Occupation · SOC 27-2012
Producers and Directors
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.
Median wage
$83,480
$43,060–$198,530
Projected growth
+4.9%
Average growth
Annual openings
830
per year
Employed (US)
145,270
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
932 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingMonitoringReading ComprehensionSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationWriting
Knowledge areas
Communications and MediaEnglish LanguageTelecommunicationsComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and Management
Technology & tools
Document management softwareDevelopment environment softwareVideo creation and editing softwareMusic or sound editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging software
Representative tasks
Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot Communicate to actors the approach, characterization, and movement needed for each scene in such a wDirect live broadcasts, films and recordings, or non-broadcast programming for public entertainment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Script research tasks — conduct using internet archives and informational databases under supervisor guidance on an entry-level production team.Shot composition basics — identify and apply framing and camera placement principles under direct direction on a supervised set.Production standards documentation — review filmed takes or recordings to check basic conformance under the guidance of a senior director.Actor direction fundamentals — observe and assist in communicating characterization and movement notes during supervised rehearsals.Crew coordination support — assist in scheduling and relaying instructions to camera, lighting, and sound personnel on a small production.Production meetings — participate in and document discussion outcomes covering script, sets, and costumes under senior staff oversight.Video editing software — operate basic functions of video creation and editing tools to assist with rough-cut assembly on a production project.Live broadcast assistance — monitor cues and support technical execution during a live broadcast under the direction of an experienced producer.Time management routines — track daily production schedules and flag deadline risks to a supervising producer on an active shoot.Research synthesis — compile background material on production topics from video archives and online sources for review by senior creative staff.
developing
Shot planning documentation — develop detailed framing, composition, and camera movement plans for individual scenes on a mid-sized production.Actor briefing sessions — conduct pre-rehearsal direction meetings to communicate characterization and movement with reduced supervisory oversight.Recorded content review — evaluate film and audio recordings against established broadcast standards and recommend corrective actions independently.Script analysis — study and annotate scripts to develop directorial approach and scene-by-scene movement plans for a recurring production format.Crew supervision — coordinate daily work assignments for camera, lighting, design, and sound crew on a television or independent film production.Production conferencing — lead focused discussions with writers, technical directors, and managers on photography, music, and set requirements.Project management software — use scheduling and task-tracking tools to manage production milestones and resource allocation across a multi-week shoot.Non-broadcast programming — direct recorded educational or corporate content from pre-production through final delivery with moderate oversight.Sound and music coordination — collaborate with sound editors using music and audio editing software to align audio elements with picture on a project.Stakeholder communication — draft production briefs and status reports for clients or network executives using clear professional writing standards.
proficient
Full-scope shot direction — autonomously plan and execute framing, composition, sound design, and actor movement for every scene across a feature or series.Complex actor direction — guide cast through nuanced characterization and blocking adjustments in real time to minimize takes on a high-pressure set.Live broadcast direction — independently direct multi-camera live broadcasts, managing technical and creative elements simultaneously under broadcast conditions.Non-routine script challenges — analyze and resolve ambiguous or structurally complex scripts to develop a coherent directorial vision for a full production.Cross-department production oversight — supervise and integrate the work of camera, lighting, design, and sound departments across the full production lifecycle.Creative-technical conferencing — lead comprehensive pre-production and production meetings synthesizing input from writers, crew, and technical directors into actionable plans.Broadcast standards compliance — establish and enforce quality review processes for all film, recordings, and rehearsals against network or platform delivery specifications.Advanced post-production tools — utilize video creation, graphics imaging, and desktop publishing software to oversee final deliverable quality and presentation.Budget and resource judgment — apply systems analysis and decision-making to allocate production resources, resolve scheduling conflicts, and manage cost variances.Talent and crew negotiation — independently negotiate contracts, creative agreements, and scheduling arrangements with agents, unions, and production partners.
advanced
Production vision leadership — define and champion the creative and strategic direction of an entire production slate across a studio, network, or production company.Organizational talent development — mentor and formally develop emerging directors and producers, establishing career pathways and performance standards across a department.Enterprise production systems — design and evaluate end-to-end production workflows, integrating cloud-based collaboration platforms and project management systems at organizational scale.Cross-platform content strategy — lead development of broadcast, streaming, and non-broadcast programming strategies aligned to audience and business objectives.Executive stakeholder communication — represent the production organization to network executives, financiers, and distribution partners, translating creative vision into commercial terms.Industry standards governance — establish and promulgate production quality and compliance standards that define best practices across teams and partner organizations.Complex problem resolution authority — resolve high-stakes creative, logistical, and personnel crises on major productions, drawing on broad experience and systems-level judgment.Large-scale crew leadership — direct and evaluate the performance of large, multi-discipline production teams, applying personnel management frameworks to sustain excellence.Innovative format development — pioneer new storytelling formats, production technologies, and audience engagement models that advance the organization's competitive position.Strategic negotiation leadership — lead high-value negotiations with studios, unions, talent agencies, and technology vendors to secure resources and partnerships at the organizational level.
Also known as
68 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Motion Picture DirectorAnimation ProducerRadio Services DirectorContent ProducerProducerMusic Video ProducerProgram AssistantDigital ProducerVideo ProducerTheater Company ProducerManager, StageProduction SupervisorMovie ProducerDramatic DirectorTV Director (Television Director)Executive News ProducerAnimation DirectorDigital Media ManagerMedia ProducerMorning Show Newscast ProducerDirectorProgram CoordinatorMoving Picture ProducerDigital Media ProducerCreative DirectorBroadcast ProducerDirector, RadioMusic Video DirectorCreative ProducerPodcast ProducerVideo DirectorExecutive ProducerTelevision Newscast Director (TV Newscast Director)Independent Film MakerMorning News ProducerProduction ManagerDirector, Motion PictureTheater DirectorTelevision Producer (TV Producer)Broadcast News Producer