Careers · Step-up toolkit
First time running the department?
Budgets, notes, crewing up, bad days and the next job. Five short guides, a free path and a budget template, for crew stepping up to HoD or supervisor.
The skills HoDs say they're short of
From ScreenSkills HETV workforce research, 19 March 2026. Checked 13 November 2026.
Five guides
5Each is a short read with a watch list. Start anywhere.
3 · HiringCrew up, and let people goWho you book, how you check them, and ending it fairly.
4 · Hard daysHard days, and keeping goingOverruns, kit failures, rows, and looking after yourself.
Use it
Free learning pathStep up: your first time as HoD or supervisorWatch, tick off and test yourself. 18 lessons.18 lessons · about 6 hours · freeStart path 
XLSX · Excel, Google Sheets, NumbersDepartment budget and cost reportYour department's budget lines, POs, weekly actuals and estimate to complete. Rates left blank: use your deal memos and the Bectu card.Download Department budget and cost report
Every gradeSkills checklistsWhat the HoD grade needs in your department. Tick it, print it, bring it to your check.Find your grade
Watch: running a department
8Official and industry films. They play here.
1:13:46How to create a production budget for your short filmBFI · 1:13:46
57:11Master Series: Budgeting for 2025: What UK Productions Need to KnowEntertainment Partners · 57:11- 1:26:06Leader of the pack: Running a set as a directorBFI · 1:26:06
3:48Tips to increase mental health on setThe Film and TV Charity · 3:48
10:04How to be a successful freelancer in film and TV, with Sara PuttBAFTA Guru · 10:04
Job Sharing as a Freelancer in TelevisionShare My Telly Job
2:13Mental health supportThe Film and TV Charity · 2:13
12:16Production Sound Mixer Simon Hayes on growing your career in film soundDPA Microphones · 12:16
Step up on our unit.
Working crew can take the next grade on a FIF unit, with a HoD who knows the arrangement. Free.
Last reviewed 13 November 2026