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TV or film producer
TV and film producers are responsible for turning ideas for TV programmes and films into reality.
Average salary (a year)
£0
Starter
£0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
39.0 to 41.0 hours
irregular
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
away from home
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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
You'll usually need:
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
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
You'll usually need:
  • 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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could start by doing a broadcast production assistant advanced apprenticeship and work your way up to a producer role.
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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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.
Other Routes
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.
More Information
Career Tips
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, and a good network of contacts in the industry.
Professional And Industry Bodies
You can join The Production Guild, for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further Information
Find out more about becoming a TV or film producer from ScreenSkills and Discover Creative Careers.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
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
Working environment
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.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could become an executive producer, or set up your own production company.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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