TV Film Producer
Key Facts
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
Other Routes
Whilst these are the usual routes to this career, there can be alternatives. You will be able to discuss these with your adviser.
To learn more about getting into a career as a TV Film Producer, take a look at our article - Career Focus of the Month: TV & Film Production
