You could do a degree in film or television production before applying for work with a production company.

You'll find it helpful to take a course that includes practical skills and work placements, which will give you the chance to make industry contacts.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could start by doing a college course, which may help you to get a job as a production assistant or runner. Courses include:

• creative media production
• film and television production
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

With experience, and further training, you could move on to become a producer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply for a place on a Broadcast Production Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This can take between 1 and 2 years to complete. It combines on-the-job training and time spent with a college or learning provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You could start out as a:

• runner
• programme researcher
• production administrator

You may be able to move into production work as your skills and experience grow.

It's important to get as much practical production experience as you can, for example through:

• student film and TV
• community radio
• company work experience placements

You can search for film and TV companies to approach for opportunities through media business listing services, such as PACT and The Knowledge.

You may be able to join a training scheme to develop your skills and make contacts in the industry. Find out more from:

• ScreenSkills Trainee Finder
• BBC trainee schemes
• Channel 4 training scheme
• ITV Careers
• BFI

Some private training providers, film schools and agencies run short courses in production skills.

You'll need:

• knowledge of media production and communication
• business management skills
• leadership skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As a TV or film producer, you could:

• research source materials for film and TV ideas
• commission writers to create draft scripts
• work out what resources are needed to begin production
• identify sources of funding and raise finances
• hire staff, cast and crew
• check and approve locations
• pitch ideas to TV companies and film studios to back your project
• plan filming schedules
• manage cash flow, schedules and a budget
• work with marketing companies and distributors

You could work in an office, at a TV studio, at a film studio or on a film set.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.