Tips: scheduling drama shoots

Doctors has a very hectic filming schedule, with at least two film crews producing three episodes each per week, so time is always in short supply.

Andy Richardson, the scheduling manager, has to know the most efficient way to organise the shoots so that time is never wasted. He is responsible for ensuring that actors and crew members are never scheduled to be in two places at once.

A scheduling manager needs a good understanding about how television is made in order to know what can or cannot be achieved during filming schedules.

The ability to react to situations and improvise solutions to problems is important. Also crucial is attention to detail, since a mistake by the scheduling manager can lead to all sorts of delays in filming.