Producers and Directors

At a Glance

Producers are primarily business people
Directors are responsible for the artistic aspects of productions
Work in television, radio, movies, and stage productions
Work with actors, crew members, and assistants
May travel to work on-location
Have a bachelor's degree plus work experience
Talent and experience are the best predictors of success

Career summary

Producers select plays or scripts, arrange financing, and make other production decisions. Directors interpret plays or scripts by directing the work of the cast and crew.

#No alternate titles CJ

Producers

Producers organize stage and screen productions for:

Films
Live theater
Radio
TV shows

Producers select plays or scripts and arrange financing. They decide on the size, cost, and content of the production. Producers hire directors and other key staff. They may also hire cast members.

Producers negotiate contracts with actors and must be aware of union contract agreements. They often work with lawyers to review contracts and handle copyright issues.

Producers set up production schedules and operating budgets. They coordinate the work of writers, directors, managers, and other staff. They meet with key staff people to monitor production progress.

Producers who work on motion pictures must have a working knowledge of the technology involved. Producers may also help promote a production. They network, and in some cases, request money by writing grant proposals.

Directors

Directors are responsible for the artistic aspects of plays and scripts. They audition and select cast members. They direct the work of the cast and crew. They conduct rehearsals.

Directors must be knowledgeable about the use of voice, movement, and acting techniques. In rehearsals, they use their knowledge to achieve the best possible performances from actors. Directors make many artistic decisions about a production. For example, they usually approve scenery, costumes, and music. In addition, directors consult with technical directors, managers, and writers. They may edit scripts and other program material.

Besides these general duties, directors have duties specific to their job. Program directors work for radio and TV stations. They plan and schedule programs, and coverage of events. Talent directors audition and select performers for stage or broadcasting productions. Technical directors coordinate the technical elements of a program, film, or show. They work with the audio, camera, and special effects crews.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Audiovisual and Broadcast Directors

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to producers and directors.

Select plays or scripts.
Decide on the size, cost, and content of a production. Arrange financing.
Hire directors, principal cast members, and key production staff.
Negotiate contracts with artistic staff, according to collective bargaining agreements.
Establish production schedules and operating budgets.
Coordinate the work of writers, directors, managers, and other staff.
Conduct meetings and monitor production.
Promote the production.
Audition and select cast members.
Conduct rehearsals. Direct the work of the cast and crew.
Use knowledge of acting, voice, and movement to achieve the best performances from actors.
Approve scenery, costumes, choreography, and music.
Confer with technical directors, managers, and writers, in person or in writing. May edit scripts and other program material.
Plan and schedule programming and event coverage.
Coordinate program elements, such as audio, camera, and special effects.

Common work activities

Producers and directors perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Get information needed to do the job
Think creatively
Make decisions and solve problems
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Use computers
Establish and maintain relationships
Identify objects, actions, and events
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Update and use job-related knowledge
Communicate with people outside the organization
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Schedule work and activities
Process information
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Guide, direct, and motivate others
Perform for or work with the public
Document and record information
Develop and build teams
Explain the meaning of information to others
Develop goals and strategies
Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
Coach others
Analyze data or information
Teach others
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Perform administrative tasks

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, producers and directors:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a high level of job-required social contact. They work closely with directors, actors, and crew members.
Communicate with others by phone, e-mail, and face-to-face discussions. They also write letters and memos, but prefer quicker means of contact.
Are responsible for the work outcomes and results of other workers.
Almost always work as part of a team of directors and assistants.
Occasionally have to work with unpleasant or rude workers.

Physical work conditions

Often work indoors, but sometimes direct outdoor scenes or plays.
May travel to and from locations in a car, truck, or van.
May share work space with others.

Work performance

Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could waste time and cost money.
Make decisions that affect their company and coworkers on a regular basis. They often make decisions without consulting a supervisor.
Set nearly all of their daily tasks and goals without consulting another first.
Must be aware of frequently changing events. This is particularly true for technical directors.
Work in a competitive atmosphere where daily deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

May work part time or full time. Schedules may change depending on the project.
May travel to other production locations.
May work long hours to complete projects.

