One Day in the Life of TV Producer
Television producer make sure that television shows run smoothly in all details, and take responsibility for everything from coordinating writers and performers/correspondents right down to overseeing the fact-checking of credit names and titles. “You’re always rushing up to the airtime, confirming for accuracy, and making sure the show runs smoothly,” wrote one producer. The complete control of every aspect of production on air can be very difficult job. The successful TV producer must be well-organized, and capable of communicating effectively and concisely with all the people both on and off the set from directors to actors to technical crews to writers and also have the ability to think at their feet and ready to come up with innovative concepts quickly under a lot of pressure. Television producers experience high levels of excitement and satisfaction in their work. They are implementers and problem solvers who are focused on projects and are eager to see tangible results, despite the physical demands of their work (all have reported being exhausted frequently). The perception that people have of the TV industry is one of celebrities which is good, but while it’s helpful for the producer of the show to be a lively inspiring force, the reality is that nearly everything they do is only known to the people associated with the show. “Only other producers are able to tell that a show is produced well. It’s not like you get fan mail,” said one fifteen-year veteran producer. Another producer was quick to add, “It’s not as glamorous as it appears on TV,” saying that even the tiniest detail needs to be scrutinized and checked again before an episode goes on the air. A successful producer must have enough confidence in himself to make crucial decisions and defend them however, they should not be scared of working in a drudge. The writing of text can be part of a final-minute tasks of a TV producer. The majority of producers advance in the ranks of production assistant jobs, so they are aware of the steps to take a project from idea to air. Producers are ultimately responsible for a successful show, however, they must also take the responsibility for everything that goes wrong while they watching. With fellow producers there is respect, but not much camaraderie. Some of the participants mentioned the fact that intense competition, even “backstabbing” behaviour was not just normal, but was almost normal in the field. One final piece of advice given by the producer of one of the major networks: “Work hard and look out for yourself.” If you are able to master it, TV production can be a thrilling work that is difficult but can be extremely rewarding financially.
You must pay your dues
The college curriculum should cover English as well as journalism, history, political science, as well as American studies for those who are interested in pursuing a career in television production of news, as well as classes in other areas, such as meteorology, drama, or business for those looking to work in a particular field of television production. Some producers go to the graduate level in film or journalism, however it’s not required. Competition for entry-level roles is fierce, and many hopeful producers will are willing to accept any job they can find. Candidates should have a variety of experience and the ability to put in the effort. Experience that shows the ability to manage various tasks under pressure is viewed with admiration by employers. A majority of dues are paid through jobs that are entry-level, like those in the production assistant position which can be simple as proofreading documents for errors and making sure that lunch reservations are scheduled. College internships are sought-after due to their major advantage when it comes to securing the first job as a production assistant. A determined pursuit of and accomplishment of ever-increasingly demanding assignments makes those PA who is promoted from those who do not.
Future and Present Outlook for Television Producers
Since television was an important industry in the 1950s, the job of the TV producer has been vital to its growth. In the past 10 years television networks, including Fox, Warner Brothers, and Paramount were created and their expansion has prompted competition. Cable is the most recent market, with a particular emphasis on channels that are devoted to specific topics like news or nature, sports cooking and cooking. This is a sign of the trend towards “narrowcasting” in all forms of media. This market is growing and has created the opportunity for intelligent, ambitious and hardworking candidates for assistant producer and production assistant jobs. Know that this is merely the beginning of a new era for entry-level jobs. The competition for positions as producers is expected to remain extremely competitive.
Qualitative of Life
Present and FUTURE
The work of a producer assistant can be described as (to take Thomas Hobbes’ words) “nasty and brutish and, more often than not, not very long.” A fierce competition from glamorous young men with dreams of top-of-the-line schmoozing as well as long limousine rides results in low beginning wages and high rates of burnout within the beginning of the two years. A long, gruelling schedule will test the tenacity of a person and the most talented workers have to endure many years without any rewards. The work shifts could last up to 16 hours, and in the event of an emergency and PAs have to be there and help until the issue is solved. Certain PAs might get assigned to graveyard shifts working from midnight until eight at dawn, gathering information for morning newscasts, and entering AP wire feeds into computers. PAs are paid more when jobs become available. Some employees can climb two or three levels up the ladder and show a stellar performance. Others only experience the increase in pay and no additional responsibility.
FIVE YEARS OUT
The ones who have been in the business for five years have been promoted from PA jobs to assistant producers posts. Many have frequent contacts with famous people, or at the very least, on-air people, and a lot of them use their writing skills frequently. The initial tests of managerial abilities usually take place in the years 4-7 when assistant producers are able overseeing production assistants and interns. Some still research and proofread the copy however, they are more concerned with ensuring they maintain the areas they are responsible for in check rather than giving another prospective producer doing more work an edge for promotion. The hours can be very long and pay has risen dramatically.
TEN YEARS OUT
A lot of veterans from the past 10 years have become full-time producers, and a handful of “shooting starlets” have been involved in a variety of shows. The most challenging aspect of the present day producer’s job is constant uncertainty about who’s vying for their spot, “who’s up and who’s down” in the race to win ratings and what kind of changes could be made to the philosophy of programming at the network, and the demands on presenters. The responsibilities increase with salary and commitments to time remain enormous.
