Studio/Floor Manager

Home , Operator (profession), Studio floor manager

Introduction

Studio Managers work in radio and Floor Managers work in television. They help make sure that programmes run as smoothly as possible. Also known as

Floor/Studio Manager Work Activities

Studio Managers work in radio and Floor Managers work in television.

Studio Managers

As a Studio Manager, you will work with Radio Producers (and other members of a production team) to make sure that studios and technical equipment are set up correctly for radio shows. Typical activities include:

checking sound balance and quality controlling the mixing desk recording and editing material to be broadcast

You might sometimes work in an outside broadcast unit. After gaining experience, you will probably choose to specialise in a particular area of broadcasting, such as sports, drama or music.

Floor Managers

As a Floor Manager, you will act as a link between the Filming Director and the studio floor. In effect, you will act on behalf of the Director, by taking responsibility for everything that happens on the studio floor.

You'll organise and co-ordinate everything from the Performers to the technical equipment. You will often have Floor Assistants to help you. You may also work on outside broadcasts for both television and film.

Travel and time away from home may be required, especially for location work and outside broadcasts.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales. Personal Qualities and Skills

To become a Studio/Floor Manager, you will need:

excellent communication skills self-confidence and the ability to generate enthusiasm in others patience and tact plenty of stamina and good organisational skills technical ability - especially in radio work good hearing - a lot of information is passed to Studio and Floor Managers via headphones Pay and Opportunities

Pay

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Freelance Studio/Floor Managers on short-term contracts earn between £150 - £400 a day.

Where could I work?

Opportunities for Studio Managers occur regionally in towns and cities throughout the UK. Most opportunities for Floor Managers are in major broadcasting production centres such as London, Birmingham, Salford and Leeds.

Studio/Floor Managers work for the BBC, independent television and film companies, commercial radio stations, and satellite and cable television firms, often on short-term contracts.

Self-employment

You may work as a self-employed, freelance Studio/Floor Manager.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised:

on employers' websites such as www.bbc.co.uk/careers/home and www.itvjobs.com on job boards such as www.broadcastjobs.co.uk, www.mediauk.com, www.grapevinejobs.co.uk, www.4rfv.co.uk and www.productionbase.co.uk

Vacancies are also advertised in local/national newspapers, and on Find a Job(www.gov.uk/jobsearch).

Social media websites, such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, are a great way to network, find vacancies and get in contact with possible employers. Make sure that your profile presents you in a professional manner that will appeal to potential employers.

Take a look at our General Information Article 'Finding Work Online'. Entry Routes and Training

Entry routes

The majority of Studio and Floor Managers are recruited from other broadcasting production posts. Experience in technical posts is particularly useful.

New entrants are often graduates or those with higher national awards. A variety of broadcasting courses are available.

You could make a start by getting some work experience in hospital radio, student radio/TV or stage management.

A great way to get into this career is through an internship. Take a look at our information article 'Internships', for more details.

Training

The BBC occasionally advertises trainee positions. Independent companies also run their own schemes that usually combine practical experience with off-the-job training at a suitable college.

Futureworks also offer a course. This is a diploma in TV and film production. It is designed to help you understand the production and post production processes used in TV and film. Check the website for dates and availability.

Other courses could be available in your area.

A background working as a Floor Assistant or Studio Technician is helpful.

Having a track record of managing productions at an amateur or student level can also be useful. Voluntary work in local radio or theatre companies is often seen as relevant.

Progression

With experience, it is possible to specialise in a particular area of broadcasting or move into producing or directing. Qualifications

New entrants are often graduates or those with higher national awards.

Maths and physics GCSEs may be preferred for radio posts. Adult Opportunities

Age limits

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Experience

A background working as a Floor Assistant or Studio Technician is helpful.

Having a track record of managing productions at an amateur or student level can also be useful. Voluntary work in local radio or theatre companies is often seen as relevant. Further Information

Contacts

British Film Institute (BFI) Website: www.bfi.org.uk

National Film and Television School (NFTS) Tel: 01494 671234 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nftsfilm-tv.ac.uk

ScreenSkills Skills for the creative industries Email: [email protected] Website: www.creativeskillset.org

BBC Careers Website: www.bbc.co.uk/careers/home

Wireless Group Irish enquiries Email: [email protected] Website: www.utvmedia.com

ITV Jobs Website: www.itvjobs.com

Northern Ireland Screen Northern Ireland Enquiries

StartinTV Website: www.startintv.com

Edinburgh International Television Festival (MGEITF) Tel: 0207 278 9515 Email: [email protected] Website: www.geitf.co.uk/thenetwork

Careers Wales - Welsh Apprenticeships Tel: 0800 028 4844 Website: ams.careerswales.com/

Wales Screen Website: www.screenwales.com

S4C (Welsh Enquiries) Address: Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen, Cardiff, UK, CF14 5DU Tel: 029 2046 5533 Website: www.s4c.co.uk Related Careers

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