TV/Film Production Manager
What is the work like?
Production managers organise the business, finance and employment issues in film and television productions.
As a production manager, you would be in charge of how the production budget is spent and making sure that everything runs smoothly during filming.
Before production began, your work would involve:- meeting the producer and other senior production staff to examine scripts or programme ideas
- examining or 'breaking down' a script, to draw up a shooting schedule and estimate costs at each stage
- hiring crews and contractors, and negotiating rates of pay
- negotiating costs and approving the booking of resources, equipment and supplies
- overseeing location bookings
- arranging any necessary permissions and risk assessments.
During filming, duties might include:
- making sure that the production runs to schedule
- controlling and monitoring production spending and accounts
- reporting on progress to the producers
- managing the production office team
- dealing with any problems during filming
- making any necessary changes to the schedule and budget
- making sure that insurance, health and safety rules, copyright laws and union agreements are followed.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a production manager you will need substantial experience in TV or film, in-depth understanding of the production process, and a network of contacts in the industry. Your experience and track record will be more important than your formal qualifications.
You could work your way up through the industry to become a production manager in various ways. You would often start as a runner or an assistant or secretary in the production office, and progress to production co-ordinator then assistant production manager. You might also start as a trainee production accountant.
Alternatively, you could progress from runner to 3rd, 2nd and 1st assistant director, or to assistant TV floor manager then floor manager or location manager. See the related profiles for more information on some of these roles.
You may be able to join the industry through a new entrant training scheme such as those offered by Film and Television Freelance Training (FT2). Broadcasters and regional media training organisations also offer their own schemes from time to time. However, competition for places on these programmes is very strong, and you will need to show genuine commitment and some previous work experience.
It is not essential to have studied film, video or media production before you look for work in the industry. However, you may find it helpful to take a course that includes practical skills, work placements and the chance to make contacts. Many colleges and universities offer relevant courses at all levels – check with course providers for entry requirements. See Skillset’s website for details of industry-endorsed courses.
You will need a good understanding of budget management, so it skills and qualifications in accounting would be an advantage.
What further training and development can I do?
You will mainly develop your skills on the job as you gain more experience in the management role.
You could also take short courses in various specialist business and production skills, for example in risk assessment, or budgeting and scheduling software such as Movie Magic. Courses are offered by the Production Managers’ Association (PMA), the Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), and also by some film schools and private training companies.
See Skillset’s website to search for short courses, and also for information about how to fund your training as a freelance in the media.
Where can I go for more information?
Focus Point21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
Ealing Green
London
W5 5EP
Tel: 020 8758 8699
1 Procter Street
Holborn
London
WC1V 6DW
Tel: 020 7067 4367
Warwick Street
London
W1R 5RA
London
SW9 9BT
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Freelance production managers are paid a fee for each individual contract or project.
Freelance rates can vary widely, and may be negotiated based on the type of production and your track record. Contact the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) for current pay guidelines.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours could be long and irregular according to the demands of a production. Freelance and contract work is very common.
The work is mainly office-based, but you would also visit studios or locations for meetings. Location work could be anywhere in the UK or overseas, so you may need to travel and stay away from home for long periods.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent financial and business skills
- good computer skills
- excellent planning, negotiation and problem-solving skills
- good written and spoken communication skills
- confidence, assertiveness and decisiveness
- the ability to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines
- the ability to manage people and delegate tasks
- willingness to work long or flexible hours when needed
- a knowledge of first aid and health and safety.
What opportunities are there?
You will usually work on freelance contracts for television broadcasters or independent production companies.
Over half of the TV and film workforce is employed in the south-east of England. The rest of the UK industry is mainly based in major regional cities.
Some jobs are advertised in industry magazines and websites, but it is most common to get work through networking and contacts. If you join the Production Managers’ Association or Production Guild, you can also advertise your availability on their website when looking for work.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and making contacts (links open new window):
Mandy.com
Broadcast Freelancer
BBC Recruitment
ITV Jobs
Grapevine Jobs
Production and Casting Report
PACT Directory (contacts directory)
The Knowledge (contacts directory)
Kays Production Guide (contacts directory)
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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