Independent TV Production
When Channel 4 came into existence in 1982 as a broadcaster of television but not a producer of programmes, the independent production sector was created.
Around 1500 small to medium-sized independent companies produce programmes for Channel 4, and now other broadcasters including cable and satellite companies (for more detailed statistics, please visit Skillset's Research pages). The 1992 Broadcasting Act compelled UK terrestrial broadcasters to commission at least 25% of their non-news/current affairs programmes from the independent sector, strengthening it further.
Increasingly smaller independent production companies are merging or being bought out by other independent production companies to form much larger businesses, an example of which is RDF Media Group or All 3 Media. However the vast majority of the sector is made up of very small organisations, often ‘one-man-bands’ who will employ freelance staff on a contract basis when they get a commission.
Many of these companies specialize in a particular genre of programme but some have the capability to produce films, corporate video, commercials, pop promos, animation, interactive content and so on. Most companies are members of the sector’s trade association Pact that has recently fought very hard to improve the marketplace for independent companies via the Communications Act.
The Commissioning Process
In most cases the independent production will be financed by the broadcaster (the commissioner of the programme) on an agreed budget. It is very rare for a production company to finance a programme themselves and then sell it to a broadcaster as it is simply too risky.
Independent companies (or 'indies') invest heavily in the development of programme ideas and then pitch to broadcasters who will then transmit the programme. However, since 2003 Indies have owned the rights to the programmes they produce which means they can sell them abroad or develop their content for multiple platforms e.g. produce a series of books or broadcast over mobile phones or the internet.
This was made possible via the Communications Act and more information can be found from Producers' Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT).
The work available
Many people in TV start their careers in the independent sector or spend some part of their working lives in it as there are many opportunities for talented and driven individuals. Many people in independent production are freelance but companies will employ some core staff on a permanent basis such as producers, finance people, administrators, marketers and sometimes runners. Some of the bigger companies now have researchers working permanently at developing ideas for pitches to broadcasters.
Many companies face the same problems that all small to medium enterprises do such as lack of funds for investment in staff and resources. Companies have to think commercially in order to survive and although the 'lifestyle business' still exists for some companies, many have to be customer-focused and commercially driven in order to survive in today's marketplace.