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
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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
- Switch between video sources in a studio or on multi-camera remotes, using equipment such as switchers, video slide projectors, and video effects generators.
- Observe pictures through monitors and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.
- Supervise and assign duties to workers engaged in technical control and production of radio and television programmes.
- Monitor broadcasts to ensure that programmes conform to station or network policies and regulations.
- Operate equipment to produce programmes or broadcast live programmes from remote locations.
- Test equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Train workers in use of equipment, such as switchers, cameras, monitors, microphones, and lights.
- Act as liaisons between engineering and production departments.
- Collaborate with promotions directors to produce on-air station promotions.
- Confer with operations directors to formulate and maintain fair and attainable technical policies for programmes.
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.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
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; translators; Actors; entertainers; presenters; Dancers; choreographers; Musicians Arts officers; producers; 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 (2023).
Employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022, with an additional 7,300 persons employed. As illustrated in the CSO Census data below, employment is spread across a number of roles; since 2016, the strongest growth, in absolute terms, was for graphic designers and authors, writers and translators.
New employment permits issued for this occupation in 2022 were primarily for film/TV and animation/visual effects (VFX) roles but also for linguistics experts in the ICT sector. There was also a high volume of recent job hires in line with the recent employment increase. The data does not point to overall issues with recruitment for these roles.
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
