Showbiz Question!
 

Could someone please explain to me what a producer and executive producer does? And how is it that they can get so rich producing things? (think Aaron Spelling)

Also, when someone is an actor and they have a manager and an agent. What is the difference between the two?

Watching "Entourage" on DVD made me wonder these things!

This always makes me think of Bullwinkle when they asked him to be a producer.

B: What does a producer produce?
Shysters trying to scam B: MONEEEEEEE!!

Isn't the producer the person who puts up a lot of money to make the movie/show/album? Then, if there is something that they really want or don't want in it, they can say so?

They would make lots of money from it because they would get a portion of the money that is made from the product.

This could EASILY be wrong, but it is the only thing I have ever been able to come up with. :confused:

Close. The producer may or may not put up the money himself or herself but would arrange for the financing, and basically oversees all other aspects of the production, including hiring the director.

More info can be found in these FAQs of the Producer's Guild of America.

Woo hoo, I was close! Haha. :D

Truth is that I'm not sure there is an absolute answer to the question because each company, or each project is just a little different and the titles blur somewhat.

An Agent is responsible to getting roles/gigs for the client and negotiating those contracts. A manager is more responsible for the day to day stuff that is not directly involving casting. Also, a lot of times, the manager is individual being by the client and normally do not have multiple clients. Agents often are a part of a firm and may have a large clientel.