Producers have the final responsibility for all aspects of a film's production. They are frequently the first person to become involved in a project. The Development Producer's is role to turn ideas into profitable entertainment, and to persuade others to share in their vision.

Development Producers are often responsible for coming up with the underlying premise of a production, or for selecting the screenplay. They are often responsible for securing the necessary rights, selecting the screenwriter and story editing team, raising the development financing, and supervising the development process.