How to become a Producer- A detailed guide to get you started!

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Have you ever watched a film? 

Duh! Of course, you have! Any individual in any part of the world is not isolated from the cinematic experience that films offer. But have you ever wondered how a film gets money to do those extravagant things?

I have always thought about that and wondered if I will ever have so much money to just go on a road trip without planning or having a destination wedding

Anyway, ignoring my overthinking self, answering the question of how a film/tv/ads get money is that they have an individual for this job. They are called the producers who get or provide the funding for the film. There is also so much more to their role. Read further to know about what they do, how to become a producer, the education and skills required, and much more! 

Who is a Producer? 

A  producer is a person who manages the making of movies/TV or commercials. Producers plan and organize many aspects of filmmaking, such as choosing the script, coordinating writing, directing, editing, and securing funding, whether they are employed by a production company or working on their own.

Learn more: How to become a Film Director – A complete educational guide

How to become a Producer? [4 Step Guide]

Step 1: Stream Selection 

The specialized training to become a Producer is usually imparted in undergraduate degree programs. Therefore post 10th grade, you can pursue any stream that you like. One of the unsolicited pieces of advice here would be to either choose subjects you like studying or take up Humanities as it will expand your way of thinking

Step 2: Certificate Course and Project Courses 

If you’re not sure about a career as a producer, you may test-drive it by enrolling in a variety of online courses, which are typically affordable and time-efficient. You can enrol in them after receiving your 10th grade because there is no eligibility requirement for them.

Certificate Courses Institute offering the course Duration 
Write a feature-length screenplay for films and TV Michigan State University 3-6 Months 
Getting your film off the ground Michigan State University 1-3 months 
Producing for film and TV – Master Course Film Skills 15 hours 
Film Production Online Certificate Course Vancouver Film School 8 Weeks 
Become a Film Producer LinkedIn Learning 17 hours 42 mins 
Make a Short film: Start to finish LinkedIn Learning  4 hours 52 mins 

Step 3: Educational Qualification 

How to become a Producer after the 12th?  

A) Undergraduate/ Diploma Courses in India

There are certain undergraduate courses that you can pursue to become a producer. 

Undergraduate Course Duration 
B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication (Film Making)3 Year 
B.A. in Film Production3 Years
B.A.(Hons.) in Film Making (Cinematography)3 Years
B.A. in Film Making and Mass Communication3 Years
B.A. in Multimedia (Film Production and Management)3 Years 
BMM (Bachelor of Mass Media) 3 Years 
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Filmmaking3 Years 
BSc in Film Making 3 Years 

There are also certain diploma/ certificate courses that you can pursue if you don’t want a conventional path to your career. These courses are designed in such a way that you specialize in a particular field of your interest. Some of them that you want to check out include: 

Diploma/ Certificate Courses Institute offering the course   Duration  
Certificate Course in Film & Video EditingAlagappa University6 Months 
Certificate in Photography and VideographyPondicherry University6 Months 
Certificate in Acting and DirectionPunjabi University3 Months 
Certificate in Digital Film MakingAmity University1 Year 
Diploma in Screen Writing Whistling Woods 1 Year 
Diploma in Video Production & EditingPondicherry University1 Year 
Diploma in TV Production & Basics in Film MakingDr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University1 Year 

B) Top Colleges in India: 

  • Whistling Woods International 
  • Symbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography, Pune 
  • Amity University, Mumbai 
  • SHUATS – the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, Allahabad 
  • Global Indian Institute of Filmmaking, Mumbai 
  • VELS Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai 
  • University of Mumbai [MU], Mumbai 
  • MIT School of Film and Television, Pune 
  • Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment, Mumbai. 

A) Undergraduate/ Diploma Course abroad to become a Producer

There are several courses abroad in film production/filmmaking that you can pursue. Some of them include: 

Undergraduate Course Estimated Duration 
BA (Hons) in Film and Television Production36 Months 
Film (Film and Media Production), BA48 Months 
BA in Cinema & Media Studies48 Months 
Film Production BA (Hons)36 Months 
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film & Television48 Months 
BFA in Image Arts: Film Studies48 Months 

You can even pursue some diploma courses if you don’t want to invest so much time and money in such courses. Some of them that you might want to check out include: 

Diploma Course Institute offering the course Duration 
Advanced Diploma in Broadcasting – Film, Television, Digital Media, and RadioCentennial College36 Months 
Diploma in Broadcasting – Television and Video ProductionCanadore College24 Months 
Diploma in Indigenous FilmmakingCapilano University24 Months 
Diploma in Film & Television ProductionTrebas Institute12 Months 
Diploma in Digital Film and VideoLaSalle College- Vancouver18 Months 

Want to boost your chances of getting admission abroad? Sign up for the Clever Harvey JuniorMBA Advertising Course and add a real industry project to your student portfolio.

