Movie Producer: Career Definition, Employment Outlook and Education Requirements

<p>Movie producers use a broad range of management and relationship skills in their work, but there are no formal requirements to become one. Experience with negotiation, business and other aspects of the film industry are helpful in this career. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>
<b>Responsibilities</b>
</td><td>
Arrange financing; select scripts, directors, and crew; audition cast members; choose locations</td></tr> <tr><td>
<b>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</b>
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8% (producers and directors)</td></tr> <tr><td>
<b>Training</b>
</td><td>
No formal requirements; programs in arts management are available; experience in theatrical management and film production can be valuable</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoMovieProducersDo">What Do Movie Producers Do?</h3> <p>Movie producers make the behind-the-scenes decisions that are vital to the film making process. Producers spend a large amount of their time negotiating deals with staff, talent and contractors who work on movies. Movie producers who work for large companies serve as emissaries between corporate executives and artistic talent, such as directors. Some movie producers work independently from the traditional structure in order to gain workplace autonomy; however, this requires that they also take on more risk by assuming more responsibility. Some of the day-to-day responsibilities of producers are: </p> <ul><li>Arranging for financing </li><li>Selecting scripts </li><li>Choosing directors and actors </li><li>Selecting locations </li><li>Overseeing the postproduction process </li><li>Managing the production schedule and budget </li><li>Promoting the finished product </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfJobProspectsCanIExpect">What Kind of Job Prospects Can I Expect?</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 166,200 jobs for producers and directors existed in 2021. From 2021 to 2031, job growth for these workers is expected to be about 8%, which is faster-than-average growth for all occupations. Much of this projected growth can be attributed to the increase of reality programs as well as more shows on internet-only platforms that utilize streaming services. As of May 2021, the median salary for producers and directors was $79,000. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatTrainingDoINeed">What Training Do I Need?</h3> <p>While there are no formal requirements to become a movie producer, many universities offer programs in arts management and similar subjects that teach students the basics of the film industry. Accredited institutions that offer degrees in theater arts can be found on the National Association of Schools of Theatre website. Many movie producers come from a business management background; others have previously worked as directors and actors. No matter what, having a background in areas like finance, marketing, management, film production, directing, and acting are essential for anyone interested in becoming a movie producer.</p>