Job Description

Producers will coordinate a production from start to finish, they are responsible for the success of the film or TV production. Responsibilities will include coming up with the idea for a production, securing the rights, choosing the screenwriter and story editing team, raising the finance and supervising the development process. They will also hire staff and approve locations and studio hire.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

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

You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course.

The following local colleges offer courses in Creative Media Production:

Apprenticeship

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

You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

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.

You'll usually need 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree.

Click here to search for a suitable course.

Work

A common way to get into this job is to start as a runner and work your way up. Producers of factual programmes often start as programme researchers or journalists.

You may also be able to start in a production office role like an administrator and learn on the job.

In film, you'll usually start as a runner then move on to become a production co-ordinator, line producer and production manager.

A different route is to work your way through 3rd, 2nd and 1st assistant director roles with a media production company.

Other Routes

You may be able to get training through one of the new entrant training schemes that broadcasters like the BBC and Channel 4 offer. Other opportunities may be available through regional film agencies. You can find out more from:

You could also take short courses in production skills run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.

Career tips

You'll be expected to get as much practical industry experience as you can through activities like student film and TV, work experience placements or hospital or community radio. You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.

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.

You can find out more about becoming a TV or film producer from ScreenSkills.

Required Skills

Good communication and people skills
confident
creative abilities
good leadership skills
to be flexible and open to change

Salary Range

Variable

TV / Film Producer