Production managers organise the business, finance and employment issues in film, television, commercials and corporate video productions. They are in charge of the how the production budget is spent, and make sure that everything runs smoothly during filming.

Before production begins, they:

• meet the producer and other senior prodctstaff to examine the script or proposal
• draw up a shooting schedule and estimate costs
• hire crews and contractors, and negotiate their rates of pay
• negotiate fees and approve the booking of resources, equipment and supplies
• oversee location bookings and arrange any necessary permissions and risk assessments.

During filming, they:

• make sure that the production runs to schedule, and report on progress to the producers
• monitor, control and report on production spending and accounts
• manage the production office team
• deal with any problems and make any necessary changes to the schedule and budget
• make sure that insurance, health and safety and copyright laws and union agreements are followed.

Most production managers specialise in either drama or documentary.

Hours and Environment

As a production manager you will often have to work long hours including evenings and weekends, to meet deadlines. Your working hours could change at short notice if production is delayed.

The work is mainly office-based, but you could also visit studios or work outside on location. Location work could be anywhere in the UK or overseas, so you may need to travel and stay away from home for long periods. A driving licence and full passport is essential.

Skills and Interests

To be a production manager you need:

• excellent financial and business skills
• good computer skills
• excellent planning, negotiation and problem-solving skills
• good written and spoken communication skills
• confidence, assertiveness and decisiveness
• the ability to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines
• the ability to manage people and delegate tasks
• willingness to work long or flexible hours when needed.

Entry

There are various routes you can take to become a production manager. Qualifications are less important than having several years’ experience in TV or film, in-depth understanding of the production process, and a network of contacts in the industry.

You will often start as a runner, junior assistant or secretary in the production office, and work your way up to production co-ordinator then assistant production manager. See the TV/Film Production Assistant profile for more about starting at this level.

Alternatively, you could become a production manager after being a runner, third assistant director then second or first assistant director (see the Assistant Director (Film) profile for more details).

You may find it helpful to take a course in film, video or media production. The most useful ones include practical skills and work placements (see Skillset’s website for details of industry-endorsed courses). Several universities and colleges offer relevant BTEC HNDs, degrees and postgraduate courses - check with course providers for entry requirements.

Because you need a good understanding of financial management and budgets, it can be an advantage to have accountancy skills and qualifications.

Training

You will usually train on the job, developing your skills as you gain more experience in the management role.

Film and Television Freelance Training (FT2) runs a two-year apprenticeship-style New Entrant Technical Training Scheme for assistant production co-ordinators, which can be a stepping stone to becoming a production manager.

Places are strictly limited and the selection process is tough. You do not need formal qualifications, but you must be:

• able to touch-type at 40 words or more per minute and ideally have shorthand skills
• aged 18 or over
• prepared to live in London during training
• able to prove that you are committed to finding work experience in the film and TV industry.

Regional screen agencies may sometimes offer other training opportunities. Contact Skillset Careers for information.

As an experienced production manager, you could also take short courses in various business and production skills. These are run by the Production Managers’ Association (PMA) and the Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), and also by some film schools and private training providers.

Skillset and the British Film Institute jointly provide a database of media courses - see Skillset’s website for this, and for information about how to fund your training as a freelance in the media.

Opportunities

Competition is fierce for jobs in the film and TV industry.

Most production managers are freelance and work on fixed-term contracts for each production. You could work for television broadcasters or independent production companies.

Over half of the TV and film workforce is employed in London. The rest of industry is mainly based in the south east and north west of England, and other major regional cities in the UK. You will increase your chances of a building a successful career if you are prepared to work anywhere in the UK or overseas.

Some jobs are advertised in the trade press and websites, but it is common to get work through networking and contacts. If you are member of the Production Managers’ Association, you can also advertise your availability on their website when looking for work.

As the head of the production office, this is a well-paid senior role which will often be the peak of your career. However, it is also possible for very experienced production managers to become producers.

Annual Income

Freelance production managers are paid a fee for each individual contract or project.

Freelance rates within the media vary widely and may be calculated on a daily or weekly basis. You could negotiate your own fees based on your experience and track record, the type of production and the budget available, or you may be paid according to Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) guidelines.

See BECTU’s website for current minimum rates (details in Further Information section).

Further information

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