What Education Is Required to Be a Producer?
Postsecondary programs in arts management and film production may benefit aspiring producers. Continue reading to learn more about education requirements in this field.
<h3 id="section---ProducerEducationJobOverview">Producer Education & Job Overview</h3>
<p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most producers complete a bachelor's degree program before entering the field. Many major in arts management, film and media production, or mass communications. Whether you work in television, radio, film, or on the internet, producers work under the stress of meeting production goals and deadlines. You must keep the production on budget by managing all expenses. Your job duties may involve scheduling meetings with financial backers, various technicians, and scheduling rehearsals and meetings. It is your role to act as the liaison between the financial backers and the artists creating the work.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutProducersAndDirectors"> Important Facts About Producers and Directors</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Excellent oral and written communication, creativity, leadership, time management</td></tr>
<tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> Production studios, theaters, offices and outdoors</td></tr>
<tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Actors, announcers, art directors, dancers and choreographers, film and video editors, camera operators, top executives, writers and authors</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021)</td><td> $79,000 (<i>for producers and directors</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 8% (<i>for producers and directors</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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<h3 id="section---ArtsManagement"> Arts Management</h3>
<p>A degree in arts management includes courses in finance and marketing. Many programs also focus on students gaining practical experience in the arts environment. With an arts management degree, not only will you earn an appreciation and understanding for the arts and artists, you will also gain the managerial and operational strategies to excel as a producer.
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<h3 id="section---FilmAndMediaProduction"> Film and Media Production</h3>
<p>Another degree option is in film and media production. In this media-focused degree, you will learn the technical aspects of production. Film and media programs have students direct and edit films or write scripts. Students may also gain experience in performance while earning this degree.
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<h3 id="section---MassCommunication"> Mass Communication</h3>
<p>For potential producers of television and radio programs, a mass communication degree can offer experience and coursework as preparation for the field. In this type of program, you will focus on radio, television, and newspaper journalism. While gaining technical experience in media, you will also learn about the production process, media history, and effects of laws on these types of productions. Many programs offer specializations in film, television, or international media.</p>