Steps
to a Job as a TV Producer
Producers
supervise everything from the money and script to
hiring actors and distribution. They have the power
to make or break million-dollar careers, and the vision
to see a project through from idea to TV broadcast.
As a producer, you
might be responsible for overseeing the production
of sitcoms, music videos, made for TV movies, newscasts,
talk shows, commercials or even DVDs. The work is
creative, glamorous, and incredibly hectic.
Here are some ways
to break into this fab job:
The
very, very easy way
The first is the very,
very easy way… have a relative or friend already in
the business get you a job as a TV Producer. Unfortunately
this is not possible for the majority of us.
The
very, very hard way
Another is the very,
very hard way. That is to just start knocking on TV
station doors without education, experience or connections.
The chances of being hired are few and far between,
but it does happen every so often. You’re most likely
going to start at the very bottom and the trip up
will be terribly hard. Doesn’t sound like your thing
either?
The
path of least resistance
Luckily, there is
a third way: a path of least resistance based on my
experience and the experience of colleagues in the
industry. The basic plan follows. (Many more details
about each of these points are included in the fabjob.com
How to Become a Television Producer.)
Step
1: Go to school
The traditional way
is to get either a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s
degree in communications, media or broadcasting. It
doesn’t hurt to go on and get a Master’s degree, but
it’s not necessary. For those who don't have the time
or wish to college full-time, there are some alternative
ways to educate yourself including evening classes
and self-study on the Internet.
Step
2: Get volunteer experience
Work on as many school
and community television projects as possible. Chances
some television shows are being taped at a public
access cable TV station in your community. Volunteer
for all different positions on the crews no matter
how small a position it is.
Step
3: Join professional organizations
Organizations to join
as soon as possible include the American Association
of Producers and the Broadcast Education Association.
Getting involved is a great way to network, observe
people in action and possibly get that first job.
Step
4: Get an internship
Complete an internship
program at a television station. This is critical.
Many of these internship positions lead to full-time
work after you complete them so work your butt off.
This is also a great place to make contacts in the
industry for the future.
Step
5: Produce effective materials
You will need an effective
cover letter, demo reel and resume. Your resume should
be complete and describe everything you’ve done. The
demo reel is a collection of excerpts from productions
you’ve worked on. It is your calling card when beginning
your career and a great record of your achievements
later on. Make sure you keep your materials current.
Step
6: Get that important first job
Start looking as soon
as possible. If you are in school, start looking before
you graduate. This will be almost a full-time job
for a little while.
Step
7: You’re in, now what?
It’s all up to you
now. Work hard. Keep your eyes open. Volunteer for
any positions that will give you producing experience
or expose you to projects where you can observe Producers
in action. Stay active in those professional organizations,
attend conferences, subscribe to magazines and watch
TV!
FabJob.com publishes
e-books that can help you break into a "fab" job.
Visit www.fabjob.com
for information
