Programming Manager

The programming manager selects the films or programs to be shown and finds the right place for them: in theaters for a distributor or cinema, in a TV network’s schedule, in a streaming platform’s catalog, or in a festival’s lineup. He or she balances editorial vision, audience appeal, and results.

What does a programming manager do?

At a distribution company, he handles the release of the company’s films in theaters. For each release, he negotiates with theaters and theater chains regarding the number of screens, showtimes, and run length, depending on the release date, competition, and the film’s potential. After the release, he tracks box office receipts and negotiates whether to keep the film in theaters or move it to other theaters.

At a movie theater, he puts together the weekly schedule. He screens films, selects those that appeal to his audience, negotiates with distributors, and organizes special screenings, such as school screenings, previews, and film discussions. According to France Travail, he also leads outreach activities and participates in the theater’s daily operations.

On television, he puts together the schedule: which movie or series to air, at what time, and up against which competition. On a streaming platform, he organizes how the catalog is featured. At a film festival, he selects the films with a committee.

Vending Machine Programmer or Theater Programmer: What's the Difference?

Both negotiate the same films, each from their side of the table. The distributor’s programmer seeks the largest number of theaters and the best showtimes for their films. The theater’s programmer selects, from among all the week’s new releases, the films that will fill their screens.

Major theater chains have their own programming departments. Independent theaters may form a programming consortium: underArticle R212-19 of the French Cinema and Moving Image Code, one of the members is then responsible for entering into contracts with distributors on behalf of the entire group.

Who does the programming manager work with?

At a distribution company, he works with management, which acquires films; with the marketing team, which prepares the campaign; and with theater owners and their programmers, whom he calls every week. At a theater, he works with the theater manager, distributors, schools, and organizations.

In television, he works with the acquisitions and programming departments, as well as with the teams that track viewership.

What skills do you need to become a programming manager?

You need a broad knowledge of cinema and a good understanding of audiences: knowing which film will be a hit, in which theater, and at what time. You also need to analyze the numbers—ticket sales, occupancy rates, and viewership—and make quick decisions based on them.

Ultimately, the job is all about negotiation and networking. A programmer advocates for their films or their theater to contacts they meet with throughout the year, which requires firmness and a genuine knack for building relationships.

How much does a programming manager earn?

At film distribution companies, the minimum salary for a programming manager is €2,991.12 gross per month. The salary for a senior programmer is €1,971.42, and that of a programming director is €4,201.38.

These amounts are based onthe agreement of October 23, 2023, regarding minimum wages under the collective bargaining agreements for film distribution (IDCC 892 and 716), which was extended by decree on December 18, 2023. The minimum wage for a programming assistant is lower than the national minimum wage (SMIC), which has been €1,867.02 gross per month since June 1, 2026; therefore, the SMIC applies. In movie theaters and on television, other collective bargaining agreements apply, with their own pay scales.

The market is demanding. According to the CNC’s 2025 report, 812 new films were released in 2025, an increase of 9.3 percent, while admissions fell by 14 percent to 156.2 million. Films are therefore competing for the country’s 6,401 screens, making the programmer’s work all the more important.

What kind of education do you need to become a programming manager?

France Travail notes that a career as a theater programmer is accessible with a bachelor’s or master’s degree ( degree ) in film or cultural management, and that initial experience in programming, festivals, or theater operations is highly valued. People often start out as assistant programmers.

At ESRA, the ESRA Cinema program is a three-year course leading to a state-accredited degree , equivalent to a Bac+3 degree, and includes programming among its career paths. The DHEC Production and Distribution program extends this course by two years, leading to a state-accredited degree , equivalent to a Bac+5 degree, with more than 700 hours of instruction per year on financing, marketing, legal matters, distribution, and international co-production.

What career opportunities and prospects are there?

Employers include film distributors, film circuits and independent theaters, programming consortia, television networks, streaming platforms, and film festivals. Entry-level positions include assistant programmer, programmer, or programming coordinator.

Among the alumni of DHEC Production and Distribution, Tom Abrami (Class of 2017) is the head of programming at Universal Studios France. Career paths typically lead to management roles in programming, distribution, or cinema.

Sources: Légifrance, agreement of October 23, 2023, regarding minimum wages in the film distribution industry, and the Code of Cinema and Animated Images, Article R212-19; France Travail, fact sheet L1313; CNC, 2025 annual report; minimum wage as of June 1, 2026. Verified on September 24, 2026.

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