How Do I Become an Executive Producer?

Those who achieve the status of executive producer of a music label, film, or television series have worked very hard to get to their positions of power. If you would like to become an executive producer, you will need to position yourself in a city with a considerable number for film and television production studios or other types of entertainment studios. Being creative and having recognizable talent will also help, and luck cannot be discounted. To develop key business and entertainment finance skills, you might also want to consider obtaining your Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

One of the most important aspects of an executive producer's job is to finance a film, TV, or music project. In order to sufficiently finance a creative project, the executive producer must know many people with the funds and interest to take on such a risky venture. Developing razor sharp networking skills will help you secure needed financing and become an executive producer. You will need to attend industry events, conferences, and parties so that you will know what sort of projects are popular and more likely to receive financial support from key investors.

Networking is the primary reason that anyone who would like to become an executive producer should move to well-known entertainment production centers. For example, in the United States, Los Angeles, California or New York, New York are good locations to work out of. Other film, music, and television production cities that you may want to consider for relocation include Toronto, Ontario, Canada; London, United Kingdom; Mumbai, India; Tokyo, Japan; and Lagos, Nigeria.

The entertainment business is a tough one, and to become an executive producer means rising to the top of all the other candidates by demonstrating superior creative talent. Particularly in television and music, an executive producer is often the author of the series's or album's creative vision. Continuing to develop your talents as a writer, musician, or cinematographer is important to getting your name noticed by other executive producers of popular entertainment programs who can help you achieve your professional goals. Coming up with new and interesting stories, taking on pro bono video projects, or writing and performing your own songs frequently in front of a live audience can help you get noticed by those in the business.

Going to business school and getting your MBA will help you learn more about the financial and marketing roles of an executive producer. It may also help you build connections in the industry. Researching schools located in the global entertainment production centers will help you get the most of out of your education.