Curated Careers with Terri Homans
Working Behind the Scenes in Film and TV Production
Annie Kinnane
Producer / Production Manager, Screen Industry
21 July 2026
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Episode Description
In this episode, Terri Homans speaks with Annie Kinnane about what it is really like to work in film and television production. Annie explains the practical machinery behind screen work, including production management, hidden crew roles, pre-production pressure, freelance realities and how people actually build a career in the industry.
The conversation is especially useful for people who love film and TV but have not seen the range of jobs, skills and trade-offs sitting behind the final screen product.
In this episode you will learn:
· How producers and production managers contribute at different stages
· Why pre-production is detailed, pressured and highly organised
· Which hidden jobs help keep a production moving
· How networking and training help people enter the screen industry
· Why freelance crew need to manage themselves like a business
Who is it for
This episode is for people exploring screen careers, students considering film and TV pathways, career changers with transferable skills, and anyone who wants to understand the real work behind film and television production.
Key Takeaways
This industry is more than cameras and actors.
Film and television production is much more structured than it can look from the outside. A production is almost like building a temporary company around one project, with legal, accounts, production, costume, art, locations, safety, transport, catering, camera, lighting, grip and many other teams all working toward the same screen outcome. The creative idea matters, but the finished product depends on planning, scheduling, communication and thousands of practical decisions.
Why this matters:
If you are interested in screen work, do not only look at the obvious creative roles. There may be a pathway through skills you already have.
There are many entry points to choose from.
Getting into the screen industry is not about waiting to be discovered. Annie was very clear that people need to treat it like a profession from day one: research the departments, build skills, attend industry events, join relevant associations and make yourself visible to the people already doing the work. Networking matters, but it works best when you know where you want to go and can show that you are ready to learn.
Why this matters:
A vague “I want to work in film” is hard for people to help with. A specific direction makes you easier to recommend.
Freelance means "business"
The freelance side of screen work is a major reality check. Crew may be fully on during a production, then suddenly off again between jobs, which means people need to manage money, downtime, training, insurance and the next opportunity. The work can be exciting and deeply satisfying, but it also requires resilience, flexibility and the ability to handle pressure without expecting constant reassurance.
Why this matters:
Loving film is not enough. To last in the industry, you need to manage yourself like a small business.
Thinking bout this career?
Download the Career Brief sheet (5 min read)