If you’ve ever thought, “that would make a great movie,” why not become a film producer and bring your vision to life?
You & The Big Screen – Working As A Film Producer
Film producers enjoy significant control over a variety of different film projects.
As natural leaders, they are responsible for negotiations, setting production goals, communicating with studios, hiring directors and other crew, and collaborating with distributors.
If you derive satisfaction from a job well done, the life of a film producer may be just what you’ve been looking for.
Producers start the project by uncovering interesting ideas worth sharing, they work with a team to create a movie based on the idea, and finally, they share the finished results with the world.
“Film producer” is a prestigious title, and the earnings potential for self-motivated producers is virtually limitless.
Turn your favorite story into a film millions will love as a film producer.
Film Producer Information Table
| Official Job Title | Film Producer |
| Average Salary | $74,132 |
| Stress Level | Average |
| Work/ Life | Low |
| Job Satisfaction | High |
| Career Advancement | Average |
Film Producer Job Description
What Is A Film Producer?
A film producer is responsible for much of the planning and development that goes into making a movie.
Deciding what messages the film should communicate, who should be part of the film, and how the film will tackle the issues or storyline being presented are all duties the producer performs.
What Does A Film Producer Do On A Daily Basis?
The film producer’s job starts with deciding on a worthy story to tell. Independent film producers and large companies may be inspired by a book, television show, newsworthy event, or cultural element.
Those employed to produce films for a business or educational organization will have their subject dictated to them but will need to come up with creative ways to portray what the employer wants viewers to understand.
Producers will often negotiate with screenwriters and book authors to acquire the rights to materials they hope to base a movie on or use in the film.
Producers also determine the budget and manage the funding process.
They might need to pitch their ideas to the company they work for and spend time in discussions to decide how much money can be spent making the film.
Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of A Film Producer
Producers are behind all the important parts of getting a film off the ground.
They usually hire writers and directors, and they may be responsible for casting, set creation, finding filming locations, or purchasing equipment.
They negotiate with studios and employers to decide how much money can be spent on the film and need to communicate this to everyone else involved with the project.
Producers also distribute films and must make sure they sell and are well-received.
Producers are involved from start to finish because they understand the purpose and goals of the film as well as how to effectively market it.
Film Producer Salary
Average Salary
According to Payscale, the average film producer earns $74,132/year.
However, salaries for film producers vary widely.
Those working on low-budget movies, educational films, or training videos earn between $33,000-$50,000 each year.
The most experienced industry leaders, such as those behind Hollywood films, can top $5,000,000 if they have significant clout.
The annual salary for entry-level film producers is $42,175/year, according to Talent.com.
Entry-level salaries are much higher in filmmaking hotspots like Southern California, New York City, and Georgia.
Some newcomers earn over $100,000 annually.
Actors-turned-producers and individuals with strong backgrounds as influencers or celebrities may start at $250,000 or more.
The senior-level salary for film producers averages $156,000.
How To Become A Film Producer
The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree
Becoming a film producer requires a combination of education and experience.
Interested candidates should pursue post-secondary education by studying art history, broadcast journalism, cinematography, communications, film production, or filmmaking.
Candidates should then get experience working on films.
Many producers have experience as extras, actors, editors, production assistants, or cinematographers.
Internships with local television or online media companies provide the necessary experience.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
Being a film producer requires the ability to negotiate effectively.
Candidates must be able to complete important discussions with tact and diplomacy.
Negotiating budgets, content, casting, setting, scenery, crew assignments, and distribution goals are all part of the film producer’s work.
Film producers should also have the ability to understand, transform, and tell stories.
The work of films is to communicate a message in a way that audiences interpret correctly.
Candidates should be able to extract important information from a book or script and communicate it freshly, so the finished film is true to the original concept but is also a fresh creation.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Film Producer?
Becoming a film producer for big-budget commercial films can take many years.
Many well-known film producers have post-graduate degrees in fine arts, film studies, or cinematography.
They also usually have many years of experience and numerous successful projects.
However, candidates with post-secondary degrees and a few years of experience should be able to break into film production for smaller-scale projects and businesses.
Training films, marketing videos, and video blogging are all early ways to get started.
