The Producer Vibe Check

There are few emails more intoxicating than a version of: “Loved your script. Let’s chat!”

You get that instant rush of adrenaline. Someone liked your work! Someone wants to work with you!

For a brief moment, it feels like there’s real momentum here. You’re one step closer to seeing your words turned into reality.

This is where writers often fall into the emotional trap of equating “interest” with “momentum.” I recommend you pump the brakes and take a moment to decide on your next steps carefully.

Think about it this way—you’ve spent years crafting a script, but far less time evaluating the person you’re about to hand it off to. And that’s how projects end up stalled, diluted, or quietly forgotten in development limbo.

The right producer doesn’t just “like” your script—they champion it. So, it only makes sense you take some time to get to know the person you’re about to spend the next couple of months or years with, right?

A quick Google or IMDb search can provide a useful snapshot of a producer’s background. And while a resume of impressive credits may appear to offer a sense of security, they don’t quite paint the whole picture. Sure, it’d be great to work with someone who has a laundry list of established credits. However, I wouldn’t discount that young, ambitious up-and-comer seeking their first produced one either.

Think of this initial phase of vetting a producer as a crucial job interview or a significant first date. Why are you interested in each other? What do you both have to bring to the table, and how can you benefit from that? Most importantly, what is the general “vibe” you get from them?

Hint: always, always, always trust your gut.

THE FIRST CALL

Trust me, it’s easy to put on rose-colored glasses and get swept up in the romanticism of that first chat with a potential producer, especially if they’re super passionate, high-energy, or just ooze charisma. And while that surface-level charm is nice, you absolutely must keep your antenna up for the real signals, both good and bad.

How a producer talks about your script is important. Did they actually read past page 30? Or did they read A.I.-generated coverage from their assistant? Do they reference specific moments? Do they understand your intent? Do they respect your voice?

A crucial initial indicator is the nature of the questions a producer poses about your script; you want to hear good ones, such as:

• “What inspired this?”
• “What version of this movie do you see?”
• “What do you not want this to become?”

These are very pointed, targeted questions that feel personal. They bring you into the conversation and talk with you, not at you. Questions like these mean this producer sees you as a collaborative partner, respects your work, and aims to maintain its integrity.

There are also various techniques to ensure they actually read the script. An extreme example that comes to mind was when Ben Affleck and Matt Damon threw in a graphic sex scene between the two main characters in GOOD WILL HUNTING. Studio execs never raised this as a concern in their meetings, except for one, who is the person they ultimately chose.

You don’t necessarily need to test your future producing partner in this way. If they’re asking detailed, targeted questions about certain aspects of your script that are both accurate and correct, then maybe you’re onto something.

Finally, there’s the energy test. When you’re talking to a producer, you should leave feeling energized, not deflated. Curious, not concerned. SEEN, not processed as another piece of business.

Keeping all of this in mind, here are four helpful “vibe check” pillars to help guide your decision-making in this process.

THE FOUR CORE VIBE CHECK PILLARS

Taste Alignment

Just because your movie falls into the same genre of movies a certain producer has made previously doesn’t necessarily mean you two have the same taste. Do NOT be afraid to ask probing questions, such as:

• What was it about this script that resonated with you so much?
• Where do you see this living—theatrical, streaming, etc.?
• What is working and better yet, what isn’t working for you and why?

Observe whether a producer truly gets what you wrote. Be wary if they seem to be chasing market trends rather than being committed to protecting the unique tone of your project. A good producer will offer genuine, honest feedback, not just what they think the writer wants to hear.

Advocacy vs. Ownership

One big question to ask in that first conversation is, “How do you typically collaborate with writers during development?”

The producer you want in your corner is a dedicated advocate for your work, fighting the good fight for it when you’re not present. They are skilled at pitching and selling the project to executives and talent with whom they have established relationships. They can accurately translate your creative vision and intentions, eliminating the need to constantly check back with you to ensure your message is conveyed correctly.

Be wary if you start to feel unsupported or replaced. An attitude of “we’ll take it from here, kid” is a major red flag. While a degree of trust is necessary for them to handle the project and do what they should do best, many writers find themselves waiting months for updates, with the producer offering little more than a shrug about the script’s progress.

Communication

Communication is crucial. Once you hand off your script, how well does your new partner keep you informed? Set clear expectations right away, including a timeline for next steps and when to expect regular updates. You should not be left hanging; a solid producer will make sure you always know where things stand.

A producer who respects your time builds trust by being consistent. This means checking in regularly and giving you a prompt heads-up when anything significant happens. If you feel like you’re always waiting around with zero communication, consider that a big warning sign.

Finally, be aware that early behaviors are often permanent ones. In this business, chaos now equals chaos later.

Momentum DNA

Producers can generally be sorted into two groups: those who acquire and those who move projects.

Some producers focus on acquisition. I’ve worked with a few who sought to “take down” as many projects as possible, essentially hoarding them so competitors couldn’t. While that’s one business strategy, having a pile of sixty scripts eventually just becomes sixty scripts gathering dust.

The more effective producers, the movers, focus on conversion. This comes from acquiring a project and immediately having a clear, aggressive plan to push it to the next level.

You can quickly gauge their approach to this by asking such questions as:

“What are the next steps after this?”

“What would success look like in 90 days?”

YOU’RE ALLOWED TO CHOOSE

Being “picked” should not be your end goal; it’s just the beginning of a professional partnership.

As a writer, you have the right to explore your options; date around, take multiple meetings, compare the different paths your suitors are proposing. Don’t be afraid to decline a partnership if it’s not the right fit. This sort of clarity is seen as professionalism, not arrogance, and won’t necessarily burn bridges if handled correctly.

Choosing the right producer is essential: they strengthen your script, make the development and production process manageable, and inspire future collaboration. The wrong one, conversely, will deplete your time, energy, and confidence, often under the guise of being helpful.

Don’t ignore early warning signs—a bad feeling rarely improves. As I said before, always trust your gut.

Like any relationship, the connection between writer and producer will inevitably encounter trials and challenges as you move from development towards production and beyond. I’ll cover all of that in a subsequent article, where we enter the next phase of the relationship and understand how to navigate those hurdles, including recognizing the signs of a successful collaboration and knowing when it’s time to cut and run.

*Feature image by Cristina Conti (Adobe)