Studio manager

Studio managers work in radio and floor managers work in television. They help make sure that programmes run as smoothly as possible.

Also known as:

• Floor/studio manager

Work activities

Studio managers work in radio and floor managers work in television.

Studio managers work with radio producers (and other members of a production team) to make sure that studios and technical equipment are set up correctly for radio shows. Typical activities include:

• Checking sound balance and quality.
• Controlling the mixing desk.
• Recording and editing material to be broadcast.

Studio managers sometimes work in an outside broadcast unit. After gaining experience, it’s usual for studio managers to specialise in a particular area of broadcasting, such as sports, drama or music.

Floor managers act as a link between the filming director and the studio floor. In effect, they act on behalf of the director, by taking responsibility for everything that happens on the studio floor. They organise and co-ordinate everything from the performers to the technical equipment. They often have assistants to help them.

Floor managers may also work on outside broadcasts for both television and film. Travel and time away from home may be required, especially for location work and outside broadcasts.

Personal qualities and skills

As a studio/floor manager, you need:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Self-confidence and the ability to generate enthusiasm in others.
• Patience and tact.
• Plenty of stamina and good organisational skills.
• Technical ability, especially in radio work.
• Good hearing – a lot of information is passed to studio and floor managers via headphones.

Pay and opportunities 

Salaries for studio/floor managers vary depending on which part of the industry they work in, whether they are employed or self-employed, and their level of responsibility. According to Glassdoor, studio/floor managers earn between £30,000 and £46,000 (based on 360 salaries).

Opportunities for studio managers occur regionally in towns and cities throughout the UK.  Most opportunities for floor managers are in major broadcasting production centres such as London, Birmingham, Manchester/ Salford and Leeds. Studio/floor managers work for the BBC, independent television and film companies, commercial radio stations, and satellite and cable television firms, often on short-term contracts.

Many work as self-employed, freelance studio/floor managers.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised:

• On employers’ websites such as BBC Careers and ITV Jobs.
• On job boards such as Broadcast Jobs, Grapevine Jobs, 4rfv and Production Base.

Entry routes and training

The majority of studio and floor managers are recruited from other broadcasting production posts. Experience in technical posts is particularly useful. New entrants are often graduates, or those with higher national awards. A variety of broadcasting courses are available. You could make a start by getting some work experience in hospital radio, student radio/TV or stage management.

The BBC occasionally advertises trainee positions. Independent companies also run their own schemes that usually combine practical experience with off-the-job training at a suitable college. Once in the role, training in specific areas of the work will be available.

With experience, it is possible to specialise in a particular area of broadcasting or move into producing or directing.

Qualifications

New entrants are often graduates or those with higher national awards. Maths and physics GCSEs may be preferred for radio posts.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

A background working as a floor assistant or studio technician is helpful. Having a track record of managing productions at an amateur or student level can also be useful. Voluntary work in local radio or theatre companies is often seen as relevant.

Related careers

• Manager
• Stage manager
• Theatre sound technician
• Theatre stagehand
• Theatre/television designer