A producer is the manager responsible for the overall production of a television programme, a film or a theatrical show. This includes the budget, casting, location settings and special effects.

The Work

You could be:

• developing ideas for projects and selecting screenwriters and editors
• raising advance funding for the show
• approving casting, sets, costumes, locations and music
• securing the rights to a novel, play or screenplay
• making suggestions to improve the quality of the show
• making sure that productions are completed on time and to budget
• managing the cash flow from different sources
• working with the director, stage manager, and technical crew
• making any necessary adjustments to the show after rehearsals.

Pay

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

• which medium you are working in
• the size of the organisation you work for
• whether you are freelance.

Trainee producers can earn around £20,000 to £25,000 a year. With experience this can rise to around £45,000 a year or more.

The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) website also publishes recommended freelance rates of pay for members. Rates vary considerably depending on experience and whether you are working on a small budget television programme, or a Hollywood feature film.

Conditions

• You would work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
• You might have to travel and spend time away from home, while on location.
• When working abroad you need to find out about local working practices.
• You would work under heavy pressure, having to meet tight deadlines and keep within financial restrictions.

Useful Subjects

• Drama
• English
• Media

Getting In

• Most producers nowadays have a degree (SCQF Level 9-10) or an HND (SCQF Level 8). Subjects such as film and media studies, broadcasting or multimedia may be useful.
• Wide experience of drama, broadcasting or amateur theatre is more important than educational qualifications.
• Most producers start off as runners, production assistants or researchers (See Runner, Production Assistant or Researcher - Broadcasting). Some start as actors.
• Some background in law or finance is useful. Financial management and an understanding of trade union agreements, insurance and legal issues are important.

Look for vacancies on www.mandy.com and Production Base websites as well as in trade journals such as Broadcast and Stage, Screen and Radio Magazine.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

3689

4.4 %

RISE

2029

3853

  United Kingdom

2024

79095

6.1 %

RISE

2029

83951

LMI data powered by Lightcast

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• creative, driven and determined
• decisive
• enthusiastic and motivational
• visionary
• able to prepare budgets
• a good negotiator
• organised
• able to work well under pressure
• a good problem solver.

You should have:

• excellent communication and presentation skills
• awareness of health and safety regulations
• leadership skills
• knowledge of legal issues, such as copyright.

Training

• Training is often on the job.
• ScreenSkills and the British Film Institute (BFI) both list relevant courses on their websites.
• It is important to check that courses offer opportunities for using the latest equipment, and for gaining work experience and making contacts in the industry.
• ScreenSkills has also set up a network of screen academies across the UK. Each offers a range of courses, summer schools, master classes and online resources. See the ScreenSkills website for details.
• There are some training schemes with other television companies but entry is highly competitive, with a range of qualifications acceptable.

Getting On

• There are some jobs in radio and television, but entry is highly competitive.
• In broadcasting, knowledge of Gaelic can open more doors.
• Most producers work freelance and earn a fee for each job.
• With experience, you might produce more ambitious types of programmes, and eventually develop your own production company.

More Information

If you are aged 18 or over you may be interested in The Network. The Network is held each year alongside the TV Festival in Edinburgh. If selected you would attend for four free days of masterclasses and workshops which will provide you with the skills, knowledge and contacts to start a career in TV. You can usually apply from January to April.

Ready to launch your career at the BBC? The BBC talent schemes could kick start your passion into a job that you love. Follow @BBCGETIN Instagram to stay up to date. Explore production opportunities.

Trainee Finder is ScreenSkills flagship new entrant programme which offers paid work placements across a range of roles in film and TV. Applications are currently closed for the 2024-25 programme. Recruitment will usually begin around September of the year before placement. Find out more and apply online by visiting the Film Trainee Finder website.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.