Floor Manager

• checking that equipment, eg microphones and earpieces, are working before the show;
• seating the audience (if in attendance);
• relaying instructions from the control room to the studio floor;
• keeping the director and producer informed of action off-camera;
• assisting in the planning and preparation of productions;
• overseeing the work of other departments, such as lighting and props;
• rehearsing live shows;
• giving cues and time counts to presenters, actors or guests;
• organising runners to make the best use of studio time;
• looking ahead in the programme schedule to anticipate any changes to the set or to see what props are required later in the show;
• briefing and looking after those involved in the programme, including the audience - this includes explaining safety requirements, the timing of the show, what will happen during filming and when the programme will be aired;
• referring to floor plans;  
• dealing with any problems or crises/conflict and having the presence/authority to control the studio and halt production if necessary;
• liaising with PR staff to agree who will be interviewed, for example at sports matches;
• passing information and progress reports from live events to studio presenters;
• adhering to health and safety regulations, eg keeping 'safe areas' and fire exits clear of equipment.

• Freelance salaries can be paid on an hourly, daily or weekly rate and this will vary according to location, company, experience, duration of contract and demand. A freelance floor manager may earn approximately £150 per eight-hour day (salary data collected April 05).
• Hours can be long and irregular and you should expect long stints working evenings and weekends. Studios have to be booked, so when time has been allocated you will be expected to work, whatever time that may be. Technical or operational difficulties can mean that filming schedules fall behind, but you will need to remain until the job is done. An example of a typical day may involve starting at 1pm and filming three episodes of a game show, having an hour's break, then filming another two in the evening. Some days the floor manager can end up working for 14 hours. Two very long days may be followed by a day off. Alternatively, you could work ten days in a row.
• When working freelance, you will be expected to work the hours demanded by the production company.
• The work is mainly studio-based, but floor managers may also work on location, particularly with independent companies.
• The work can be pressurised, particularly when working to tight deadlines.
• Self-employment/freelance work is commonly possible. Freelance work is now the norm across the range of television companies, from the BBC to small independents.
• At present, this is a male-dominated profession.
• Dress is usually very casual, but a smart appearance may be required when working on outside broadcasts, eg sporting events.
• Outside broadcasts and location shoots involve working away from home on a regular basis or for fairly long periods of time, either in the UK or abroad.

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