Producer
Also known as: executive producer, film director, tour production manager, film producer, music producer, motion picture manager
About this occupation
Producers are responsible for managing the production of music, motion pictures or series. They plan and coordinate all aspects of the production such as the direction, publication and financing. Producers oversee the production and manage all technical and logistic aspects of recording and editing.
Essential skills and knowledge
- marketing principles
- consult with production director
- develop professional network
- assess financial viability
- manage budgets
- apply strategic thinking
- analyse a script
- manage staff
- project management
- copyright legislation
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Media Programming Directors (O*NET 27-2012.03). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Operate and maintain on-air and production audio equipment.
- Check completed program logs for accuracy and conformance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations and resolve program log inaccuracies.
- Read news, read or record public service and promotional announcements, or perform other on-air duties.
- Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in broadcast news, sports, or programming.
- Monitor and review programming to ensure that schedules are met, guidelines are adhered to, and performances are of adequate quality.
- Prepare copy and edit tape so that material is ready for broadcasting.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Artistic
Top skills: Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination, Time Management
US median pay: US$90,360 a year (2025), 143,120 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaExtremely important (4.9)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.5)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.4)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.9)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Media Technical Directors/Managers
- Producers and Directors
- Information Technology Project Managers
- Public Relations Specialists
- Public Relations Managers
- Project Management Specialists
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
- Art Directors
- Talent Directors
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.