Personal Producing in the Creative Industries (A Case Study of Collaboration with Writers)

Abstract

The relevance of this study stems from the rapid development of the creative industries. This growth is supported in part by state initiatives, which not only generate new employment opportunities but also create a growing demand for professional producers. These specialists are expected to work effectively as personal producers for media figures — including writers. Publishing remains one of the leading creative industries that continues to develop actively despite russia’s full-scale invasion and ongoing war in Ukraine.

Drawing on personal professional experience, document analysis, and an exploratory survey of writers about their collaboration with personal producers, the study proposes an effective ten-stage model of such cooperation: 1. Self-assessment and personal insight. 2. Formalization of professional agreements. 3. Distribution of responsibilities and task lists for both parties. 4. Analysis of the writer’s personal brand (if it exists) and its potential rebranding, or brand creation if absent. 5. Development of a personal production strategy. 6. Selection of tools for personal production. 7. Collaboration with media outlets and preparation of a media kit. 8. Development of crisis communication scenarios. 9. Building a community as part of implementing the personal production strategy and fostering the writer’s brand ambassadorship. 10. Evaluation of the strategy’s effectiveness and its adjustment when necessary.

The survey results indicate that self-production currently dominates the field, as few contemporary Ukrainian writers earn enough from their creative work alone to hire a producer. Nevertheless, writers recognize the need for professional support in developing production strategies — particularly in defining key components, identifying target audiences, managing personal brands, and addressing financial aspects. At the same time, only 15 % of respondents are ready to delegate all operational responsibilities to a producer, keeping the creative process for themselves. This reflects a strong tendency toward self-production — a phenomenon that, in our view, warrants deeper academic exploration.