TV or film producer

Entry Requirements:

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 media production before applying for work with a production company.

You'll find it helpful to take a course that includes practical skills, work placements and the chance to make industry contacts.

Entry requirements:

• 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. With experience, you could then move on to become a producer. Courses include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production
• Level 3 Diploma in Film and Television Production
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing a broadcast production assistant advanced apprenticeship and work your way up to a producer role.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

A common way to get into this job is to work your way up from an entry level role such as:

• runner
• programme researcher
• production administrator

Volunteering

You'll be expected to get practical industry experience through activities like:

• student film and TV
• work experience placements
• hospital or community radio

Search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services such as PACT and The Knowledge .

OtherRoutes

Broadcasters like the BBC and Channel 4 offer training schemes. Find out more from:

• BBC trainee schemes
• Channel 4 training scheme
• ITV Careers
• BFI

Some private training providers, film schools and agencies run short courses in production skills.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of media production and communication
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of English language
• 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
• thinking and reasoning skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• customer service skills
• business management skills
• concentration skills
• maths skills

What you'll do:

TV and film producers are responsible for turning ideas for TV programmes and films into reality.

As a TV or film producer, you may:

• 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, schedule and budget
• work with marketing companies and distributors

Location : You could work at a TV studio, in an office, at a film studio or on a film set.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours irregular

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

With experience, you could become an executive producer, or set up your own production company.