Producers and Directors: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

Education Required
Producers and directors usually have a bachelors degree. Many students study film or cinema in programs at colleges and universities. In these programs, students learn about film history, editing, screenwriting, cinematography, and the filmmaking process. As of 2017, the National Association of Schools of Theatre provided accreditation to more than 180 postsecondary institutions for their programs in theater arts.
Job Outlook
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 12% (Faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.)
Advancement
As a producers or directors reputation grows, he or she may work on larger, more expensive projects that attract more attention or publicity.
Median pay: How much do Producers and Directors make?
$70,950 Annual Salary
$34.11 per hour

Producers and directors create motion pictures, television shows, live theater, commercials, and other performing arts productions. They interpret a writers script to entertain or inform an audience.

What do Producers and Directors do?

Producers and directors typically do the following:

  • Select scripts or topics for a film, show, commercial, or play
  • Audition and select cast members and the film or stage crew
  • Approve the design and financial aspects of a production
  • Oversee the production process, including performances, lighting, and choreography
  • Oversee the postproduction process, including editing, special effects, music selection, and a performances overall tone
  • Ensure that a project stays on schedule and within budget
  • Promote finished works or productions through interviews, advertisements, and film festivals

Careers for Producers and Directors

  • Assistant directors
  • Assistant producers
  • Associate producers
  • Broadcast producers
  • Casting directors
  • Directors
  • Executive producers
  • Film makers
  • Head producer
  • Independent film makers
  • Independent video producers
  • Line producers
  • Motion picture directors
  • Motion picture producers
  • Movie directors
  • Movie producers
  • Music video directors
  • Music video producers
  • News production supervisors
  • Newscast directors
  • Newscast producers
  • On-air directors
  • Pageant directors
  • Producers
  • Radio producers
  • Radio television technical directors
  • Stage directors
  • Stage managers
  • Television news producers
  • Television newscast directors
  • Television producers
  • Television program directors
  • Theater company producers
  • Video producers

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