Physical demands

Producers and directors frequently:

Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for producers and directors to be able to:

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand the speech of another person.
See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for producers and directors to be able to:

See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

Skills and abilities

Producers and directors need to:

Communicate

Understand spoken information.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand written information.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Read and understand work-related materials.
Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Think of new ideas about a topic.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Manage the time of self and others.
Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.
Persuade others to approach things differently.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a producer or director, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent;
have a bachelor's degree; and
have one to five years of experience in business.

Education after high school

Producers and directors usually have a bachelor's degree. There are no formal training programs for producers or film directors, but some major in writing, acting, journalism, or communication while in college. Talent, experience, and a good business sense are also important for success.

Producers need good business judgment and experience. A bachelor's or graduate degree is required to enter most management-level business occupations. A major in business management or finance is good preparation. A major in film, television, or theater combined with business is also a good choice.

Directors need creative ability and a background in acting or as an assistant director. Formal training in theater, film, or TV is a good way to learn the artistic considerations and methods needed in directing.

Work experience

To gain experience, most aspiring directors take part in high school and college plays. They also work with little theater groups. The best way to start is to use local opportunities and build on them. Local and regional theater experience may help in obtaining work in New York or Los Angeles. Producers and directors try to work their way up to major productions. However, strong competition makes this very difficult.

Program directors for radio and TV stations often have formal training in broadcast journalism. Technical directors usually have technical equipment training from a two- or four-year college.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be audiovisual and broadcast directors. You need a bachelor's degree to enter this military occupation. Training lasts from 15 to 99 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Communications
Dance
Drama
Film and Videotape
Photography
Stagecraft

Many producers and directors are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

Accounting
Entrepreneurship
Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for producers and directors who have talent and experience. Producers and directors can gain experience in local and regional theater. Program directors can build a reputation at small radio or TV stations. A good business sense is also important, especially for producers.

Some employers may prefer producers and directors who have formal training in dramatic arts, directing, or producing.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Producers and directors (SOC 27-2012)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$17.61	$24.15	$30.96	$40.50	$49.95
	Monthly	$3,052	$4,185	$5,365	$7,019	$8,656
	Yearly	$36,630	$50,230	$64,400	$84,240	$103,890
Bellingham	Hourly	$19.69	$22.10	$28.07	$44.87	$49.08
	Monthly	$3,412	$3,830	$4,865	$7,776	$8,506
	Yearly	$40,950	$45,967	$58,384	$93,328	$102,077
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$16.47	$18.11	$23.91	$37.38	$40.06
	Monthly	$2,854	$3,138	$4,144	$6,478	$6,942
	Yearly	$34,253	$37,667	$49,723	$77,756	$83,315
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	$16.39	$17.73	$26.11	$31.54	$46.06
	Monthly	$2,840	$3,073	$4,525	$5,466	$7,982
	Yearly	$34,099	$36,882	$54,295	$65,612	$95,797
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$11.89	$12.18	$14.49	$17.69	$31.51
	Monthly	$2,061	$2,111	$2,511	$3,066	$5,461
	Yearly	$24,750	$25,337	$30,140	$36,805	$65,528
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$15.78	$17.02	$19.11	$40.22	$46.86
	Monthly	$2,735	$2,950	$3,312	$6,970	$8,121
	Yearly	$32,829	$35,413	$39,736	$83,657	$97,473
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$20.39	$26.45	$33.12	$42.56	$52.64
	Monthly	$3,534	$4,584	$5,740	$7,376	$9,123
	Yearly	$42,400	$55,019	$68,875	$88,513	$109,488
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$13.69	$18.74	$27.77	$37.43	$47.33
	Monthly	$2,372	$3,248	$4,813	$6,487	$8,202
	Yearly	$28,495	$38,980	$57,742	$77,862	$98,455
Vancouver	Hourly	$14.13	$21.55	$30.08	$41.35	$60.02
	Monthly	$2,449	$3,735	$5,213	$7,166	$10,401
	Yearly	$29,402	$44,816	$62,585	$86,001	$124,835
Wenatchee	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
Yakima	Hourly	$14.20	$17.68	$25.82	$32.42	$46.04
	Monthly	$2,461	$3,064	$4,475	$5,618	$7,979
	Yearly	$29,533	$36,780	$53,702	$67,442	$95,758
United States	Hourly	$16.56	$23.33	$34.46	$53.05	$78.62
	Monthly	$2,870	$4,043	$5,972	$9,194	$13,625
	Yearly	$34,450	$48,520	$71,680	$110,350	$163,540

