How close will I be working with co-producer?

[King]

I’m going to produce my first documentary film and was thinking of hiring a co-producer/director who could help me. I’ve got a distant friend that works in Hollywood and I can afford to hire some highly talented person. However I’m in the SF Bay Area? Can this work? Did I need to live near my co-producer/director because of all the interaction, or can it be done over the internet and phone?

My gut feel says close collaboration is essential and I should only pitch the film to producers/directors that live in the Bay Area?

 

[indietalk]

Short answer: Producer, yes. Producer/Director, no.
All directors need to be on set, unless each director is directing a different part, then only when they are directing.
A Co-Producer does not need to be on set, if you are the Producer, and on set.
By the way, I know the title Co-Producer sounds like they are equals, but a Co-Producer is under a Producer.