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Producers and Directors
Overview » Industry Pathways » Performing Arts 
Producers and directors, like actors, enjoy working with ideas to create images and entertain, inform, or instruct an audience in theater, film, radio, television, and other performing arts media. These workers are behind the scenes where they control the production process and final end product. They like to put their magic touch on all aspects of a production, including camera angles, lighting, and selecting and coaching the actors to achieve the desired visual or audio effect. Although the most well known producers and directors work in film, network television, or theater in New York or Los Angeles, many more work in local or regional television studios, theaters, or film production companies, preparing advertising, public-relations, or independent, small-scale movie productions. Producers and directors have different responsibilities and work closely together to ensure a successful production.
Producers are entrepreneurs who oversee the business and financial decisions of a motion picture, made-for-television feature, or stage production. These workers like being in charge and managing the whole production so it turns out they way they envisioned. They select scripts, approve the development of ideas for the production, arrange financing, and determine the size and cost of the production. Producers hire or approve the selection of directors, principal cast members, and key production staff members. They also negotiate contracts with artistic and design personnel in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and guarantee payment of salaries, rent, and other expenses.
Television and radio producers determine which programs, episodes, or news segments get aired. They may research material, write scripts, and oversee the production of individual pieces. Producers in any medium coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers, and agents to ensure that each project stays on schedule and within budget.
Directors are responsible for the creative decisions of a production. They interpret scripts, express concepts to set and costume designers, audition and select cast members, conduct rehearsals, and direct the work of cast and crew.
Many directors are only a few steps away from the actors and will usually immediately review every scene and decide on the spot if a re-take is needed. They may notice a wall vase of flowers is too far down in the shot and direct a carpenter to move it, re-paint the surrounding wood and then try another take. Many directors will make the actors and crew do several takes to ensure the best final product. A five-minute scene can sometimes take a day or two to complete!
In 2006, producers, directors, and actors held about 93,000 jobs, primarily in motion picture and video, performing arts, and broadcast industries. Many workers were often between jobs, and the total number of producers and directors available for work was higher. Employment in the theater and other performing arts companies is cyclical—higher in the fall and spring seasons—and concentrated in New York and other major cities with large commercial houses for musicals and touring productions. Also, many cities support established professional regional theaters that operate on a seasonal or year-round basis. About one-fourth of producers and directors are self-employed.
Employment in motion pictures and in films for television is centered in New York and Hollywood. However, small studios are located throughout the country. In television, opportunities are concentrated in the network centers of New York and Los Angeles, but cable television services and local television stations around the country also employ many producers and directors.
Employment of producers and directors is expected to grow about average for all occupations through 2016. Expanding cable and satellite television operations, increasing production and distribution of major studio and independent films, and continued growth and development of interactive media, such as direct-for-Web movies and videos, should increase demand for producers and directors. However, greater emphasis on national, rather than local, entertainment productions may restrict employment opportunities in the broadcasting industry.
Persons who become producers and directors can enter the field form different backgrounds. Employers generally look for people with good leadership and management skills, as well as creative instincts.
In television and film, directors typically start in smaller television markets or with independent movie production companies and then work their way up to larger media markets and major studio productions.
Many people who start out as actors move into directing, and some directors might try their hand at acting. Therefore, many people interested in acting or directing should study for a bachelor’s degree and take courses in radio and television broadcasting, communications, film, theater, drama, or dramatic literature. Many continue their academic training and receive a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree.
There are no specific training requirements for producers. They come from many different backgrounds. Talent, experience, and a strong business sense are important for producers to be successful. Actors, writers, film editors, and business managers commonly enter the field of producing.
Producers often start in a theatrical management office, working for a press agent, managing director, or business manager. Some start in a performing arts union or service organization. Others work behind the scenes with successful directors, serve on boards of directors, or promote their own projects. No formal training exists for producers, however, a growing number of colleges and universities now offer degree programs in arts management and in managing nonprofits.
As the reputations and box-office draw of producers and directors grow, they might work on bigger budget productions, on network or syndicated broadcasts, or in more prestigious theaters.
Typical annual earnings of salaried producers and directors were $61,090 in 2007.
Many stage directors belong to the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SSDC), and film and television directors belong to the Directors Guild of America. Earnings of stage directors vary greatly.
Directing a production at a dinner theater will generally pay less than directing one at a summer theater, but has more potential for generating income from royalties. Regional theaters may hire directors for longer periods, increasing compensation accordingly.
If you are interested in this occupation or are wondering about related occupations, use the links below to continue your exploration. Always remember, the more effort you put into exploring possible careers, the easier it will be for you to discover the best career choices for you!
For career information and links to employment resources contact:
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Occupational Information Network, O*NET Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/
For general information about theater arts and a list of accredited college-level programs, contact:
National Association of Schools of Theater: http://nast.arts-accredit.org
For information about planning and paying for college, visit Junior Achievement’s Financial Aid Center .
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