TV or film producer
Producers turn ideas for potential films and TV programmes into reality. They put together the creative team to make and broadcast productions.
- Typical hours40 to 48 a week
What you'll do
As a TV or film producer, you could:
- research source materials for film and TV ideas
- commission writers to create draft scripts
- work out what resources are needed to begin production
- identify sources of funding and raise finances
- hire staff, cast and crew
- check and approve locations
- pitch ideas to TV companies and film studios to back your project
- plan filming schedules
- manage cash flow, schedules and a budget
- work with marketing companies and distributors
Working environment
You could work in an office, at a TV studio, 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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of media production and communication
- business management skills
- leadership skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to organise your time and workload
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a tV or film producer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a broadcaster training scheme
- specialist courses run by private training providers
University
You could do a degree in film or television production before applying for work with a production company.
You'll find it helpful to take a course that includes practical skills and work placements, which will give you the chance to make industry contacts.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could start by doing a college course, which may help you to get a job as a production assistant or runner. Courses include:
- creative media production
- film and television production
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
With experience, and further training, you could move on to become a producer.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply for a place on a Production Assistant - Screen and Audio Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
This can take between 1 and 2 years to complete. It combines on-the-job training and time spent with a college or learning provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Work
You could start out as a:
- runner
- programme researcher
- production administrator
You may be able to move into production work as your skills and experience grow.
Volunteering
It's important to get as much practical production experience as you can, for example through:
- student film and TV
- community radio
- company work experience placements
You can search for film and TV companies to approach for opportunities through media business listing services, such as PACT and The Knowledge .
Other routes
You may be able to join a training scheme to develop your skills and make contacts in the industry. Find out more from:
- ScreenSkills Trainee Finder
- BBC trainee schemes
- Channel 4 training scheme
- ITV Careers
- BFI
Some private training providers, film schools and agencies run short courses in production skills.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become an executive producer, or set up your own production company.
Career tips
To do this job, you'll need a lot of experience in both the creative and business sides of film or programme making. You'll also need an in-depth understanding of the production process.
You can get advice about how to build a network of contacts in the industry , which may lead to training and work opportunities.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join The Production Guild , for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleTV or film assistant production co-ordinator
- Job roleTV or film assistant director
- Job roleTV or film production manager
- Job roleTV or film production runner
- Job roleMedia researcher
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