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Film and Television Production

This dynamic and fast-paced sector offers a wide range of creative and technical roles, and attracts graduates from a variety of academic backgrounds.

Film and television production brings stories to life across a range of formats - from blockbuster films and television dramas to streaming content, factual programming, and commercials. The sector sits within the wider screen industries, a collective term for those involved in creating, producing, and distributing visual media across film, TV, and digital platforms.

Whether you're drawn to directing, editing, camera work, sound design, or production management, there are many career paths to explore. Entry routes can vary widely and often involve gaining experience through short-term contracts, freelance work, and networking, making persistence and adaptability important qualities in this field.

Find out about Film and Television Production

Key resources

Explore roles and career paths

  • ScreenSkills: Job Profiles – Industry-backed role descriptions for film, TV, animation, and games. Many include videos, career maps and useful entry points.
  • Into Film: Careers Hub – Tailored to young people breaking into the sector, this includes job breakdowns, career journeys, and interviews.
  • BAFTA Guru: Careers – Insightful perspectives and advice from professionals across the screen industries.

AI in the Film and Television Sector 

Artificial intelligence is increasingly used across all stages of film and TV production - from development to post-production. It's important to understand the tools, opportunities, and ethical issues shaping this fast-evolving area.

Examples of AI applications include:

  • Script analysis: AI tools that assess story structure or predict audience engagement
  • Virtual concept art: AI-generated visuals for mood boards and pre-visualisation
  • AI-assisted editing: Smart software to support rough cuts and transitions
  • Deepfake technology: Face-swapping and synthetic voice for visual effects
  • Voice cloning and dubbing: AI tools for localisation and accessibility

Ethical considerations are central, including questions of copyright, data use, and the potential impact on creative jobs. As the conversation continues to develop, staying informed will help you navigate emerging roles and responsibilities.

Further Reading 

What skills do I need?

Success in film and television production depends on a balanced mix of creative, technical and interpersonal skills:

  • Teamwork and communication – Working effectively within diverse production teams, understanding instructions, and voicing ideas clearly.
  • Problem-solving and adaptability – Responding positively to unexpected challenges or changes on set and adapting your approach as needed.
  • Creative flair – Bringing originality and vision to storytelling, whether in visuals, narrative, or concept development.
  • Technical aptitude and digital literacy – Comfort with production technologies, AI tools, editing software, and emerging platforms.
  • Time management and organisation – Coordinating multiple tasks and meeting deadlines in busy, project-driven environments.
  • Resilience and initiative – Staying motivated during long shoots or short-term contracts, and proactively taking on responsibilities.

These skills are honed through a combination of academic learning, hands-on experience (such as placements or personal projects), and a genuine passion for visual storytelling.

Further Reading

ScreenSkills: What skills do I need? – Covers both transferable and role-specific skills across film, TV, animation and more.

Diversity and Inclusion

Various initiatives aim to support individuals from underrepresented communities to break into and thrive in the screen industries:

  • Creative Access – Paid internships, masterclasses, and mentoring for people from underrepresented backgrounds in media, arts, and creative sectors.
  • BFI Film Academy – Hands-on training and short courses for 16–25-year-olds interested in film, including specialist and regional programmes.
  • Screen Yorkshire: Beyond Brontës – Personalised support, training, and work placements for diverse young people looking to enter the screen industries in Yorkshire.
  • Creative Mentor Network – Mentoring and career development opportunities for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds aiming to build careers in the creative industries.

These programmes are a great way to build confidence, develop skills, and expand your network - take a look and see if one might be right for you.

Find jobs

You might find entry-level jobs on:

Many entry-level jobs such as runners are not formally advertised. Some can be found on People in TV: Runners, a Facebook group for new entrants. You may find jobs by word of mouth and sending speculative applications, so brush up on your networking skills. You could use online directories such as The Knowledge and Kays to find relevant organisations.

Freelancing

Freelancing is common across the creative industries:

Training schemes

Big broadcasters and production companies like the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 frequently offer training schemes and apprenticeships. You can find a detailed list of what’s available on the Royal Television Society link below.  

You might occasionally see training schemes for radio or audio production, or more general broadcasting training schemes encompassing work across TV, radio and online.

Work experience

This is a highly competitive sector, so gaining experience while you study is essential. Many roles — especially at entry level — are filled through word of mouth or informal recruitment, so persistence, networking, and a strategic approach can make a real difference.

Finding opportunities
Where you search will depend on your area of interest. Here are some useful platforms:

Entry-level roles & early careers

  • My First Job in Film (UK) – Opportunities and advice for runners and junior crew roles
  • The TV Watercooler – Entry-level job alerts, industry insights, and training schemes
  • The Media Mentor – Curated job posts and guidance for new entrants
  • Creative Careers Club –A useful LinkedIn page to follow for graduates and early career professionals. Creative Careers Club post jobs, placements and internships within the creative workspaces every day.

