Arts officer, producer or director

Arts officer, producer or director - overview

As an arts officer, producer or director, you’ll use your creative and organisational skills to make live or recorded programmes and performances. Learn more about a career as an arts officer, producer or director, find out what it involves and what you’ll need to study and do to get a role.

Learn what the role involves below.

What does an arts officer, producer or director do?

Arts officers, producers or directors are responsible for different aspects of the creative process. Directors shape all the creative elements of a TV, film or stage show into a cohesive piece of work. Producers oversee the production process from conception to completion. Arts officers tend to focus on administration such as organising contracts, equipment hire and health and safety.

Each role involves a high degree of financial responsibility and you’ll need to work well as a team either in an office, studio or on set.

Working weekends and evenings on a regular basis is common, as are long hours spent in meetings or away on location.

Competition for jobs is high and arts officers, producers and directors are often employed on a freelance basis, contract by contract. While this can mean a lack of financial security, it also brings opportunities to learn new skills and build up a reputation in the industry.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

Selecting, contracting, marketing, and arranging for the presentation and/or distribution of performance, visual and heritage arts
Managing health and safety issues
Ensuring necessary equipment, props, performers, and technical staff are on set when required
Preparing rehearsal and production schedules for main events, design of sets and costumes, technical rehearsals, and dress rehearsals
Breaking scripts into scenes and formulating a shooting schedule that will be most economical in terms of time, location, and sets
Directing actors, designers, camera team, sound crew and other production and technical staff to achieve desired effects
Choosing writers, scripts, technical staff and performers, and assuming overall responsibility for completion of project on time and within budget

FAQs

How much can you earn as an arts officer, producer or director?

The average salary for an arts officer, producer or director in the UK is £48,880. Graduates start at around £24,000.

Does an arts officer, producer or director role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

Arts officers, producers and directors often work in studios, though you may need to travel to meet clients. Traveling overseas for work is possible if you work for an international studio or production company.

Can you work from home as an arts officer, producer or director?

Many arts officers, producers and directors can complete a part of their role remotely, using digital tools. However, you'll often need to go into studios or offices to collaborate with others.