The Secret World of TV Production: A Comprehensive Look at Crew Members and Budgets

Behind every successful TV show lies a complex network of dedicated professionals. From writers crafting compelling narratives to the final touches in post-production, understanding the roles and the scale of a TV production crew can provide insights into the true magnitude of this creative endeavor.

Types of TV Shows and Their Crew Sizes

The number of people working on an average TV show can vary widely based on several factors including the show's scale, format, and production type. This article aims to break down the details of different types of TV shows and the number of crew members typically involved in each.

Scripted Shows

Scripted television series are a cornerstone of TV production and require a substantial crew to bring the vision to life. Generally, a typical scripted series involves:

Writers: 5-10 writers, including showrunners Directors: 1-3 directors based on the number of episodes being produced Producers: 2-5 producers, including executive producers Technical Crew: 30-100 crew members, including camera operators, sound engineers, lighting technicians, and production assistants Actors: 5-20 main cast members, plus supporting and guest roles

In total, a scripted series can involve between 50 to over 200 people in production.

Reality Shows

Ranging from simpler formats to more complex productions, reality shows usually have a smaller to larger crew depending on the scale of the show. A typical reality show might include:

Crew: 10-30 people for simpler formats, up to 50-100 people for more complex productions

These shows often focus more on capturing real-life events and interactions, requiring a smaller, yet highly skilled, production team.

Animated Series

Animation can be a resource-intensive process, with varying crew sizes based on animation complexity and method (2D vs. 3D). An animated series might require:

Crew: 50-200 people

Considering the intricate nature of animating scenes, voiceovers, and visual effects, an animated series requires a specialized team with diverse skill sets.

Production Crew Details

The production crew plays a crucial role in bringing a TV show to life. A typical production crew might include:

Camera People: 4-6 Sound People: 4-5 Grips: 8-12 Lighting People: 4-10 Stylists: 2 hair stylists, 2 makeup artists On Set Dressers: 1-2 Props Truck Drivers: 1-2 Generator Operators: 1-2 Electrical Staff: 1-2 Carpenters and Painters: 1-2 Rug People and Drapers: 1-2 Swing Gang: additional crew as needed Craft Services: food truck for location Assistant Directors: 2-3 Producers: 12 Staff Writers: 2-5 Story Editor: 1 Script Editor: 1 Lead Actors: 3-5 Extras or Atmosphere: 10-20 Stand Ins: 2-4 Script Supervisors: 1 Production Assistants: numerous Production Accountants: 1 Production Manager: 1 Location Manager: 1 Line Producer: 1 Off-Duty Motor Officers: 4, and sometimes a Fire Truck Stunt Crew: with Precision Drivers and sometimes Stunt Doubles Editors: Sound Editor, Dialog Editor, Music Editor, Assistant Editors for each Music Supervisor: 1 Composers: 35-50 to play the score Mix Down Engineers: 2-4

This crew size can vary significantly from 15-25 people at the start and end of a show to 50-100 people during production. While no one makes less than $200 a day, the average union worker like a grip makes around $600 a day, and special skill sets such as camera people can earn $1,200 a day.

Budgets and Salary Breakdown

The average budget for a one-hour TV show ranges from $3 million to $18 million per episode. Cast, producers, writers, and directors typically make about 40-50% of this budget in salary, while the remaining 50-60% goes to the rest of the crew. The salaries can be substantial, with stars earning between $25,000 to $250,000 per week, while producers can earn between $10,000 to $100,000 per week.

Health benefits are usually not included for most crew members unless they meet a minimum amount of work hours. The average worker can be required to work 12-14 hours a day, 5-6 days a week, and some work even longer. Some technicians, producers, and writers work 7 days in a row with 'golden pay'.

Awarding more than $63 million in salaries annually, one TV show sees around $40 million in health and pension plans managed by various unions. Union workers must pay between 2-4 times their weekly salary to 'buy' the union card plus quarterly dues. Agents take up to 25% of the gross income from at least 60% of the crew, and the studio must contribute 10-15% to pension and health plans above these amounts.

Conclusion

The production of a TV show is a multifaceted endeavor that requires the collaboration of numerous dedicated professionals. From writers and directors to production crew and post-production, the behind-the-scenes work is often as fascinating as the final product.