who you know, it’s who you know and how much they like you.” Relationships really matter!

Always Be a Student. You don’t have to master every skill. Just listen and make an effort to understand why every piece matters in the story. How we tell stories and how we deliver stories is changing all the time. Be the first to see how content is changing and why platforms and services are making money.

Know the Audience. It’s important to understand the why. We can’t just tell stories without a vision in mind to lock viewers in. Understand how the content pulls in the audience and the dollars, especially if you want to pitch your own piece of work.

Check Your Ego at the Door. Don’t allow insecurities or fear to take priority over getting the job done. Always try to play well with everyone in the sandbox. Be mindful of your tone and how you speak to folks.

Your Job Isn’t Who You Are. No matter what celebs you work with or how hot your show scores in the ratings, these jobs aren’t our identities.