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How to Become a Producer or Director

How to Become a Producer or Director
EXPECTED WAGE:
$64,430.00
Unemployment:
4.2%
Education:
Bachelor's or higher degree, plus work experience

Directors and producers are responsible for ensuring a project stays on budget and on schedule. The majorities have a bachelor's degree and have finished numerous years of work experience in an occupation within theatre production, TV, film and video editor, motion picture, cinematographer or being an actor.

Work Experience

Directors and producers commonly have numerous years of related work experience in an occupation such as theater production, TV or motion picture. Numerous directors start out as film and video editors, writers, choreographers, animators or cinematographers and they learn about the different facets of directing over time.

Many directors start their careers as assistants to established directors on a film set. Numerous aspiring directors begin in nonprofit theater settings as assistant directors. This position is commonly treated as an unpaid internship. Producers may begin working as a business manager, managing a theatrical office or as an assistant in a TV or movie studio. Others may have experienced other behind the scenes roles as other directors.

Education & Training

Most directors and producers have a bachelor's degree. A variety of students study cinema or film at university or college. Subjects include: editing, film history, creating their own films and lighting. Communication, acting, journalism or writing comprises some of the other specialty areas. Certain producers decide to earn their degree in nonprofit management, arts management or business.

Stage directors often complete a theater degree. Many earn their MFA or Master of Fine Arts degree. Classes include: acting, playwriting, directing and set design.

Skills and Qualities that will Help

Communication skills: Directors and producers must coordinate the work of a variety of people n order to complete a production on budget and on time.

Creativity: Due to the fact that a script can be interpreted in multiple ways, directors must choose how they wish to interpret the story and how to best represent the ideas of the script on stage or on screen.

Leadership skills: Directors instruct actors to help them be believable when portraying their characters. They must additionally supervise the crew who are facilitating the work behind the scenes.

Management skills: Producers must hire and find the best crew and director for the production to ensure that everyone is able to efficiently and effectively complete their job.

How To Advance

As one's reputation as a successful director or producer grows; they may take on higher profile and larger budget productions.