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Creative Industries

Producer / Director

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

Annual openings

262

Median wage

$78,060

Typical education

No education beyond what is needed for entry-level Creative Industries jobs is expected.

Growth 2026–2032

+10%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

No education beyond what is needed for entry-level Creative Industries jobs is expected.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. Leadership experience is also highly valued.

Work-based learning

No information available

Employer competency information

Feedback from employers identifies the following competencies as being critical

  • Planning & Organizing — Plan and organize the successful completion of tasks and projects for multiple teams; set expectations for team members and hold them accountable.
  • Personnel & Human Resources and Interpersonal Skills — Understand behaviors (Psychology) of team members; leverage resources, empower and get a diverse team to work well together; lead and manage staff; deal with others with fairness and integrity; and hire and fill skills gaps effectively.
  • Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, & Decision Making — Leading, resolving issues, strategic thinking and vision setting across an organization.
There are various levels of Producers and Directors within the Creative Industries. One Colorado company has an Executive Producer to oversee the entire production, a Producer leading the production (on schedule and within budget), a Creative Director (designing what is being created, and an Art Director (focusing on creating art) on their team.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsNo

Interests it draws on

  • Arts, Design, and Entertainment
  • Filmmaking

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Research production topics using the internet, video archives, and other informational sources.
  2. Review film, recordings, or rehearsals to ensure conformance to production and broadcast standards.
  3. Conduct meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to ensure production objectives are attained.
  4. Coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers, and other personnel throughout the production process.
  5. Obtain rights to scripts or to such items as existing video footage.
  6. Perform management activities, such as budgeting, scheduling, planning, and marketing.
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