Producers want to put their own mark on films -- literally

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Producers want their own stamp of approval.

The Producers Guild of America on Tuesday sent a letter to studios and distributors asking them to adopt a distinctive designation -- p.g.a. -- following the standard ‘Produced By’ credit on films.

The p.g.a. mark, somewhat analogous to the ASC professional stamp of approval given to cinematographers who are members of the American Society of Cinematographers, would only be given to producers who have been certified through the guild’s certification process and have followed the guild’s producers code of credits. The code was initiated in 2004 and establishes various guidelines for determining who gets the producer credit.

Under the proposal, companies would still be free to recognize other individuals with the ‘Produced By’ credit as they deem appropriate, and PGA membership would not be a requirement. The guild said it was working with various companies to implement the new producer mark in feature films and expects the first credits to utilize the mark next year.

The request is part of an ongoing effort by the 4,500-member guild to crack down on misuse of producer credits in films and ensure that those who get the credit actually did the work to deserve it.

‘For years, the role of the producer has been devalued because nearly anyone could negotiate a credit,’’ PGA Executive Director Vance Van Petten said in a statement. ‘This is something producers guild members have fought passionately to change.’

-- Richard Verrier