What Does A Producer Actually Do? (Christopher Sepulveda)

In this episode of At the Vanguard, I’m joined by my friend Christopher Sepulveda, a Los Angeles–based film and theatre producer whose career spans independent film, commercial theatre, new-work development, Deaf West Theatre, and emerging technologies like VR and AI. Christopher demystifies the role of the producer—one of the most misunderstood jobs in the entertainment industry—and walks us through what producing really looks like day to day: creative problem-solving, leadership, relationship management, financial responsibility, and protecting the integrity of the work while getting it over the finish line. We talk about: What producers actually do (and why it’s so hard to explain) How projects move from idea to production—and where producers matter most Balancing artistic vision with budget, time, and reality Why producing is often invisible, thankless, and essential Building a career without a clear ladder or rulebook Producing new work vs. revivals Working in theatre, film, TV, VR, and mixed reality How AI and emerging technologies are changing storytelling Christopher’s work with Deaf West Theatre and bilingual ASL/English productions Advice for emerging producers and creatives trying to break in This conversation is practical, candid, and deeply human—an honest look at what it takes to shepherd stories into the world, and why producing matters more than most people realize. Whether you’re an artist, filmmaker, theatre-maker, or just curious about how creative work gets made, this episode offers clarity, insight, and perspective you won’t hear in a soundbite.