Placement Overview

Superkrush Productions was formed in 2001 and has produced over 100 quality productions ranging from TV commercials to music videos to feature films. This VIP is the award winning producer and founder of Superkrush.

Generic Job Description for a Producer

Producers work in film, television and video industries. They are typically at the top of the chain in a production.

Producers are responsible for coming up with the initial concept for a project and then overseeing the production of their idea through to completion. They work with and hire film crew, directors, actors and technical staff, but usually have the final say in any creative decisions regarding the project.

A Producers main duties might include; research, financial and creative planning, recruitment of cast and crew, liasing with directors and technical staff, supervising production, troubleshooting, overseeing marketing and sales.

Skills:

• An excellent knowledge of the television/film industry
• Negotiation skills
• Organisation skills
• Film-making technical knowledge
• Problem solving skills
• The ability to work well under pressure
• Commitment
• Creativity
• Good communication skills
• Budgeting ability

Pay:

• Entry £19,000 whilst gaining on-the-job experience
• £30,000 - £60,000 with experience
• £100,000 or more for producers of high budget productions

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Evening and weekend work is common
• Shooting schedules may mean long and unsociable hours 

Environment:

• Time may be spent in an office at the beginning of a project
• Once filming starts the majority of time is spent on shooting locations and film sets
• Travel to and from locations is common
• Long periods away from home may be required
• Meetings can be expected with key personnel and executives

Qualifications:

• A degree or HND is usually required for entry
• A degree in media studies, broadcasting or a related subject can improve chances of employment
• Most degree courses require five GCSE passes grades A-C and two A-Levels  

Training:

• Training is mainly on-the-job and through short courses offered by employers
• Courses are available through the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU)
• The BBC runs a production trainee scheme 

Opportunities:

• There are around 15,000 Producers in the UK
• Employers include film studios, independent production companies and television broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, Sky Television
• Around half of all Producers are self-employed
• Opportunities exist across the UK but are concentrated around London and other large cities  

Links:

www.bectu.org.uk - Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU)

www.npa.org.uk - New Producers Alliance (NPA)

www.skillset.org - Skillset – The Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries

www.ft2.org.uk - FT2 – Film and Television Freelance Training