(1) Wage estimate is not available.

Earnings of directors vary greatly. Summer theaters offer pay, including "royalties" (based on the number of performances). Total pay ranges from $2,500 to $8,000 for a three- to four-week run of a production. Regional theaters may hire directors for longer periods of time. The highest paid stage directors work on Broadway productions. They commonly earn $100,000 plus royalties per show. Wages also vary for directors of films, from major studio productions to TV films and even commercials. The best known directors earn much more than the median wage.

Producers seldom get a set fee. Instead, they get a percentage of a show's earnings or ticket sales.

Producers and directors seldom earn benefits. However, directors who work regularly may receive typical benefits such as health insurance. Self-employed producers and directors must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Producers and Directors (SOC 27-2012)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	2,892	18.3%	16.1%	379
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	27	0.0%	13.4%	2
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	22	27.3%	8.6%	3
Benton and Franklin Counties	61	-1.6%	15.0%	5
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	38	10.5%	11.9%	4
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	68	23.5%	15.2%	10
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	116	-6.0%	14.1%	8
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	65	12.3%	14.6%	8
King County	1,989	20.0%	19.6%	269
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	77	1.3%	13.8%	6
Pierce County	97	16.5%	15.2%	12
Snohomish County	118	10.2%	12.4%	12
Spokane County	247	20.2%	13.9%	33
United States	152,400	4.7%	5.2%	16,000

National employment

About 20% of producers and directors are self-employed.

During the winter, most employment opportunities on stage are in New York City and other large cities with regional theaters. In summer, stock companies in suburban and resort areas also provide jobs. In addition, many cities have small nonprofit professional companies.

Employment in motion pictures and films for television is centered in Hollywood and New York City. However, small studios are located throughout the country. In television, opportunities are concentrated in the network centers of New York City, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. However, local TV stations around the country also employ producers and directors.

Major employers:

Movie and TV production companies
Radio and TV broadcasting companies
Theatrical production companies

National outlook

Demand will grow about as fast as average for this occupation. Some growth will occur as the demand for more movies and television shows increases. The popularity of streaming services also increases the number of platform specific shows which should lead to more work for producers and directors.

Competition for producer and director jobs will be strong. The glamour of these jobs and the lack of formal entry requirements attract many people. As in the past, only the most talented will find regular employment.

Other resources

Actors' Equity Association
165 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036
212.869.8530

American Alliance for Theatre and Education
718 7th Street NW
Washington DC 20001
202.909.1194

American Journalism Review

American Society of Cinematographers
PO Box 2230
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Americans for the Arts

Careers in Space: A Universe of Options

Directors Guild-Producer Training Plan

International Animated Film Society

National Association of Broadcasters
1771 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.429.5300

National Endowment for the Arts
400 - 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20506
202.682.5400

Producers Guild of America
8530 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 400
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
310.358.9020

Radio-Television Digital News Association
The National Press Building
529 14th Street, NW, Suite 1240
Washington, D.C. 20045

Showbizjobs.com

Society for Cinema & Media Studies
640 Parrington Oval
Wallace Old Science Hall, Room 300
Norman, OK 73019

Theatre Communications Group
520 - 8th Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212.609.5900

TV Jobs

Washington Filmworks
1411 4th Avenue, Suite 1000
Seattle, WA 98101
206.264.0667

Writers Guild of America, West
7000 West Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
800.548.4532
323.951.4000

References

Career cluster

Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

Enterprising (Business Communications)

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.