The role in brief...
This entry-level position is often the start point for many aspiring professionals in the creative sector. The job involves providing general support to the production team, helping to keep the work flowing and maintaining the organisation of the projects. The production team are responsible for taking the agreed creative idea and bringing the clients’ wishes to life on air and/or on screens and other channels such as radio, cinema, digital. They manage the entire production process, from idea to execution, working in partnership with the client, creatives, account team and manage the production and post production process. They also manage the budget for each project and negotiate with the pre and post production companies.
Also known as…
Junior Producer
Working with...
Internal; Creative Department; Creative Services; Account Management; Client Service; Commercial Production including Business Affairs and New Business/pitch teams; Studio.
External: Clearcast and other regulatory bodies; Production and Post Production teams including Sound Technicians, Copy Writers, Actors, and Film Producers. Casting agencies; Directors; Photographers (when there is no art buyer role).
Responsible for...
- Providing essential support to the director, producer, and the entire crew. Responsibilities are diverse and will vary depending on the specific needs of a production.
- The main liaison with regulatory and clearance bodies such as Clearcast.
- They will be key to the pre-production meeting going smoothly and will be able to help the producer prepare on such matters as: why this choice of director, the casting, music licensing and any unusual agenda point such as rules for dealing with children and their safety etc. They will play a similar role in preparing for the post-production meeting.
- Facilitating communication across the set, including preparing and distributing documents like call sheets and scripts, and making sure that everyone concerned knows what is happening and when.
- Managing the logistics of the set to ensure everything runs smoothly. This will include running errands, coordinating transportation, and more hands-on activities like assisting with set preparation and equipment handling.
- Acting as a liaison between different departments and helping to maintain order on set.
- Handling administrative tasks such as scheduling, handling phone calls, and keeping paperwork. This includes ensuring that all copyright permissions are secured for the use of materials, IP and licenses. This also includes insurance such as for the weather for outdoor shoots.
- Booking venues and equipment, arranging travel and accommodation for cast and crew, and attending production meetings to take detailed notes.
Those who succeed are...
- Highly organised with good attention to detail.
- Able to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment and willing to take on routine or mundane jobs when needed.
- Numerate enough to be able to produce ballpark estimates they can budget to, especially in pitch situations.
- Good at getting on with a wide range of people, some of whom may be very senior or celebrities, and know how to behave appropriately.
- Well versed in ways to ensure sustainable productions and inclusive casting
- Keen to learn about the whole production process, and able to recognise that this job is a rich ground for gaining experience and building a network within the industry.
- They will be keen to keep up with technical advances such as in animation, AI etc.
Where they come from, and where they go…
While a degree in advertising, film studies, or a related field can be advantageous, it is by no means mandatory. Most of the knowledge and skills necessary for this role are acquired on the job, under the mentorship of experienced production staff. They may even come via an apprenticeship such as Production Assistant – Screen and Audio.