Producers coordinate all the resources needed to make film, TV and video productions, and manage the production process from start to finish. Some producers create and develop ideas and concepts for programmes, while others are specialists in finance or law and have a more business-related role.

The work can vary according to the size and type of production, but typically includes:

• assessing what resources will be needed
• planning the schedule 
• hiring all the necessary technical resources and support services
• recruiting key production staff and crew
• casting performers
• editing scripts
• making sure that the entire production stays on schedule and within budget.

Film producers may sometimes need to approach backers to raise finance, and must manage the cash flow for the production. TV producers need to understand how broadcasters commission programmes, and must bid for funding and schedule space.

Skillset's website has more detailed information on job roles in film, television, radio, video and interactive media (see the Further Information section for contact details).

Hours and Environment

Producers work long, irregular hours according to the demands of the project. Freelance and contract work is very common.

The work is mainly office-based, with frequent travel to monitor the production's progress and to attend meetings.

Skills and Interests

To be a producer you need:

• a good track record in the broadcast industry
• excellent communication and people skills
• creativity and vision
• good presentation and negotiation skills
• the ability to lead a team 
• good planning and organisational skills
• financial skills and budget awareness
• confidence, assertiveness and motivation.

Entry

There are no set entry qualifications, although most producers have a HND, degree or postgraduate qualification. Any degree subject is suitable – for instance, media-related subjects are available at most universities, but law or finance can provide useful transferable skills. Whatever your background, you must gain production experience and training, and build a network of contacts in the industry.

Producer is not an entry-level role – you can only be a producer after gaining a lot of experience in the creative and business sides of film or programme making. There are various routes you could take to get the right level of experience:

In television, you would usually begin as a floor runner or production assistant. You could then progress to becoming an assistant producer after working as researcher, or a production secretary then production coordinator. Producers of factual programmes often have a background as a journalist or researcher.

In film production, you would usually start as a production office runner or production assistant and progress to production co-coordinator, line producer and production manager. Another route after starting as a runner on a film set is to become a 3rd, 2nd and 1st assistant director (see Assistant Director profile).

Before finding an entry-level job, you will be expected to show your commitment to working in the media by gaining practical experience through things like student film or TV productions, unpaid work experience, or hospital or community radio.

Some producers may have a financial, legal or artist management background, or have worked as actors or scriptwriters.

Training

You will develop your knowledge on the job, initially learning from more experienced producers.

Some universities offer postgraduate degrees and diplomas in media production skills. Film schools, regional training organisations and private training providers also offer short courses in a wide range of relevant skills, such as:

• script analysis
• developing and pitching ideas
• running a production company
• legal and copyright issues
• budgeting
• scheduling.

Skillset and the British Film Institute jointly provide a database of media courses, including courses suitable for new and experienced producers. See Skillset’s website for details, and for information about how freelances can fund their training.

The Producers' Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) and the New Producers' Alliance also offer short courses and seminars to their members - see Further Information section for contact details.

Opportunities

Most producers are permanently employed by independent production companies around the UK, with the remainder working for broadcasters and other audio-visual companies.

Those with extensive experience can progress to senior positions including executive producer and series producer.

Annual Income

Rates will vary depending on an individual's experience, the type of production and the budget available. Expenses such as travel, accommodation and meals will often be included in a negotiated salary package.

Freelance rates within the media vary widely and may be calculated on a daily or weekly basis. Fees can be negotiated individually or from guidelines provided by the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union, BECTU.

Further information

373-377 Clapham Road London SW9 9BT

Tel: 01753 651767 Prospect House
80-110 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1HB Tel: 08080 300 900 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Tel: 0808 100 8094 for Scotland NPA Film Centre
1.07 The Tea Building
56 Shoreditch High Street
London
E1 6JJ
Tel: 020 7613 0440  The Eye
2nd Floor
1 Procter Street
Holborn
London
WC1V 6DW
Tel: 020 7067 4367