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Useful experience for media producers includes:

• work in other areas of film, television, stage or music production or direction
• work in the media
• work in visual arts, marketing or arts administration
• management and business experience.

Media producers may do some or all of the following:

• choose an idea, script or book to turn into a film, play, video, radio show or television programme
• create, submit and pitch proposals for productions
• secure finance and manage the production budget
• hire, guide and instruct artists and other staff
• oversee the production and work closely with the creative team
• supervise marketing and distribution
• negotiate and liaise with corporate clients.

Chances of getting a job as a media producer are poor as the entertainment industry in New Zealand is small and there are many graduates with suitable qualifications. Most people enter the industry through an entry-level role such as production assistant.

According to the Census, 1,119 media producers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Essential to build a portfolio

It is essential for media producers to demonstrate their experience and ability with a strong portfolio of previous work on, for example, short films, plays and web series. Such work provides opportunities to develop skills and gain exposure, but is often unpaid.

Networking is key

The best way to enter the industry is to contact employers directly and widen your networks by attending industry functions and conferences.

Most film and television production work is centred in Auckland and Wellington.

Types of work varied

Media producers may work independently, for production companies and studios, or for advertising agencies. 

Media producers may work on:

• radio productions
• theatre, opera or dance productions
• television productions
• commercials
• music videos
• corporate videos
• online video clips
• short or feature films
• documentaries.

Creative New Zealand

(04) 473 0880 - info@creativenz.govt.nz - www.creativenz.govt.nz

NZ Film Commission

(04) 382 7680 - info@nzfilm.co.nz - www.nzfilm.co.nz

Screen Production and Development Association of NZ (SPADA)

(04) 939 6934 - info@spada.co.nz - www.spada.co.nz

Media producers may progress to set up their own production companies.

Media producers can specialise in a number of roles, including:

Digital Producer

Digital producers co-ordinate and oversee the production of digital content.

Film Producer

Film producers put together teams to create films, and plan and oversee the productions.

Radio Producer

Radio producers put together teams to create radio programmes, and plan and oversee the productions.

Record Producer

Record producers organise, direct and oversee the recording of music.

Stage Producer

Stage producers put together teams to create theatrical performances, and plan and oversee the productions.

Television Producer

Television producers put together teams to create television programmes, and plan and oversee the productions.

Media producers need to be:

• excellent at problem solving
• extremely well organised, with good planning skills
• strong communicators and negotiators
• good at creating and maintaining professional and personal relationships
• good at managing and motivating people
• motivated and good at setting goals
• resilient and persistent
• able to work well under pressure.