B) Top Colleges abroad

  • Teesside University
  • Arizona State University
  • York University
  • Coventry University
  • New York University
  • Ryerson University
  • The University of Sydney
  • McMaster University

Also read: How To Become A Film Critic? Detailed Guide

Step 4: Job Preparation required for becoming a Producer 

Your title of “Producer,” may come to you in your early years or it might take you to work in a few production houses before you start as a producer. Whatever the case, you can take into account a few preparation recommendations while you are looking out for your first gig: 

  • Get Internships: 

Internships with film production businesses can be beneficial in terms of experience and industry knowledge. Interns have the opportunity to network and learn about the inner workings of production, distribution, and publicity.

  • Gain some industry experience: 

Gaining employment as a movie producer requires experience. Working one to five years in the sector constitutes experience.

Producers can have a variety of backgrounds, including performing, working in PR, writing for the film, or casting. Many producers gain essential expertise by working as production assistants or in other entry-level positions when they first enter the field.

Focus on building a reputation and making a good first impression while working in an entry-level position. It may aid in job advancement.

  • Be up-to-date with industry trends: 

Another crucial stage of being a movie producer is remaining updated with current business trends. You can hone your abilities by going to events like seminars and film festivals. A producer’s understanding of their audience can be improved by keeping up with current trends, ultimately helping them pick the right film that suits their audience. 

Skills required to be a Producer 

  • Planning 
  • Organizing 
  • Scheduling 
  • Leadership 
  • Financial budgeting
  • Creativity 
  • Networking 
  • Delegating 
  • Time management 
  • Flexibility 

Salary of a Producer 

Salary in India for a Producer 

The salary of a Producer depends a lot on what kind of film they are producing, who are the actors, how much the film did at the box office, what kind of producer you are, the platform where the film is being released- OTT or Theatre and much more. However, according to glassdoor, the national average salary of a producer is 9,21,833 INR/Year. 

Salary Abroad for a Producer 

The scenario abroad remains the same. However, a general overview of how much a producer earns depending on various film industries are given below: 

Country USA UK Canada Australia Spain France 
Average Salary/ year $83,194£39,918$74,428 $78,162 €46,293€41,988

Read more: How to become a Music Director

Top Recruiters in India 

  • Viacom 18 
  • Times Internet 
  • Zee Entertainment Enterprise ltd. 
  • Disney + Hotstar 
  • Network 18 
  • Sony Pictures Networks 
  • Hindustan Times 
  • Pocket Aces 
  • Radio Mirchi 
  • Walt Disney Company 

Top Recruiters Abroad 

  • NBC Universal 
  • CNN 
  • Universal Pictures 
  • Warner Bros 
  • Paramount 
  • Nexstar Media Group 
  • BBC Studios 
  • Rogers Communications 
  • Marvel Studios

Being a Producer is not an easy task. They typically work under a lot of pressure to complete their work on time. Their tasks could be brief and last anything from a day to several months. They frequently travel to several locations depending on where the production is taking place while working in a fast-paced setting. Thus, if you are keen on becoming a producer, be warned that it requires a lot of hard work. 

Jobs with highest satisfaction

FAQs about how to become a Producer 

How do you become a producer? 

To properly manage a creative project, a producer needs at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Most producers have degrees in acting or film. Degrees in business and in journalism or communication are related to producing.

How do producers earn money?

Producers receive 50% of any movie’s box office revenue. The sale of the satellite and digital rights to a network covers the majority of costs. Prior to a movie’s release, the price of these rights is decided and is based on the film’s budget and star power.

What does a producer do?

The producer is in charge of everything, from securing funding to promoting the movie. In all matters and plans pertaining to the film’s production, he has the last say. He is in charge of overseeing the technical and creative resources.

Is it challenging to work in the film industry as a producer?

It is both tremendously simple and incredibly difficult to become a movie producer. Without any formal schooling, anyone can claim to be a movie producer, but only those who are successful can have their name listed as a producer on a film credit next to the title.

Are producers employed by studios?

Young filmmakers have the option of working with studios or independently as independent producers. There are a lot of large production businesses as well as a tonne of independent production companies.

What three categories of producers are there?

The following are examples of the various industries in which a producer could work: Executive producer, Associate Producer, and Producer.

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Do you think producing a movie is about throwing money? It is! But there is more to it. Read to know how to become a producer-the education, skills, and much more!
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