Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Producer- from: Youtube Search
- Director of National Film & Television School and Film Producer- from: iCould [UK] Video
- Executive Producer- from: icould [UK] Video
- Television Presenter. Producer and Writer- from: icould [UK] Video
- Television Producer- from: iCould [UK] Video
- TV Series Producer- from: iCould [UK] Video
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Working Life
A producer has responsibility for the overall production of either a TV or radio programme, or a theatrical, dance or film production. The work they do will vary depending on what is being produced.
TV & Radio Show Producer
The producer for a specific TV or radio show is rarely seen or heard. He/She works behind the scenes and performs tasks such as reviewing new ideas and topics for a show, booking and prepping guests, vetting stories thoroughly, background research, supervising studio recordings, managing and signing off on the final the production.
The radio producer often also operate the technical controls, such as sound volume levels, recording software and the switchboard, to ensure everything runs smoothly and to allow the presenter to concentrate on their work.
TV/Film Producer
In TV and Film production, the work of the Producer is to obtain financial support for the production from potential investors, funders and contributors. The Producer develops the initial idea or concept together with the screen writers, editor and director. The Producer then determines the markets for the project and plans, co-ordinates and monitors appropriate promotional and marketing strategies for it.
He/she determines the resources needed for the production, which can include cast, crew and facilities and prepares budget plans together with the Production Accountant. There is quite a difference between the production of TV documentaries and those of feature films. Documentaries are characterised by small crews and roles are often merged, as Producer/Director for example.
The Producer hires the production team, together with the Director and Craft Supervisors (who will often bring their own team to a production), which involves negotiating terms with the appropriate Trade Unions, taking account of National Agreements. He/she oversees the preparation of the production schedule and monitors the progress of the production in terms of budget, schedule and the creative brief.
The producer is also responsible for the health and safety of the working environment and must negotiate insurance packages with insurance companies.
It can be a very pressurised position as many others depend on the producer to secure funding and deliver on budget. But equally, the rewards can be very high when the end result emerges.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Write and edit news stories from information collected by reporters and other sources.
- Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene.
- Communicate to actors the approach, characterisation, and movement needed for each scene in such a way that rehearsals and takes are minimised.
- Direct live broadcasts, films and recordings, or non-broadcast programming for public entertainment or education.
- Coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers, and other personnel throughout the production process.
- Study and research scripts to determine how they should be directed.
- Supervise and coordinate the work of camera, lighting, design, and sound crew members.
- Confer with technical directors, managers, crew members, and writers to discuss details of production, such as photography, script, music, sets, and costumes.
- Research production topics using the internet, video archives, and other informational sources.
- Review film, recordings, or rehearsals to ensure conformance to production and broadcast standards.
Further Information
- Film/TV producer- from: GradIreland
- TV or Film Producer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Producer
As a producer you need excellent communication skills, written and spoken and must have scrupulous attention to detail. You need to have some leadership skills as you manage and oversee a production.
You should have an ability to multi-task, and you may need specific recording, editing and technical skills. Research and interviewing skills are also necessary.
In Film and theatrical productions in particular, financial, budgeting and planning skills are essential.
Interests - Producer
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Entry / Progression - Producer
Although it is not always necessary, many producers have some formal training in media. The most common course subjects include film and theatrical production, communication, and journalism.
Getting a job as a producer requires hard work and dedication. Many producers have spent years working in various level roles in media on tasks such as; researching, reporting, and writing scripts. However, some come from a financial and project management background.
Successful producers may progress to an executive producer role, be responsible for several projects, or they may go on to run their own production companies.
Producers are true multitasker and have qualities that can be used in a wide range of careers, including project management, publishing, marketing and public relations to name a few.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: media production, management, broadcasting.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: creative digital media, TV, film studies, film production, media studies, management, journalism.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: digital media, TV, film production, media and communication, arts and media studies, journalism and writing, marketing, finance, management.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: arts and media, management.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Screen skills Work based learning programs: training for production staff may be on-the-job. The company may organise short off-the-job courses for trainees.
IFTV Irish Film & Television network: for a list of TV/film production companies and career roles
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Producer
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €60k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, project budget, and role.
Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Glassdoor/ Indeed
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Producer
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Artists, Authors, writers and translators, Actors, entertainers and presenters, Dancers and choreographers, Musicians, Arts officers, producers and directors, Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators, Graphic designers, Product, clothing and related designers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).
Employment growth was almost on a par with the national average for this occupation; employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022 but declined slightly thereafter. Based on the CSO Census data, over a quarter were graphic designers, with other key roles including actors, authors/writers, photographers, artists and arts officers.
Employment permits issued in 2023 were primarily for roles in animation, film and TV. Online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) related mainly to graphic designers. At present, the data does not indicate that issues exist in sourcing skills for this occupation.
Useful Contacts - Producer
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Irish Film and Television Network
- First Floor, Palmerstown Centre, Kennelsfort Road, Dublin 20
- 01 905 3595
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Radio Telefis Eireann (RTE)
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SIPTU (Arts Culture Print and Media Sector)
- Liberty Hall, Dublin 1
- (01) 8586300
- Click Here
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Screen Producers Ireland (SPI)
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Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland
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Irish Film Institute
