How to become A TV Producer

We live in a golden era of television. With the superabundance of creative and influential programs in the diverse genres of information, entertainment, education and more, TV is no longer the "idiot box". Although actors and their persona, gripping storylines, and content attract audiences, there would be no show without the TV Producer. If you are not just a fan of TV shows but a creative wizard who dreams of tackling the challenging nitty-gritty of running your own show, you may become a TV Producer one day. 

• Program Producer
• Executive Producer
• Showrunner

What do TV Producers do?

A TV Producer would typically need to:

• Supervise the daily operations and all aspects related to producing a television show; screenwrite or plan the overall direction, plot and tone of each episode and season
• Generate project ideas themselves or read and select topics, scripts and projects to produce
• Pitch television program ideas to broadcasters
• Plan schedules and formulate the budget; raise funds from appropriate sources to finance projects; ensure that a project stays on track for time and cost
• Assess other resources needed for the production and how best to obtain them
• Audition and select cast members; hire suitable staff and crew
• Approve the production’s design aspects, including the sets, costumes, and marketing campaigns
• Scout and select locations for the production of the program
• Supervise all performance and technical aspects of the production, including choreography and lighting
• Use a particular style, colour or font across all their projects to create a unique brand identity that the audience and clients remember, recognise and seek
• Ensure that the production has a cohesive tone, will appeal to the audience visually and engage their attention
• Oversee post-production, which includes the choice of music, special effects, and editing
• Collaborate with the editorial team to ensure that the finished product is entertaining and informative
• Promote the production in collaboration with marketing companies and distributors and using interviews, advertisements, and festivals
• Keep up to date with the latest video production tools and techniques to ensure that the produced content fulfils audience expectations

TV Producers spend part of their day in places such as studios, offices, and on-set in remote locations. 

As a TV Producer, you may frequently travel for work to studios or filming locations or go with the team on a touring show spanning several days and venues. Depending on the location, you may encounter severe weather conditions.

The work hours for TV Producers are not standard. The majority of TV Producers work full time, and many work more than 40 hours per week. Depending on the assignment, they may need to work on evenings, public holidays or even weekends. Freelancers or private contractors can create schedules to fit their lifestyle, in which case, work hours may be flexible.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. TV Producers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. 

TV Producers are generally employed by: 

• The Motion Picture Industry
• The Video Industry
• The Performing Arts Industry
• The Sporting Industry
• Radio & Television Broadcasting Companies
• Cable Television Companies
• Independent Production Companies
• Digital & Internet Channels

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Federation of Film Producers Association (FIAPF), are crucial for TV Producers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Heavy pressure and long working hours to meet deadlines; lack of work-life balance
• Extensive travelling that may be required according to filming locations
• Unstable unemployment and insecurity of income as freelancing and contractual work are common
• Dealing with unfavourable weather conditions when filming outdoors
• The need to stay motivated to achieve goals despite any hurdles the project may face
• The need to research major competitors and production firms and stay updated with current industry trends

TV Producers typically require several years of professional experience as film or television assistants or working in low-profile studio jobs in research, marketing and scriptwriting. Aspiring producers may also consider starting their career as business or company managers working in theatrical management. Entry-level jobs are a helpful avenue to build your skills and experience. You may try to get a runner’s job during or after your college degree program.

TV Producers may consider pursuing a period of supervised experience, such as an internship or apprenticeship, in creative and digital media. Internships offer insights into the production industry and help you make connections in the field, perhaps with future colleagues. Some production companies may accept targeted speculative applications for work experience or job shadowing. Try to participate in industry seminars and other networking events.

Engaging with television and film festivals by volunteering or creating and submitting content will help you gain a hands-on understanding of directing and editing techniques. Other ways of developing your creative skills and strengthening your job applications to large broadcasting companies are to work freelance or for smaller film and video enterprises.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in TV production to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

While not mandatory, aspiring TV Producers typically earn at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in film or cinema studies, communications technology, theatre or other performing arts, or nonprofit management. Coursework in film or cinema studies typically focuses on film history, editing, screenwriting, cinematography, and the process of filmmaking. 

