TV Industry

Television is still one of the most popular forms of entertainment and information, with the average British viewer still watching twenty hours or more per week. But the rapid growth of the internet and interactive media is competing strongly for audiences and revenues.

Broadcast Television is going through an extraordinary time of change and challenge.

The Job Profiles and Department overviews available below have been developed by industry experts to help industry newcomers understand the different job roles and the skills required in order to succeed within the Television sector.
Work is underway to develop more job profiles, so you can gain a more in depth understanding of the TV sector.

Increasingly, people with commercial skills and entrepreneurial talent are needed for a sector that must compete globally.

DIRECTOR

In television, Directors work across all genres, including news, sport, documentaries, current affairs, light entertainment, children's programmes, situation comedies, soaps or serial dramas, or one-off dramas. Directors work closely with Producers and/or Writers, embellishing, refining and ultimately realising original ideas into finished programmes. They collaborate closely with all Heads of Department, including Designers, Camera, Sound, Lighting, and Choreographers. Directors may be employed by broadcasters or work on a freelance basis.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Executive Producers are responsible for the overall quality control of productions, and for ensuring that final products conform to commissioners' specifications. They are part of the team who are responsible for selecting marketable projects and ensuring that every step is taken to guarantee success in the market. They lead the production of a range of television programmes, including dramas, serial dramas, documentaries, drama documentaries, etc.

LOCATION MANAGER

Location Managers research and assess suitable locations, negotiate contracts and payments, and present their findings to Producers and other descision makers. Location Managers must identify, from scripts and from discussions with Directors, Designers or other Heads of Department, the number, types, and sequence of locations required for productions. They identify and use appropriate sources of information to research different locations, and arrange reconnaissance visits (recces) to assess their suitability.

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Production Managers are responsible for all the organisational aspects of production scheduling and budgeting. Production Managers must have highly developed communication skills, and be able to work effectively with all members of the production team, and with actors, other contributors, and members of the public. They need to understand the technical processes involved in television production, including camera, lighting, sound and editing.

RESEARCHER

Researchers originate or develop programme ideas, drawing on their knowledge and understanding of industry requirements, and present their findings to descision makers. Researchers may be briefed by Producers or other decision makers about programme ideas and carry out further development. Researchers must be able to quickly establish a rapport with production personnel, and potential contributors. They must maintain up-to-date contact lists, and be able to access relevant information from various sources, including the internet, libraries and archives.  They source and suggest suitable contributors, demonstrating how their input fits into each production.