Get Into Production Management for Scripted TV

Introduction

Ever wondered how scripted TV productions are planned, organised and delivered? Get Into Production Management for Scripted TV is a practical, industry-focused introduction to the world of production management for drama, comedy and other scripted television productions.

From breaking down a script and preparing for a shoot through to filming, post-production and delivery, you'll explore how production management teams coordinate the people, locations, schedules, budgets and resources needed to bring a script to life.

You'll gain an insight into the roles of production managers, coordinators and other members of the production team, as well as how they work alongside departments including directing, camera, lighting, sound, costume, make-up, locations and post-production.

Designed for people looking to take their first steps into scripted TV production, this course will help you understand the terminology, processes and practical skills used by professional production teams. Through practical activities and real-world production scenarios, you'll begin to develop the organisation, communication and problem-solving skills needed to work in a busy scripted production environment.

Course Outline

During the course, you'll explore:

• Introduction to scripted TV production – understanding how drama, comedy and other scripted productions are developed and produced.

• The production management team – exploring the roles of production managers, production coordinators, production secretaries and other key members of the production team.

• From script to screen – understanding the journey from development and pre-production through to filming, post-production and final delivery.

• Script breakdowns – learning how scripts are broken down to identify cast, locations, props, costumes, vehicles, special requirements and other production elements.

• Production planning – exploring how production teams plan people, equipment, locations, resources and logistics.

• Scheduling – understanding how shooting schedules are developed and how production teams balance creative and practical requirements.

• Budgets and financial management – an introduction to production budgets, expenditure, purchase orders, expenses and cost control.

• Locations and logistics – exploring the practical considerations involved in finding, securing and managing locations for scripted productions.

• Cast and crew – understanding the practical and administrative considerations involved in organising cast and crew.

• Production paperwork – gaining an understanding of key documents, permissions, releases, records and paperwork used in scripted production.

• Health, safety and risk management – exploring the responsibilities of production teams and how risks are identified and managed.

• Working across departments – understanding how production management works with directing, camera, lighting, sound, art, costume, make-up, locations and post-production.

• Problem solving on set – exploring how production teams respond to changes, challenges and unexpected issues during a shoot.

• Working in the industry – exploring professional expectations, entry-level roles and potential routes into scripted TV production management.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Explain the role of production management within scripted television.

• Identify the key roles within a scripted TV production team.

• Describe the different stages involved in taking a scripted production from development to delivery.

• Understand how to carry out a basic script breakdown and identify key production requirements.

• Understand the fundamentals of production planning and scheduling.

• Recognise the practical considerations involved in managing locations, cast and crew.

• Understand the basics of production budgets, expenditure and financial administration.

• Identify common production documents and explain their purpose.

• Recognise key health, safety and risk management considerations on a scripted production.

• Understand how production management works with creative and technical departments.

• Demonstrate basic organisational, communication and problem-solving skills relevant to production management.

• Understand the professional expectations of working in a scripted TV production environment.

• Identify potential entry-level roles and next steps towards a career in scripted TV production management.

No previous television production experience is required.