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Overview

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.

26%

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.

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

There are many opportunities for high school students to begin engaging in production-related activities and classes. If you’re able, consider taking classes in theater, film or any type of media studies to begin preparing yourself for college-level courses. Other relevant courses to consider for this profession include social sciences, humanities, computer applications, entrepreneurship, business law and microeconomics. Consider joining a drama club or a digital film club during your high school years. You might also look for opportunities at a community theater organization during the summer.

College Degree

After high school, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree, as producers are generally expected to have an undergraduate education. (See disclaimer 2 ) Many aspiring producers choose to earn a degree in film or cinema studies. It’s also possible to pursue this career path with a degree in theatre, communications or a similar artistic field. Your degree program may include a practicum course during your senior year. You’ll likely be required to create a short digital film. This will prove invaluable not only as a chance to practice your skills and exercise your creativity, but also as an addition to your professional portfolio.

Internships

Film and production students are strongly encouraged to explore internship opportunities while in college. Being a producer is not an entry-level job. Thus, students who can demonstrate some work experience upon graduation may be better positioned to pursue this role sooner. You can look for internship opportunities at local community theatres, film production companies and even marketing agencies that create television commercials.

Entry‑Level Roles

Students who aspire to become producers, directors or other major players on creative projects must first pursue an entry‑level position. First, you’ll want to look for internship and apprenticeship roles, as well as assistant positions. Some examples of potential entry‑level positions include assistant producer, production assistant, assistant editor, assistant camera operator and boom operator/sound trainee.

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.

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.

Media production and communication knowledge

Business management

Leadership

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.

The majority of producers find themselves working on site within a movie or video production environment. (See disclaimer 1 )

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.

Explore Related Arts and Media Production Fields

Browse through some of our additional articles about film and production.

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Learn more about the role of a live event producer and how the College of Arts and Media prepares students with hands‑on skills in planning, stage design, audiovisual coordination and leadership.

Step into the world of production and turn your creative passions into a career.

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Work Environment . Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 28, 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.