Production Management for Film and Television

Entry requirements

You will need to be well-organised, effective under pressure, resourceful, a problem solver, computer literate, financially minded and have good leadership skills. You will probably already have some experience in the film or TV industry, perhaps as a runner, PA, or in the production office, or you may have completed a degree in filmmaking. You may also have a background in business/financial management, or a job with transferable skills and be looking for a career change.

While many applicants will have a degree from a British or overseas university, we will consider applicants who do not have a degree if they have an impressive portfolio, a creative track record or an alternative qualification.

Months of entry

September

Course content

As the creation of content skyrockets and studios continue expanding across the UK, productions are actively seeking to fill vital Production Management roles that are at the heart of all film and television productions and are integral to their success. This highly practical Postgraduate Diploma will give you the skills you need to step straight into a role in production, as you graduate with up to ten film and television credits to support you.

“Being different from any other educational institution, the NFTS will give you what you need to understand the dynamics of the industry, as well as the skills required to get a great job in the production management department.” Sinem Saridagli, 2023 graduate

We believe the best way to prepare you for a career in production is to learn the essential skills and put them straight into practice, working to industry standards using professional processes, software and systems on real productions. This unique course combines taught sessions with extensive hands-on production management of our frequently award-winning short drama films, animations, documentaries, live and multi-cam TV shows. As a Production Manager at the NFTS, you will collaborate across the many departments on several productions, filmed on location and in our cutting-edge studios, on 16mm and digital formats to experience setting up many different types of shoots.

Working to Industry standards and with the full production budget costs and equipment provided by NFTS, you get to focus on managing the production and working closely with the creatives - there’s no better way to hone your production skills.

Delivered in partnership with the BBC and working with leading industry partners, the course aims to give students the specialist knowledge and practical work experience needed for a successful career.

You are encouraged and supported to undertake work experience during the course. Previous students have enjoyed placements at EON Productions, Carnival Films, IMG, Neal Street Productions, Hartswood Films, Endemol, Bedlam Productions, Kudos, Keo, BBC Studios, Renegade, World Productions, See Saw Films, and Revolution Films.

Course Facilities

The NFTS offers the largest production facilities that you will find at a film school in the UK, including Industry standard film stages and a 4K Television Studio, giving you unparalleled on-set experience and training.

What You Will Study

Alongside the intensive practical experience, you will receive invaluable training sessions taught by Industry professionals.

Specialist workshops cover a range of relevant topics across many genres of production, including setting up a shoot, health & safety, budgeting and cost reporting, contracts and legals.

Specifically students will learn about:

• Budgeting on Movie Magic and Excel
• Contracting cast and crew and union agreements
• Setting up a production in a studio and on location
• Copyright
• Production paperwork
• Production logistics and planning
• Health and safety and risk assessments
• First aid
• How to use relevant industry software (e.g Silvermouse, Movie Magic and Final Draft)
• Child licensing
• Location management
• Production insurance
• Scheduling a shoot, including using Movie Magic Scheduling
• Cash flow and cost reporting
• Filming overseas
• Wrapping a shoot and delivery paperwork
• Post production
• Management and leadership
• Preparation for the industry - working freelance, preparing a CV, networking

Information for international students

This course is open to UK/EU/International students.

Fees and funding

Please visit our website for fees information. All production costs are included in the course fees, including the use of School facilities and equipment.

The NFTS is committed to ensuring it is open to students of genuine ability, no matter what their background or financial circumstances, which is why we award more scholarships and bursaries to British students, relative to the size of our student body, than almost any other educational institution in the UK.

There is generous scholarship funding available for this course, courtesy of the BBC, Sargent-Disc and NFTS.