Development Recruits Editorial Producer specialisms people to work in editorial or production roles

Talent management

Development Development Development Series Series Celebrity Archive assistant producer producer producer producer researcher director producer

Talent Has ideas for TV Balances the manager programmes, creative vision pitches them to with financial commissioners and time constraints

Production management Producer Casting Digital Director director Producer producer producer

Talent assistant

Production Production executive Line producer manager Responsible for the story Edit Question Assistant content of the producer producer Researcher producer programme

Script Production Production supervisor coordinator secretary Games Entry level Entry level Entry level Entry level producer

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Good career option for people transferring from other industries Follow the arrows to learn routes to roles in TV Logger Runner Receptionist Personal assistant

Go to ScreenSkills for more details: Editorial and production career map www.screenskills.com/careers-in-TV own unscripted programmes. They have interests you. It’s not very common for training, so it’s a great opportunity to What is unscripted television? bases in the UK for their teams, following people in editorial and production roles to earn as you learn. The big broadcasters the success of acquired shows like Queer switch from unscripted TV programmes, offer apprenticeships. Check their The term ‘unscripted’ really means ‘without actors’. In truth, every Eye (Netfl ix) and The Grand Tour (Amazon like documentaries, to scripted ones like websites to see if they are offering them Inclusivity TV programme has a narrative and a script. It’s perhaps easiest to Prime). Unscripted programming is drama – or vice versa. So think about in your chosen role. Or consider taking Looking for further advice? big business and offers the prospect of which excites your more – drama or real an apprenticeship in a related industry The television industry is committed think of unscripted TV as non-fi ction television. It can be on any exciting and stimulating careers. life – before you begin. so you can develop your skills and to building an inclusive and culturally If you're interested in a career in unscripted TV, check out these websites to fi nd out more: subject, from natural history, religion and music to dating, interior move into TV at a later point. There are diverse workforce, welcoming talent regardless of age, disability, ethnic or design and learning a skill. It’s programmed on primetime TV, Who makes unscripted TV? Employment prospects apprenticeships available for broadcast ScreenSkills, for information on careers and courses: screenskills.com/careers-in-TV production assistant, creative industries socioeconomic background, gender, daytime TV and children’s TV, as well as streaming platforms like TV is made by production companies. If you want to work in unscripted TV, it’s production manager, junior journalist and religion or sexual orientation. Bafta Guru, career advice for games, fi lm and television: guru.bafta.org Netfl ix and YouTube. Production companies are either most likely that you will be working on a junior content producer. It’s also worth attached to broadcasters – BBC Studios freelance basis for at least some of your BBC Academy, training and development for the BBC and wider industry: bbc.co.uk/academy considering apprenticeships in subjects Pay or ITV Studios, for example – or they career. Permanent staff roles are rare and like accountancy, business administration Royal Television Society, bursaries, jobs and training schemes in the TV industry: Unscripted TV genres led experience like travelogues or learning are independent (known as indies). tend to be for very senior professionals, or Pay is usually negotiated on daily or and project management, as those rts.org.uk/education-training a skill. Production companies start the process in other sectors like post-production and skills are highly pertinent to roles in weekly rates, depending on the role and Entertainment Examples: Love Island, MasterChef, This of making unscripted TV by coming up broadcast. production management. For details of production. Senior executives are usually Bectu, the media and entertainment union: bectu.org.uk Fast-paced, visually exciting, heavily- Morning with ideas for shows. Many have in-house the apprenticeships that are available in permanently employed staff and salaries produced and formatted programmes development teams whose role is to do Production companies put together a your chosen role, go to screenskills.com/ are often £65k and up. Entry level pay designed to entertain. Entertainment News just that. team to make a programme – and then can start with the UK minimum wage. careers-in-TV and click on the relevant Produced by ScreenSkills programmes are usually hosted by a Presented by a trained journalist, who disband it once the programme, or series icon. It’s a good idea to check out the rate known presenter. When they’re recorded usually writes their own scripts. News Development teams pitch their ideas of programmes, is complete. Depending cards published by Bectu, the media and Supported by National Lottery funds awarded to ScreenSkills from the British Film Institute in a purpose-built studio, they are from around the world is packaged into to TV commissioners, who work for on the size of the production, you might The university route entertainment union (bectu.org.uk) to broadcasters. They produce a written work for a company for a day, a week, a gauge what is reasonable in your role. to deliver its Future Film Skills programme sometimes referred to as ‘shiny fl oor’ short bulletins throughout the day, with It isn’t necessary to go to university to because the vinyl fl oors refl ect the studio programme proposal, known as a few months or a few years. Expect to be in longer programmes at lunchtime and in break into unscripted TV, but you might With thanks to Anya Francis, executive producer; Andy Charles Smith, executive producer; Tracey lights. This genre includes game shows, treatment, and create a short taster tape a job 70% of the time and looking for a job Hours of Work the evening. Programmes are made up of fi nd it a good place in which to