Back to careers

Media & Communication

Film & TV Producer

You make films and shows happen, money, people, schedule and vision.

Starting salary
R10 000 – R22 000
Job demand
Emerging
Key subjects
Dramatic Arts, English
Emerging

What do they do?

You make films and shows happen, money, people, schedule and vision.

A day in the life

You raise budget, hire crew, plan shoots, solve daily crises and guide the project to release.

Skills you need

  • Leadership
  • Budgeting
  • Storytelling
  • Negotiation

School subjects that help

  • Dramatic Arts
  • English
  • Business Studies
  • Visual Arts

How long does it take?

3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.

Study path

  1. 1High school
  2. 2Film school or degree
  3. 3Runner / production assistant
  4. 4Producer

Ways in: University degree · Private film school · Work-based training · Entrepreneurship. University is not the only route.

Where can I study?

  • University of the Witwatersrand
  • University of Cape Town
  • Tshwane University of Technology
  • Cape Peninsula University of Technology
  • Nelson Mandela University
  • University of South Africa

Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.

What can I earn?

Entry level

R10 000 – R22 000

per month (estimate)

Mid career

R30 000 – R60 000

per month (estimate)

Experienced / senior

Project-based, R80 000+ per project

per month (estimate)

Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.

How to start preparing now

  • • Shoot a short film on your phone
  • • Organise a school production
  • • Learn story structure

Try this career

Make a 2-minute short film with friends, plan it, shoot it, edit it.

Related careers

Like this field but not sure about this exact job? Try these.

This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.