How To Become a Producer
What Is a Producer?
A producer works on the development, planning, execution, release and marketing of a creative project. Producers can work on movies, TV shows, reality shows, animated shows, commercials and theater productions. Usually, a producer will specialize in one or two types of creative projects, such as TV shows and movies.
Percentage of producers and directors who worked in motion picture and video industries in 2024(See disclaimer 1)
What Does a Producer Do?
The simple explanation is that producers are responsible for shepherding a creative project through its entire lifecycle, from conception to release. Some producers are self-employed contractors who may work with a range of different production companies. Others work directly for a studio or production company. Producers who specialize in TV commercials may be employed by a marketing agency.
A producer’s daily responsibilities depend on the particular stage of the project they are managing. During the development and preproduction phases, as well as in other key areas, a producer may be responsible for a variety of important tasks, including:
Scoping out potential projects
Producers help identify projects that look promising, both in terms of artistry and commercial viability.
Obtaining copyrights and financing
They make sure to purchase the rights to creative projects and secure financing from investors.
Putting together a team
Producers assemble a creative team of writers, managers, talent (actors for the leading roles), critical crew members and a director.
Gaining approval
Collaborate with the production company to “green light” the project (obtain approval to move forward with it).
Budgeting
The producer is responsible for establishing a budget and ensuring that the project stays within that budget.
Supervising
They oversee and manage the logistics and business operations, as well as the production of the film.
Overseeing postproduction
Producers oversee the postproduction process, including the editing and music composition.
What Experience and Education Does a Producer Need?
Becoming a producer requires a mix of creativity, leadership and industry knowledge, all of which start with the right education and experience. There are key steps to take on your path to becoming a producer to help you enter the industry qualified and confident.
High School Diploma
College Degree
Internships
Entry-Level Roles
Best Degrees for Producers
Many degree options can equip you with relevant skills and knowledge that may prove useful in your pursuit to become a producer. Majors such as film, theatre or cinema studies may offer curricula geared toward this or similar paths.
Topics relevant in your path to becoming a producer that you will likely cover in your program include:
Techniques to implement in music videos and documentary productions
Advanced digital editing tools, techniques and approaches
The expression of creative messages through small-format digital production
Audio production skills, including modern challenges and how to solve them
GCU Recommends These Degree Programs for a Producer
We offer numerous relevant degrees designed to prepare aspiring producers for careers in the film and broadcasting industries. From a production emphasis to a broadcasting focus, our programs are catered toward teaching you how to become impactful in your profession of choice.
What Skills Does a Producer Need?
Producers play a vital role in bringing creative projects to life, requiring a blend of organizational, creative and leadership abilities. They rely on a diverse set of skills that support every stage of production to be successful in their projects.
Some of the many skills producers exercise in their work include:(See disclaimer 3)
Media production and communication knowledge
Business management
Leadership
Attention to detail
Creative decision-making
Organizational skills
Familiarity with computer software and production technology
Where Do Producers Work?
Like their daily responsibilities, a producer’s work location may depend on the specific project they are working on at that time. Their work may range from a temporary weeklong stay to months of out-of-state travel.
Common areas where producers work include:(See disclaimer 1)
Motion, picture and video industries
The majority of producers find themselves working on site within a movie or video production environment.(See disclaimer 1)
Media streaming distribution services
This may include social networks or other media networks, as well as content providers.
Performing arts, sports or related industries
This is one area that often involves travel and touring across the country.
Television broadcasting
Television networks require the skills of a producer as well to ensure their broadcasts stay on schedule and go smoothly.
Median annual wage for producers and directors as of May 2024(See disclaimer 4)
Estimated job growth for producers and directors from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 5)
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- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. How To Become a Producer or Director. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
- National Careers Service. TV or Film Producer. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Producers and Directors, as of May 2024, retrieved July 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2024 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as producers and directors, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Producers and Directors, retrieved October 2025.