Producers and Directors
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Examples
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $36K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $51K
Median Salary: $76K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $118K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $184K
Demand
Core Tasks
Write and edit news stories from information collected by reporters and other sources.
Communicate to actors the approach, characterization, and movement needed for each scene in such a way that rehearsals and takes are minimized.
Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene.
Arrange financing for productions.
Direct live broadcasts, films and recordings, or non-broadcast programming for public entertainment or education.
Coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers, and other personnel throughout the production process.
Study and research scripts to determine how they should be directed.
Supervise and coordinate the work of camera, lighting, design, and sound crew members.
Confer with technical directors, managers, crew members, and writers to discuss details of production, such as photography, script, music, sets, and costumes.
Perform management activities, such as budgeting, scheduling, planning, and marketing.
Research production topics using the internet, video archives, and other informational sources.
Review film, recordings, or rehearsals to ensure conformance to production and broadcast standards.
Compose and edit scripts or provide screenwriters with story outlines from which scripts can be written.
Consult with writers, producers, or actors about script changes or "workshop" scripts, through rehearsal with writers and actors to create final drafts.
Identify and approve equipment and elements required for productions, such as scenery, lights, props, costumes, choreography, and music.
Conduct meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to ensure production objectives are attained.
Cut and edit film or tape to integrate component parts into desired sequences.
Establish pace of programs and sequences of scenes according to time requirements and cast and set accessibility.
Negotiate with parties, including independent producers and the distributors and broadcasters who will be handling completed productions.
Choose settings and locations for films and determine how scenes will be shot in these settings.
Compile scripts, program notes, and other material related to productions.
Review film daily to check on work in progress and to plan for future filming.
Obtain rights to scripts or to such items as existing video footage.
Write and submit proposals to bid on contracts for projects.
Perform administrative duties, such as preparing operational reports, distributing rehearsal call sheets and script copies, and arranging for rehearsal quarters.
Resolve personnel problems that arise during the production process by acting as liaisons between dissenting parties when necessary.
Develop marketing plans for finished products, collaborating with sales associates to supervise product distribution.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Communications and Media
93%
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
English Language
84%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administration and Management
71%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Computers and Electronics
67%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Telecommunications
67%
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Fine Arts
65%
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Education and Training
62%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Law and Government
57%
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Psychology
57%
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Sociology and Anthropology
56%
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
Top 10 Skills
Speaking
80%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening
78%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
78%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Coordination
77%
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Monitoring
77%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension
75%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Time Management
74%
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Writing
73%
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Judgment and Decision Making
72%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving
67%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Top 10 Abilities
Oral Comprehension
80%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
80%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
79%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Written Comprehension
79%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning
78%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Speech Clarity
78%
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition
78%
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Expression
77%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Near Vision
75%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Inductive Reasoning
74%
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Top 10 Work Activities
Thinking Creatively
93%
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Getting Information
91%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
87%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
84%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Interacting With Computers
84%
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
83%
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
82%
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
81%
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
78%
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
77%
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Detailed Work Activities
Edit written materials.
Write informational material.
Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.
Coordinate artistic activities.
Direct productions or performances.
Coordinate activities of production personnel.
Study scripts to determine project requirements.
Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions.
Conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work.
Manage content of broadcasts or presentations.
Collaborate with others to prepare or perform artistic productions.
Select materials or props.
Discuss production content and progress with others.
Compile technical information or documentation.
Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
Direct fundraising or financing activities.
Manage operations of artistic or entertainment departments or organizations.
Write material for artistic or entertainment purposes.
Negotiate for services.
Edit audio or video recordings.
Determine presentation subjects or content.
Obtain copyrights or other legal permissions.
Develop proposals for current or prospective customers.
Develop promotional strategies or plans.
Select staff, team members, or performers.
Audition or interview potential performers or staff members.
Majors
Major
Interests
Enterprising
96%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Artistic
86%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Conventional
48%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Social
48%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Realistic
24%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
19%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
93%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Leadership
93%
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Stress Tolerance
93%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Dependability
91%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Integrity
91%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Adaptability/Flexibility
88%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Cooperation
88%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Initiative
86%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Self Control
86%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Social Orientation
85%
Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Work Values
Independence
91%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Recognition
86%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Achievement
84%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Relationships
74%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Working Conditions
73%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Support
41%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
