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TV Producer: How to Become a TV Producer

Published Aug 04, 2009

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TV Producers are the Chief Executive Officers of television programming. TV Producers make creative and business decisions that shape what we see on our TV screens. Although there is no particular education requirement to become a TV Producer, a related degree from college or film school, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Film or Broadcast Journalism, may be beneficial.

TV Producer Career Summary

TV Producers run the business of making television productions including newscasts, game shows, sports programs, soap operas, talk shows, documentaries and made-for-TV movies. TV Producers review and approve all aspects of a TV production, including choosing scripts, hiring directors and actors, paying bills and solving problems along the way. The ultimate goal is to create a TV production that is good, on time and on budget. The TV Producer mainly makes business-related decisions, but he or she may also provide background research or written material for the show. The role of the TV Producer depends on the type of show and the time the producer has to dedicate to the show, says the Museum of Broadcast Communication, www.museum.tv.

Education and Training for TV Producers

TV Producers can come from almost any educational background, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov. TV Producers who produce news programs need to know and understand the news business and thus may want a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism. According to Indeed.com, many TV news production jobs include writing the news as well as producing it, and thus a writing degree may be helpful. TV Producers involved in other types of programming may have 4-year degrees, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Communications or a Bachelor of Business Administration. There is no formal certification for producers.

Becoming a TV Producer

Getting a job as a TV Producer requires experience, says the BLS. After college, get into the business of TV producing by getting an entry-level job at a TV station. The ins and outs of production management can be learned while working as a production assistant, researcher or intern. With experience and talent you may apply for a TV Producer job or produce your own TV feature. If you are having trouble finding a job, many public access community television stations help budding producers to gain experience by allowing them to produce short programs. Cambridge Community Television in Cambridge, Massachusetts, even allows members the use of its equipment. Once you have some experience, membership organizations such as the Producers Guild of America, www.producersguild.org, can help you navigate the TV production business with networking activities and job listings.

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