A producer oversees the whole operation of a production, from developing the programme in pre-production, to organising the budgets and financial aspects, to securing and allocating a crew, to the generating ideas for production.

Duties include

• Attending editorial meetings and pitching story ideas
• Assisting the reporters with the research of stories
• Booking locations and transport for filming
• Booking contributors for studio interviews or pre-recorded packages
• Organising the crew, creating call sheets and delegating jobs
• Liaising with financial contributors
• Develop ideas and contribute to the narrative of the programme
• Overseeing the production line throughout the project
• Working closely with directors and script editors to create the finished programme

Skills needed

• Excellent organisational and practical planning skills
• Able to use own initiative and work well under pressure
• Strong communication skills and able to liaise with external suppliers
• Comfortable working flexible hours in a changing environment
• Creative storytelling and the ability to generate and develop ideas
• Supervise and work well in a team

Useful Links

How to become a drama producer | Tips in 60 seconds

Face to face with UKTV producer Celia Bayne