What makes a great producer isn’t just technical skill—it’s the ability to turn chaos into art, challenges into opportunities, and ideas into unforgettable stories. They are the driving force behind the scenes, orchestrating everything from sports docuseries to indie films.
However, only the best producers know that every project requires heart, grit, and a relentless passion for storytelling. This year’s “Top 10 Must Know Producers of 2024” are creators who embody these qualities.
With diverse backgrounds and innovative approaches, they’ve built careers by navigating obstacles and embracing collaboration. From producing esports broadcasts to launching self-funded films, they are not only delivering captivating content but also reshaping the future of film, TV, and digital media.
Explore the remarkable stories of these producers and the qualities that set them apart.
1. Jerry Bruckheimer
Jerry Bruckheimer is a legendary producer renowned for shaping modern film and television. With a career spanning action, drama, and sci-fi genres, he has delivered iconic films such as Top Gun, Pirates of the Caribbean, Armageddon, and Black Hawk Down. Bruckheimer’s television legacy includes the hit CSI franchise and Emmy-winning The Amazing Race. From early success with Flashdance to producing blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick, Bruckheimer’s storytelling brilliance remains unparalleled. Beyond entertainment, he is a co-owner of the Seattle Kraken, demonstrating his influence in sports. As the first producer to simultaneously top box-office charts with two films, Bruckheimer’s name is synonymous with both creative excellence and commercial success. A visionary still at the top of his game, his work continues to captivate audiences worldwide, securing his place as one of the must-know producers of 2024.
2. Dana Brunetti
Dana Brunetti is an award-winning media executive, film producer, and entrepreneur known for his work on critically acclaimed projects that have shaped modern cinema. He earned two Academy Award nominations for producing The Social Network and Captain Phillips and received five Emmy nominations for the groundbreaking Netflix series House of Cards. Brunetti first rose to prominence with the film 21, based on Ben Mezrich’s bestseller, and later co-produced the global sensation Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. His ability to navigate complex narratives and high-profile collaborations has established him as one of the industry’s most influential producers. With a career rooted in bold storytelling and commercial success, Brunetti continues to drive impactful projects, earning him a place among the top producers to watch in 2024.
3. Jason Blum
Jason Blum is the founder and CEO of Blumhouse Productions, renowned for redefining modern horror with blockbuster franchises like Paranormal Activity, Insidious, and The Purge. Known for producing high-quality films on micro-budgets, Blum has achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim. His work includes the Oscar-nominated films Whiplash (2014), Get Out (2017), and BlacKkKlansman (2018). Beyond horror, Blum has earned Emmy Awards for The Normal Heart and HBO’s The Jinx. With a creative approach that gives directors full control, Blumhouse continues to innovate, producing recent hits like M3GAN (2022) and Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023). Blum’s dedication to storytelling across genres and platforms solidifies his position as a key figure in the industry, shaping the future of film and television.
4. William Van Duzer Lawrence
William Van Duzer Lawrence IV is a prominent American television producer, screenwriter, and director known for creating and co-creating iconic TV series such as Scrubs, Spin City, Ted Lasso, Cougar Town, Shrinking, and the animated cult favorite Clone High. A graduate of the College of William & Mary, Lawrence launched his production company, Doozer, as a playful nod to his middle name. His work spans multiple genres, from comedy to drama, earning him prestigious awards, including a Peabody Award and multiple Primetime Emmys. Lawrence’s influence continues to shape television with his innovative storytelling, and in 2022, he secured a five-year overall deal with Warner Bros. Television. Married to actress Christa Miller, who frequently appears in his productions, Lawrence balances professional success with family life. His recent hit series, Ted Lasso, has captivated global audiences, further solidifying his place among TV’s most influential producers.
