TV or film producer
Look after the business side of TV or film productions.
About the job
What it's like
You would look after the business side of TV or film productions. It would be your job to help to bring together all the different things and people needed to bring a director's vision to life on the screen.
You might:
Decide which projects to produce, or come up with ideas yourself
Read scripts
Secure the rights for books or screenplays, or get writers to produce new screenplays
Pitch to television broadcasters to commission your programme
Find sources of film funding and pitch projects to investors
Decide what resources will be needed
Plan the schedule
Hire technical resources and support services
Hire key production staff and crew, and help cast performers
Edit scripts
Manage cash flow
Make sure that the entire production stays on schedule and within budget
Take overall responsibility for the quality of the production
On feature film and large-scale TV productions, you would be part of a team of producers and may be responsible for just some of these duties. On a smaller production such as a documentary, you would often do all of these tasks and may also direct the project.
This is a very high pressure job that requires a creative flair as well as good business sense.
Hours
Working hours can be long and irregular according to the demands of a production. Freelance contract work is very common.
Environment
The work is mainly office-based, but you would also visit studios or locations for meetings.
Travel
Location work could be anywhere in the UK or overseas, so you may need to travel and stay away from home for long periods.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
The Production Guild - membership organisation for film and TV production management professionals
Creative Skillset – explore the roles in the creative industries and routes into work
Shooting People - Membership community and discussion forum for people making independent films
British Film Institute - Film Academy courses to help young people to get into filmmaking
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'TV or film producer'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
Radio broadcast assistant Stage manager TV or film assistant director TV or film director TV or film production assistant Video editor
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- reliable
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- problem solving
- resourceful
- creative
- verbal communication
- cooperating
- resilience
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Business
Drama
English
Media
Performance Arts
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
It's not essential to have studied film or media production before looking for work, though it may be helpful to take a course that includes practical skills, work placements and the chance to make industry contacts.
Many film producers have a relevant degree (SCQF level 9/10) in:
Media
Film
Television
Production
Broadcasting
Business-related qualifications
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND. Some courses require Highers in one sitting.
With Advanced Highers (SCQF level 7) or a relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8), you may be able to enter the second or third year of some degrees.
The most useful qualifications include practical skills and work-placements.
Qualifications and experience that show understanding of the industry, creative, management and business skills such as Skills for Work Creative Industries (SCQF level 4) or relevant college or university qualifications such as a Higher National Diploma in Television Production (SCQF level 8).
There are also a number of industry bodies that can offer relevant training and qualifications such as the British Film Institute.
Build up as much practical industry experience as you can through activities like student film and TV, work experience placements, or hospital or community radio.
In-depth understanding of the production process
A good network of contacts in the industry
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'TV or film producer'
