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TV or film producer

Alternative titles for this job include

Producers turn ideas for potential films and TV programmes into reality. They put together the creative team to make and broadcast productions.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 48 irregular

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Meet Coco

Coco started out doing work experience and is now a senior casting producer.

1 minute 40 second watch

View transcript

My name is Coco. I am a senior casting producer and I work for Lifted Entertainment.

I remember I was watching television one day and I just thought to myself, I wonder how people make television. Like I didn't quite get how it was made and then on the screen what I was watching. So I thought I would do work experience.

So I did work experience at ITV and it gave me an insight in regards to how telly gets made, like what the language is that people were using that I wasn't familiar with. And then was lucky enough to be the casting runner for Love Island series one. And was able to navigate then my career once I'd got that foot through the door and got to experience what it was like making television.

One of the things that has led me quite well is being, you know, enjoying getting to know people. I really love, you know, some might say I'm nosy, you know, it's borderline between being nosy and just loving speaking to people, hearing people's stories. And finding out things about people really interests me. I really like speaking to people. And so I think being a people person is something that is a useful tool.

When I was more junior, you know, getting to do those calls to potential candidates, doing the interviews, you know, the face to face interviews or the Zoom interviews.

You know, when I started in television, I was in my late 20s. Everybody else, it felt like, was super younger than me. And it was intimidating cause I thought, oh, well, I just left a career to go into something. But I think when you start in a junior position, you get to see all the how everything else works. You get to ask questions. I think you just need to be interested in what you're doing.

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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 television production before applying for work with a production company.

You'll find it helpful to take a course that includes practical skills and work placements, which will give you the chance to make industry contacts.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

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. Courses include:

  • creative media production
  • film and television production
  • T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

With experience, and further training, you could move on to become a producer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on a Broadcast Production Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This can take between 1 and 2 years to complete. It combines on-the-job training and time spent with a college or learning provider.

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

More Information

Work

You could start out as a:

  • runner
  • programme researcher
  • production administrator

You may be able to move into production work as your skills and experience grow.

Volunteering

It's important to get as much practical production experience as you can, for example through:

  • student film and TV
  • community radio
  • company work experience placements

You can search for film and TV companies to approach for opportunities through media business listing services, such as PACT and The Knowledge.

Other Routes

You may be able to join a training scheme to develop your skills and make contacts in the industry. Find out more from:

Some private training providers, film schools and agencies run short courses in production skills.

More Information

Career tips

To do this job, 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.

You can get advice about how to build a network of contacts in the industry, which may lead to training and work opportunities.

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 working in TV or film from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of media production and communication
  • business management skills
  • 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
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a TV or film producer, you could:

  • research source materials for film and TV ideas
  • commission writers to create draft scripts
  • work out what resources are needed to begin production
  • identify sources of funding and raise finances
  • hire staff, cast and crew
  • check and approve locations
  • pitch ideas to TV companies and film studios to back your project
  • plan filming schedules
  • manage cash flow, schedules and a budget
  • work with marketing companies and distributors

Working environment

You could work in an office, at a TV studio, 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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a tv or film producer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

TV, Film & Creative Production, UAL Extended Diploma

  • Provider: WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: WESTON SUPER MARE

Media, Film and TV Production Level 3

  • Provider: BARNSLEY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Barnsley
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

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