Photo: Andre E. King at English Wikipedia (CC BY 3.0)
Job description
Producers and directors research their subject matter, review footage or rehearsals against production and broadcast standards, and run regular meetings to keep the whole team aligned on the vision. Beyond creative calls, much of the job is coordination and logistics, managing writers, actors, and crew, securing rights to scripts or footage, and handling budgeting and scheduling for the entire production. It's a fast-paced, deadline-driven role built around close teamwork, since a single production depends on dozens of people executing one shared vision.
Pros
- Faster than average projected job growth (4.9% over the next decade)
- High upside earning potential, up to $199k, for those who reach senior productions
- Creative control over interpretation, casting, and overall direction of a production
Cons
- Above-average hours, expect more than a standard 40-hour week
- Entry-level pay starts well below the ceiling, around $46k
- Fast-paced deadlines combined with regularly managing frustrated cast, crew, or stakeholders
A typical day
On a shoot day, the director is on set by 6:30am walking the first scene with the cinematographer while the producer confirms that a location permit, a child actor's tutor, and forty crew members all converge on schedule. Blocking rehearsal, then takes: the director shaping performances line by line, the producer watching the clock because every hour is budget. Between setups there are decisions in a constant stream — a prop compromise, weather cover plans, tomorrow's call sheet. In prep or post instead of production, the day trades the set for casting sessions, script notes, edit reviews, and the fundraising and pitching that make the next project exist at all.
Tasks at the job
- Research production topics using the internet, video archives, and other informational sources.
- Review film, recordings, or rehearsals to ensure conformance to production and broadcast standards.
- Conduct meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to ensure production objectives are attained.
- Coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers, and other personnel throughout the production process.
- Obtain rights to scripts or to such items as existing video footage.
- Perform management activities, such as budgeting, scheduling, planning, and marketing.
Workplace & working conditions
Work happens indoors in a climate-controlled setting, and most of the day is spent sitting at a desk.
The pace is often fast, with real time pressure to meet deadlines, and you're expected to exercise significant independent judgment day to day. The work is highly structured, following set procedures. You'll regularly deal with frustrated or upset people as part of the job, and almost all of the work is done as part of a team.
Education necessary or common
Bachelor's degree
Common college majors
Career path
Related fields
Courses to take
- English/AP English Literature — story structure is the core competency
- Theater/Drama — directing actors starts with understanding acting
- Film or Video Production — hands-on shooting and editing
- Art — visual composition and design literacy
- Business or Economics — producing is creative logistics and money
Clubs, activities & competitions
- Direct or produce something real: a school play, a short film, the morning announcements
- Theater program — cast and crew both
- Film club, or start one with a festival submission as the goal
- Student film festivals and competitions (many states and colleges host them)
First steps you can take now
- Make a complete short film this month with a phone — finished beats perfect
- Direct a scene: recruit two friends, rehearse it, shoot it three ways
- Watch one film with the director's commentary and note every decision they explain
- Volunteer on a local theater or community TV production crew
