TV/Film Producer
What is the work like?
Producers play a key role in the film, television and video industries. As a producer, your main purpose would be to deal with the practical and business side of a project, so that the director and crew could concentrate on the creative aspects.
You would manage the production process from start to finish, organising all the resources needed and often coming up with the initial idea for a project. Your work might include:
- deciding which projects to produce, or creating programme ideas yourself
- reading scripts
- securing the rights for books or screenplays, or getting writers to produce new screenplays
- raising finance for projects
- bidding for television broadcasters to commission your programme
- assessing what resources will be needed
- planning the schedule
- hiring all the necessary technical resources and support services
- recruiting key production staff and crew, and being involved with casting performers
- editing scripts
- managing cash flow
- making sure that the entire production stays on schedule and within budget.
In smaller productions you may be involved in all of these areas and may even direct as well. In feature film and large TV productions, you may be part of a team of producers separate responsibilities.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To be a producer, you will need substantial experience in the creative and business sides of film or programme making. You will also need an in-depth understanding of the production process, and a network of contacts in the industry.
You could work your way up through the industry in various ways to become a producer. In TV, you would usually start as a runner or production assistant. Producers of factual programmes often start as programme researchers or journalists. Alternatively, you could progress through production office roles, starting with production secretary and assistant production coordinator.
In film, you would usually start as a runner. You could then work your way up to production co-coordinator, line producer and production manager, or alternatively progress through the roles of 3rd, 2nd and 1st assistant director.
Before you can find an entry-level job in film or TV, you will be expected to build as much practical experience as you can, through activities like student film or TV, work experience placements, or hospital or community radio.
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.
What further training and development can I do?
You will develop your knowledge on the job, learning from more experienced producers as you gain experience.
Once you are working as a producer, you could also take short courses in production skills such as script analysis, pitching ideas, legal issues, scheduling and raising finance. Relevant training and development programmes may be offered by:
- New Producers’ Alliance
- Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT)
- film schools
- private training companies
- regional screen agencies.
See Skillset’s website to search for relevant short courses, and for information about how to fund your training as a freelance producer.
Where can I go for more information?
7.03 Tea Building56 Shoreditch High Street
London
E1 6JJ
Tel: 020 7613 0440
London
SW9 9BT
1 Procter Street
Holborn
London
WC1V 6DW
Tel: 020 7067 4367
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
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
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Freelance producers are usually paid a fee for each individual contract or project.
Rates can vary widely and you could negotiate fees based on the type of production, the budget available and your track record. Contact the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) for current pay guidelines.
Depending on your contract, you may also receive a percentage of the profits from a feature film.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Working hours can 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?
- solid experience in the film or TV industry
- a good knowledge of the production process
- excellent communication and people skills
- creativity and vision
- good presentation and negotiation skills
- leadership and management ability
- good planning and organisational skills
- financial skills and budget awareness
- confidence, assertiveness and motivation.
What opportunities are there?
You will usually work on freelance contracts for film/TV production companies or television broadcasters.
Some jobs are advertised in industry magazines and websites, but it is most common to get work through networking and contacts. If you are member of the Production Guild, you can also advertise your availability on their website when looking for work.
With experience, you could become an executive producer, or choose to set up your own production company.
You may find the following links useful for further reading, job vacancies and making contacts (links open new window):
Mandy.com
Broadcast Freelancer
BBC Recruitment
Grapevine Jobs
Production and Casting Report
The Knowledge (contacts directory)
Kays Production Guide (contacts directory)
4Producers
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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