Floor Manager - Television

A floor manager makes sure that a programme or production goes according to plan and that everyone involved in the programme - presenters, camera crew, guests and audience - knows what they have to do and when they have to do it.

The Work

You could be:

• helping plan and prepare the programme
• supervising setting out the equipment – screens, chairs, microphones and technical gear
• running sound and lighting checks to make sure that equipment is working properly
• giving cues and time counts to actors, presenters and technicians
• telling the studio audience what to do


• rehearsing live shows
• liaising with the producer and director
• dealing with any crisis including technical problems


• checking on health and safety requirements.

Conditions

• You will work mostly in TV studios, but might take part in outside broadcasts.


• You work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.


• You might be away from home for periods.


• There might be heavy lifting.

Getting In

• There are no set entry requirements, but most entrants have a degree - any subject could do, but subjects such as media studies, theatre studies and performing arts are relevant.


• Technical experience in broadcasting or theatre (see Stage Manager) is essential – perhaps through unpaid work experience placements (internships).


• Floor managers normally start as assistant floor managers or floor assistants.


• Employers rarely advertise posts.


• You should try to make contacts in broadcasting.


• After training you might specialise in one area of broadcasting, such as music, sport or children's programmes.


• Satellite and cable television have created more jobs but there is still strong competition.


• Most people in broadcasting now work freelance, moving from one short-term contract to another.

What Does It Take?

You should be:

• patient


• calm under pressure


• organised


• skilled in the technical side of productions


• good at communicating with people


• resourceful


• responsible about safety


• able to solve problems.

Training

• Training is on the job.


• BBC Training and Development have several courses on their site which may be relevant.


• The National Film and Television School website lists courses which may be relevant. They range from from two year post-graduate courses to short courses lasting a few days.


• The British Film Institute has a list of courses in the education section of their website under events and courses.

Getting On

• You can develop your career by moving on to bigger shows.


• If you get a long-term contract with television you might move on to become a director, a producer, or a production manager.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

The Network scheme is run in connection with the Media Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival. In August 2009, 150 young people got the opportunity to work behind and in front of the camera and to make useful contacts.

Find information on the next programme on the MGEITF website (see Addresses).

The Network is part of the Media Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival.

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.