Working Life

The Floor Manager primarily works on studio-based productions, ensuring that all elements of a live production—such as cast, guests, and participants—are aware of their cues and respond to them correctly.

The Floor Manager’s role is a linking one: he or she operates between the director and those participating in the programme, and is a critical liaison throughout. All of this management and marshalling takes place under studio lights, in front of many people, and with the clock running.

Through a detailed knowledge of who does what and when, the floor manager runs the show, armed with a running order, a headset, and bundles of energy and persuasive powers.  With the help of numerous production runners, they bring order to all departments before and during recording.

In addition to managing and preparing people for their roles during the recording and broadcast, the floor manager is also responsible for ensuring that lighting, props, and other elements are available and correctly positioned.

Floor Managers are highly organised individuals who use their communication skills, charm, and persuasion to address—and ideally anticipate—any issues that could impact the programme, working to prevent problems before they arise.

The role is demanding and frequently requires long, consecutive days on set or location during a busy shoot.

Works with

• Director
• Producer
• Unit Manager
• Production Assistants
• OB Crew
• Runners
• Broadcaster personnel

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Education Route: Qualification in media, film, TV production, or broadcasting may be beneficial but are not essential.

Career Path to Floor Manager TV Broadcasting: Like so many other roles in the TV sector, there is no one path taken to reach this position. People will often have worked their way up from runner and production assistant, or may even have come through more technical routes such as lighting.

Career Path from Floor Manager TV Broadcasting: Senior Floor Manager/Studio Manager, Assistant Director, Stage Manager, Production Manager, Director.