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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.

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Producers

Producers organize stage and screen productions for:

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

Job duties

Task list

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

Common work activities

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

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, producers and directors:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Producers and directors frequently:

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

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

Skills and abilities

Producers and directors need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Work with people

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:

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:

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:

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
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)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
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:

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 (external link)
165 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036
212.869.8530
American Alliance for Theatre and Education (external link)
718 7th Street NW
Washington DC 20001
202.909.1194
American Journalism Review (external link)
American Society of Cinematographers (external link)
PO Box 2230
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Americans for the Arts (external link)
Careers in Space: A Universe of Options (external link)
Directors Guild-Producer Training Plan (external link)
International Animated Film Society (external link)
National Association of Broadcasters (external link)
1771 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.429.5300
National Endowment for the Arts (external link)
400 - 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20506
202.682.5400
Producers Guild of America (external link)
8530 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 400
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
310.358.9020
Radio-Television Digital News Association (external link)
The National Press Building
529 14th Street, NW, Suite 1240
Washington, D.C. 20045
Showbizjobs.com (external link)
Society for Cinema & Media Studies (external link)
640 Parrington Oval
Wallace Old Science Hall, Room 300
Norman, OK 73019
Theatre Communications Group (external link)
520 - 8th Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212.609.5900
TV Jobs (external link)
Washington Filmworks (external link)
1411 4th Avenue, Suite 1000
Seattle, WA 98101
206.264.0667
Writers Guild of America, West (external link)
7000 West Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
800.548.4532
323.951.4000

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupations

O*Net job zone (external link)

DOT occupations

Holland occupational clusters

COPSystem