Graduates often have research knowledge to offer and a film may be being made about their subject. Researchers are in good position to team and appreciate what makes a good programme. By sifting out and selecting important research, and marshalling ideas they acquire experience and are then in a position to move up the ladder. At the BBC, once promoted to assistant producer, opportunities arise to go on production courses. Research graduates are often taken on short term contracts and there is no guarantee that one job will lead to another.
Recommendation depends on the quality of the work and being generous with ideas.
Applicants should apply first to BBC London, the regions, ITV or Sky, where there are more jobs available. Due to the quota of programmes, which must be made by independent companies, the NHU is contracting. Only the best producers and researchers are employed. The post of assistant producer will eventually disappear, and the researcher route to producer will also cease, as natural history research will become a rewarding and specialist job in its own right. Although the total quantity of productions is not going up, more small companies are producing films and there are great opportunities around for young people.