Documentary Producer Job Description
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines a producer as "a person who supervises or finances a work...for exhibition or dissemination to the public." A documentary producer performs these tasks in support of the creation of a nonfiction motion picture. This professional may work either independently or be a staff member of a movie studio, television network or production company.
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Job Responsibilities
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Producers hire directors. A documentary producer oversees the creation and entire film, managing both the budget and staff. A producer is constantly on the lookout for new and exciting material that may translate to the screen. Once found, he negotiates and secures filming rights to the material. He then hires a director and writing team. While some producers are incredibly hands-on, others choose to allow the writers and director a degree of autonomy, only periodically checking in to ensure that the production is on schedule. He also works with the director to hire a production staff, including lightning designers, sound professions and production assistance.
While production commences, the documentary producer performs her primary task, which is to raise funds for the production. Reaching out to those in her network, she pitches her current projects in an effort to solicit donors or investors. She may also utilize nontraditional financing methods, such as product placement, to meet budgetary requirements. Once funds have been secured, the documentary producer works with her network to secure distribution for the film. Channels for distribution may include film festivals, video release, theatrical release, and television broadcasts, among others.
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Job Opportunities
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Networking is key. While these needs are advertised in industry trade publications such as Back Stage and the Hollywood Reports, employment as a documentary producer is typically acquired through word of mouth. Perhaps the best things a person actively pursuing this field can do is network. Participating in industry functions hosted by professional organizations such as the Producers Guild of America allows job seekers to interact with those in the community. Another excellent resource is Documentary.com. This website, administered by the International Documentary Association, is "dedicated to supporting the efforts of nonfiction film and video makers throughout the United States and the world."
Qualitative Requirements
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Producers must possess good interpersonal skills. Those who would like to become documentary producers must, perhaps most importantly, be "people persons." Exceptional interpersonal skills are required to perform this job effectively. As one of the main responsibilities is acquiring funds, producers must build and maintain solid relationships with individuals within a variety of industries who will consistently donate or invest in film projects. Additionally, this professional must play ambassador on the set, ensuring that the production staff works together in a professional and efficient manner. Building lasting relationships with distribution partners is equally as important, as a film will not be seen if there are no channels in which to deliver it to the public. Documentary producers must also be problem solvers, thinking critically to make things happen under deadlines and budgetary constraints.
Educational Requirements
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Producers must raise funds. While a 4-year degree in filmmaking, media production or a related field of study may be of assistance to a documentary producer in a practical sense, a formal education is not required to obtain employment and effectively do to the job. More important to potential employers is prior professional experience and success in the areas of fund-raising and financing.
Average Compensation
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Producers earn about $64K. As of October 15, 2009, SimplyHired.com reports that the average documentary producer in the United States of America earns a yearly income of $64,000. Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the employment of professionals within the motion picture and video industry will increase by 11 percent during the decade encompassing 2006 and 2016 as a result of "the explosive increase in demand for programming needed to fill the rising number of cable and satellite television channels."
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