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Arts officers, producers and directors assume creative, financial and organisational responsibilities in the production and direction of television and radio programmes, films, stage presentations, content for other media, and the promotion and exhibition of other creative activities.

Main tasks

  • Selects, contracts, markets and arranges for the presentation and/or distribution of performance, visual and heritage arts.
  • Manages health and safety issues.
  • Ensures necessary equipment, props, performers and technical staff are on set when required.
  • Prepares rehearsal and production schedule for main events, design of sets and costumes, technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals.
  • Breaks script into scenes and formulates a shooting schedule that will be most economical in terms of time, location and sets.
  • Directs actors, designers, camera team, sound crew and other production and technical staff to achieve desired effects.
  • Chooses writers, scripts, technical staff and performers, and assumes overall responsibility for completion of project on time and within budget.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£63,924.29

Average earnings

£34,182.68

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Communications and Media

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Telecommunications

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 1%
Level 1 0%
Level 2 6%
Level 3 11%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 6%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 55%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 20%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 1%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.