Freelance crew & production work

  • The Talent Manager – Widely used by broadcasters and independent production companies
  • ProductionBase – Freelance jobs across the UK screen industries
  • Mandy Network – Roles in film, TV, theatre and commercials, from crew to creatives

Acting, casting and performance

  • Spotlight – The UK’s leading casting platform for actors, performers, and voice artists

Many opportunities in film and TV are not advertised on mainstream job boards. You can improve your chances by following industry news, tracking social media posts from companies and crews, and researching production companies directly.

Networking and speculative applications

  • Many jobs are shared informally, so building your network is vital
  • Use online directories like The Knowledge and Kays to identify production companies and contacts
  • Join Facebook groups such as People in TV: Runners — often, the first place, last-minute roles are posted
  • Create a professional online presence on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram or TikTok to showcase your work and connect with others

See our resources on networking and speculative applications to help you make informed, confident approaches.

Freelancing in the screen industries
Freelancing is a common and often essential part of the sector. Many professionals take on project-based work, session roles or creative collaborations to build a varied and sustainable career:

Visa guidance (for international students)
If you are studying in the UK on a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4), you are not permitted to undertake freelance or self-employed work. This includes roles where you are not employed by a company, such as offering services directly to clients.

Always check your visa conditions carefully and contact the University’s International Student Support team if you're unsure about what types of work are allowed.

Working responsibly in production

Sustainability is becoming a core part of working in film and TV production. From energy use and travel to costume, catering, and waste, every stage of production has an environmental impact — and the industry is taking steps to reduce it.

Students entering the sector are increasingly expected to understand sustainable working practices. Many courses (including at York) now incorporate BAFTA’s ALBERT training, which supports environmentally responsible production and offers free online resources to help you learn more.

Learning about green production practices early on — and showing awareness in your applications — can really help you stand out in an industry that’s becoming increasingly sustainability-focused.

Explore:
ALBERT: We Are Albert – Learn how TV and film can be part of a sustainable future.

What can I do at York?

Make the most of opportunities available at the University and within the local community to gain skills and connections. Look for opportunities with community radio, hospital TV, student media, or local film groups. Getting involved can help you build production experience and make creative contacts.

  • York Student Television (YSTV): one of the oldest student-run TV stations in the UK, producing everything from news and entertainment shows to technical behind-the-scenes roles.
  • York Concerts, York Festival of Ideas, Aesthetica Short Film Festival, York River Art Market (with music slots): all offer opportunities to get involved. From student filmmaking to theatre projects, these events are a great way to gain valuable experience with venues and live events.
  • Jorvik Radio, YO1 Radio or University Radio York - URY: Intern or get involved with local radio to explore roles in local media and production.
  • University of York Students’ Union: join a related society—whether you’re interested in filmmaking, writing, production, or just love watching and discussing films and TV shows, it’s a great way to connect with others who share your passion.
  • XR Stories: supports research, development and innovation in technology-led creative content, experiences, and storytelling
  • Creativity Lab: Keen to explore the world of emerging technology? Maybe you have some creative ideas, but are unsure where to start and what tools to use? The Creativity Lab, based in the University of York Library, offers a range of events and training sessions, including fully funded introductory workshops providing opportunities to get to grips with new technology.
  • Explore what’s on: attend workshops, masterclasses or industry talks organised by the department, Careers and Placements or external partners. 

Getting involved in extracurricular activities is a great way to try out roles, build a portfolio, and meet others with shared interests.

Creative Facilities at York
York’s purpose-built £35m arts and media complex on Campus East offers industry-standard facilities and equipment designed to support professional production. These facilities are exclusively available for use by ACT students.

  • Production equipment - Cameras, lenses, lighting and grip, sound, interactive media
  • Media production and design labs - three Mac-based media labs to support design, production and post-production of all types of traditional and interactive media assets
  • TV studios - three HD TV studios with industry-standard equipment.
  • Post-production suites - dedicated ADR and Foley facilities, two general recording and mix rooms linked to a flexible Live Room, two industry Dolby Atmos Avid S6 mix rooms as well as three picturing finishing suites that feature DaVinci Resolve and colour-accurate monitors.

Find out more about these facilities on the School of Arts and Creative Technologies website.

More resources

Connect with York graduates

Join York for Life to connect with our global network of alumni. Start building your own network - find people from your course, look at different careers, ask questions and request a mentor.

Use LinkedIn to make connections, follow organisations of interest, and find out what York graduates are doing. Find out more about using LinkedIn and networking.

Podcasts

Podcasts can be a great way to explore creative careers.

What Do You Actually Do? is a podcast from Careers and Placements at York featuring guests like:

  • Richard Knight – Location Manager, sharing his journey in film-making
  • Tim Dean – BAFTA and RTS award-winning Executive Producer in TV
  • Benji Merrison – Award-winning Film Composer

Hear real stories and insights from experts shaping the film and TV industry.

  • Getting In to TV: Industry Podcast
    A podcast dedicated to exploring the television industry, providing insights, tips, and advice for those interested in pursuing a career in TV production, writing, directing, acting, or any other aspect of television.  
  • Best Girl Grip
    Focuses on early-career women (and underrepresented voices) working behind the scenes in film, including producers, editors, and commissioners.