Webcast producers need a bachelor's degree, preferably in journalism or communications. They need to be able to oversee all aspects of production, from staffing to filming and editing. They typically work for college stations or complete internships to gain practical experience.
Essential Information
Webcast producers plan and oversee the production of webcasts, from pre-production to final product. They may work for small independent production companies, large established studios or on a freelance basis. This job requires a bachelor's degree as well as relevant production experience and knowledge. This job might appeal to individuals with interests in broadcast communication, filmmaking and production management.
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Additional Requirements | Production knowledge and experience |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 10% for all producers and directors |
| Median Salary (2020)* | $76,400 for all producers and directors |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Description
From initial budgeting, planning and scripting to shooting, editing and finally broadcasting, webcast producers manage and take responsibility for the entire video production process. Webcast production is a relatively new occupation, and the position is comparable to that of producers working at television stations and other traditional broadcast facilities. At a larger production company, webcast producers may oversee an entire production team, while at smaller facilities they may perform all production-related tasks to produce a webcast. Webcast producers are often expected to work long, non-traditional hours to meet production demands.
Job Duties
Webcast producers meet with clients or other production company personnel to determine the aesthetic and audio requirements of a production, then develop a script and budget. Next, they find and secure a shooting location, select lights, props and equipment, hire crew to shoot the production and find talent to appear in the production. Webcast producers must schedule and organize the shoot in an efficient manner, making the best use of resources and talent. Once the video is shot, the producer may edit the webcast or oversee and approve the work of an editor. After the video is approved, the producer works with technicians to broadcast the spot on the Web.
Additional Duties
Some webcast producers may assist with the design and development of websites, using HTML coding and programming software. They may also determine the look and feel of a company's website or set up a website's content management platform. In other instances, webcast producers are also broadcast producers, and they produce programming for delivery on multiple channels, including the Internet.
Job Requirements
Knowledge of the production process, typically learned through education and experience, is an essential requirement to become a webcast producer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals employed in program production occupations usually complete a bachelor's degree program in journalism or communication. They work for college television stations or complete internships at production companies to gain experience necessary for access to entry-level positions (www.bls.gov). Webcast producers must also possess strong interpersonal skills to work with crew, cast and clients, as well as technical skills to and edit broadcast video content and organizational abilities to coordinate productions.
Salary and Job Outlook
The BLS projects that jobs for all producers and directors will increase 10% from 2019 to 2029. The median annual salary for producers and directors was $76,400 as of May 2020, according to the BLS.
Webcast producers create content for online viewing. In addition to producing webcasts they may also be responsible for the design and development of websites. They need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, along with production experience.