How to Become a Film Producer

Overview & Salaries

Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you to become a film producer depends on the industry and company you apply for. Those looking for an entry positions will likely need at least a bachelors degree in film production or multimedia development. If you are looking to get into a competitive or advance position, then a master’s degree can help you stand out in the hiring process.

Begin your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited colleges below that offer programs to help get you started as a film producer.

Much Does a Film Producer Make?:
$61,370 (national median salary, to view salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab up top)

Expected Growth from 2012-2020:
+2,900 additional people employed

Specialization Options:
Movie production, animated film production and television production. You can also specialize in a specific phase of the production process like pre-production, production, and post-production.

(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Producer and Director page)

The Best Places to Become a Film Producer

The film industry is awfully fickle but when it comes to locations for work there are some standbys that always remain the same.

  • Hollywood
  • New York
  • Chicago
  • Miami
  • San Francisco

Employment and Information Data for Film Production

Why Become a Film Producer?

The film industry continues to evolve but the need for film producers continues to exist. Movies have been around for over a century and still bring joy to the hearts of many. Film producers can range for production assistants to more technical positions that can require school training like movie editors and special effect artists. The opportunity in this space to demonstrate your creativity is enormous and the many behind the scenes jobs offer positions for just about every interest. Job growth in the motion picture and video industry is expected to stem from strong demand from the public for more movies and television shows, as well as an increased demand from foreign audiences for U.S. produced films.

Recommended Courses to Help You Become a Film Producer

  • Cinematography, form and function
  • Hands-on camera
  • Fundamentals of lighting
  • Introduction to digital post
  • History of cinematography 1
  • Directing for cinematographers
  • The Visual Screenplay
  • Cinematography/filmmaker collaboration
  • Production workshop 1
  • Post-production for cinematographers

Degree Options for Film Production Careers

One-Year Cinematography Program
Indeed all the world’s a stage and we are merely its players. However, in no profession do Shakespeare’s words ring more true than in the film industry. The opportunity in this space to demonstrate your creative is enormous and the many behind the scenes jobs offer positions for just about every interest.

The one-year cinematography certificate program will provide students and introduction to all the basics of the art as well as provide a foundation to work in entry level cinematography roles.

MFA in Cinematography
Most Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography are two-year programs designed to instruct future Directors of Photography (DPs) in every creative and technical aspect of cinematography.