Film and TV drama
Bookings coordinator
Also known as: Scheduler
What does a bookings coordinator do?
Bookings coordinators are the great organisers of the post-production schedule. They know what equipment the facilities house (post-production company) has and they know the post-production process. They allocate, organise and monitor the flow of the technical and creative people involved.
They talk to the producers, help with quoting and costing jobs, and deal with the administration of each project. This involves preparing job sheets, invoices and confirmation forms. They work out what the client needs and provide the creative or technical staff with whom the producer may want to work.
They closely follow the progress of each job, checking the producer is happy with the finished product.
What’s a bookings coordinator good at?
- Understanding post-production equipment: have a thorough understanding of the hardware and software available and what it can be used for
- Organising: know how to make a work schedule efficient, be good at budgeting
- Negotiation: be able to strike a deal with clients
- Problem-solving: take initiative, find solutions to creative and practical dilemmas
- Communication: be diplomatic when working with producers and other clients, make sure they understand the facilities being offered
Who does a bookings coordinator work with?
Bookings coordinators work with producers and other clients. They liaise with creative and technical staff and everyone in the studio.
How do I become a bookings coordinator?
Most bookings coordinators have worked in post-production for several years before stepping into the role. They usually start out as runners and go on to become edit assistants before moving into bookings. Go to our post-production runner profile for full details of how to get in.
At school or college:
If you want to go to university, A-levels or Highers in art and design, graphic design, graphic communication, physics, psychology, computing science are useful. Look Or you might want to take a Level 3 vocational qualification. Look at what your local college offers in those subjects such as:
- UAL Applied General Diploma in Art and Design
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (3D Design)
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in At and Design (Graphic Design)
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in At and Design (Photography)
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production)
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design
- T level in Craft and Design
Get an apprenticeship:
Apprenticeships are jobs with training, so they’re a great opportunity to earn while you learn. You might find companies offering the following apprenticeships:
- Post production technical operator (Level 4, England)
- Creative and Digital Media (Level 3, Northern Ireland)
- Creative and Digital Media (Level 3, Wales)
- Creative and Digital Media (SCQF Level 6/7, Scotland)
Before taking any apprenticeship, check what you’ll be learning with your prospective employer and college, so you can be sure it will be giving you the skills you want. Go to Find an apprenticeship to learn how to find apprenticeships in your region or approach companies directly.
Get a degree:
It’s not essential, but if you want one, have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses 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. Choose one which gives you access to post-production facilities.
Become a trainee:
Apply for ScreenSkills’ Trainee Finder scheme as a post-production trainee.
Make films:
Build a portfolio. This is essential for impressing admissions tutors and people in the film industry. Just as important, it’s the best way to learn about editing, seeing what works and what doesn’t.
Look for post-production companies:
Most are in London, but not all. Contact them and ask if you can do work experience. Go to how to approach employers 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’s a Facebook page or other social media group for people making films or videos in your area. Join it and take part. Create a ScreenSkills profile.
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 visual effects (VFX) or working as a coordinator in production.
