Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a TV Floor Manager

🎯 Role Definition

The TV Floor Manager is the critical link between the production control room and the studio floor. You will be the director's eyes, ears, and voice on the ground, responsible for the overall management of the set, crew, and on-air talent during production. This position demands a unique blend of assertive leadership, impeccable communication, and the ability to maintain composure and solve problems in real-time during high-pressure live broadcasts. You are the conductor of the studio orchestra, ensuring every cue is met, every movement is precise, and the production runs flawlessly on schedule.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Assistant
Camera Operator
Production Coordinator
Theatre Stage Manager

Advancement To:

Assistant Director
Director
Production Manager

Lateral Moves:

Event Stage Manager
Technical Director

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Act as the primary communication link between the director in the control gallery and all personnel on the studio floor, accurately relaying instructions, cues, and timing information.
Manage and direct on-air talent, including hosts, guests, and experts, providing them with clear timings, positional cues, and performance feedback before and during broadcasts.
Oversee the physical organization of the studio floor, ensuring that sets, props, and furniture are positioned correctly according to the floor plan for each segment.
Conduct comprehensive pre-show briefings with talent and crew to review the show's rundown, segment timings, camera blocking, and any special production requirements.
Maintain strict adherence to the production schedule, providing clear and precise time cues and countdowns to on-air talent and the control room to ensure the show runs to time.
Proactively identify and resolve any technical or logistical issues that arise on the studio floor during live production, making quick, decisive judgments to prevent on-air disruptions.
Ensure the highest standards of health and safety are maintained on the studio floor at all times, conducting safety checks and managing potential hazards related to cables, equipment, and set pieces.
Coordinate the movement of all technical crew on the floor, including camera operators, audio technicians, and lighting staff, to ensure they are in the correct positions for each shot.
Manage the studio audience, including seating arrangements, explaining on-air procedures, and cueing applause, laughter, or other reactions to enhance the broadcast.
Liaise directly with various production departments such as wardrobe, makeup, and graphics to ensure talent and on-screen elements are ready for their scheduled on-air time.
Supervise set changes and prop movements during commercial breaks or between segments, ensuring they are completed swiftly, quietly, and accurately.
Maintain discipline and a professional, focused atmosphere on the studio floor, minimizing unnecessary noise and movement to ensure a clean audio and visual recording.
Assist the director during the rehearsal and blocking phase by physically walking through camera shots and talent positions to establish a clear plan for the recording.
Prepare and mark up scripts and rundowns with specific floor cues, camera numbers, and timing notes to ensure flawless execution during the show.
Manage the entry and exit of guests to and from the set in a timely and professional manner, ensuring they are briefed, comfortable, and ready for their appearance.
Ensure all on-air talent can clearly see and react to teleprompters, monitors, and other visual aids required for their performance.
Communicate any last-minute changes from the control room to the entire floor crew and talent with clarity and confidence, ensuring a smooth adaptation.
Perform post-show duties, including overseeing the clearing and resetting of the studio, securing equipment, and debriefing with the production team on any issues encountered.
Collaborate with the Production Manager and producers during pre-production to contribute to floor plans and anticipate logistical challenges for complex broadcasts.
Uphold the aesthetic and brand standards of the production by ensuring all on-set elements, including talent appearance and set dressing, are camera-ready.
Provide silent, non-verbal cues and hand signals to talent and crew during takes when verbal communication via talkback is not possible or desirable.
Manage the use of on-set practical effects, video walls, and interactive technology, coordinating their operation with the technical crew and talent.

Secondary Functions

Assist in training and mentoring Production Assistants and junior crew members on studio floor protocols and procedures.
Contribute to post-production meetings by providing feedback on what worked well on the floor and what could be improved for future shows.
Maintain an inventory of essential floor supplies, such as scripts, batteries for comms packs, and marking tape.
Participate in pre-production planning meetings to provide practical insight on the feasibility of creative or technical ideas from a floor perspective.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in reading and interpreting production rundowns, scripts, and floor plans.
Expert knowledge of studio communication systems, including talkback/intercom (e.g., Riedel, Clear-Com).
Strong understanding of multi-camera studio operations, camera shots, and broadcast terminology.
Familiarity with health and safety regulations (H&S) specific to a broadcast studio environment.
Basic knowledge of lighting, sound, and vision mixing principles to effectively communicate with technical departments.
Experience with television production scheduling software such as iNews or ENPS is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

Exceptional verbal communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to be both clear and concise.
Unflappable demeanor and the ability to remain calm, decisive, and authoritative under extreme pressure.
Outstanding leadership and team management capabilities, with a talent for motivating and directing diverse crews.
Superior problem-solving skills and the ability to think on your feet to resolve unexpected issues instantly.
Impeccable organizational and time-management skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills for managing high-profile talent and navigating sensitive situations.
Assertiveness and confidence to command a busy studio floor and ensure instructions are followed.
Adaptability to fluid, fast-changing live production environments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent practical experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Broadcast Journalism
Media Production
Communications
Theatre Arts / Stage Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5+ years of experience in a live television or studio production environment.

Preferred:

Proven experience as a Floor Manager or Assistant Director for a national or major market network, demonstrating a track record of successfully managing high-pressure live broadcasts.