BBC Careers

When does it start and how long is it?

The Production Talent Pool starts in June 2012 and will operate for 1 year from this date.

How will I be employed?

You will either be on a casual contract which is used for contracts from 1 day up to 4 weeks, or a fixed term contract for contracts over 4 weeks.

What will I be paid?

You could be paid daily, weekly or monthly depending on how long you are contracted for on each programme.  The rate of pay will depend on where you are based.

As a Runner working outside London you will be paid between £15,500 to £16,500 p.a.

As a Runner in London you will be paid between £18,000 and £20,000 p.a.

As a Production Management Assistant working outside London you will be paid between  £16,500 to £17,500 p.a.

As a Production Management Assistant in London you will be paid between £20,000 and £21,000 p.a.

Where will I be based?

Depending on the role you choose to apply for, you could be based in Salford, London, Cardiff, Bristol or Glasgow. You could be working for Vision productions (in-house television productions and websites), which covers Drama, Entertainment and Comedy, Factual and Children’s programmes. As a Production Management Assistant in Audio and Music, you could be working for one of the various national radio networks: Radio 1 and 1Xtra, Radio 2, Radio 3, Radio 4, 6 Music. You may be based in an office, studio or out on location.

What support will I get once in the pool?

You will assigned a Talent Manager who will contact you at regular intervals.  You will also be able to contact them should you wish to update them about your availability for work.

What if I get a job at another company while I’m waiting on the pool?

That is fine, you should let your Talent Manager know if you want to leave the pool or will be available at a later date during the year.

What hours will I work?

Working patterns in terms of hours per day and days per week will vary greatly depending on the production you are working on.  There may be long hours when you are working to tight deadlines as there could be filming during the night and at weekends.  There may be travelling and working around the UK depending on the needs of the production.  Other productions may be office based and have more regular working patterns.

Will I get holiday?

This will be dependent on the length and type of the contract offered.  

If you are employed on a casual contract, the salary includes holiday pay as part of the payment.

If you are employed on a Fixed Term Contract, there is a paid holiday entitlement which you are required to take during the length of your contract.

Will I be offered training?

Once you have been offered a place on the pool you will receive essential training for your role.

Will I definitely get a job if I am in the Pool?

No, being offered a place in the Production Talent Pool is not a guarantee of a job.  You may be offered project related contracts as and when a need arises.
Will I get a job at the BBC at the end of the Production Talent Pool year?
There is no guarantee of work beyond any that is offered as part of the Production Talent Pool. However, we hope to give people a great start in the media industry and that it will be your spring board to other contracts in the BBC or with independent media companies.  Whilst working at the BBC on a fixed term contract you will also be eligible to apply for internal jobs at the BBC.