Television floor manager

Television floor managers are the vital link between directors and those involved in a television production on the studio floor

As a television floor manager, you'll organise both people and equipment to ensure that programmes run according to a set plan and that everyone involved understands their role and how this fits in with the bigger picture.

You'll make sure that sets, props and technical equipment are safe, ready to use and in the right position prior to filming. During production, you'll pass on cues to presenters and guests to ensure timings are met and the broadcast goes smoothly.

The work is mainly studio-based but may also include outside broadcasts, depending on the production. You'll work closely with the director, presenters, crew and guests.

Responsibilities

As a television floor manager, you'll need to:

• attend planning meetings to understand the programme's structure and requirements
• read through the programme script in advance, where possible, to familiarise yourself with the key details and timings
• ensure that all technical equipment, e.g. microphones and earpieces, are working correctly before the show
• liaise with other departments, such as sound, lighting and props, to ensure seamless production
• brief and support presenters, guests and crew throughout the production
• manage the relationship with the audience (if in attendance) and ensure they are seated in plenty of time
• refer to floor plans to ensure efficient use of studio space and equipment
• assist guests on the show if needed
• relay instructions from the control room to the studio floor via the talkback system
• keep the director and producer informed of any off-camera developments
• rehearse live shows and pre-recorded segments
• give cues and time counts to presenters, actors and guests
• organise runners to make the best use of studio time and ensure smooth operations
• look ahead in the programme schedule to anticipate set changes or prop requirements
• troubleshoot and resolve any technical or operational issues during production
• maintain control of the studio, including pausing or halting production if necessary
• liaise with public relations staff to confirm interviewees, such as at live sporting events
• provide real-time updates and progress reports from live events to studio presenters
• hold safety briefings before rehearsals and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including keeping 'safe areas' and fire exits clear.

Salary

• The majority of floor managers work on a freelance basis and salaries can be paid on an hourly, daily or weekly rate. You must expect to negotiate fees according to your experience and the type of production you'll be working on. For example, dramas typically pay more than documentaries and the news.
• Salaries in permanent positions start at around £21,000, rising to £45,000 for senior television floor manager roles.
• Your salary will vary according to location, company, experience, duration of contract and demand. Freelance work may be more highly paid than employment as a member of staff, but work may not be as regular.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Working hours can be long and irregular, often including evening and weekend work. Hours are usually dictated by studio booking times and you're expected to stay until the job is done.

A typical day may involve starting at 1pm, filming three episodes of a game show and having an hour's break before filming another two in the evening. Two very long days may be followed by a day off.

What to expect

• The work is mainly studio-based, but floor managers may work on location, particularly when covering sporting or news events.
• Jobs with independent production companies and facilities houses are mainly in London and the South East, but there are also opportunities in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The North West, particularly Manchester and Liverpool, has a number of production companies.
• The work can be pressurised, particularly when working to tight production schedules and strict studio booking times.
• Outside broadcasts and location shoots can involve working away from home on a regular basis or for fairly long periods of time, either in the UK or abroad.
• There may be opportunities to work abroad for foreign production companies.

Qualifications

Although you don't need a degree to be a television floor manager, a degree, foundation degree or HND in any of the following subjects may be helpful:

• drama or theatre studies
• media studies
• media and communications
• television, film, media or radio production.

You won't go straight into a television floor manager role and must be prepared to take different posts within television first to gain knowledge of the industry. Most graduates, for example, gain experience working as a runner, floor assistant, assistant floor manager or in a technical sound or lighting role.

Entry without a degree or HND is possible and many floor managers have worked their way up to this position from a more junior or related role. In many instances, practical experience counts for more than qualifications.

You may be able to find training opportunities with the major television companies but competition is intense. The BBC, for example, runs a number of training schemes, including the Production Trainee Scheme - see BBC Careers.

Another route into the role is through an apprenticeship, which combines paid work with study for a qualification. For more information about these and other training courses, see ScreenSkills.

When choosing a qualification, look for courses that:

• use industry-standard equipment
• are industry-accredited
• include a work placement
• have strong links with employers and a good track record of graduate employment.

You can read more about the role of a television floor manager on the ScreenSkills floor manager job profile.

