In short: A production manager runs the day-to-day logistics of a production. They recruit crew, approve overtime and timesheets, order kit, catering and vehicles, and report costs. They work closely with the line producer and lead the production office team. Most people reach the job from a production office role after several years in the office.
A production manager runs the day-to-day logistics of a production, on set and in the office, working under the line producer. On a film or TV drama, they recruit crew, approve overtime and timesheets, order kit, catering and vehicles after getting quotes, and report the costs. They also raise purchase orders, sign off invoices, support crew welfare and oversee the production's sustainability targets.
What a production manager does on a shoot day
The production manager's day is about keeping people, kit and money in step. They check that the crew for the day is booked and confirmed, approve any overtime against the agreed rules, and make sure the vehicles and catering arrive on time. When a supplier changes a delivery or a crew member drops out, they are usually the person who finds a replacement or moves the plan.
They also keep the costs moving. Invoices come to the production office, and the production manager checks them against the orders before they are signed off. When a decision would take the budget past its limit, they take it to the line producer.
Who they work with
Production managers report to the line producer and report costs to the production accountant. They lead the production office team, which can include production coordinators, travel and shipping coordinators, secretaries and runners. They also work with every head of department, because the heads of department are the people who order the kit and book the crew.
Kit and skills
A production manager's main tools are a laptop, a phone and the production's accounts and scheduling systems. The skills ScreenSkills lists for the job are:
- Prioritising, and staying steady when plans change at short notice.
- Negotiating deals and contracts with suppliers and crew.
- Awareness of health and safety, data protection and contracts.
- Working knowledge of Word and Excel.
- People management, and being approachable enough that crew bring problems early.
- Budget management and delegation.
How to become a production manager
The usual route is through the production office. ScreenSkills describes several years in film or TV drama production, typically starting as a runner, receptionist or production assistant. Progression runs through production secretary and assistant production coordinator to production coordinator, and then production manager. Some people transfer in from assistant director or locations roles once they are established in another department. People from business, project management or hospitality also move across, because those skills carry over.
Apprenticeships are another route. The BBC runs a 19-month fast track and an 18-month advanced production management apprenticeship. Education requirements are modest: GCSEs in maths and English, plus a Level 3 or T-level qualification. A degree is not essential. Driving is helpful, especially outside London, and a ScreenSkills bursary may help with licence costs. Networking through local production companies, broadcasters and schemes such as the PACT Indie Diversity Training Scheme is also common.
Do you need one on a small shoot?
On a small shoot, the production manager's jobs of booking crew, approving overtime, ordering kit and tracking costs usually fall to whoever is running the budget. If the shoot is a single day with a handful of people, name who does those jobs in the brief, and keep the paperwork simple.
The role becomes worth paying for when the crew is larger, there is travel or an overnight, there are several suppliers to order from, or the costs have to be reported to a finance team. Our published crew rates do not include a production manager, so ask for a quote if you need one, and say what the job covers.
Our film crew hire page covers the crew who work the barn regularly. For the paperwork side, see the crew deal memo and crew rates explained: reading a Bectu rate card.
Related roles
- What does a producer do?
- What does a line producer do?
- What does a production coordinator do?
- What does a location manager do?
- What does a 1st assistant director do?
- What does a camera operator do?
Sources
- ScreenSkills, Production manager (Film and TV drama), read 5 November 2026
Related guides
Questions we get asked
What does a production manager do on a film?
They handle the logistics that keep the shoot moving: crew, overtime, kit, catering and transport, plus the reporting of costs and the sign-off of invoices. They work with the line producer and lead the production office team.
How do you become a production manager in the UK?
Most people start in the production office, typically as a runner, receptionist or production assistant, then move through production secretary and assistant production coordinator roles to production coordinator. Apprenticeships such as the BBC's production management schemes are another route.
Do I need a production manager on a small shoot?
Often the work is done by whoever holds the budget. A production manager becomes useful when the crew is larger, the shoot involves travel or overnights, or there are many suppliers to order from.
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