If available, you may enrol in a composite program, such as a Bachelor of Applied Science in Film, Television, and Digital Production. Such degree programs give you practical experience and theoretical expertise in various avenues of production such as budgeting, fundraising and how to audition actors. You learn about camera operation, cinematography, screenwriting, lighting & sound, and editing. You also receive insights into the administrative aspects of production, such as budgeting, fundraising and organising auditions.

While employers may not require you to have a master’s degree, postgraduate programs in media production may finetune your practical skills and give you an edge in the competitive job market. A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree can enrich your skills in directing, playwriting, set design, and acting and may give you a leg-up in the industry. You may specialise in your particular interest and typically complete an internship. 

Individual colleges that offer various degree and certificate programs may mandate different admission criteria. However, entry typically depends on diverse work experience and successful interviews that demonstrate your passion and skills.

High school classes in film, media studies, English, theatre, art, music, dance, communication, or photography/videography may be helpful for aspiring TV Producers.

Certification demonstrates a TV Producer’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, it can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

An employment background check can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. 

You may advance within your career by taking the responsibility of working on more significant projects in terms of a wider audience or larger budget. Progression will likely result in new challenges and responsibilities accompanying greater repute and sizable paychecks. With adequate experience, you may become Executive Producer in charge of several shows or consider launching your own studio or production company. 

Networking with like-minded people at conventions and other events or volunteering your services on new projects may open doors for further opportunities.

Candidates with relevant production experience, education and necessary skills, particularly those who display business acumen, have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active TV Producer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Taking courses and attending workshops regularly throughout one's career can help a TV Producer stay up-to-date with current industry trends and learn about new production tools and technologies. You may consider pursuing courses such as writing to further your career prospects. Business administration courses may prove helpful in building your business acumen and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

What Are the Stages of TV Production?

The pre-production stage is the initial stage of television production. It includes the creation of scripts and storyboards, scouting shoot locations, hiring cast and crew members, formulating a budget, and all other elements of pre-production planning.

The production stage is when the recording of a TV show commences in a studio or on location. The director can orchestrate the taping once the production equipment is set up and the cast and crew assembled. 

The post-production stage starts at the end of or overlaps with production. It includes video editing, titling, sound editing and mixing, dubbing, visual effects and processing. 

The duplication and distribution stage starts when the final version of the program is ready. Cover art is used for the packaging, and the copy is duplicated and shipped to affiliates, distributors, and stations to broadcast the program to audiences.

What Skills Does a TV Producer Need?

•  Effective communication with the team, which can help a TV Producer forge healthy relationships with producers, directors, actors and other staff members and lead the show to success 

• Efficient organisation, which helps you balance your time between different activities and switch between projects and tasks without losing productivity 

• Time management, which helps you have all your tasks in one place and prioritise them to ensure project completion on time with minimal stress

• Problem-solving, which allows you to solve issues quickly and effectively to ensure signing up the perfect talent for the program, that sets are ready on time, and that there are no delays in shooting

• Editing, so that you can seamlessly merge and edit video footage of a program using different editing software to create content that hooks the audience to the program

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing TV Producers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time TV Producer has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The award-winning episodic series 'The Mandalorian' is the first production ever to use Stagecraft, a revolutionary visual effects technology that adds realism to the show.

If producing a show were a basketball game, TV Producers would be the coaches. They are involved in all aspects of the production to ensure a TV show’s success. They work behind the scenes, but the outputs of their hard work are visible to a large audience, sometimes worldwide.

Give thought to what sort of show appeals to you - a scripted series, news program, or reality TV show because each comes with its particular needs and hurdles. Then think about the size of the production company in which you wish to work. The larger it is, the greater the opportunities and the higher the competition. You could begin at a smaller station and progress to the more prominent names. Successfully running a television show requires leadership skills. Always push yourself to take on new challenges and gain experience by spending ample time on the set.