What an Executive Producer for Film and TV Actually Does

NOTE: This interview was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

This week, host Isaac Butler talks to Marian Macgowan, a long-time film and TV producer who recently oversaw production on the Hulu series The Great. In the interview, Marian describes the many varieties of executive producer, from the ones who do a lot of creative work to the ones who “just sit there in the credits.” She also talks about her experience working on The Great, which Isaac calls “the best show on television.”

After the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas discuss the best ways to provide feedback to collaborators. 

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Marian talks about The Great’s elaborate set designs. 

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

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