TV or film producer

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

In this guide

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

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

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

Most relevant

  • Film Studies - TV or film producers oversee a screen production from initial idea to finished programme. Film Studies builds their understanding of narrative structure, genre conventions, and the creative process – from script development through to post-production – so they can shape a project's key creative decisions.
  • Business - TV or film producers manage budgets, cash flow, and schedules across entire productions. They identify funding sources, negotiate deals with distributors, and may eventually set up their own production companies – all of which requires strong business management skills.
  • English Language - TV or film producers work closely with scripts, pitches, and proposals that need to be clearly and persuasively written. They commission writers, give feedback on drafts, and communicate with a wide range of people – from creative teams to investors – so strong communication skills are essential.

Also relevant

  • Media Studies - TV or film producers pitch ideas to broadcasters, secure funding, and consider how audiences will receive their work. Media Studies helps them understand how media industries operate – from commissioning and distribution to audience behaviour – so they can navigate the business side of getting a production made and seen.
  • English Literature - TV or film producers often research novels, plays, and other written works as source material for adaptations. Understanding narrative structure, character development, and themes helps them spot stories with strong potential and work effectively with screenwriters.
  • Economics - TV or film producers need to understand how markets work when raising finance, negotiating distribution deals, and assessing the commercial viability of a project. Knowledge of supply, demand, and financial planning helps them make sound decisions about where to invest a production's budget.
  • Accounting - TV or film producers are responsible for managing production budgets that can range from thousands to millions of pounds. They track spending, manage cash flow, and ensure the production stays financially on track from start to finish.
  • Drama - TV or film producers oversee the casting process and work closely with directors and actors to shape performances. Understanding dramatic techniques, staging, and how performances are constructed helps them make informed creative decisions during production.
  • Art and Design - TV or film producers approve locations, sets, and the overall visual style of a production. Having an eye for design and visual composition helps them collaborate with art directors, set designers, and costume departments to create a cohesive look.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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:

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