How To Become A Television Producer

A television producer is responsible for creating the television shows or series each week. Television producers are responsible for interpreting a writer’s script while auditioning cast and crew members for the production. Television producers are in charge of financial and design aspects of the series, in addition to overseeing lighting, editing, special effects, music, and the overall aesthetic of the series.

A television producer’s role is to make sure the production stays on budget and schedule. Within a large television production, there are many television producers that are involved with creating a series successful, such as an executive producer, line producer, associate producer, and assistant producer. Television producers ensure the cast and crew of new developments within the series as well. If you have a passion for the television or film industry, enjoy writing, editing, or creating your own films, you may want to explore the field of television production.

Why Become A Television Producer

The production process of a television series requires coordination and management of the director, actors, editors, and many other individuals involved in the television making process. It is important for a producer to be creative in the script to television process, as a script can be interpreted in countless ways.

As you begin your academic journey into television production, keep in mind that a producer will need to have several years of experience in an occupation related to television before they can take the reigns to produce a television series. With aspirations to become a producer, you may find yourself starting work in as a manager of a theater, local television station, or small independent film.

You may expand your career by working on big budget television series. Television series and programs are now reaching and becoming more popular than major motion pictures. Countless television series are produced and filmed using incredible actors, outstanding costume designers, and most importantly, well-known television producers.

Television Producer Work Environment

The typical work environment for a television producer can be deadline driven and very stressful. It is crucial to the financial situation of the television series to finish the series on time; therefore, there may be a constant stress on the television producer. The assignments of a television producer can vary; it can take several weeks to several months to finish the production of a television series.

The working conditions in a television production can alter the outcome of the series, such as poor weather conditions. Television producers typically work very long, sporadic hours throughout the production of their series. The schedule and depth of their work depend on many factors such as location scouting, shooting days, and traveling.

Television Producer Salary

The Occupational Employment and Wages Report of the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the US Department of Labor showed the mean annual wage in May 2012, of television producers is $71,350. The hourly salary and annual wage of a television producer may vary due to the popularity or demand of the television series, cast involved, and time spent producing the television series.

Highest Paying States For Television Producers

• 1. California $57.13 / hr $118,830 / yr
• 2. New York $55.84 / hr $116,160 / yr
• 3. New Jersey $46.87 / hr $97,490 / yr
• 4. District of Columbia $41.40 / hr $86,110 / yr
• 5. Maryland $38.77 / hr $80,630 / yr

Top Paying Cities For Television Producers

• 1. Los Angeles, CA $61.61 / hr$128,150 / yr
• 2. New York, NY $57.81 / hr$120,240 / yr
• 3. Camden, NJ $54.53 / hr$113,430 / yr
• 4. San Francisco, CA $51.09 / hr$106,270 / yr
• 5. Newark, NJ $49.43 / hr$102,820 / yr

Television Producer Career Outlook

The career outlook for a television producer looks to expand rather slowly than other career areas, with a projected growth of 3% from 2012 to 2022. It is predicted that growth within television production will expand rapidly, as consumer demand for more innovative, distinctive televisions will continue to grow. Additionally, it is predicted there will be an immense increase from audiences abroad for more United States television series.

Television producers will see a change in how television series and other content are delivered to audiences. With the projected increase in demand for entertainment, the field of production will continue to grow, even if it is a slow process. With the expansion of smart phone and mobile technology, television producers will see more opportunities for growth within their own field.

Television Producer Degree

A bachelor’s degree, preferably in the field of broadcasting, television studies or film production, is the entry point for a career as a television producer. These programs should include topics in drama, English and film. Since television producers are also in-charge of the budgets of the series or programs they produce, it would also be worthwhile to take up business and management courses as well.

While there are those who seek further studies to beef up their resume, what really sets successful television producers apart from the rest are their ability to complete the job at hand, handle multiple responsibilities with ease and work long and hard. These are usually proven to a prospective employer through prior work experience as production assistants or as television producer for smaller stations.

Internships provide one of the best ways to have practical experience in the field even while you are still in school. These also help you get to know people in the industry who will give you leads in terms of the possible sources of employment later on when you graduate from school or vouch for your character and dedication to the job.

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