I'm a TV Producer, ask me anything!

[SmallScreenProducer]

I've been a TV producer for about 15 years, working on entertainment, reality and documentaries for the major channels. Ask me anything!

What does a TV producer actually do? What do you do on a day to day basis?

what's the industry like, is it full of shallow people?

Have you seen UnReal on amazon prime? Do producers really manipulate reality contestants to the extreme? Are you ever worried about the impact you’ve had only people’s lives?

*on

How much do you earn?

@Bubblysqueak

It's a bit of an umbrella term and depends on the genre of the show as a reality producer is different from a live producer etc.

On a live studio show like "Loose Women" the producer will write the script, decide on the subjects being discussed and outline bullet points for guests to discuss, make sure everyone knows wheat everyone is about to say, source images/ clips etc, oversee the booking of celebrity guests, brief the guests beforehand. Basically the producer decides the content of the show and makes it all happen.

The producer will usually work with an assistant producer and a researcher and be overseen by a series producer and then an executive producer. I'm a series producer, we are most hands on and also oversee staffing etc. An exec will likely oversee a few shows and not be quite as involved in the day to day of the show.

@instaflum

There is a phrase actually in the industry... "TV wankers". That says it all. It can be cliquey but to be honest most of the people are lovely, you just get the odd few who aren't like anywhere really.

My son has a BTEC extended diploma in TV and Film production. Any tips for him to get into this as a career?

@Needallthesleep

An assistant producer will earn around £40k

A producer will earn around £70k

A series producer between £80 and £90k.

Bear in mind though this would be if we all worked full time, we are all freelance and often have breaks between contracts. Sometimes I am only working 8 months a year and not through choice so I have to stretch what I earn to cover breaks. We do not get holiday pay.

@clairethewitch70

Work experience as networking is the key to this industry. That sounds more tricky than it is, if he gets work experience at a decent company and works hard and has a positive attitude he will get given a role at some point. The main thing is to be enthusiastic, hard working and nice to people!

@AgnesNaismith

I haven't seen that show. In general now I would say TV producers have an ethical responsibility which is enforced via the regulator Ofcom to treat contributors fairly and with compassion. I'm not sure if that show you've mentioned is produced in the UK, guidelines are different all over the world.

There was one show in particular (a huge ITV2 show) where I thought contributors were being exploited and I didn't renew my contract there.

In general and on the shows I've worked on all contributors know what the show is and the angle which will be used so they make an informed decision about being on the show. That's not to say the industry doesn't need to improve. Reality shows do need to provide aftercare to contributors who's lives change very quickly and they find it difficult to cope. All reality shows I've worked on need people to pass a psychological assessment before taking part and they have aftercare teams of psychologists to stay in touch with after filming too.

But he can't get work experience! We even have contacts via our business, and no one ever replies.

@clairethewitch70

It's very competitive. Where are you based? You could find out where productions are happening and he could email them and offer to help out as a runner for a day or a couple of days.

There are other entry level schemes ran by ITV and the BBC but the chance of getting onto one of these is very small.

What he needs to do is get the names of the talent managers (people who recruit) for every TV company, then email them a CV and a covering letter saying he's really keen to help out and would love to work as a runner. At some point he will email the right person at the right time and he will get a foot in the door, he just has to be persistent.

Is the big itv show Love island by any chance?

@heyd

No it isn't. It was something I worked on about 8 years ago that I won't mention by name. I haven't worked on Love Island personally but I know many who have. It's more produced than traditional reality shows, it's along the lines of something like TOWIE where producers liaise with the contributors about conversation topics etc.

Do you need to be in London? My DD is studying at film school and is interested in development and/or production. She is currently in a city but not London. Can you donate job successfully without being based in it near London?

@SeaViewBliss

You can work in Manchester or Bristol and more is moving to Leeds. London is still the hub but companies are moving a lot more out to the regions now to make things less London centric. For now though I'd say to give yourself the best chance London has the most opportunities. The job markets in more regional places are much smaller and already saturated.

UnReal is a fictional show, it concentrates on the stories of the producers of a Bachelor style programme and what they have to do to make the show entertaining. May be worth a view for you @SmallScreenProducer

When actors get credited as producers on shows, what do they actually do or is it just w nominal title?

Thank you, always wondered, now I know !

@SmallScreenProducer

I was telly for 10 years- floated round the indies, stint at the bbc then settled with a large indie for 5 years and ended up as a lead development producer - we very likely know each other I suppose (I got out 3 years ago when I had my son).

Friends tell me it’s “very quiet” at the mo- but I’m wondering whether coming back to either edit produce or into development (LP with a 2.5 yo so couldn’t go off on shoots any more) is possible.

TBH I miss the money, and the fact that it’s a massive laugh 75% of the time... (it’s only telly!) and my mates down in London. Appreciate I’m not going to popping down to shoreditch house for a wild Wednesday any more, but what’s your feeling?

Ofc have had this chat with mum mates still in the industry, but they all just want me to come back (and their kids are older so they’ve forgotten The Juggle! ) they love me and I love that they love me that much- it theyre not necessarily thinking practically!

All the tv producers I know gave it up after having kids, would you say it's not very family friendly, especially live TV?

@TheSheepofWallSt we very likely do know each other!

I don't know your childcare arrangements but I don't think edit producing would be out of the question at all. It is quiet at the moment and I know a few London based people having to take contracts in Bristol or Manchester. The thing with telly and childcare is you may end up paying for a nursery place when you're out of work etc.

I do think you should go back to it though if you can, it's a difficult industry to walk away from and if you've established yourself it would be a shame to throw that career away. You're right about it being fun!

@Hollowvictory

It's not very child friendly as you can't really work part time and the hours are long. I know a lot of working parents though they just have very supportive partners or huge childcare bills.

Gaffer? Grip? Key Grip? Best Boy? And all the other secret jobs. What are they? Who does them? Meaningless to most of us, please help