What high school/college classes should I take to become a television producer?

What classes in high school and college are the best classes to take to become a television producer? Also, what is the best college to attend to achieve this career?

I'm not able to specifically give you advice because your goal of being a "TV Producer" is too vague. There are a lot of different kinds of programming on television and each requires different kinds of Producers who have different qualifications and experience.

Also realize that most University courses and other workshops aren't necessarily designed to teach you the realities of creating a career in the professional film and television industry. The best thing you can do is learn how the industry actually works so that you are able to make wiser choices, including which school to attend and how to proceed on your own from there. A diploma or certificate will NOT help you "get" a job. I've listed some excellent resources below that will help you get a start at understanding what you should know and what your life will be like as a Producer.

Start with those in your spare time. For schooling, don't worry about "film" school. As a Producer, you'll have more success by concentrating on any courses about business, money, investing, law, communications, public speaking, and logic. As you can tell, most of these have very little to do with creative aspects and more to do with the logistics that it takes to run a business, which essentially, is what making a movie really is. As a Producer, you are in charge of making a producer, one solitary product, that costs a lot of money and involves a lot of skilled people who deal with the creative, technical, and logistic aspects of creating a movie.

As you look for universities, don't worry too much about their Film and TV programs (similar curriculum). Again, as a Producer, you need to know about the creative and technical aspects of film and television production, but you'll be concentrating on the logistics which involve money, scheduling, and legal issues. Some of the "better" filmschools will offer some semblance of those, but it is up to you to investigate so that you are spending your own money wisely. Remember, when you go to college, YOU are the consumer and it is up to you to know that you are investing your own money (tuition and fees) wisely so that you are learning what YOU need to know so that you can build a career.

Also realize that a degree WILL NOT "get" you a job in the TV and film industry. Careers are built on who you know and what you can do. School will give you the tools, but it will be up to you to work your way up the ladder at a studio or production company... or to find a project that you produce (likely for a low budget) and establish yourself as a Producer right away.

For a LOT more about the specifics of what a Producer must know, I urge you to look at the resources listed below.

Good luck!

Brian Dzyak

Cameraman/Author

IATSE Local 600, SOC

http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com

Your best chance is probably to major in communications or radio/tv/film at a college with a strong program in those subjects. It's particularly helpful if they offer internships that can give you practical experience and help you make contacts in the industry. USC and Northwestern have strong programs. You should also look into UCLA, NYU and Ithaca College. I'm sure there are other programs out there as well. You also need certain personal skills for the job -- a strong ability to concentrate, good time and money management skills, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, good people skills.

communications and Five Towns College in Dix Hill,New York

media etc ?