Skills

You'll need to have:

• excellent communication skills to receive, interpret and relay information clearly and concisely
• the ability to foresee, solve and avoid problems under pressure
• an air of calm authority to maintain control in a fast-paced environment
• interpersonal skills to get the best out of presenters, guests and crew
• excellent time-management skills to meet tight deadlines and ensure smooth production flow
• organisational skills and the ability to multitask and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously
• flexibility and the ability to think on your feet to find practical solutions to logistical problems and other unexpected challenges
• attention to detail
• diplomacy and tact to manage high-pressure situations
• a flexible approach to work and working hours
• awareness of health and safety and risk management to ensure a safe working environment
• a driving licence - is often also very useful, especially if working on location.

Work experience

To become a television floor manager, you'll need several years of broadcasting experience. Most floor managers start as a floor or production runner, assistant floor manager, or in technical roles such as sound or lighting. While theatre experience can be useful, television experience is more relevant. If working as a runner, make sure you observe the floor manager to understand the role and studio workflow.

Some degree courses offer work placements - use these opportunities to build industry contacts.

Major broadcasters provide work experience, shadowing opportunities and taster days. See, for example:

• BBC
• ITV
• Channel 4.

The ScreenSkills Trainee Finder scheme offers placements and 'set ready' training in TV and film. Programmes such as the PACT Indie Training Scheme support talent from underrepresented backgrounds.

Given the competitive nature of the industry, you should also explore additional options for work experience. For example, you could:

• approach local production companies for work experience or shadowing opportunities
• volunteer as a stage manager in amateur theatre or as an assistant at live events
• network and promote yourself on platforms like LinkedIn
• attend workshops and industry talks, and read publications such as Broadcast.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Most television floor managers work on a freelance basis, moving between employers on contracts that can last a few days or months at a time. However, there are some regular jobs available. Once you've established a good relationship with a director, they may request your services for their next programme.

Typical employers include:

• TV broadcasters - major networks such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky
• TV production companies - independent TV production companies, including those creating drama, factual programming and entertainment content.

Research the TV production companies you're interested in and find out what programmes they make. Check their websites regularly to see if they're advertising jobs.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Broadcast Jobs
• grapevinejobs
• Mandy
• Production Base
• The Talent Manager.

Many vacancies are never advertised, so you'll need to network hard to build up a pool of contacts.

Targeted speculative applications can also be useful. Look for contacts in specialist directories such as:

• Kays
• Screen Global Production
• Pact - Find a Member
• ProductionHUB
• The Knowledge.

Professional development

Training is usually carried out on the job, under the supervision of more experienced colleagues. You're most likely to enter the industry in a junior role and will pick up skills and experience, which will allow you to progress to the role of floor manager.

There is no professional qualification specifically aimed at floor managers, but there are a range of short courses that may help you to develop relevant practical skills. ScreenSkills funds, supports or quality marks a range of courses and career development schemes. Find out more at ScreenSkills - Training, events and opportunities.

Other organisations that offer training in the media industry include:

• BBC Academy - offers a range of courses and online training.
• Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) - provides training, workshops, mentoring and networking opportunities.
• Creative Scotland - supports creative industries in Scotland and distributes funding.

Courses in health and safety, and first aid are also useful.

You'll need to take responsibility for your own professional development throughout your career. If you're working as a freelance floor manager, you'll have to cover the cost and time of attending courses yourself. Make the most of any opportunities to learn from more experienced colleagues.

There are also options to study at postgraduate level in areas such as television production. Search postgraduate courses in television production.

Career prospects

You'll need experience working in television before you can become a floor manager. This can be gained in positions such as studio runner or assistant floor manager.

Working as an assistant floor manager you'd work with the floor manager and carry out tasks delegated by them. You may oversee props for the show or look after the audience, while the floor manager looks after the presenters and guests. Experience in an assistant role allows you to build on your experience and make a positive impression and progress to the role of floor manager.

By establishing a good track record of work and building your reputation, you'll open up opportunities for promotion and progression. Excellent interpersonal and networking skills will also help you gain recommendations for more work.

There may be opportunities to specialise in a particular type of programme, such as sport, children's entertainment or outside broadcasts. A reputation for excellence within your specialism can lead to higher fees and more work.

Advancement to producer or director may be possible via an assistant role.