Production designer, theatre/television/film : Employers and vacancy sources

In the UK television industry, production designers are employed (usually on a freelance basis) by the main terrestrial broadcast companies (BBC , ITV , Channel 4 , Channel 5 ) or by independent production companies making programmes for these and other broadcasters. There are also openings in cable and satellite companies, though these have limited in-house production design opportunities of their own.

According to the trade association Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) , the UK independent television industry creates around half of all new UK television programmes each year. The range of independent programmes is varied - from children's television through to light entertainment, soap opera, natural history and costume drama - and all offer a variety of opportunities for designers. Approximately 450 independent television companies are registered members with PACT and you can search for them in the company search option on the website's directory.

The principal organisations responsible for developing the UK film industry are the UK Film Council , the British Film Institute (BFI)  and 12 regional screen agencies. Check the Film Council and BFI websites for more information on filmmakers.

Theatre designers work for national theatre and opera companies, in regional repertory companies based mainly in large towns and cities in the UK, and for smaller theatre or dance companies based all over the country. There may be occasional opportunities to work as a resident designer in national or repertory companies. Rare but prestigious opportunities arise for designers to work on West End productions and musicals.

Sources of vacancies

• Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU)  - subscription option to networking and job search facility Production Base.
• Broadcast Freelancer  - freelancers can post their details for employers to browse online.
• Ariel  - BBC in-house journal.
• Mandy's International Film and TV Production Resources  
• Screen Daily  
• Screen International  
• The Stage  
• Kemps Film, TV, Commercials Directory   
• The Knowledge  
• Kays Media  

Traditional recruitment agencies will not handle vacancies but there are a number of specialist designer agencies. Theatre designers who work regularly as assistants can add their details to the Register of Assistant Designers, which is distributed to all members of the Society of British Theatre Designers .

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.