To craft an entertaining production
takes both creative vision
and leadership skills.
Based on a writer’s script,
producers and directors create movies,
videos, television shows,
live theater, and commercials.
Producers make the business
and financial decisions for a production.
They raise money
and hire the director and crew.
Producers set the budget
and approve any major changes
to the project.
They make sure that the production
is completed on time,
and hold the responsibility
for the final product.
Directors make the creative decisions.
They select the cast, run rehearsals,
and guide actors’ portrayal
of their characters.
At early phases,
directors work closely
with costume and set designers
and location scouts
to set the right scene.
After a film is shot,
they consult with the film editors
and music directors to ensure
the final product matches their vision.
For live performances,
stage directors support a consistent,
strong performance.
Work hours in these fields
are often long and irregular,
and pressure to finish projects on time
is constant.
Employment may be temporary,
and travel is common…
whether to tour with a theater production,
or shoot a TV show or movie on location.
A combination of a bachelor’s degree
and several years’ related work experience
is the usual path to enter these fields.
A background in acting,
film and video editing,
or cinematography are typical.