The Production Company - An Important Player In The Media Industry

What do you think of when you hear the term " production "? Probably the manufacture of goods in the business sense. But this term is also used in the film and television industry. The employees of a production company are responsible for producing media content for television, radio, the web or cinema. What are the tasks of this type of company?

Definition of a production company

The threads of a production for television, cinema, radio or the Internet come together in the production company. The tasks of production companies encompass all work steps involved in the production of films, web content, radio programmes or music videos. The company covers the pre-production process as well as the actual production and - in some cases - the distribution of the finished product.

Their main objective: the production of finished programmes for television, cinema and streaming

Production companies are usually independent companies that finance themselves and receive no support from the state. TV stations, radio stations or cinema companies, for example, act as clients and buyers of the products. After clarifying relevant details such as film length and budget, the subsequent buyer commissions the production company to produce the desired product.

Examples of well-known German production companies

- Real Film Berlin produces episodes of TV series such as Tatort and Polizeiruf 110.
- EndemolShine Germany is responsible for programmes such as Big Brother and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
- Bavaria Entertainment produces entertainment formats such as The Giovanni Zarella Show and The Great Germany Quiz.

Typical tasks of a production company

The main task of a media production company is the creation of content. In addition to films and series, this also includes shareable content for social media - such as short videos or advertising films. In consultation with the client, the employees of the production company collect ideas, create the concept and see it through. They write the script and formulate the screenplay - either themselves or with the help of writing assistants. The team then takes care of assembling the crew and personnel for the production. Other activities that take place in the background are planning and logistics. The company looks for filming locations , works with the authorities and organises the transport of the necessary technical equipment.

Central person: the producer

The producer is a central figure in the production of media content. During pre-production, they are the first point of contact for the client. When it is said that you first have to "consult with the production", this usually means the producer. His planning tasks include coordinating the availability of equipment and filming locations. He is also the link between the client on the one hand and the director /editor on the other. Last but not least, he prepares cost calculations.

Production company & casting agency - partners in the film business

Production companies often utilise the services of casting agencies when casting roles for actors and participants. Close, trusting co-operation ensures that there are no "miscasts": ideally, the role and actor/participant are a 1:1 match and meet the client's requirements.