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TV & Media Producer

First things first and in case you didn't know...

 

In the UK, a media producer is a key role across various media sectors like television, radio, film, and digital platforms. They are responsible for overseeing the entire production process of a media project, from initial concept and planning to final delivery. This involves managing budgets, schedules, and teams to ensure creative vision is realised and delivered to a high quality within all working constraints.

 

With ultimate responsibility for the success of a finished film, TV programme or video, you’ll work closely with directors and other production staff, either in a studio or on location, to ensure a smooth and efficient working environment for everyone involved in the project.

Key skills/talents

The following are a few key skills you should have if you’re looking to become a Media Producer:

  • Strong Project Management Skills: Meticulous planning, organisation, and the ability to meet deadlines are crucial.

  • Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Effectively communicating with diverse teams (directors, crew, talent), clients, and stakeholders.

  • Creative Vision and Strategic Thinking: Developing and shaping compelling content that aligns with audience expectations and industry trends.

  • Budget Management and Financial Acumen: Understanding and managing production budgets effectively, including negotiating costs and securing funding.

  • Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Adapting to unexpected challenges and making quick, informed decisions under pressure.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with industry-standard software and equipment (e.g., scheduling tools, video editing software).

  • Leadership and Team Management: Motivating and guiding teams, fostering a collaborative and productive working environment.

  • Negotiation and Influencing Skills: Securing resources, negotiating contracts, and building relationships with key stakeholders.

  • Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy and quality in all aspects of the production process.

  • Adaptability and Flexibility: Thriving in a fast-paced and ever-changing industry, embracing new technologies and trends.

Qualifications required

While formal qualifications aren't always mandatory, a relevant degree can be beneficial. Popular options include:

  • Media Production: Covering areas like film, television, radio, journalism, or digital media.

  • Film Studies: Focusing on the theory and practice of filmmaking.

  • Media Management: Emphasising business and management aspects of the media industry.

 

Experience is highly valued. Internships, work placements, and building a portfolio of personal projects are essential for career progression.
 

Links below are university courses currently detailed on the UCAS website:

 

Further course links are at the bottom of the page.

Rules and regs

Media production in the UK is subject to various laws and regulations, including:

Insurance-wise, and depending on your role and responsibilities, you might consider:

  • Professional Indemnity Insurance: To cover potential claims of negligence or errors and omissions in your work.

  • Public Liability Insurance: To protect you from claims of injury or property damage to third parties.

  • Equipment Insurance: To cover the cost of replacing or repairing any damaged or lost equipment.

 

Below are links to some insurers who offer specialised cover for your role as a media producer:

https://www.axa.co.uk/business-insurance/media-production-copywriting-insurance 

https://filmlondon.org.uk/resource/media-insurance 

https://www.performance-insurance.com/our-cover/producers-indemnity-insurance

Remuneration framework

According to our research, a producer in the UK can typically earn between £32,000 and £52,000 per year, with experienced producers potentially reaching salaries between £65,000 and £85,000, depending on their level, experience, and the industry sector they work in; with higher salaries often found in major geo hubs like London and Manchester.

 

  • Average salary: Around £40,000 per year. 

  • Junior level: Entry-level producers or assistants might earn between £20,000 and £35,000. 

  • Senior level: Experienced producers with significant credits can earn £65,000 or more. 

  • Factors affecting salary: Industry (film, TV, music), location, company size, level of responsibility, and individual reputation.

 

Salaries will further vary depending on the size of the company and the size and scope of the project.

 

Fees for freelance producers will also vary considerably, depending on experience and whether you work on TV factuals or dramas, or on feature films. For advice on pay guidelines for freelancers, see the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) - recommended rates for writers, producers and directors: https://bectu.org.uk/get-involved-in-the-union/ratecards

 

Although the financial rewards can be good, more than £1,000 a week for experienced producers, many jobs are offered on a self-employed or freelance-contract basis so there can be a lack of security that comes with a regular salary.

