Film and Television Production Managers

THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.

AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.

The role

As a Film and Television Production Manager, you're the person who makes a film or TV show actually happen. A director has a vision for a story they want to tell, and your job is to figure out how to bring it to life without running out of money or time. You work with everyone on set - actors, camera crew, costume designers, location scouts - and keep them all working together.

Your days are fast-paced and often surprising. You plan out the whole shoot weeks in advance - who needs to be where and when, what equipment to hire, how much everything costs. Then when filming starts, you're on set dealing with real problems as they happen: an actor is late, a location has changed, the weather's bad, or you're running over budget. You need to stay calm, think fast, and make decisions that protect both the creative vision and the money. It's demanding but exciting work.

Daily responsibilities

• Oversee the entire production process from pre-production to post-production, ensuring all phases are executed seamlessly.
• Manage budgets, negotiate contracts, and allocate resources efficiently to maximize production value.
• Coordinate between various departments including direction, cinematography, art, and sound to ensure cohesive collaboration.
• Develop and maintain production schedules, adjusting timelines as necessary to accommodate changes or challenges.
• Supervise on-set operations, resolving any issues that arise during filming to keep the project on track.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including studios, distributors, and regulatory bodies, to ensure compliance and support.
• Conduct regular meetings with the production team to assess progress and address any potential risks or delays.
• Evaluate and implement production technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency and quality.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree in film production, media studies, or a related field provides a solid foundation in industry standards and practices. It also offers invaluable networking opportunities with leading professionals and access to internships that can propel your career forward.