Is It Hard To Become A Film Producer?
It can be difficult to become a film producer.
The job is very competitive.
It is also crucial because, without a well-prepared film producer, a movie project will fall through.
Learning the intricacies of the business takes time.
Many film producers have never become well-known celebrities.
Instead, they work in marketing, government, and public service projects or make small, independent films.
This can be rewarding for some, but others may grow impatient with the lack of recognition.
Film Producer Career Paths
The Film Producer Roadmap
Becoming a film producer starts with a genuine interest in film and theatre.
Use secondary school years to get involved in drama or film clubs or to study filmmaking elements from acting to stage makeup, set design, and cinematography.
Earning a 2-year or 4-year university degree is desirable and usually expected.
It is also important to get work experience on smaller projects or as an intern.
Interested candidates may be able to work as production assistants, get internships, or qualify for entry-level positions on set.
Projections For Growth In Film Producer Jobs
The number of film producer jobs is expected to grow at an above-average rate of 24% over the next decade.
In Summary: Is Film Producer A Good Career?
Working as a film producer is a good career for candidates who are flexible, creative, and organized.
Being a film producer can be a high-stress job.
Candidates are responsible for managing different departments and negotiating budgets, intellectual property rights, and distribution deals.
They must also have a clear vision and the ability to tell a story others want to hear.
However, for someone who enjoys being in control and is ready to take charge, the career is very satisfying.
Most film producers have a genuine love of cinema and feel proud of what they do. It can be gratifying, and there is potential for significant success.
The job allows candidates opportunities to travel and try new things.
It would not be a good career choice for a candidate craving a predictable workday.
Working Conditions
Can A Film Producer Work Remotely From Home?
The work of a film producer cannot be done from home.
While some early negotiations can be held over the telephone or the internet, a film producer must be on-site from pre-production to completion, which often takes months.
Of course, much of the filming is done remotely away from the studio, and producers will usually go out on location with the cast and crew.
Many film producers take extra work home with them but are still expected to be present most of the time.
Only small, independent films could be done from home, such as videos intended for YouTube.
How Many Hours Does A Film Producer Work?
Film producers typically have long days and may work 60+ hours each week.
Before pre-production, when budgets and storylines are being discussed, it may be possible for the producer to work just 40 hours/week, but during production, the film producer usually puts in 10-16 hours/day with few breaks.
Because of the way films are made, the film producer may have several months or half a year of high-intensity work, staying on the job 60-80 hours/week, followed by periods of very light work or time off.
Can A Film Producer Work Part-Time?
Film producers working on small-scale projects may be able to work part-time.
This is likely if the producer’s responsibility is a weekly or monthly film and the demand is consistent.
However, most studios expect film producers to work full-time.
Assistants and interns might be able to arrange part-time hours, especially if they are simultaneously attending university.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Film Producer?
It is very uncommon for film producers to take time off in the middle of a project.
The work is usually intense and doesn’t allow for vacations.
Typically, film producers will have the option to take vacations around the filming schedule or after wrap-up and post-production.
Film producers may take anything from several days to several months off in between projects.
Depending on the studio, they may receive up to 30 days of paid leave.
Independent producers do not receive any paid time off.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Film Producer
- Film Editor
- Director of Photography
- Multimedia Artist
- Sound Engineer
- Camera Operator
- Screenwriter
- Content Creator
- Web Designer
- Communications Director
- Public Relationship Manager
- Supervisor
Film Producer Resume Tips
Non-traditional resumes work best for film producer roles.
Hiring managers typically don’t look for lists of past employers.
Instead, they want to see information about specific projects you’ve worked on. Include a list in reverse-chronological order.
Include the title, date, and type of film, such as 35mm, 16mm, digital short, documentary, or vlog.
You can also include information about awards or acknowledgments you won for the work or employers who commissioned you for the film.
Create a separate section describing particularly relevant skills and abilities.
Technical skills, on-set experience, awards, and brief descriptions of tools or techniques will suffice.
Use section and sub-section headers for easy reading.
Near the bottom – or sidebar if your layout permits – list relevant degrees and certifications.
