SPS Stories
Faculty Spotlight
The Producer’s Role in Turning Scripts into Reality
Fast Facts
- A seasoned film composer and producer, Simon TaufiQue has worked across multiple facets of the entertainment industry, from scoring films to producing them
- His courses at NYU SPS help students blend creative storytelling with the practical skills needed to navigate film and television production
- His courses employ real-world industry practices, guiding students in developing pitches, crafting lookbooks, and understanding the financial and logistical challenges of production
<p><span class="p-body">Balancing vision and execution is at the heart of Simon TaufiQue’s work as a producer. In the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/writing-and-producing-for-film-television.html" target="_blank">Certificate in Writing and Producing for Film & Television</a> and <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/tv-and-film-producing-accelerated.html" target="_blank">Accelerated Certificate in Producing</a> programs at NYU SPS, TaufiQue brings his expertise across industries like music, tech, and film into the classroom to create a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment for students. </span></p>
Meet the Instructor
<p><span class="p-body">TaufiQue was born in the UK and raised in New York City, where he studied Political Science and Economics at NYU before pursuing graduate studies in Music Technology. It was during his time at NYU that he met filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, who encouraged him to follow his passion for music. An invitation to a film screening at NYU SPS led him to develop and teach the Producing curriculum, bringing his industry expertise back to where his career began.</span></p>
The Intersection of Writing and Producing
<p><span class="p-body">TaufiQue sees writing and producing as inseparable elements of the filmmaking process. “A producer needs a brilliant script to pitch, cast, and make. And every great script needs an enterprising and creative producer to develop it further,” he explains. Teaching in both programs allows him to mentor students on both sides of the process, helping them navigate the nuances of storytelling while equipping them with the logistical and business skills required to bring a project to life.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Students in his courses learn to approach film and television projects holistically, translating creative visions into production-ready realities. They develop budgets, prepare pitch decks, and craft loglines—all essential steps in producing content. TaufiQue takes pride in helping students anticipate production challenges while staying true to their creative goals.</span></p>
Industry Challenges and How to Overcome Them
<p><span class="p-body">In today’s competitive industry, funding and casting are two of the biggest hurdles. “You need a strong cast to raise financing, and you need financing to attract the right talent,” TaufiQue says. His courses guide students through these real-world challenges, preparing them to pitch projects to investors, studios, and talent agencies.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">TaufiQue believes that the most successful producers come from diverse backgrounds and experiences.</span></p>
The value of these courses is in discovering the strengths we each bring to the role—not in spite of our different backgrounds, but because of them.”
<p><span class="p-body">Through mentorship, hands-on assignments, and exposure to industry professionals, he ensures students leave the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/tv-and-film-producing-accelerated.html" target="_blank">Accelerated Certificate in Producing</a> and <a href="/content/sps-nyu/certificates/writing-and-producing-for-film-television.html" target="_blank">Certificate in Writing and Producing for Film & Television</a> programs ready to make their mark in the entertainment world.</span></p>
