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!

TV shows, films and theatre all have producers. Is there any cross-over between them in terms of starting in one industry and moving to another? Are the jobs called 'Producer' even the same?

Do you shoot yourself? Do the producers take over or supervise from the cameraman/woman? (Excuse ignorance). Do you have to be skilled re: filming and technical aspects?

I am struck that you have to do many jobs?:

Script writing
Organising and meeting contributors pre-filming
Making sure they are happy with what you've filmed before it is shown (?)
Actually making sure the camera work and sound etc is as you want it/supervising (?)
Actually doing some of the technical work yourself (?)
Setting up the area to be filmed/dressing it - signing all this off so having to really think through the creative process?
Making sure the key talent/presenters are happy and approve of what you want them to do?
Sorting venues out if not in house?

Are you only as good as last job? Important that TV production company happy with what you do and it's all on brand?

Oh and forgot, probably all the editing and cobbling together into a format if not live? A job in itself (?)

Sorry SmallScreen I meant to pop back earlier to thank you for your insights. I’m sending this thread to DD. It’s really informative.

I also work in the media, and noticed that ITV are opening their apprentice scheme on Monday for those wanting the chance to try out the industry.