Film and TV drama
Line producer (Film and TV Drama)
Also known as: Co-producer, Unit production manager (UPM)
What does a line producer do?
Line producers are at the heart of a production, hiring the crew, allocating the money and making sure the filming is done safely, creatively, on budget and on time. They are typically the most senior member of the production team, second only to the producers.
Working closely with heads of departments, they decide how the money gets spent, delivering the best possible product to the producer or series producer while offering the director and heads of department enough money to realise the vision. Â
Line producers are ultimately responsible for all the crew and all the contracts. They hire crew, heads of department, caterers and studio facilities, over-seeing all the deals and paperwork. They understand the artistry of film-making, foresee pitfalls and disasters and never let the spend extend beyond the bottom line.
During production, line producers keep track of the budget and the filming process. They are on set and in the office, dealing with the unexpected and helping find creative solutions. At the end of the shoot, they oversee the wrap, or winding down, of the production and hand over to the post-production supervisor.
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What’s a line producer good at?
- Communication: get on well with a wide range of people, be clear about contracts and expectations, ensure everyone understands what needs to happen and when and why, create a strong team
- Film production: have an in-depth knowledge of how films are made, love of the process, good contacts in the industry
- Organisation: plan a production schedule, shooting schedule, budget, keep accounts and do the maths
- Negotiation: get the best deals for services, keep everyone happy, especially when there’s a gap between the director’s aspiration and what there is to spend
- Innovation: think clearly when the unexpected happens, come up with good ideas even when under pressure
- Knowledge of law: understand health and safety, insurance and personnel legislation
Who does a line producer work with?
Essentially all departments report to the line producer. All heads of department create budgets for their departments and work closely with the line producer to know what they can and can’t have and have their costs approved.
Production accountants are responsible for calculating finances, costing productions and controlling cash flow. They either report to the finance controller or the line producer, depending on the set-up of the production. See separate job profile:Â production accountant
Production managers are second-in-line to the line producer. While the line producer sets the limits on budgets and negotiates the key contracts, production managers carry out the decisions that have been made. They might oversee sections of the budget, they crew up second units (cast and crew working on a smaller part of a production) or look after units shooting abroad. During filming, the production managers work between set and the production office making sure the crew are happy and the production remains on target. They are the ‘go to’ person for any problems.
Production coordinators run the production office when the line producer and production manager are on set. They are in charge of what goes on with the phones, photocopier and paper work. See separate profile:Â production coordinator
Secretaries provide administrative assistance to the line producer, production manager, and production coordinators. They organise travel, accommodation and supplies and assist with production paperwork such as contracts, documents and script changes.
Runners help wherever help is needed. They manage a float, buy stationery and keep everyone stocked up with caffeine and snacks. They are there to learn. See separate profile: production runner
How do I become a line producer?
Line producers generally start as runners or trainees in the production office and work their way up to becoming production coordinators and then line producers. Some become assistant directors, location managers or accountants before becoming line producers, but there’s no set route. ScreenSkills' Trainee Finder will help you make connections in the industry. There’s a shortage of line producers, so if you’re good, you should be able to find work.
At school or college:
If you want to go to university, A-levels or Highers in film studies, media or art and design are relevant. As it’s a role that combines understanding film production with project management and accounting, subjects that develop your skills in that way are useful too. Combine film studies with business or business studies and maths for a well-rounded skillset. Or you might want to take a Level 3 vocational qualification. Look at what your local college offers in those subjects such as:
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production) 
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology 
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production) 
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts 
- BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts 
- T-Level Media, Broadcast and Production 
- UAL Applied General Diploma in Art and Design 
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design 
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (3D Design) 
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Graphic Design) 
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Photography) 
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production) 
- T-Level Craft and Design 
- OCR Technical Diploma / Extended Diploma in Business 
- T-Level Business and Administration 
- T-Level in Accounting
- OCR Technical Diploma / Extended Diploma in Business 
- AAT Diploma in Accounting
Get an apprenticeship:
Check out What’s an apprenticeship? to learn more about apprenticeships and Find an apprenticeship to learn how to find one in your region, or approach companies directly. Go to ScreenSkills information on apprenticeships for the main apprenticeship schemes in film and television
Get a degree:
It’s not essential by any means, but you can have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses and select one in film and TV. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the film and TV industries.
Become a trainee:
Get onto ScreenSkills’ Trainee Finder scheme. Get the skills, make contacts and start working as a production trainee.
Get project management experience:
While you are trying to break into film or TV drama, get management or project management experience. Any job that involves planning, organising and budgeting will help equip you for the role.
Become a production account:
If you have a background in accountancy, try to become a production accountant or accounts trainee. It will be a very good route into line production.
Become a locations trainee:
Many people get into line production having first worked in locations. Go to the locations trainee profile to find out more.
Get qualifications in first aid or health and safety:
It will help.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events, follow your local film office and any local community arts and media organisations and attend their events. Go to how to network well for some tips.
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there are Facebook pages or other social media groups for people making films or TV in your area. There might even be groups for runners and trainees. Join them. Create a ScreenSkills profile. There are a lot of crewing agencies that will charge you to be on their books. Sign up to the free ones initially. Wales Screen, Northern Ireland Screen and other areas offer free crew databases. Find a film office near you and get connected. If you do sign up to paid sites, make sure they specialise in the areas in which you’re interested.
Explore ScreenSkills Resources:
ScreenSkills careers information:
The your career hub has a wealth of resources designed to help you start or progress your career.
ScreenSkills e-learning:
ScreenSkills has a suite of free e-learning modules for those who are over 18 which can improve your knowledge. The ScreenSkills Passport modules also prepare you as they are essential for some production roles. Some modules are available for those under 18. For anyone wanting advice about first steps, the Getting into the screen industries  modules are very useful.  
ScreenSkills skills checklists:  
If you would like more detail about the tasks, responsibilities and skills required for many key roles in film and TV drama, children’s TV and unscripted TV you can look at our skills checklists. 
You might also be interested in…
Working in production management in commercials, music videos or animation. Build up your skills whatever way you can. Alternatively, you could consider being a line producer in the unscripted TV industry.
