How to Become a TV Producer: Education and Career Roadmap
Learn how to become a TV producer. Research the education and career requirements and experience required for starting a career as a TV producer.
TV Producer Requirements
Producers oversee the production of a television program and will have many different levels of responsibilities on the set. The duties a producer has can vary, depending on his or her skill and job level. For example, an executive producer may oversee story lines, audition actors and determine the budget. Line producers may oversee production aspects by keeping workers on schedule and finding locations to shoot scenes.
Before obtaining a producer position, individuals will need to gain experience. While there are no specific education requirements to become a TV producer, earning a bachelor's degree is recommended by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The table below includes the requirements to become a TV producer as reported by the BLS.
| Common Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Name | Film and TV production, directing, communication or another related program |
| Experience | Related professional experience in the movie or TV industry |
| Key Skills | Creativity, management and leadership abilities |
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Students who want to become producers have the option to enroll in a related bachelor's degree program, such as a Bachelor of Applied Science in Film, Television and Digital Production program. This curriculum will cover all areas of film and TV production, and students can take courses in camera operation, cinematography, screenwriting, lighting, sound and editing. Opportunities will also be available to learn the different aspects of producing, including budgeting, fundraising and how to audition actors.
Success Tip:
- Work on student films. During a bachelor's degree program, students may be given the opportunity to create a film. Not only will they get a chance to write and direct their own films, but working as part of the crew on other students' films can provide preparation for production assistant jobs upon graduation.
Step 2: Work as a Production Assistant
The first career step for producers is to obtain related employment, such as working as a production assistant. The duties for production assistants also vary widely and may not always involve direct work on a production. For example, production assistants may be responsible for getting coffee or making copies; however, as they gain more experience and develop contacts in the industry, their responsibilities can grow on the set.
Success Tip:
- Look for TV opportunities. Those who want to become TV producers will want to find work as production assistants on television shows. While opportunities may be available to work on independent or feature films, finding TV production assistant jobs will help aspiring producers jump-start their careers in the industry by familiarizing them with the inner workings of a TV studio.
Step 3: Start Networking
Networking can help prospective producers develop contacts in the industry. Reading scripts and attending industry events, workshops and seminars are all ways for prospective producers to begin establishing a career. Many TV production companies also promote from within, so work as a production assistant may lead to a career as a line producer and eventually to an executive producer position.
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