Job market information
Finding out about corporate and commercial production
The corporate and commercial production industry is part of the creative industries, which is represented by Creative Skillset. This includes: advertising; animation; computer games; corporate and commercial production; fashion and textiles; film; interactive media; photo imaging; publishing; radio; and television.
The corporate and commercial production industry represents those who produce commercials, corporate productions and pop promos. This industry produces high quality products, which can sometimes become part of the national culture. It has a highly creative and innovative workforce that have to operate in a fast moving industry.
Key facts:
- An estimated 10,750 people are employed in the content creation industry.
- A high proportion of the workforce are freelancers or self‐employed.
Jobs in the industry can be divided into:
- Production Content – Account Executive, Client Liaison, Executive Producer, Producer, Director, Journalist, Researcher, Writer
- Production Technical – Events Organiser, Conference Organiser, Camera, Sound, Lighting, Editing, Art, Engineering, SFX
- General Admin Support – Production Manager, Production Accountant, Lawyer, PA
Entry and progression
It is usual to start at the bottom in the industry as a Runner or Assistant, and work your way up. However, the sector may need people and skills from theatre, business TV and interactive media, graphic and set designers, entertainment, print, video, film and the web.
The usual entry route to corporate production is ‘running’. Runners in the corporate sector can be well paid and the work provides new entrants with a platform on which to build their experience. Entry to commercials production is difficult and entrants have to be well connected. Work experience or being an observer can be beneficial for those trying to enter the industry, with working as an assistant the next step. Working on commercials is an accepted training route for people who want to work in feature film and is an area the film industry watches for emerging talent.
There are a range of industry endorsed courses (both at undergraduate and post‐graduate), training schemes and a Diploma available.
For job specific entry requirements, take a look at our job profiles.
Workforce statistics
Corporate production
| Number of UK employees: |
6,350 |
|---|
| Number of UK employers: |
220 |
|---|
| Gender: |
71% male |
29% female |
|---|
| Ethnicity: |
6% of the workforce is from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background. |
|---|
| Disability: |
2% report themselves as having a disability. |
|---|
| Employment: |
45% of the workforce is freelance or self‐employed. |
|---|
Commercials production
| Number of UK employees: |
3,500 |
|---|
| Gender: |
69% male |
31% female |
|---|
| Ethnicity: |
7% of the workforce is from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background. |
|---|
| Employment: |
68% of the workforce is freelance or self‐employed. |
|---|
Pop promos
| Number of UK employees: |
900 |
|---|
| Employment: |
64% of the workforce is freelance or self‐employed. |
|---|
Employment trends and future prospects
There is no sufficient data at present.
Skill requirements and shortages
There is no sufficient data at present.
Occupational trends
There is no sufficient data at present.
National and regional data
Commercials production is particularly concentrated in London, where the vast bulk of the decision‐makers, advertising agencies, and a large proportion of the workforce are based.
No‐one is reported to be working in other content creation (including commercials, corporate production and pop promos) in the North East and Northern Ireland. However, employment numbers may be less than 100.
East Midlands – There are around 600 people working in industry.
East of England – There are around 400 people working in industry.
London – There are an estimated 5,600 people working in industry.
North West – There are over 1,000 people working in industry.
South East – There are 1,200 people working in industry.
South West – There are around 400 people working in industry.
West Midlands – There are over 200 people working in industry.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are around 100 people working in industry.
Scotland – There are over 800 people working in industry.
Wales – There are over 200 people working in industry.
Salary levels
Those working in corporate production tend to be paid well, demanding broadcast standard filmmaking or production standards in return. Experienced freelancers are well rewarded for their work. Producers and Directors can match broadcast television earnings.
Pay for those working in commercial production is negotiable and dependent upon the production as budgets vary. Rates of pay vary enormously, but the most common daily rate for 10 hours is approximately £1,000 with overtime at single time.
BECTU 
, the industry trade union, can advise on rates for freelancers working in the industry.
Career paths
Further sources
Produced Sept 2010, using Skillet AACS LMI report (Jun 2010)
