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Performing arts

TV or film producer

TV and film producers plan and manage the business side of creating television programmes and films.

Annual Salary

variable

Average UK salary in 2022 was £33,200
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

39 to 41 irregular

You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; away from home

0.5%
Future employment

There will be 0.5% more TV or film producer jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

You may:

  • decide which projects to produce, or create programme ideas yourself
  • read scripts
  • identify sources of funding and raise finances
  • work out what resources are needed
  • check and approve locations
  • pitch to television broadcasters to commission your programme
  • plan filming schedules
  • hire staff, cast and crew
  • 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.

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
For more information
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
For more information
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
For more information
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 and work experience

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:

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.

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

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

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

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
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
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