When the credits roll on a television show, the list of producers can seem endless, often leaving viewers wondering what each person does. The title “producer” is not a single job but a broad term for a hierarchy of roles, each with distinct responsibilities. A TV producer is the organizational force behind a program, guiding the project from its initial concept to its final broadcast. They are involved in nearly every stage, ensuring the creative and financial elements work in harmony.
What Does a TV Producer Do?
The process begins in the development phase, where a producer might discover a book to adapt, an original script, or a new show concept. They acquire the rights to the material and shape it into a viable pitch for a network or streaming service. This stage involves collaborating with writers to refine the story and outline the series.
Once a project is greenlit, the producer creates and manages the show’s budget, securing funding from studios or investors. They must ensure the project stays on schedule and within its budget from pre-production through the final edit.
With funding in place, the producer hires personnel to execute the creative vision, including the director, casting directors, and department heads. Throughout filming and post-production, the producer supervises the operation, solves problems, and facilitates communication between departments. They also make sure all technical, legal, and creative standards are met before the show is broadcast.
Types of TV Producers
Executive Producer
The Executive Producer (EP) is the chief decision-maker, responsible for the show’s overall creative direction and financial stability. The EP is often the series creator or showrunner, but the title can also be given to a major financial backer or a prominent actor who helped greenlight the show. They have the final say on script approvals and final cuts, with their primary responsibility being to the financing studio or network.
Co-Executive Producer
The Co-Executive Producer is the second-in-command, reporting to the EP. This role is held by a senior writer who helps the showrunner manage the writing staff, break stories for episodes, and oversee script development. The Co-EP has substantial creative input and often manages the show’s day-to-day operations when the main EP is unavailable.
Supervising Producer
Ranking just below the Co-Executive Producer, the Supervising Producer also works within the writers’ room. Their main function is to manage the room’s workflow and ensure scripts are ready for production on schedule. They are involved in shaping the season’s narrative arc and maintaining a consistent tone across all episodes.
Producer
The “Producer” title refers to a hands-on role focused on the daily logistics of the production. While EPs are often in the writers’ room, the Producer is frequently on set or in the production office. They solve practical problems, coordinate between departments, and ensure the director has what they need to film within the budget and schedule.
Co-Producer
A Co-Producer is a mid-level role that manages a specific aspect of the production. For example, a Co-Producer might oversee post-production, manage the visual effects budget, or handle logistics for a specific location. This is a delegated role that supports higher-level producers by taking ownership of a key production area.
Line Producer
The Line Producer is focused on the physical and financial aspects of production. They manage the budget day-to-day, track expenses, and ensure the production stays on track financially. This producer hires crew, rents equipment, and oversees the logistical details that make filming possible, translating creative goals into a practical plan.
Associate Producer
The Associate Producer (AP) handles specific, delegated tasks that support the production. An AP’s responsibilities can vary, from coordinating post-production schedules and clearing music rights to assisting with story research. A Post-Production Supervisor may also be given this credit for managing the editing process, making it a training ground for future producers.
Key Skills for a Successful TV Producer
Success in television production requires a combination of artistry and administration. Strong leadership is needed to guide large teams of creative and technical professionals toward a cohesive goal. This involves motivating the cast and crew, fostering a collaborative environment, and making decisive choices under pressure.
Effective communication is also required, as producers are the central hub for articulating the vision and negotiating with executives, agents, and vendors. This skill extends to financial acumen for creating and managing the budget.
Problem-solving and adaptability are exercised daily in a dynamic production environment. A producer must find creative solutions to logistical problems and adjust plans quickly. Strong organizational skills are also needed to manage the project’s many moving parts.
How to Become a TV Producer
There is no single path to becoming a television producer, but most careers are built on experience, education, and networking. Many producers start in entry-level positions like Production Assistant (PA). This role provides on-the-ground experience and an understanding of how a set functions, from logistics to supporting various departments.
A degree in film or communications can provide a structured understanding of production, but hands-on experience is highly valued. Aspiring producers often work their way up the ladder, moving from PA to Production Coordinator and then to an Associate Producer role. Creating independent projects like short films or web series is another way to build a portfolio and demonstrate capability.
The television industry is relationship-driven, and building a professional network is an active process. Making connections with writers, directors, and other crew members can open doors to future opportunities. Attending industry events, participating in workshops, and maintaining these professional relationships are important steps for an aspiring producer.
Producer vs Director
The distinction between a producer and a director is a common point of confusion. A simple analogy is to view the producer as the project’s architect and the director as the general contractor. The producer is responsible for the “what” and “why” of the show—developing the idea, securing funding, and hiring the core team. They oversee the entire project from a logistical and financial standpoint.
The director is hired by the producer and is responsible for the “how,” controlling the creative execution on set. They manage the visual elements, from camera angles to guiding actor performances, to bring the script to life. In television, a director is often hired for a single episode, working under the guidance of the showrunning Executive Producer.