TV Film Producer

May 2023

Career of the Month

Key Facts

Starter Salary

£28,000

Experienced Salary

£70,400

Working Hours

39-41 hours - irregular hours

Overview

Film or TV producers manage the process of a production from start to finish. They have the initial idea and source the financial backing to fund the project. The producer commissions the director and other key members of the team, and draws up schedules and budgets.

The production team gives support with finance, locations, equipment, casting, transport, catering, etc. They also handle the advertising, promotion and distribution of the production. Production assistants and runners carry out admin tasks under the direction of the production manager and producer. Producers ensure that the film or TV show is competed on time and within budget. The work often involves time pressures, anti-social hours and the need to work away from home.

What it takes

What it takes:

Skills and knowledge you'll need

knowledge of TV and film industry production and financing
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
leadership skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to use your initiative
to be flexible and open to change
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
excellent communication skills
the ability to organise your time and workload
business management skills relating to managing a budget

Day to day

Day to day:

Your day-to-day duties might include

deciding which projects to produce, or creating programme ideas yourself
reading scripts
securing the rights for books or screenplays, or negotiating with writers to produce new screenplays
identifying sources of funding and raising finances
working out what resources are needed
checking and approving locations
pitching to television broadcasters to commission your programme
planning filming schedules
hiring staff, cast and crew
managing cash flow
making sure the production stays on schedule and within budget
working with marketing companies and distributors

You could work at a TV studio, in an office, at a film studio or on a film set.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

Become

You will need

A-Levels (or equivalent vocational qualifications)
A GCSE (4+/A*-C) (or equivalent) in English
A GCSE (4+/A*-C) (or equivalent) in maths
Extensive experience in media production

You may need

A degree

Academic and Vocational Notes

This is a very competitive area, requiring talent, knowledge and skills to manage budgets, people and productions. Many entrants to producing opportunities are graduates, or have extensive industry experience. Many producers start as assistants or runners and work their way up through experience, reputation and commitment. Others enter the area from theatre, broadcasting, media research, or move across from director or acting roles. Whichever route is chosen, it is vital to build up contacts within the industry. TV, film, streaming and content companies can offer work experience. Good people skills and organisational abilities are essential

Work Based Training Notes

Training mainly on-the-job with opportunity to undertake short-courses as needed; career progression takes place with actual job experience and follows a fairly strict route