Producer (Film/Television/Video)

Tasks & duties

Producers may do some or all of the following:

• choose an idea, script, book or play to turn into a film or television programme
• choose and hire the director for the project
• arrange finance and prepare the project (pre-production)
• organise budget and production
• choose key creative staff with the director, including the main actors
• supervise production
• solve any production problems
• supervise the film's distribution
• plan the marketing of the finished film
• liaise with foreign co-producers
• make videos for corporate clients
• pursue projects for the company to work on

Skills & knowledge

Producers need to have:

• knowledge of how to use moving images and sound to tell a story
• knowledge of literature and drama
• skill in assessing scripts, books, plays and other writing
• people-management skills, including the ability to motivate people
• excellent problem-solving skills
• good organisational and planning skills
• business skills
• a thorough understanding of different aspects of film, television and video production

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements for becoming a producer, but experience and ability are important.

Tertiary education

Employers generally prefer to recruit producers who have completed film, television or video production courses.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. Producers often attend conferences and seminars to gain new skills in areas such as technical knowledge or personnel management.

Useful experience

Experience in other areas of film, television or video production or direction is useful. Previous work in current affairs, media, the visual arts, marketing or arts administration may also be useful.

Related courses

Audio Visual Studies
Drama and Theatre Studies
Journalism, Communication and Media Studies

Video

Television

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For more information, please refer to Career Services.