Television/film/video producer
Producers are the main players in the television, film and video industries. A producer will oversee each project from conception to completion and may also be involved in the marketing and distribution processes.
Producers work closely with directors and other production staff on the shoot. Increasingly, they need to have directing skills themselves as the producer may also be the director and may take care of all project operations. Producers arrange funding for each project and are responsible for keeping the production within the allocated budget.
Creative input and the level of decision making varies, as this is dependent on the client and the brief.
Producers are responsible for facilitating a project from beginning to end. They are involved in every stage of the television programme, film or video, overseeing the project from start to finish, both in the studio and on location.
Essentially team leaders, they are supported by production assistants, coordinators and managers, depending on the size of the project.
Typical work activities include:
In theory, the producer deals with all the practical and political aspects of keeping a project running smoothly, so that the director and the rest of the team can concentrate on the creative aspects.
Although this area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, the following subjects at degree or HND level may increase your chances:
Entry without a degree or HND is possible, but most producers are educated to degree level.
Gaining work experience or taking a weekend course while you are still studying may improve your chances of entry. Any opportunities to network should also be exploited and those in the sector expect it. If you can manage to work without pay even for a short time, volunteer to work at some of the television and film festivals held annually throughout the UK.
Postgraduate qualifications are not required for entry into the profession. However, courses containing practical work experience in production may increase your chances of success in a notoriously competitive environment. Be aware that entry to these courses is also competitive and most require some previous experience so that you can give evidence of your practical skills and your work. Look for courses that provide cutting-edge technical resources, a reasonable final production budget and contacts within the industry. The Media Courses and Multimedia Courses Directory on the British Film Institute (BFI) website gives details of a range of courses.
As this is a job that requires experience, even first-time producers will have a significant track record in the industry, perhaps as an assistant producer or in research, marketing and scriptwriting. Producers are expected to have several years' experience and a thorough understanding of all programme-making techniques, including directing and editing skills.
Candidates will also need to show evidence of the following:
Competition is fierce. Job vacancies are rarely advertised, so developing networks of contacts is essential. Use creative job-hunting methods, such as approaching production and post-production companies speculatively. Be prepared to follow up letters and CVs in person by knocking on doors. Research the industry and individual production companies thoroughly. Keep abreast of current trends.
Focus your job search initially on runner positions. This is the area of work where recent graduates are most likely to find a job although increasingly, even runners may need to show that they have acquired some experience. Running is a good way to network, to help get a first job or training place.
When approaching potential employers, provide up-to-date evidence of what you can offer (e.g. a showreel, video, portfolio or script) gained through involvement with a university film society or community film project.
In the early stages of your career you may have to be prepared to accept a very low salary and, if necessary, to work part time in the industry and part time in another area of employment to make ends meet.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
The structure of the television, film and video industries has changed rapidly in the past decade and programme/filmmakers have to react to these changes. Producers, for example, now take a more directorial role in programme making. New developments and changes in working practices have created more mobility and increased entry into the industry, but have also resulted in less job security. Staff need to be flexible, increasingly multi-skilled and able to move across traditional jobs, so it is advisable to develop as many skills in as many different environments as possible.
Training is provided mainly on the job by employers and a range of short courses is also available.
Creative Skillset: The Sector Skills Council for the Creative Industries is the government and industry-funded organisation responsible for ensuring that workers in the audio-visual industries are appropriately trained. In conjunction with industry employers and training providers, it runs free and subsidised training for those with some experience. The Advanced Apprenticeship Programme in Digital and Creative Media is being developed and expanded by Skillset and is supported by BBC Bristol and the media company Twofour who take on apprentices and offer work experience placements. Skillset also provide links to other training programmes run by broadcasting and independent production companies, as well as other schemes such as the BBC Face to Face Scheme and the TV Futures Placement Scheme. See the Skillset website for further details.
Some independent television companies have graduate training schemes which operate on an individual company basis. These are likely to be advertised on the companies' websites, in the local and national press and on Broadcast .
Programme makers and producers working in television, film and video tend to work as self-employed freelancers on fixed, often short-term, contracts.
Skilled technical staff often work across the television, film and video industries. The range of activities and responsibilities will depend on the size of the production - capacity and length (normally between 3 days and 16 weeks). There is no fixed route for promotion for producers: it depends upon opportunities arising on an 'as and when’ basis. The common alternative is to progress by creating a studio or moving to working as an executive producer, accountable for several projects.
After the producer, the director is the most important person involved in making a programme/film. Substantial experience of the industry is required for this role.
Two top tips offered by industry professionals are: learn about the whole business and volunteer to work on new projects or programmes/channels so that you are first in line for promotion opportunities.
The BBC is the UK's largest broadcaster and has a remit for public service broadcasting, funded by the licence fee, as well as a growing commercial arm. In recent years it has added new digital, cable/satellite and international channels to its existing terrestrial network.
ITV is made up of regional broadcasters on ten-year fixed licences. The major players are Carlton Broadcasting, Granada Media Group and United News and Media Group. Some companies make their own programmes in addition to commissioning from independent producers and buying in networked shows from other ITV companies.
Other leading broadcast channels include:
Over the last few years there has been a large increase in digital and satellite channels including shopping and quiz channels.
The film and video industry in the UK is made up of mainly small organisations. These include:
Start in TV and Production Base charge an annual subscription to applicants to post their CVs on the site. Prospective employers can browse CVs and call candidates for interview. Although very useful, consider whether or not you are happy for your details to be made freely available.
Many contracts are gained through reputation, word of mouth and being in the right place at the right time.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
Tweet