develop Bagley, production executive; Alison Lewis, production executive, Blakeway North; Julia Waring, festival coverage, panel shows, live music – ‘a sizzle’. If a commissioner likes an idea, (or resting) the other 30%. Working in unscripted TV involves early live reports 'in the fi eld', interviews with yourself and prepare for work. Why head of production talent, RDF Television; Moyra Simpson, head of facilities, Banijay UK; Ian Holt, events, quiz shows, talent elimination they may provide a budget to develop it. starts and late fi nishes. Days are usually experts and pre-recorded reports. not take a degree in whatever subject creative director, CTVC; Jessica Gray, talent producer; Vicky Jepson, series producer formats and talk shows. Examples: The X The team works on the idea, often making The joy of working on a project basis is Examples: Channel 4 News, BBC News at interests you most? You’re likely to be scheduled for eight, ten or 12 hours but Factor, The Money Drop, Saturday Night a pilot, until the commissioner gives the that every job is different. Many people Ten, Good Morning Britain able to use your passion in some area of there can be travel on top too. It’s rarely a Takeaway show a ‘greenlight’ (or turns it down). have long, rewarding and well-paid careers Monday to Friday job, or even a fi ve-day Second edition (2020) written and produced by Jo Ind working in this way. unscripted TV once you’ve broken into the Sport industry. Or go to ScreenSkills’ Select list week job, so expect to work weekends First edition (2018) written and produced by Jude Winstanley Factual Once a show is greenlit, it can go into Often technically complex (especially of recommended courses at screenskills. regularly. If you need workplace stability production. An agreement, called an Routes in Design by Dave Gray (iamdavegray.com) Television that documents actual events if broadcast live) coverage of sporting com/courses and select one in unscripted and set hours, this is probably not the and real people. Some programmes are editorial speculation (ed spec) is made industry for you. events, or analysis programmes discussing between the production company and There is no set route into a career in TV. We recognise courses where they have Based on an original concept by Ian Murphy and Allan Burrell (www.compositingcoach.com) presented by known TV personalities, the sports action. Sport is heavy on action unscripted TV. Every professional you strong links to industry, so these courses commissioned by Yen Yau from Into Film journalists or professional experts. This the broadcaster specifying the content, Networking replays, graphics and unscripted chat. style, duration and delivery dates of the speak to will have a different story about could help you make contacts and get is a very broad category, ranging from TV relies on personal introductions Examples: Match of the Day, The Big Fight programme. It’s at this point that the how they got their fi rst job. Here are some your fi rst job. current affairs like Panorama to cookery and recommendations. Increase your Live, Cricket on 5 production company puts together a routes to pursue: programmes like Ainsley’s Caribbean The entry level job route connections by going to industry events. production management team to do the Kitchen and to children’s TV shows like ScreenSkills.com/events is a good place organising, and a production, craft and The vocational training route Try to get into an entry level job to get to Nina and the Neurons. It also covers to start. Do some skills training. Create The UK's unscripted TV industry technical team, to make the show. Many broadcasters and independent know the industry and make your way up documentaries, docudrama, observational your own content. Update your social production companies offer work to your chosen role. You need to fi nd out and fi xed rig documentary and survivalist. platforms and let people know when you The UK’s unscripted TV programmes are Why choose a career in experience, internships and training what’s shooting and start asking for roles. are available for hire. Examples: Planet Earth II, Stacey Dooley renowned all over the world. ITV’s Britain’s unscripted television? programmes. There’s a lot of competition Subscribe to production companies' social Got Talent has spin-offs in 68 counties media accounts and browse for leads. Investigates, Gogglebox for places on these schemes but they What next? and has been named the world's most Working in unscripted TV can give you are worth trying because they can lead Talent managers recruit people in editorial Factual entertainment successful reality TV format ever. Dancing real ‘money can’t buy’ experiences. You to long contracts at companies where and production management roles. Find Go to ScreenSkills.com/careers-in-TV to Television that documents real events and with Stars, based on the BBC’s Strictly could be discovering the next superstar, you can learn on the job. Check out the out who they are on company websites fi nd detailed information on each job role people, but with a stronger entertainment Come Dancing, can now been seen in 42 meeting world leaders, observing websites and social media accounts of and contact them. Read the trade press. mentioned in this map. Or check out our element than serious factual programmes. different territories, while Blue Planet II pioneering surgery or having the best organisations like the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, Register with industry agencies – but other career maps. Go to ScreenSkills. Often hosted by TV personalities, factual has been sold to more than 30 countries. seats in the house at sporting events. Sky and Endemol Shine. make sure you check the reviews fi rst. com/resources to fi nd our map on craft Content © 2020 ScreenSkills. All rights reserved. entertainment programmes include Tell your networks when you’re available and technical roles in unscripted TV magazine shows, reality, dating and Streaming companies like Netfl ix and It’s a good idea to decide right at the The apprenticeship route and upload your CV to company online and our map of the fi lm and TV drama Amazon Prime now commission their industry. makeover formats, celebrity and expert- start if it’s unscripted or scripted TV that An apprenticeship is a job combined with databases.

