A digital producer is a coordinator, supervisor and strategist for projects that involve the creation of digital media. Depending on the organization, this role might be assigned other titles, such as multimedia producer, web producer or online producer. A digital producer's primary responsibility is to consolidate and coordinate the creative work of the design team and build a product that will satisfy the client's overall requirements.
Project Coordinator
The producer serves as the primary coordinator and communicator of any digitally based project. This person collaborates with multiple project teams. He or she provides unique oversight and perspective to help maintain a common goal while increasing the knowledge, communication and awareness of team members and the client. The most successful digital producers are effective communicators and organizers who can eliminate obstacles, maintain realistic views of complex digital initiatives and manage the entire processes involved.
The producer is responsible for each digital media component, its level of contribution and its level of quality. He or she must manage each project effectively to maintain a steady flow of productivity throughout the process. After all of the components have been placed, the project can be fine-tuned based on the client's needs.
Designer
A digital producer might have design skills and creative experience that parallel those of a multimedia designer, a webmaster or a graphic designer, which is evidence of his or her ability to supervise a multifaceted project. A successful producer will oversee the progress, the quality and the quantity of the digital media that is created by multiple designers on a team. For example, a complex website project might include graphics, animation, database functionality and streaming audio and video.
Strategist
The ability to assist a client in the development of a strategy that uses digital media is an important skill for a digital producer to have. The producer should be able to collaborate with the client closely while utilizing other teams within the organization to define unique and effective strategies in order to insure that the client reaches the highest potential for success. The producer will combine the collective strengths of marketing, project management, product development and sales to effectively bring the project from conception to delivery without compromising the original vision of the client. Ultimately, this role is essential to the success of any digital media project.
Education and Training
A bachelor's degree typically is required for someone who wants to become a digital producer. An appropriate degree might be in computer technology or communications. Courses that could be helpful in this career include computer programming, web design, video editing and graphics. An entry-level job with duties that focus on a particular aspect of digital projects would be beneficial for anyone who aspires to be a digital producer.
