How to Be Field Producer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 29, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Steps How to Become

Begin by obtaining a bachelors degree in journalism, communications, television production, or a related field.
Gain some experience in the field by interning at a TV station, taking on freelance jobs, or helping out on a film set.
Develop a portfolio of your work to showcase your experience and skills.
Network with established producers and directors in the industry to make professional connections.
Develop a strong understanding of the production process, from pre-production planning to post-production editing.
Attend industry events and workshops to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies.
Find a job as an assistant producer to gain on-the-job experience and develop a reputation for delivering quality work.
Pursue additional certifications or workshops to expand your knowledge and skill set.
Apply for open field producer positions and showcase your skills and experience to potential employers.

Producing reliable and competent work in the field requires careful planning and execution. First, it is important to develop a detailed plan to ensure that all necessary steps are taken in a timely manner. This includes researching the project and its requirements, setting realistic goals and deadlines, and creating a budget.

Next, it is essential to select the right personnel for the job. This means hiring professionals who have the knowledge and experience necessary to complete the task successfully. Finally, it is important to maintain communication with all relevant stakeholders throughout the process.

By staying in contact with clients, vendors, and other team members, a Field Producer can ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the project moves forward as smoothly as possible. Taking these steps will ensure that the end result is reliable and competent work.

You may want to check Commercial Producer, Development Producer, and Audio Producer for alternative.

Job Description

Researcher: Collects research materials and sources to help the Producer develop content for the production.
Logger: Logs all footage of the production.
Scriptwriter: Writes or adapts scripts for the production.
Location Scout: Identifies and secures locations for filming.
Camera Operator: Operates the camera and other technical equipment during production.
Audio Technician: Sets up and operates audio equipment during production.
Lighting Technician: Sets up and operates lighting equipment during production.
Gaffer: Supervises the use of lighting equipment during production.
Production Assistant: Assists the Producer with daily tasks, such as scheduling and paperwork.
Craft Services: Oversees food and beverages for cast and crew during production.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
Ability to work under tight deadlines
Ability to work with a variety of personalities
Knowledge of production processes and techniques
Understanding of legal and safety regulations
Strong problem-solving abilities
Knowledge of budgeting and financial management
Proficiency in relevant software programs, such as editing programs and production management systems
Ability to scout and secure locations
Ability to create, negotiate and manage contracts
Knowledge of casting processes, including auditions and talent selection
Knowledge of audio/visual engineering principles

Time management is an essential skill for a field producer. The ability to plan, coordinate and organize all aspects of a production project in a timely manner is key to ensuring the success of the project. Without this skill, projects can quickly become unmanageable and run over budget.

Poor time management can also lead to decreased morale among the production crew, as they may become frustrated with having to take on extra tasks or having to rush their work. Even worse, it can lead to missed deadlines and unhappy clients. Good time management, on the other hand, can make all the difference when it comes to staying on budget, finishing projects on time, and keeping all parties involved happy.

By learning how to effectively manage their time and prioritize tasks, field producers can ensure that their projects are completed on schedule and within budget.

Project Producer, Production Producer, and Video Producer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in field producing?
Whats your approach to managing shoots in the field?
How do you ensure production teams and talent are prepared for a shoot?
How do you handle last-minute changes in the field?
How do you collaborate with directors and other production staff?
What challenges have you faced while field producing?
How do you manage multiple locations and schedules?
What techniques do you use to control costs while producing in the field?
How do you handle issues with talent and production staff during a shoot?
How do you ensure all footage is captured and organized appropriately?

Common Tools in Industry

Video Camera. used to capture footage for a video production (eg: Canon 5D Mark II).
Audio Recorder. used to capture audio for a video production (eg: Zoom H4n).
Lighting Kit. used to properly light a scene (eg: Arri Fresnel kit).
Tripod. used to stabilize the camera (eg: Manfrotto tripod).
Microphone. used to capture sound (eg: Rode NTG-2 shotgun mic).
Editing Software. used to assemble and edit footage (eg: Adobe Premiere Pro).
Script Software. used to write scripts and cue talent (eg: Final Draft).
Teleprompter. used to display lines of dialogue (eg: Autocue QTV).
Timecode Generator. used to sync audio and video (eg: Tentacle Sync).
Production Slate. used to identify takes and scenes (eg: Duttek clapperboard).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS)
International Documentary Association (IDA)
National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS)
National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)
Producers Guild of America (PGA)
National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE)
International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers (IABM)

We also have Digital Media Producer, Audio Visual Producer, and Line Producer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Line Producer. A line producer is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a film or television production. This includes overseeing budget, scheduling, and personnel.
Production Coordinator. A production coordinator is responsible for organizing the day-to-day operations of a film or television production. They are involved in production planning, scheduling, budgeting, and hiring crew members.
Location Manager. A location manager is responsible for finding and securing locations for filming. They also handle any permits or permissions needed to film at a given location.
Production Assistant. A production assistant is responsible for helping various departments with their tasks during filming. This could include providing equipment, transporting crew and actors, and managing paperwork.
Production Designer. A production designer is responsible for creating the overall visual look of a film or TV show. This includes designing sets, costumes, and props.
Unit Production Manager. A unit production manager is responsible for overseeing the entire production process and ensuring that it runs smoothly. They are also responsible for budgeting, scheduling, and hiring crew members.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Field Producer?

A Field Producer is a professional responsible for gathering the necessary resources and personnel to produce a video or film shoot in a remote location.

What qualifications are required to become a Field Producer?

To become a Field Producer, one must typically have at least a bachelor's degree in film, television, or media production. Additionally, experience in production-related fields such as budgeting, scheduling, and personnel management is highly beneficial.

What are the typical duties of a Field Producer?

The primary duties of a Field Producer include developing and managing budgets, casting personnel, obtaining permits, booking locations, and managing the remote production crew.

How much does a Field Producer typically earn?

Salaries for Field Producers vary depending on experience and location. According to PayScale, the median salary for Field Producers is $51,789 per year.

What is the job outlook for Field Producers?

The job outlook for Field Producers is positive as the demand for video and film content continues to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the motion picture and video industries are expected to grow by 10% from 2018 to 2028.