Development Production manager Talent assistant technical crew. Sometimes, producer directors cultures and know if someone will be good on Entry level Manages the day-to-day running of Helps the talent manager by processing shoot as well. They tend to work on small, single telly. They pitch their potential cast to the series

00:18:00 emails, screening calls and arranging 00:19:00 Development producer a production. Production managers camera-style programmes, but can work on big and executive producers. 00:20:00 Logger Is a wizard at coming up with ideas ensure all bills are paid, supervise call interviews. Talent assistants are often shows too. Not someone who works in the forest for TV programmes and goes on to sheets and manage music and archive the gatekeepers to senior staff. They may Digital producer and chops down trees! Loggers watch get them successfully commissioned. clearance. They oversee location searches, get also fulfi l admin tasks and prepare contracts. Assistant producer Is responsible for the digital media and rushes and write logs. They describe Development producers know broadcasters permits and look after location, contributor They need to be good with databases and Despite the name, is not an assistant to the digital strategy to attract and engage what’s happening on screen to assist the and their audiences and write crucial and copyright releases. On large productions spreadsheets, communication and prioritising. a producer although they are briefed audiences. Digital producers' work can post-production teams in the edit. They have treatments. They are skilled at creating short- they work to a line producer, but on smaller They don’t need a great deal of production and managed by producers. Assistant include developing stand-alone content, re- excellent typing speed, language, spelling and form videos (sizzle tapes) that sell the idea productions they work directly to the experience at this level. producers (APs) have their own areas of cutting popular sequences for shareable short- grammar. Some loggers work in an offi ce after visually. Confi dent pitching to clients, they are production executive. responsibility. They take on many of the tasks form videos, live tweeting and producing polls the shoot, while ‘live loggers’ record data while of a producer, but don’t have the fi nal say on for the main show. They have technical skills persuasive with good judgement. Editorial shooting takes place. Script supervisor big decisions. Shooting APs produce and direct and understand digital platforms and trends. Development assistant producer Doesn’t write scripts. Script supervisors their own packages. They can write scripts, Series producer Runner Generates programme ideas, ensure all elements of the programme shoot on a variety of cameras and edit their Edit producer Is responsible for the content of an Does anything and everything researching all kinds of subjects, are included in the shoot. They prepare fi lms as well. Works in post-production and entire series of programmes. Series that’s required. Runners learn how getting access to people, places scripts, running orders, shot information specialises in cutting material often producers ensure the programmes to assist everyone on the team, be and industries and responding to briefs. and VT (videotape) clips. Sitting next to the Researcher produced and directed by someone are being made according to the contract. persistent, communicate effectively, prioritise Development assistant producers have good director during shooting, they manage timings, Spends a lot of time on the phone else. Edit producers are very experienced They manage the team and make content and keep track of receipts (that last one is very technical knowledge and can operate basic perform countdowns and check all elements fi nding locations, props and people to either as producers, directors or both. They decisions on key elements like music, graphics, important). They may work in the offi ce, on cameras, lights, audio and editing packages are standing by. They are good at counting be on camera. Researchers are briefed work with the editor to create a programme title sequences, scripts and edits. On daily, location or simply run errands everywhere. A to create casting tapes (they are still called backwards. and managed by producers. They have lots of from rushes (raw video material). They cut the magazine-style programmes, this role is known driving licence is an advantage. ‘tapes’) and visual references. good ideas and organise travel and access to programme to time, write the script and liaise as series editor. Production coordinator places. Researchers read, listen, fact-check and with production managers regarding any use Receptionist Development researcher Does a lot of admin support in the condense information into small chunks for of archive or copyright material. Producer Answers phones, greets clients, Researches ideas for programmes. offi ce, but also goes on to set and producer, directors and production managers. Manages the editorial details. This processes mail, takes deliveries and Development researchers check facts location. Production coordinators sort Question producer could be anything from writing ideas opens the building. Sometimes and condense information. They out travel and accommodation. They deal with Producer specialisms Is responsible