Differentiating Between a Production Company and a Production Services Company in Filmmaking and TV Production

When working on a film or TV set, the roles of a production company and a production services company are distinct but complementary. This article explores these differences in detail, providing a comprehensive understanding of each entity's responsibilities and functions.

Production Company

Definition

A production company is responsible for the overall development, financing, and production of a film or television project. They are involved from the initial concept through to post-production and distribution.

Responsibilities

Development: They often develop scripts, hire writers, and secure intellectual property rights. Financing: They raise funds for the project either through investors, pre-sales, or other means. Production: They manage the entire production process, including hiring key crew members such as directors, cinematographers, and producers, casting actors, and overseeing the shooting schedule. Post-Production: They also handle the editing, visual effects, and final cut of the project as well as marketing and distribution.

The production company plays a crucial role in bringing a film or TV show to life, from inception to completion. Their responsibilities span across every stage of the creative process, ensuring that the project is executed to the highest standards.

Production Services Company

Definition

A production services company provides specialized support services to production companies, often on a project-by-project basis. While they do not own the intellectual property or typically engage in the creative aspects of the project, they are vital in ensuring that the production runs smoothly.

Responsibilities

Logistics: They handle logistical aspects of production such as equipment rental, location scouting, and transportation. Crew Hiring: They may provide local crew members or specialized personnel for specific roles. Facilities: They often offer studios, sound stages, and other facilities needed for filming. Local Expertise: They can provide knowledge of local regulations, permits, and customs, which is especially useful for international productions.

Production services companies act as a facilitator, ensuring that the production company has access to all the necessary resources and support to complete the project successfully. They focus on the operational and logistical aspects, freeing the production company to concentrate on creativity and storytelling.

Summary

In essence, the production company is the entity that creates the film or TV show, while the production services company supports the process by providing necessary resources and services. The production company takes on the creative and financial responsibilities, while the production services company ensures that the physical and logistical aspects of production are managed efficiently.

The relationships between a production company and a production services company are often collaborative. Production companies may work with multiple production services companies, each specializing in different areas, to ensure that all aspects of the production are covered.

What Contributes to a Smooth Production

Production services go beyond simple logistics and crew hiring. They include a wide range of services that enable a production to run smoothly. For example, catering trucks, actor greenrooms, trailers, and portable restroom trailers are provided to ensure the comfort and well-being of the cast and crew.

Renting all necessary equipment such as gaffer tape, lighting gels, ropes, blackout cloth, clothespins, and C-47s for specific effects is crucial. Additionally, craftspeople like costume assistants, prop masters, effects artisans, and makeup artists all contribute to the overall quality of the production. Hot meals, craft services, and snacks are essential to keep the production running efficiently and without interruptions.

Production companies do the actual movie making, the shooting of a film. Some exist only as long as the film is in production and dissolve when the movie is sold. On the other hand, production services companies may continue to operate, providing ongoing support to independent filmmakers or offering services to other production companies.

Production services companies also handle various expendables, which include materials used during the production but are not part of the final product. These include items such as gaffer tape, lighting gels, ropes, blackout cloth, and clothespins. Specialized camera rigs, camera cranes, and trucks are also provided to facilitate complex and demanding filming requirements.

Conclusion

Understanding the roles of a production company and a production services company is essential for anyone involved in the film and television industry. While a production company focuses on the creative, financial, and overall project management, a production services company handles the logistical and operational aspects, ensuring that the production process is as smooth and efficient as possible.