5. Craig Mazin
Craig Mazin is an acclaimed producer, writer, and director known for delivering compelling narratives across film and television. His groundbreaking HBO miniseries Chernobyl (2019) earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series. Mazin further cemented his influence by co-creating and producing The Last of Us (2023–present), an acclaimed post-apocalyptic drama series based on the popular video game, alongside Neil Druckmann. With a career that began in comedy—writing hits like Scary Movie 3, The Hangover Part II, and Identity Thief—Mazin’s transition to high-stakes drama showcases his versatility. His ability to craft nuanced stories about disaster, survival, and human nature has made him one of the most sought-after producers today. Backed by an exclusive overall deal with HBO, Mazin continues to shape television’s future, making him a key figure in the entertainment industry for 2024.
6. Lang Fisher
Lang Fisher is a celebrated comedy writer, director, and producer, best known as the co-creator and executive producer of Netflix’s hit series Never Have I Ever. With a background rooted in satire, Fisher honed her writing skills at The Onion and later contributed to iconic TV shows like 30 Rock, The Mindy Project, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Her work on 30 Rock earned critical acclaim, including a Writers Guild of America nomination, and she received an NAACP Image Award nomination for her writing on Never Have I Ever. Fisher’s ability to blend humor with social insight has made her a sought-after storyteller in the industry. As a showrunner and producer, she continues to shape narratives that resonate with audiences globally, solidifying her place as one of the most influential producers of 2024.
7. Tracy Yvonne Oliver
Tracy Yvonne Oliver is a powerhouse producer, screenwriter, and director known for breaking barriers in Hollywood. She gained early recognition with The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl alongside Issa Rae and later co-wrote major films like Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016) and Girls Trip (2017), the latter making her the first African-American woman to write a film that grossed over $100 million. Oliver also created hit TV series like BET+’s First Wives Club and Amazon’s Harlem, showcasing her versatility across mediums. With her production company, Tracy Yvonne Productions, she’s developing exciting new projects, including a sequel to Girls Trip and a reboot of Clueless. Her work, blending humor, heart, and diverse narratives, continues to elevate underrepresented voices in entertainment. An innovator and leader, Oliver is reshaping the storytelling landscape, inspiring a new generation of creatives in the process.
8. Carla Saunders
Carla Saunders, founder of Promises Entertainment, LLC, began her filmmaking journey in 2008, inspired by her time as an extra on the set of Madea Goes to Jail. A self-taught filmmaker, Saunders took a leap of faith, learning the craft through resources like Filmmaking for Dummies and funding her first teaser on 35 mm film. Her passion for urban reality-based stories, particularly in the horror and suspense genres, sets her apart. Saunders is proud of her perseverance through the challenges of the industry, releasing her debut feature film No Reason on Tubi and Amazon Prime. Saunders’ experimental zombie short film Fake News has also been chosen as a Finalist and will be shown at the East Point Peachtree International Film Festival on November 8, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently enrolled in the Los Angeles Film School to receive her Bachelor of Science in digital filmmaking, she is focused on further developing her craft and collaborating with other filmmakers and writers.
9. Jabari Howard
Jabari Howard’s journey into production began in 2016 as a Production Assistant, eventually stepping into production in 2020. A former collegiate athlete, Howard applies the discipline and teamwork he learned on the field to his production work. His early success includes producing over 200 live broadcasts for Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch League (OWL). Notably, Howard has worked with The Springhill Company/Uninterrupted on projects like The Shop and Throwing Bones with Draymond Green. His latest project, starting 5, a Netflix docuseries following NBA players, aligns with his passion for basketball, making it a career highlight.
10. Karina Manashil
Karina Manashil, president of Mad Solar, is a dynamic producer reshaping the entertainment landscape. After starting her career at William Morris Endeavor, she rose to become a talent agent, representing high-profile clients like Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi). In 2020, she co-founded Mad Solar with Mescudi and Dennis Cummings, backed by BRON Studios. The company’s first release, A Man Named Scott, debuted on Amazon, followed by the acclaimed X, its prequel Pearl, and the upcoming sequel MaXXXine, all directed by Ti West and distributed by A24. Manashil also executive produced the hit Netflix animated series Entergalactic, which premiered alongside Kid Cudi’s album of the same name. A graduate of Chapman University with a BFA in Film Production, Manashil continues to push creative boundaries across film, TV, and music, solidifying her place among the most influential producers in 2024.