Producers, Directors, Choreographers, and Related Workers

Nature of work

This group includes producers, directors, choreographers, and others who oversee and control the technical and artistic aspects of film, television, video game, radio, dance, and theatre productions. They work for film production companies, radio and television stations, video game companies, broadcast departments, advertising companies, sound recording studios, record production companies and dance companies. They may also be self-employed.

Job duties

Film, radio and television producers:

• Plan, organize, and control the various stages and scheduling involved in producing presentations, motion pictures, television shows, and radio programs.
• Engage directors and other production personnel and supervise all technical personnel, and determine the treatment, scope, and scheduling of production.
• Maintain production archives and negotiate royalties.

• Directors:
• Interpret scripts and direct the stage design an arrangement of actors in scenes.
• Select and direct the actors, extras and technical crew.
• Advise the cast and crew on the interpretation and delivery of the performance.
• Direct rehearsals, filming, broadcasts, and performances.
• Confer with crew and specialists throughout production and post-production to achieve desired presentation.

Choreographers:

• Create dances for film, theatre and television performances that convey stories, ideas and moods, and direct rehearsals for dancers to achieve desired interpretation.

Art directors:

• Plan, organize and direct the artistic aspects of motion pictures, stage productions and television shows by overseeing the design of sets, costumes, furnishings, and props to create portrayals of period and setting.

Film editors:

• Edit motion picture film and arrange film segments into sequences to achieve continuity and desired dramatic, comedic, and thematic effects.

Record producers:

• Plan and coordinate musical recording productions, direct musicians and singers during rehearsals and recordings and manage technicians involved in duplicating, dubbing, and mastering of recordings.

Directors of photography:

• Coordinate and direct the photography of motion pictures, supervise camera operators and other crews, and determine lighting, lenses, camera angles, backgrounds, and other elements to achieve desired visual effect.

Sample job titles

• assistant director
• choreographer
• cinematographer
• director of photography
• film director
• film editor
• film producer
• filmmaker
• producer-director
• record producer
• video producer

Skills

• You should be dedicated, motivated, and willing to accept constructive criticism. Talent, creativity, and technical skills are essential. You must be comfortable working with others. Self-discipline and a good business sense are also helpful.

Job requirements

• Producers, directors, and film editors: a university degree or college diploma in the performing arts, broadcasting, journalism, business administration, theatre production or film studies and experience in a technical or production occupation in motion pictures, broadcasting or theatre are usually required.
• Choreographers: a university degree or college diploma in dance, or a period of study at a school of dance and extensive training with a dance company are usually required.
• Record producers: a university degree or college diploma in music or the recording arts and experience in a technical or production occupation in the recording arts are usually required.
• Directors of photography: a university degree or college diploma in film studies or cinematography and experience in camera operation or another technical occupation in video or motion picture production are usually required.

Other considerations

• Many factors can affect an individual's earnings in these jobs. Therefore, incomes will likely vary greatly throughout the year and from one year to the next. Many people find it necessary to work at other jobs to supplement their income. Demonstrated creative ability is required for all jobs in this group. Membership in a related guild or union may be required.

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