Associate Producer Job Description

Associate producers help keep the finances of television and film productions within budget.

Producers control the financial side of movies, television and the theater. Their role is to raise the capital needed to finance a production and to make sure that it is marketed successfully and ultimately brings in a profit. Associate producers help producers to carry out their day-to-day duties.

Function

An associate producer's role will vary depending on the setting of the production. However, those who work in film or television may carry out duties such as looking for locations in which to film, transporting materials from studio to location and generally attempting to keep the production within budget. Those who work within a theater setting might find that they help the stage director and may even act as an understudy to actors in the case of illness.

Qualifications

There are no minimum qualifications for associate producers to do their jobs. If they want to move on to become a producer, they will need to possess a good business brain and the ability to handle finances effectively. They will also need a good book of contacts in order to raise the money needed for a play or a movie. Having said this, many television producers do have a college education, and any candidate who takes college courses in theater, film and television will stand a better chance of landing a job within the industry.

Work Conditions

The work of an associate producer is stressful. Assignments are normally short and erratic, lasting from one day to several months with large amounts of unemployment in between. When on assignment, working hours are normally long and irregular with weekend and evening work common. Travel is also common for all types of associate producers, with films often being shot abroad and television programs on location. Plays often tour as well, meaning travel in this sector can be common also.

Prospects

The industry is set to see growth of 11 percent through to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is about as fast as the national average for all jobs in the U.S. The growth will be fueled by expanding cable networks and an increased output in both studio and independent films. Competition for jobs will be fierce, however, with many people looking to enter the profession for its perceived glamor.

Location

Most of the work for associate producers in film and television is based in and around New York City and Los Angeles, however small film companies and television stations do operate throughout the country. Associate producers may also find work in summer festivals, on board cruise liners and within theme parks.

References

• State University: Producer Job Description
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Actors, Producers and Directors