1. TV Production vs. Film Production – What’s the Difference?
As a producer working within the film or television industry, you will generally be required to
oversee the overall running of a set or shoot. Often, this can begin very early on during the
production process, starting with casting or location scouting. However, whilst TV and film
production roles share many similarities, there are also a number of differences between the two.
Here are just a few of the ways in which TV production jobs can differ from similar roles within the
film industry.
Content
These days, those working within TV production jobs have a wide range of responsibilities. It is not
uncommon for top level TV producers to also be involved in the scripting of an episode, or even to
be the head writer behind a production. Unlike the majority of those working within the film
industry, TV producers can have a significant influence regarding the content and format of a
production. In addition, many will also be required to carry out necessary research prior to
production and may even pitch new ideas to television networks. For both scripted and un-scripted
TV productions, the producer will often be responsible for castings, whereas the use of casting
agents is more common within the film industry.
Budget
The budget of a film or TV programme can have a huge impact on the production process, as well as
the eventual outcome. The bigger the budget, the more extravagant or technically advanced the
production is likely to be. The budget of a film can vary greatly, from small, independent, low-
budget productions, to Hollywood blockbusters that often cost millions. On the whole, however, a
film will be tend to be given a larger budget to work with than a TV programme, in terms of the
amount of screen time that the production will eventually fill. The impact of this is that those
employed in TV production jobs might find themselves working with a smaller crew, fewer A-list
stars, and less special effects. Making small budgets stretch further is one of the challenges faced by
TV producers – if a programme is still able to draw a large number of viewers, then the budget is
likely to be increased in the future.
Time
Similarly, one of the main differences between TV and film production is the time-span within which
each project is completed. Narrative-led shows that become on-going productions, such as soap
operas, may set up more permanent production facilities and processes than would be found within
the film industry. In addition, a TV programme will often run for more than one series and may go
through changes in producers during this time. TV also offers the option of live productions, such as
is seen within news programmes, which can have very different requirements of the producer.
However, small, regional TV productions often have a more niche audience than those which reach
the big screen and so will usually be made within a smaller time-frame.
Find out more about working in ITV’s vibrant working environment. Discover the latest TV
production jobs available with ITV, as well as a wide variety of roles ranging from technological jobs
to vacancies in the finance department . Take the next step in your television career and visit
http://www.itvjobs.com/.