for writing and verifying for games, fi nding celebrities to take receptionists do general admin, book are good on the phone and on a computer. work permits and visas. They create callsheets, questions for game and quiz show part and setting up shooting locations rooms, manage petty cash and order supplies. They work to briefs and write engaging copy. check invoices and make sure the necessary Celebrity producer formats. They have an excellent and props to deciding what will make the fi nal They might help out productions with research Development researchers are often relied rights to music have been obtained. They also Knows of the most popular (or infamous) command of language and can structure cut, managing shooting activity, writing scripts, and practical tasks too. They are employed by upon to be the ‘voice of youth’ in the team. monitor diversity. actors, singers, presenters, fi lmmakers, increasingly diffi cult question rounds. With selecting music and recruiting other freelancers. production companies and post-production authors and artists – but also politicians, a wide general knowledge, they know where houses. Production secretary sports personalities, reality TV stars and to go to verify facts, verify answers given by Production management Series director Supports the production coordinator activists. Celebrity producers are clued up on players and tally the results. Is responsible for an entire series of Personal assistant Production executive and production manager. Production what activities these well-known fi gures do programmes. Series directors defi ne Looks after senior staff. PAs manage Works in medium-sized companies secretaries order stationery supplies, outside their usual jobs. They are also well- Games producer the style of a series and share the diaries, fi le documents, run errands, where there are a number of projects organise couriers, draw up timesheets and connected to agents. They select, pitch and Comes up with ideas and creates artistic vision. On long running shows, they log expenses, organise meetings, in production. Production executives release forms, process invoices, research travel secure individuals and negotiate contracts. activities for entertainment often pass the day-to-day work of directing take minutes and book travel and oversee several projects at one time. They and take notes at meetings. If there’s no programmes. Games are used as a each episode on to another director. They are accommodation. Sometimes they go on to set set up each new programme, preparing and production coordinator, production secretaries Archive producer device leading to another outcome, such as ultimately responsible for the look of a series as an extra pair of hands. This is a good way to fi nalising budgets. They prepare contracts work directly to the production manager. Sources and acquires content that’s elimination, immunity from eviction or prizes. and have the last word. get insider knowledge of senior roles and can between themselves and the broadcaster already been made. This can include Games producers often work closely with an art lead to introductions and recommendations. (editorial specifi cations) and with presenters news footage, viral videos, commercials, department to visualise the activity. They create Director and agents. They support and troubleshoot. Talent management overseas programmes, fi lm and music clips and and manage risk assessments, explain the Visualises and defi nes the style and published text – anything to illustrate a point. game-play in the script and tally the results. structure of a programme and then Line producer Talent manager Archive producers negotiate rates and terms works out how to achieve it, whether Oversees one large production at a Finds the right people to work in to acquire clearance (permission) for use in the for a multi-camera studio or a single-camera time. Line producers manage budgets, editorial and production management programme. It’s important to get the correct programme. Directors instruct presenters and recruitment, insurance, health and roles. Talent managers are often permissions or else the programme makers crew including cameras, sound and lighting. safety and access to locations. They set senior or series producers with experience can be sued. up shoots and studios and source equipment in hiring teams for productions. They have They have exceptional artistic vision and strong and suppliers. Line producers are senior many contacts built up over time but are also leadership. Casting producer production mangers. On very large shows, passionate about making new ones. In some Finds the people to appear in a Producer director they might employ production managers to companies, they negotiate rates and terms programme, whether that be members Careers in unscripted television Does the work of a producer in look after fi lming or post-production. and issue contracts. They are also known as of the public or professional experts. creating the content of a programme talent executives, depending on their level of Casting producers cast according to the and managing a team, and the work experience in programme making and the size editorial brief. They know a lot about where to of a director in directing the contributors and Editorial and production of the company. fi nd people with particular interests, abilities or