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How To Become A Writer/Producer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a writer/producer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Emily Griesinger Ph.D.

A writer/producer is responsible for developing, writing, and producing scripts of new stories for television programs or episodes. Writers are always passionate about their job, which makes it more exciting for them. You are expected to research topics to deliver stories that are entertaining and engaging. You will be responsible for sourcing audio and video footage for editors and spearheading and collaborating for both pre-production and post-production with the editors. As a writer, you are also expected to edit, submit and dub material for program inclusion, coordinating the day-to-day activities of a support production staff to ensure quality, style, and content.

Depending on where you are working, you may be required to operate video editing equipment, report and narrate stories, and assist show producers in organizing and planning the show. You may also be required to prepare fundraising campaigns. In terms of skill requirements, the ability to communicate well, knowledge of various production formats and specs, attention to detail, excellent time management skills, and leadership skills are all essential. The average salary of a writer/producer annually is $93,378. A bachelor's degree in journalism or other related field is the minimum qualification for the role.

What general advice would you give to a writer/producer?

Emily Griesinger Ph.D.

Professor of English, Azusa Pacific University

I would say "don't give up" because your literacy gifts are especially needed right now. Those who have done excellent critical thinking and writing as English majors can make persuasive arguments and discern the credibility of arguments being consumed by others, who may not be so discerning. Based on years of reading and interpreting great literature, you can "read" characters, why people do what they do, and the capacity to imagine the joys and sorrows of other human beings. So, my general advice would be to consider how to market such skills in creative ways for the common good.

ScoreWriter/ProducerUS Average

Salary

4.3

Avg. Salary $55,163

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

3.4

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.35%

Asian 4.92%

Black or African American 5.91%

Hispanic or Latino 7.61%

Unknown 5.59%

White 75.62%

Gender

female 38.01%

male 61.99%

Age - 41

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41

Stress level

3.4

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.4

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a writer/producer

Explore writer/producer education requirements

Most common writer/producer degrees

Bachelor's

81.3 %

Master's

9.4 %

Associate

6.1 %

Start to develop specific writer/producer skills

Skills	Percentages
Instagram	13.30%
Facebook	9.34%
Twitter	8.67%
Control Room	8.27%
Video Production	5.19%

Research writer/producer duties and responsibilities

Manage Comcast's local channels and their content throughout central Indiana.
Coordinate and manage show production, including budget creation, scriptwriting and booking guest for on camera interviews.
Supervise casting and communicate with producer to access props, costumes, and set pieces and to manage the budget.
Manage day-to-day completion activities including project planning and QA testing.

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