How hard is it to become a movie producer?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

It is extremely hard to become a movie producer, at least a successful one. Technically, there are no education requirements for becoming a movie producer. However, getting a bachelor's degree or higher in Film and TV can be very helpful.

Other degrees and/ or coursework options include business, business management, communications, broadcasting, film history, and logistics.

While there may be no education requirement to become a film producer, it can be highly beneficial as the film industry is extremely competitive.

This also gives you the chance to learn how movies are made from a creative standpoint, including individual aspects, such as screenwriting, directing, acting, cinematography, editing, sound design, production design, costumes or wardrobe, and more.

Education in a film-related field can also give way to internship programs at film studios, production companies, and other film-related businesses that can benefit a movie producer's career.

Accreditation is also an important aspect of film school. Top film schools such as USC, UCLA, NYU, and other top-tier art schools are plugged into the entertainment industry more so than universities with smaller film programs.

If you opt to go the non-education route, it makes things more difficult, although it is still possible to start a career. You will seek out producing knowledge on your own and then attempt to produce independent films. At first, and maybe for a while, a lot of this work will be unpaid, and you may end up producing short films for students in film school.

Networking is perhaps the most crucial part of being a film producer because one of the major components of their job is to bring teams of talented creative people together to make movies, as well as bring in financiers or investors to fund the projects. This can only be successfully done by having a strong network.

While it is possible to be a movie producer from anywhere, initially most start their careers in production hubs, such as Los Angeles or New York. Here they can gain the necessary contacts needed to produce films.

Gaining connections in the movie industry is difficult unless you already happen to possess strong connections. Many aspiring producers work their way up the film ranks, getting entry-level or assistant jobs at production companies and studios first.

There is no specific formula to becoming a movie producer, for most it is a long road that takes years of dedication, developing skills, and most importantly contacts needed to be a successful producer.