Film Producer Interview Questions
Q1: What are qualities you look for in a director, screenwriter, script editor, etc.?
Why it works: Qualified candidates should have past work experience producing or assisting with the production of films.
Part of the responsibility includes performing hiring duties.
Candidates should be able to describe traits they look for or methods they use when determining who should work on the film.
Asking this question allows the hiring manager to decide whether the candidate shares the studio’s goals.
The answer also indicates the candidate has sufficient experience to make these important choices.
Q2: How will you ensure the film stays within the budget limits and scheduling deadlines?
Why it works: Producers are responsible for keeping everyone on-task and making sure deadlines are met.
They are also in charge of negotiating budgets and finding ways to avoid going over budget on a film.
Candidates should have experience with time and financial management.
They must demonstrate leadership qualities to prevent slower or less prepared workers from dragging out the costly business of making a film.
The answer given to this question assures the hiring manager that the candidate anticipates the need to take the reins and keep the work within the agreed-upon time and money constraints.
Q3. What are some films you like or some producers you admire?
Why it works: This question allows candidates to express their passion for film and the styles they are drawn to.
Finding out what movies a candidate likes allows the hiring manager to decide if the candidate shares the company’s vision and will work to create a film in line with the company’s plans.
Film producers will also have role models whose work they admire.
Knowing about producers they respect can give more information about the candidate’s own strengths and weaknesses.
Naming others who have overcome challenges means the candidate has done some homework and can rely on their role model’s experience for inspiration in hard times.
Q4. Why do you want to work on this project or for this company?
Why it works: Film producers need to be excited about the work they will be doing.
Days are long, and the work is demanding, so a candidate who lacks interest and energy may let you down or give up before the project is complete.
Because this position is highly competitive, candidates should be expected to have done research on the studio, film project, or employer beforehand.
Hiring managers shouldn’t consider applicants who volunteer to join a project or team they know nothing about or who will settle for any job.
Instead, they should look for a candidate who is eager to be part of the particular project or studio.
Jobs Related To Film Producer
- Advisor
- Casting Director
- Cinematographer
- Consultant
- Director
- Director of Photography
- Editor
- Executive Producer
- Film Financial Analyst
- Filmmaker
- Legal Services Coordinator
- Line Producer
- Location Manager
- Manager
- Postproduction Supervisor
- Production Assistant
- Production Coordinator
- Production Designer
- Production Finance Manager
- Set Director
For HR Manager: Tips For Hiring A Film Producer
Key Characteristics To Look For In A Film Producer
- Passionate:
- Working as a film producer is taxing.
- High-pressure situations with time and money at stake, long hours, and the stress of being on set all conspire to leave the film producer exhausted.
- To endure, the film producer must have a lot of passion and feel deeply invested in the project.
- The film is about telling a story and communicating information in a way viewers can understand and relate to. The film producer needs to believe the story they are working on is worth the effort. Otherwise, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or burnt out.
- Working as a film producer is taxing.
- Good Communicator:
- Film producers must have excellent communication skills.
- Their work requires negotiating essential factors such as budgets, timelines, and hiring.
- They need to present their case clearly and communicate with grace and finesse to maximize funding and coordinate all the different people involved in the making of the film.
- The film producer also needs to be able to share their vision with others and describe what they are looking for during hiring, filming, and post-production.
- Leadership Skills:
- A film producer is a leader who must be able to retain control of a project from start to end.
- While most producers allow talented directors and other crew to follow their own vision, producers must be able to lead the staff toward the desired outcome of the film.
- Working on-set can be emotionally intense as tired people with frazzled feelings are quick to lose tempers or demand special treatment.
- The film’s producer must be able to take charge and keep everyone motivated to ensure cooperation and a good outcome.
Minimum Level Of Education & Experience
Becoming a film producer usually requires at least two years of post-secondary education.
An associate degree is sufficient for some jobs, while others demand at least a 3–4-year degree (bachelor’s).
In addition, film producers must have several years of experience or a large portfolio of projects to showcase their skills.
No formal certification is necessary for this position.
Many candidates will come in with some filmmaking experience, either in private projects or in schoolwork.
Most also have some background in films, from working as an extra to being a production assistant while in film school.