USA Career Guide - Producer and Director

Education Required of a Producer and Director in the US
Producers and directors usually have a bachelor’s degree in any stream. Though a producer does not undergo any formal training, some directors attend courses in drama and theater or video and audio production.

Related Instructional Programs for a Producer and Director in USA

• Cinematography and Film/Video Production
• Directing and Theatrical Production
• Documentary Production
• Drama and Dramatics/Theater Arts
• Dramatic/Theater Arts and Stagecraft
• Film/Cinema/Video Studies
• Musical Theater
• Radio and Television
• Theater/Theater Arts Management

Many stage directors have a degree in theater, and some go on to complete a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. Programs include courses on direction, playwright, and set design, as well as some acting classes. The National Association of Schools of Theater recognizes more than 150 programs in theater arts.

Work Experience Required for Directors and Producers in USA

Work experience is important for producers and directors. Many directors start their career as actors or script writers and then move on to become assistant directors before finally taking up a project on its own.

Producers start working in a theatrical management office, as a business manager, or as an assistant producer for television or news channels. Some even work as assistant directors or managers in a production company to learn the tricks of the trade before becoming a full-time producer.

Pay of a Director and Producer in the US Median annual wages, May 2010 Motion picture and video industries:  $ 92,820 Cable and other subscription programming:  $ 81,290 Radio and television broadcasting: $ 54,120 Performing arts, spectator sports, and related industries $ 51,960 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics)

Industry Overview

Employment of producers and directors is expected to grow to11 percent from 2010 to 2020 with the increase in viewership of television and movie shows across the US and abroad. Demand for US produced films among foreign audiences have increased as well. Like most other communication and media careers, production companies and media houses are experimenting with new content delivery methods, like mobile and online TV, direct-for-web movies and videos. This will lead to a demand for producers and directors.

Large theater companies with sufficient funding witnesses a regular demand of stage directors and producers. Options of live entertainment, such as Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters, touring productions, and repertory theaters, as well as theme parks and resorts, offer many job opportunities.

Job Prospects of a Director and Producer in the US

A director or a producer can work for

• Motion Pictures
• Stage Shows
• Theater
• Live Events
• Musical Shows
• Radio Shows
• Television