Producer

Job Description:

A producer's job involves planning, coordination and management around a movie's script and writing, casting, directing, and editing as well as finances, marketing, release and distribution. A movie begins and ends with the producer, who is responsible for managing the “behind the scenes” aspects of production. The producer handles on-set logistics, management, and supervision of film production.

Salary: Average can range from $36,070-$184,660

The median pay for producers is $79.000 per year and $37.98 per hour.

Occupational Outlook:

Employment of producers and directors is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 17,500 openings for producers and directors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Links to Learn More About This Career:

https://boords.com/blog/what-does-a-film-producer-do

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/producers-and-directors.htm

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-does-a-hollywood-producer-do-responsibilities-of-a-film-producer-and-how-to-become-a-producer

Educational Requirements:

After high school, the first step in the process of becoming a producer is to earn a bachelor’s degree. Most aspiring producers choose to earn degrees in film or cinema studies. It’s also possible to pursue this career path with a degree in theater, communications or a similar artistic field. Some schools may offer more specialized degree programs for aspiring production professionals. One such option is the Bachelor of Arts in Digital Film with an Emphasis in Production degree. This type of degree is ideally suited to students who would like to become producers as it explores both the creative, behind-the-camera aspects and the business side of filming.

-USC SChool of Cinematic Arts

Los Angeles, California

Website: https://cinema.usc.edu/

Information on the Major: https://cinema.usc.edu/production/index.cfm

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky

Website: https://www.uky.edu/

Information on the Major: https://mcl.as.uky.edu/film-media-studies#:~:text=Film%20%26%20Media%20Studies%20%7C%20University%20of%20Kentucky%20College%20of%20Arts%20%26%20Sciences

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Website: https://my.wku.edu/

Information on the Major: https://www.wku.edu/schoolofmedia/undergraduateprograms/film/film.php

Soft Skills, Characteristics, and/or Abilities Need For This Career:

Calm under Pressure
Creative Thinking
Problem-Solving Skills
Drive, Persistence, and Assertiveness
Fearlessness and Persuasiveness
Strong Project Management and Organizational Skills

Software Knowledge Needed For This Career:

The most popular program used by film producers is Adobe Premiere Pro. Premiere Pro is a powerful video editing program that allows producers to create complex cuts and effects. Another popular program used by film producers is Final Cut Pro.

Pros and Cons to Choosing This Career

Pros (Positives to this Career)

Ability to use creativity on a daily basis and the freedom to express yourself.
Ability to work in a diverse environment where you will meet people from various walks of life, and where you can have a diverse background too.
There is a great potential for success.

Cons (Negatives to this Career)

Producers and directors are often under pressure to finish their work on time. Most producers and directors work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Their schedules may vary.
There is an inconsistent income, with a lack of steady paychecks and health insurance or retirement plan .
There is a great amount of responsibility and pressure in the job.

Typical Working Conditions For This Career:

Producers and directors are often under pressure to finish their work on time. Most producers and directors work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Their schedules may vary. Producers audition and select cast members. Producers and directors are often under pressure to finish their work on time. Work assignments may be short, ranging from 1 day to a few months. They sometimes must work in unpleasant conditions, such as bad weather.