Film and TV drama
Studio executive
What does a Studio Executive do?
A studio executive is a senior leader in a film studio such as Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures or a Bollywood studio in Mumbai. A group of studio executives lead and manage the studio. Studio executives receive pitches from agents who are selling their film scripts. In some cases, ideas are pitched in-house from a producer who already works for the studio. The studio executive then makes decisions about which films go into production and are responsible for the financing, producing, marketing and distribution of them.
A studio production is a film produced through a system in which the studio usually owns both the production and the distribution arms. Once the studio executive has decided to develop a project, they appoint a development producer who will work on the screenplay, create budgets and schedules and possibly some concept art. The project may then be “green lighted” and go into production.
The studio executive will oversee several projects with multimillion budgets at the same time. They may work in studios across the world.
What's a studio executive good at?
- Leadership: strong leadership skills and the ability to make clear decisions
- Business knowledge: watch a lot of films, know the trends and current topics across the international market and be aware of the gaps in the market and the projects in development across the industry
- Editorial judgement: Have a strong knowledge and understanding of what will work, be able to problem solve, know when to take risks and fight for ideas that will be successful
- Understanding of production: understand how films are made, production schedules, timelines, distribution and marketing and the decisions which need to be made throughout the process of production and distribution
- Communication: be able to work collaboratively and foster creativity in others; have strong leadership skills and create a good workplace environment
- Legal and finance: understand the legal processes behind intellectual property and rights, have the financial knowledge and ability to handle large budgets and meet deadlines
How do I become a studio executive?
Studio executives are at the top of their game. Typically it involves progression through any or some of the script roles - reading, writing or editing. Many also have prior experience of working in other areas of film and TV production. You can to apply to ScreenSkills’ Trainee Finder.
At school or college:
If you want to go to university, A-levels or Highers in drama and theatre, English, film studies or media studies are useful. 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)
- OCR Technical Diploma/Extended Diploma in Business
- T level Business and Administration
Get a degree:
Degrees in English or psychology are relevant, or you might be interested in screenwriting or media studies courses. Have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses and select one in film and TV or search for one in screenwriting. 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.
Get business skills:
The National Film and Television School offers some courses related to business that help you to learn skills to make a transition from screenwriter to development producer.
Take a short course:
Hone your skills and develop your insight into screenwriting by taking a specialist course such as:
- National Film and Television School – screenwriting courses
- Arvon – screenwriting courses and retreats
Go to the list of training courses recommended by ScreenSkills and see if there is one in screenwriting.
Build a portfolio:
Create work that you can show off to admissions tutors or employers. This is essential. Go to Build your writing portfolio to learn how.
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. 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.
