How to Become a Video Producer in the UK
Video producers make video happen from first idea to final upload. You take the brief from a brand, agency or creator, plan the shoot, book crew, locations and contributors, manage the budget and schedule, then oversee the edit and delivery in every format the client needs. In smaller teams you may also shoot and edit yourself.
Most producers start lower down, as a runner, production assistant, junior video editor or content creator, and work up over two to four years. A film or media production degree helps, but a showreel of work you have planned and delivered counts for more.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £30,000 - £38,000
- Mid-career salary
- £42,000 - £55,000
- Senior salary
- £65,000 - £85,000
- Work environment
- Hybrid - office, location
- Time to entry
- 2 - 4 years
- Degree required
- Preferred
- Category
- Marketing and Media
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: High-paying careers, Creative careers, Career change.
What a Video Producer does
Plan and produce video content for brands, agencies and creators - end-to-end ownership.
How to become a video producer in the UK
Many video producers have a degree in film, media or television production, and employers often list one as preferred. You can also get in through a creative or digital media apprenticeship, or by starting as a runner or production assistant at a production company, agency or in-house content team. ScreenSkills, the skills body for the UK screen industries, lists training and entry-level opportunities. Alongside production skills, you need to handle budgets, call sheets, risk assessments, location permissions and contributor release forms, which is what separates a producer from a shooter or editor.
- Make short videos end to end, from script and storyboard to shoot and edit, so you understand every stage you will later manage.
- Learn to edit in Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve, and get comfortable with basic camera, lighting and audio kit.
- Apply for runner, production assistant or junior content roles at production companies, agencies and in-house brand video teams.
- Practise the producer paperwork: budgets, schedules, call sheets, risk assessments, location permissions and contributor release forms.
- Build a showreel and a short case study for each project, saying what you produced, the budget, the deadline and the result.
- Ask to produce small shoots on your own, such as social clips or interviews, before taking on bigger multi-day productions.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Film or media production degree | 3 years | Tuition fee loan | School leavers wanting a broad grounding |
| Runner or production assistant first | 1-3 years to producer | None, paid entry role | People who learn best on set |
| Creative or digital media apprenticeship | 1-2 years | Paid by the employer | Earning while you learn |
| Freelance shooter-producer | Varies | Kit and software costs | Self-starters with a showreel |
How long it takes
Expect two to four years of working up through runner, production assistant or junior roles before you are hired as a video producer. Landing that first entry-level role can take only a few months if you have a showreel.
Video Producer salary in the UK
Video producers usually start on around £30,000 to £38,000 once they have the producer title. Mid-level producers typically earn £42,000 to £55,000, and senior producers, creative producers or heads of video can earn £65,000 to £85,000. Agencies and brands in London generally pay more. Producers who can also shoot, edit or run large multi-camera shoots tend to command higher pay. Freelance producers are paid by the day or project, so income varies with how much work you book.
Key skills
- Storyboarding
- Camera / audio basics
- Editing
- Project management
Video Producer FAQs
How do I become a video producer in the UK?
Start in an entry-level role such as runner, production assistant or junior editor, learn to plan and manage shoots, and build a showreel. Many producers also have a film or media degree. With two to four years of experience you can apply for producer roles.
Do you need a degree to be a video producer?
Not always. Employers often prefer a film, media or TV production degree, but many hire on experience and a showreel. An apprenticeship or runner role is a realistic route if you can show you deliver projects on time and on budget.
How much does a video producer earn?
Video producers start on around £30,000 to £38,000, earn £42,000 to £55,000 at mid level, and £65,000 to £85,000 at senior level. Pay is usually higher in London and for producers who can also shoot and edit.
What is the difference between a video producer and a video editor?
A video editor assembles footage into the finished piece. A video producer runs the whole project: the brief, budget, crew, schedule, shoot and sign-off. Some producers edit too, especially in small in-house teams.
Is Video Producer right for you?
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Not sure video producer is the right career for you? A good career test narrows the field before you spend money retraining.