FIELD PRODUCER (In the Entertainment industry. What do they do?

Bruce and James Bisbey at the Cannes Film Festival / 

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Bruce Bisbey…please follow me at: https://dumbdogproductionsllc.blogspot.com

What does a Field Producer do?

Often working in the broadcasting industry, a field producer locates sources, researches leads and develops content for a story. They work alongside other professionals on a production team, such as cameramen and reporters, to showcase an event or story, while at the same time ensuring time constraints and project guidelines are met. Securing work as a field producer often requires previous industry experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as journalism.

The Field Producer is a coordinator for a story while the crew is in the field. This person generally oversees the production of a story, working with a reporter and photographer to set up interviews, gather video and collect information. The Field Producer is also the liaison between the crew and the newsroom.

Field producers are in charge of every aspect of a television or radio broadcast or film or commercial project, usually working on projects outside a studio. Their duties can include writing, managing teams of professionals, including camera personnel and on-air talent, and editing the final product. The job can require travel and long hours. Most field producers hold a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field and have experience in various aspects of production.

In many cases, the Field Producer will conduct the research, log the video, and write the story for the reporter. Sometimes the Field Producer will conduct interviews for the reporter.

This person may have a background as a reporter, photographer or producer and must have good writing skills and be able to coordinate the logistics of putting together a story.

Field Producer Job Description

Producers are generally responsible for the overall content and quality of a television broadcast, film, commercial or other finished media product. They plan and coordinate the activities of production staff and on-air talent in consultation with other management personnel. Field producers complete many of these tasks outside of the studio by arranging and monitoring video production activities at remote locations. They work for television and other media broadcasting services to provide live feeds and event coverage.

Field producers must be able to meet strict deadlines, and they should also be prepared to work unconventional hours and willing to travel to remote locations to cover a story. In addition to a bachelor's degree, they should have previous industry experience that includes knowledge of filming, editing and equipment setup. It is up to a field producer to make sure that a production, whether live or prerecorded, meets an employer's quality standards.

Job Duties of a Field Producer

Field producers are often responsible for researching, writing and editing content. Those professionals working in the broadcast news and television industry generally cooperate with a variety of newsroom staff members such as reporters and associate producers to gather information and follow leads. Field producers manage production teams including camera operators, reporters and broadcast technicians to provide live satellite feeds or shoot video for later editing into news packages. They arrange interviews and location shots, and produce content under strict deadlines. Additionally, field producers may be required to time segments, edit video and review broadcasts to monitor quality against established broadcast and production standards.

Other essential skills include time management, since productions are often deadline-driven, and highly developed communication and writing skills. Event coverage and location-based production frequently require evening or weekend work, and employers listed a valid driver's license and the ability to travel as necessary for being hired for this position.

SOME OF THE POSSIBLE JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES (That may apply or be required) 

• Comprehensive knowledge of production management and production techniques…
• Excellent knowledge of handling administrative functions and managing staff…
• Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills…
• Handling the tasks of creative production and development…
• Responsible for budget performance, content quality, and overseeing market share of assigned project… Familiar with applications such as Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator, and Final Cut Pro…
• Excellent knowledge of operating production equipment like cameras, microphones, manual filming cameras, lighting equipment, ladders, and audio equipment…
• Handle tasks of writing, shooting, and editing contemporary programs and feature stories for various shows…
• Responsible for providing training sessions to segment staff in areas of shooting television segments and special features…
• Perform tasks of tapping on-site or off-site television programs and events…
• Handle responsibilities of editing video tape assignments using various editing software programs such as After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro and illustrator…
• Perform complete responsibilities of traveling to various locations for filming on-site events such as crusades and other special assignments…
• Assisting associate producers, producers, and production assistants in all aspects of the production… Tracking and reporting on production schedules and budgets for news shows…
• Planning, directing, and managing the creation and content…
• Assisting subordinates and conducting performance reviews…
• Coordinated the work of producers and created a unified end result…
• Tracked and met deadlines for projects, adjusted production schedules, and ensured projects are delivered on time…

Maintained and updated content in master schedule and database…

Other responsibilities may include: 

• Responsible for gathering and maintaining records of all pre-production details…
• Assigned tasks of assisting segment producer in script development and approvals…
• Handle tasks of shooting and directing interviews, casting and recording voice over talent…
• Responsible for managing all final deliverables, schedules and budgets…
• Coordinate with account managers, designers and editors in organizing various shows…
• Perform tasks of overseeing the management and creation of video shooting… 

From top to bottom, the chain of command runs: 

• Executive Producer
• Co-executive Producer
• Line Producer
• Supervising Producer
• Producer
• Co-producer
• Coordinating Producer
• Consulting Producer
• Associate Producer
• Segment Producer
• Field Producer
• Edit Producer
• Post Producer 

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Entertainment Careers, In Deed, Glass Door, Pay Scale

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