By Orestes Matacena — Cuban-Born Actor, Director & Producer

Producing is where creative vision meets logistics. It’s the art of turning ideas into finished films — on time, on budget, and without losing the soul of the story. As a producer on projects like Tainted, In Plain View, and Two de Force, I’ve learned that producing isn’t just about raising money or hiring a cast and crew — it’s about protecting the story while navigating every practical challenge.

Know Your Story’s Value

Before you can produce a film, you must know why it should exist and who it is for. The first step isn’t a budget — it’s belief. When I wrote Tainted, I set out to write a thriller with themes of corruption and redemption that would also connect with audiences who liked thrillers. I didn’t allow others to dictate the story, and I wasn’t thinking what other people think is cool. I approached the process with conviction, and my strong belief in my story helped attract collaborators and investors.

Budget Realistically, Not Aspirationally

Money is oxygen for production. I know this only too well, which is why I budget to get the film made, but I also leave room for the unexpected. From decades of experience, I know that movies can be made for a lot of money, but they can also be made on shoestring budgets. You may not get a star to sign on, but you can still add value to a smaller budget project. SexGunsMoney@20, In Plain View and Two de Force were all produced with my own money instead of raising money from investors. I didn’t want to wait to raise the money. I called in favors, gave credits, did product placement and with tenacity and prayer my wife Orna Rachovitsky (find her on IMDb here) and I produced these films. Always be flexible and know that smart budgeting isn’t about limiting creativity; it’s about empowering it.

Build a Team You Trust

A great producer surrounds themselves with people who share the film’s purpose. When Orna and I produced Two de Force, we learned that experience matters — but so does attitude. Get crew members who problem-solve under pressure. Orna is a master at this! Filmmaking requires persistence and endurance. Build your team that reflects your vision, it will define the tone of the entire project.

Protect the Director’s Vision

Producers are protectors of the story and so much more. My directing background helps me balance creative freedom with practical execution. During Tainted, when production challenges surfaced, I focused on preserving the emotional truth of the film rather than cutting corners. This is what I do on all my projects. Great producers protect everything so the movie can be made. Taking care of all the details from A-Z, before, during and after the shoot is the producer’s job. The producer is in charge of every aspect so I, as the director, could then focus on directing. It is crucial to making the production seamless, and it helps that the producer be ready to “put out fires.” Every production gets bumpy at times, but a strong producer will make sure nothing, and no one can interfere with the director’s work.

Always Keep the End in Mind

Producing doesn’t end when the camera stops — post-production, marketing, and distribution are just as vital. A strong plan for how your film will reach audiences saves you time, stress, and money. From festival strategy to digital release, foresight makes the journey sustainable. When planning, think forwards and backwards and know your end product and who it is for. This will dictate how you shoot, equipment you need, many other details, and what format to deliver the movie when it is ready for audiences.

Final Thought

Producing demands creativity, discipline, diplomacy, negotiation, psychology, persistence and more. The best producers make the impossible feel effortless. When the final credits roll, the work behind everything is invisible, but the end product speaks volumes about all of it. You’ve built a structure that allowed everyone else to shine. Your name ahead of all the rolling credits is well deserved, so don’t think your value is diminished. You are the believer, the doer and the glue of the entire production. When you see your movie at the premiere, sit back and be proud of your accomplishment and be proud of the cast and crew that was instrumental to getting the movie to the finish line.
Explore more about my films Tainted, In Plain View, and Two de Force, or visit my IMDb profile and my website www.OrestesMatacena.com to view my full credits as a writer, producer, director, and actor.