Actors, producers, and directorsActors, producers, and directors express ideas and create images in theater, film, radio, television, and other performing arts media. They interpret a writer�s script to entertain, inform, or instruct an audience. Although the most famous actors, producers, and directors work in film, network television, or theater in New York or Los Angeles, far more work in local or regional television studios, theaters, or film production companies, preparing advertising, public-relations, or independent, small-scale movie productions. Actors perform in stage, radio, television, video, or motion picture productions. They also work in cabarets, nightclubs, theme parks, commercials, and �industrial� films produced for training and educational purposes. Most actors struggle to find steady work; only a few ever achieve recognition as stars. Some well-known, experienced performers may be cast in supporting roles. Others work as �extras,� with no lines to deliver, or make brief, cameo appearances, speaking only one or two lines. Some actors do voiceover and narration work for advertisements, animated features, books on tape, and other electronic media. They also teach in high school or university drama departments, acting conservatories, or public programs. Producers are entrepreneurs, overseeing the business and financial decisions of a motion picture, made-for-television feature, or stage production. They select scripts, approve the development of ideas for the production, arrange financing, and determine the size and cost of the endeavor. Producers hire or approve the selection of directors, principal cast members, and key production staff members. They also negotiate contracts with artistic and design personnel in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and guarantee payment of salaries, rent, and other expenses. Television and radio producers determine which programs, episodes, or news segments get aired. They may research material, write scripts, and oversee the production of individual pieces. Producers in any medium coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers, and agents to ensure that each project stays on schedule and within budget. Directors are responsible for the creative decisions of a production. They interpret scripts, express concepts to set and costume designers, audition and select cast members, conduct rehearsals, and direct the work of cast and crew. Directors cue the performers and technicians to make entrances or to make light, sound, or set changes. They approve the design elements of a production, including the sets, costumes, choreography, and music. Related news articles Jones Apparel names new Nine West creative director - 16 Oct 2006 Reuters...(JNY.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday named Fred Allard the creative director of its Nine West brand footwear and accessories unit. ... Rupert talks Weasleys, new director, more in interview - 16 Oct 2006 The Harry Potter Fan Zone,Rupert calls David Yates, the director for OOTP, "really cool," "laid-back," and "really different [than the other Harry Potter directors so far]." Also ... Bumper pay-day for director as Cruise sold - 16 Oct 2006 The Herald,The highest-paid director of designer clothing retailer Cruise enjoyed a bumper payday ahead of the chain's sale in a deal backed by Arev, the investment firm ... GMA names Bulaong NBI Assistant Director - 16 Oct 2006 Manila Bulletin,President Arroyo has appointed retired Manila Police District (MPD) director, Chief Superintendent Pedro E. Bulaong, as assistant director of the National ... Rockville schools athletic director remembered - 16 Oct 2006 Terre Haute Tribune Star,...to honor Rockville Community School Corp. athletic director Stanley E. Gideon, 51, who died last Thursday. A long line of friends ... Orchestra's, director's debut is a gala occasion - 16 Oct 2006 Tallahassee Democrat,Ruby Diamond Auditorium, when the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra began its 2006-2007 season with the first concert led by new Music Director Miriam Burns. ... Medco Names Thompson Director - 16 Oct 2006 TheStreet.comAccording to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Thompson will become a class I director and an independent member of the board's corporate ... Sasol Appoints Hendrik George Dijkgraaf As Non-executive Director ... - 16 Oct 2006 Trading Markets,...(SSL | charts | news | PowerRating) on Monday revealed the appointment of Hendrik George Dijkgraaf as a non-executive director with immediate effect. ... Interview with Director Ryan Murphy - 16 Oct 2006 MoviesOnline,Ryan Murphy is the Golden Globe Award-winning creator of FX’s provocative, original drama series "Nip/Tuck.�? In addition to his duties as executive producer ... More information on Actors, producers, and directors from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Actors, producers, and directors occupation Number of Actors, producers, and directors in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Actors, producers, and directors Working conditions for Actors, producers, and directors Significant points for Actors, producers, and directors Training requirements for Actors, producers, and directors Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |