What does a Producer do?
Producers are responsible for the high-level direction and administration of a creative project that may involve video, music, or another media format. They plan and oversee all phases of the production process. Their role may encompass the duties of a creative project manager. They establish and manage budgets, negotiate contracts, and play a central role in hiring staff or selecting talent. They ensure the project stays on schedule and doesn’t go over budget. They often have final approval over the finished product.
Producers often have a bachelor’s degree in a busines or media field, although relevant professional experience and a track record of overseeing successful projects is often viewed as equally important. They must be highly organized and excellent project managers. Extensive familiarity with all phases of the production process is helpful.
- Maintain a complete understanding of and adherence to company guidelines, policies and standard practice.
- Observe and correct all unsafe conditions that could cause associate or customer accidents.
- Develop product knowledge in various areas of the department.
- Research and understand products, client's needs and target audiences.
- Ensure proper customer service and works to develop relationships with large customers.
- Collaborate with a team to build solutions from the ground up.
- Responsible for the overall day to day operations.
- Communicate company, department, and job specific information to associates.
- Establish performance goals and empower associates to meet goals.
- Ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
- Support the achievement of budgeted financial and operating results.
- Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in business, computer science or journalism or equivalent experience.
- Strategic thinking and multitasking skills.
- Prior experience in a consultant role.
- Pays attention to detail and collaborate with other team members for goals and projects.
- Comfortable writing scripts and editing text.
- Fluent with software systems including Pro Tools, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Creative Suite.
Producer Salaries
Average Base Pay
Producer Career Path
Learn how to become a Producer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Producer Insights
Discover Mediaworks“This is a great place to grow your career when you're young and ready to explore the state while making fun television!”
The Participation Agency“CEO and Chief Creative Officer at the top are incompetant and blame others for their problems.”
R/GA“Everyone develops stockholm syndrome where this is amount of work and complete lack of personal life is normalized.”
Omens Studios“You have to work your way up and show initiative and proactiveness to be offered a good compensation rate.”
Maverick Media“The Maverick team are some of the best people to work with in a fun and creative environment.”
Walmart“Pretty good pay if you have little bills to pay and don’t have to pay rent.”
Weigel Broadcasting“Everyone was helpful when I needed it and I felt I could talk to people about any issues.”
Sinclair Broadcast Group“The team I work with is great and I was able to get a promotion after my first year which I’m very thankful for.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of producers
The typical day of a producer centers around overseeing and being responsible for large projects, like films, TV shows, and other types of media. They must put together a creative team, figure out the budget, and ensure the entire process of production goes as smoothly as possible.
An advantage of working as a producer is that their professional environment shifts between the site of the project and the office. Producers don't just work in Hollywood; they work for a variety of companies doing different kinds of media production.
The average pay for a producer in the U.S. is $76,873 per year, though this can vary based on industry and experience. While top Hollywood producers make considerably more, the typical salary range is $51,915 per year to $113,829 per year.
Becoming a producer requires being able to handle a lot of stress because producers are the ones responsible for overseeing large media projects. Additionally, they often put in overtime when a project is nearing completion or if a problem arises.