Producers and Directors

By: Jordyn Cook

Summary

Producers select plays or scripts, arrange financing, and make production decisions while directors interpret the selected scripts by directing the work of the cast and crew. The producers focus on the business aspect of a production while the director focuses on the artistic parts. Contrary to popular belief, directors and producers don’t just work in movies and stage production. They are also involved in television and radio. This means that the work of directors and producers is all around us in our everyday lives.

Common Tasks

• Select plays or scripts

• Decide on the size, cost, and content of a production

• Hire directors, principal cast members, and key production staff

• Promote the production

• Approve scenery, costumes, choreography, and music

• Coordinate the work of writers, directiors, managers, and other staff

• Conduct rehearsals

• Plan and schedule programming and event coverage

• Conduct meetings

• Monitor production

Working Conditions and Hours

Conditions

• Mainly work indoors but may go outdoors to shoot scenes

• Must have good social skills for they work amongst people all day and be able to work as a team

Hours

• May work full or part time but schedules may change according to a project

• Travel is a necessity to go to other production locations

• Long hours may be required to complete projects

Skills

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand

• See details of objects whether they are nearby or far away

• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others

• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them

• Understand the speech of another person

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness

• Determine from which direction a sound came

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls

• Move arms and legs quickly

• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet

Preparation and Hiring Practices

Preparation

Producer:

• Have a high school diploma or GED

• Bachelors degree

• Business experience

Director:

• Have a high school diploma or GED

• Experience working in theater, film, and television

Hiring Practices

Experience is a must in this field. Experience can be gained in local and regional theater. Employers also prefer producers and directors with training in dramatic arts, directing, or producing

Interests

People in this career may:

• Consider achievement important

• Have artistic interests

Employment Outlook and Advancement Opportunities

Employment Outlook

The employment in this field is getting increasingly bigger with the advancements in home entertainment, but only the most artistically inclined and talented will succeed. Outlook is fairly good if you’re dedicated and good at the job.

Advancement Opportunities

Advancement can be earned with experience and reputation. This is in the form of working on bigger productions and with more renowned theaters.

Related Jobs

Editors

Graphic Designers

Wages and Fringe Benefits

Wages

Hourly:

$30.98

Yearly:

$64, 430

(Haha I’ll be getting a new pair of shoes every week!)

Fringe Benefits

Many directors are self-employed but if not, they may receive typical benefits such as health care.

Professional Organizations

• American Association of Community Theater

• Screen Actor’s Guild

Helpful High School Courses and Career Cluster

High School Courses

• Communications

• Drama

• Dance

• Film and Videotape

• Photography

• Stagecraft

Career Cluster

• Arts and Communication

In conclusion…

I still believe this career is a good choice for me. I’m very personable and have the artistic eye to become very talented at it. Travel and work hours could conflict with family time, but the pay is good and I would be happy with my life if I became successful in this career.