According to the director, Haile Gerima, who is also the executive producer and writer, Teza took 14 years to make.[citation needed] The writing underwent changes during those years, maturing and blossoming in certain areas. Teza's scheduling, especially its Germany shoot had to undergo radical change due to funding issues which cut the scheduled 3 week shoot to 10 days.[citation needed] There was a 2-year gap between the wrap of shooting in Ethiopia in August 2004 and the beginning of the German shooting in November 2006.[citation needed]