How Film & TV Production Skills Can Transfer to Working Live Events
Posted on: Feb 27, 2025
Photo Credit: Nampix // ShutterstockWe all know that the film and TV industry is slow right now, and that leaves many of us seeking alternative work. However, it can be hard to find consistent work that utilizes the same skills we have developed on-set. One of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the country right now is the marketing and live event industry, and I have found that the skills you develop in TV and film production are highly transferable to the world of live events.
Whether you’re working on a film set or handling a live broadcast, much of the core expertise is the same: organization, attention to detail, time management and working under pressure. Many professionals who excel in TV production will find that their experience gives them a solid foundation for stepping into the world of live events. From concerts and conferences to sports broadcasts and award shows, your production knowledge will serve you well in the dynamic, fast-paced live event setting.
Key Insights:
• TV production skills like organization, time management, and leadership translate seamlessly into live event coordination, ensuring smooth execution.
• Problem-solving and adaptability are crucial in both industries, as unexpected challenges require quick thinking and on-the-fly adjustments.
• Technical expertise in cameras, lighting, and sound is highly valuable in live events, where production quality and audience experience are top priorities.
Project Management and Coordination
One of the most valuable skills in both TV production and live events is effective project management. In TV production, you likely oversee multiple departments, deadlines and schedules, which is directly applicable to live event coordination. Live events also involve the orchestration of numerous moving parts, such as vendors, performers, technical teams and logistics.
Your ability to stay organized and prioritize tasks will help ensure that all elements of the event come together seamlessly. Whether it’s a corporate conference, a wedding or a concert, you can apply the same principles on-set. Skills like creating a detailed schedule, tracking progress, and managing team communication will serve you in your ability to coordinate a live event. You’ll already know how to manage the logistics of timing, resources, and the chain of command, which is a big plus in the live event world.
Time Management and Pressure
TV and film productions often run on tight schedules, with everything from actors’ call times to location changes carefully planned out. The pressure of keeping things on track with little room for delays is something we are all very familiar with on-set. The biggest thing I’ve learned working in both industries is that timing is everything.
In live events, even the smallest hiccup in timing can have a cascading effect on the entire schedule. From managing stage cues to coordinating when specific segments need to occur, your experience in staying ahead of the clock and adapting to unexpected changes is crucial.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability
In both TV production and live events, things rarely go according to plan. Technology can fail, talent can be delayed, or a sudden change in weather can throw a wrench in outdoor events. As a production professional, you’ve likely developed a problem-solving mindset, always ready to find solutions to last-minute challenges.
Live events require that same quick thinking. The ability to troubleshoot technical issues, adjust schedules on the fly, and find creative solutions in high-stress situations will set you apart. For example, if a microphone cuts out during a live broadcast or a keynote speaker is delayed, you’ll know how to adjust and keep the event going smoothly.
Team Collaboration and Leadership
TV and film productions require close collaboration between various departments, from camera operators and lighting techs to directors and talent. This teamwork mentality translates directly to live events, where you’ll be working with a lot of similar departments to pull off a successful show.
If you’ve led a production crew before, you’ll find that managing a team for live events involves similar leadership skills. You’ll need to communicate effectively, delegate tasks and ensure everyone is clear on their responsibilities. Whether it’s managing a stage crew, overseeing the sound team, or directing the live stream production, your experience in coordinating people from different areas of expertise will be invaluable.
Technical Expertise
As a TV production professional, you’re probably familiar with the technical side of production. Many of us are very familiar with camera setups, sound mixing, lighting and more, so the fact that live events also rely heavily on these same tools makes us great choices for these roles.
These skills are transferable to live events, where the audience is looking for a flawless visual experience. Understanding how to troubleshoot technical issues quickly, and keeping communication flowing between all technical teams, will help keep the event running smoothly. In the case of a live event that is also broadcast, you’ll already know how to adjust camera angles, cues, and lighting to ensure the broadcast version of the event matches the energy and atmosphere of the in-person experience.
Attention to Detail
In both TV production and live events, attention to detail is key. A small mistake can have a ripple effect on the entire production. Having an acute attention to detail, honed from years in TV production, will serve you well in the live event world.
Every aspect of a live event requires precision, from the timing of performances to the placement of the audience and the execution of technical elements. Whether you’re working behind the scenes or leading the charge, your ability to spot potential issues before they become major problems will help elevate the overall quality of the event.
From project management and time management to problem-solving and technical expertise, the core competencies you’ve developed in TV production give you a strong foundation for navigating the fun and chaotic world of live event production.
Benjamin Hickson is an aspiring producer and production coordinator who has 4+ years experience working on various Film and TV projects. He has a background in Public Relations and served for six years in the military. He also has passion for travel and aims to increase LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry.
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