How to get started

To launch your media production career, focus on gaining practical experience through internships, work placements, or entry-level roles within production companies, television studios, or radio stations. 

 

Gemma discusses how she wrote to (it was in the 90s) as many channels and as production companies as she could to get a foot in the door. You HAVE to be tenacious and you HAVE to be persistent.

 

Simultaneously, build a strong portfolio showcasing your skills and creativity through personal projects like short films, documentaries, or radio shows. Actively network by attending industry events, connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, and joining relevant industry organisations. 

 

Finally, consider pursuing further education, such as a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification, similar to what we have suggested above, to enhance your expertise and increase your career prospects.

Job site links

The UK's media landscape offers a diverse range of employment opportunities for aspiring producers. Job seekers can explore roles within established production companies, both large and small, across various sectors like television, film, radio, and digital media.

 

Many freelance opportunities exist, allowing producers to build their own client base and work on a variety of projects.

 

Additionally, the rise of streaming platforms and online content creation has opened up new avenues for independent producers to showcase their work and connect with potential employers.

 

Here are some links to job boards, however it is worth building your LinkedIn profile (and staying active on there) for roles within this field:

https://www.productionbase.co.uk/film-tv-jobs 

https://www.grapevinejobs.co.uk/jobs-in-media-broadcast-tv-video-post-production 

https://the-dots.com/jobs/search/media-production-jobs

Associations or official bodies to register with

  • The Production Guild of Great Britain (PGGB): A professional body representing film and television professionals, offering networking, training, and support:  https://productionguild.com

  • The Society of London Theatre (SOLT): A membership organisation for theatres and those working in the theatre industry:  https://solt.co.uk 

  • The Radio Academy: A membership organization for professionals working in radio and audio:  https://www.radioacademy.org 

  • BAFTA: a world famous independent arts charity. Supporting careers, driving progressive industry culture, celebrating excellence and inspiring the future of film, games and TV: https://www.bafta.org

Progression pathway

Gemma works in-house for ITV, however, a lot of producers and other similar ‘backend’ roles tend to work as self-employed freelancers on fixed, often short-term, contracts. 

 

Progression tends to look like working your way up from runner, assistant producer, through to the role of producer / co-producer / line producer / associate producer; and through to executive producer and head producer, like Gemma.

 

Beyond Head Producer, and as Gemma talks about in the chat, you are then moving more into ‘exec’ level roles that have limited contact with the day-to-day running of shows. However, if senior management interests you, this would be a logical and VERY well paid next step for you.

 

As Gemma also mentions during the chat, once you are in the door, there is a lot of scope to move sideways in TV and media. Either into the creative/editorial side (videographers, directors etc), or even into the commercial side, which involves working with external brands and partners for commercial funding.

 

… As an industry it really is vast and varied and there are lots of opportunities to grow, shift and develop, so it really comes down to what your ambitions are. Plus, how hard you are willing to work to achieve those ambitions.

Additional Information/links

As a television/film/video producer, you'll need to:

  • Read, research and assess ideas and finished scripts

  • Secure the finance for a new production

  • Commission writers or secure the rights to novels, plays or screenplays

  • Hire key staff, including a director and a crew to shoot programmes, films or videos

  • Pull together all the strands of creative and practical talent involved in the project to create a team

  • Liaise and discuss projects with financial backers - projects can range from a small, corporate video costing £500, to a multimillion-pound-budget Hollywood feature film

  • Control the production's budget and allocate resources

  • Organise shooting schedules - dependent on the type of producer role and availability of support staff

  • Hold regular meetings with the director to discuss characters and scenes

  • Act as a sounding board for the director

  • Troubleshoot problems that arise during production

  • Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, codes of practice and health and safety laws

  • Supervise the progress of the project from production through to post-production

  • Deliver the finished production on time and to budget.

  • Although you may be involved in all areas of the project, including pre-production, production, post-production and marketing, you may delegate some responsibilities to an associate or line producer.

 

Other useful course links…

 

Other useful 'general' links…

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