Television has the power to capture the hearts and minds of millions worldwide. But, have you ever wondered who is behind the scenes, making the magic happen? Television producers like Marc Anthony Nicolas are the unsung heroes who bring your favorite shows to life. Nicolas is a two-time Emmy award-winning producer, who has spent over 15 years working in the television industry. Becoming a successful television producer is not a walk in the park. His story highlights the importance of patience and perseverance, and is nothing less than an inspiration to those looking to pursue a career in television.
From a young age, Nicolas developed a fascination with Television, like many other kids. But the difference was that while other 7-year-olds only enjoyed watching television shows, he wanted to pursue a career on it. Here are his exact words:
“Ever since I was seven years old, I was obsessed with watching television. But I didn’t watch it for entertainment… I was mesmerized by the set, the dialogue, etc. At that age, I didn’t know what a producer was, but I knew that I wanted to be working in television. I remember asking my mom at the end of a television show, “Why are their names after the show?” She replied, “Those are the people that helped create the show.” And then I exclaimed, “Mom, my name is going to be at the end of a show one day. You wait and see!”
And despite various career paths, it’s notable that he never lost sight of his ultimate goal (most people give up at this point). After years of hard work and perseverance, Nicolas eventually secured a coveted role on a television show, which served as a realization of his lifelong dream. He is currently the supervising Producer for “The Talk” on CBS.
Marc Anthony Nicolas’ rise to the top of the television industry was anything but easy. He did everything in his power to get noticed by various networks, sending out his resume to anyone who could help him. Despite his efforts, he was not getting the response he was hoping for. So, he was working at a restaurant, and one day, he found out that his co-worker quit work for a TV show. This was the opportunity that Nicolas had been waiting for. He asked his co-worker to find out if there was an opening, and there was. This stroke of luck, as some would say, allowed Nicolas to finally break into the industry.
Throughout his journey, Nicolas had the support of his parents, who, despite their financial limitations, were always there for him. However, his biggest inspiration was his hero, Heather Gray, who helped him get to where he is today. Gray was the Executive Producer of “The Talk” and the first black executive producer, while Nicolas was the first Filipino producer on the show. The two shared a close bond and broke barriers in the industry. Gray’s passing in July 2022 was a significant loss to Nicolas, but her legacy lives on.
Nicolas’ story is a testament to the art of patience. His journey was not an overnight success story but one that took years of hard work and determination. He began his career as a production assistant and worked his way up the ladder. Before landing his current role as Supervising Producer on
“The Talk,” he helped produce other shows, including “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” “The Tyra Banks Show,” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
TIps for new TV producers
“Use your voice”! The best advice from Marc Anthony Nicolas emphasizes the importance of using one’s voice and communicating their dreams to others. This advice is particularly relevant to aspiring television producers who may face many obstacles and challenges along the way. By speaking their goals into existence, producers can create a supportive network of individuals who can help them achieve their dreams. This network can include colleagues, mentors, family, and friends. The act of verbalizing one’s ambitions can also help clarify goals and increase motivation, making it easier to persist through difficult times. Nicolas’ story is a testament to the power of using one’s voice and never giving up on one’s dreams. By sharing his ambitions and seeking out opportunities, he was able to overcome obstacles and become a successful television producer.
Check Nicolas’ Instagram.
Industry prospect for Beginners
As indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for skilled producers and directors is anticipated to surge by 8% from 2021 to 2031, surpassing the overall job growth rate. However, the emergence of streaming services and other platforms has intensified the competition for such positions, especially in the television landscape. The median (not the average) annual salary for producers/directors amounts to around $70-80k, demonstrating the potential for lucrative earnings. Just don’t try to be a Dick Wolf, Joe Roth, or M.A. Nicolas right away; it takes a lot of patience and persistence in the TV Production industry. In the long term, the future for TV producers seems optimistic, given the forever-expanding industry and the increasing demand for unique perspectives and storylines. In the current media landscape, standing out with a distinct vision and willingness to take risks is key for TV producers.
