Pros and Cons: Television Floor Manager Career in Nigeria

Last Updated on August 28, 2023

Introduction

The television floor manager plays a crucial role in the production of television shows. The purpose of this blog post is to discuss the pros and cons of pursuing a career as a television floor manager in Nigeria.

• High Pressure: Navigating live broadcasts can lead to stressful moments and high-pressure situations.
  
  
• Erratic Hours: Irregular work schedules, including weekends and holidays, can disrupt work-life balance.
  
  
• Hidden Role: Floor managers work tirelessly behind the scenes, with limited recognition from viewers.
  
  
• Adaptability Demands: Rapid changes in broadcast plans necessitate quick decision-making and adaptability.

Most importantly, a television floor manager career in Nigeria offers a blend of challenges and rewards.

While it demands adaptability and resilience, the fulfillment of creating captivating television moments can make it a gratifying choice for those passionate about the industry.

Pros of a Television Floor Manager Career in Nigeria

Television floor management is an exciting career choice in Nigeria, offering numerous advantages and prospects for personal and professional growth.

This section delves into the pros of pursuing a career as a television floor manager in Nigeria, emphasizing the exciting opportunities and benefits associated with this profession.

High potential for career growth

Increasing demand for television content in Nigeria

The television industry in Nigeria is experiencing a surge in demand for content, creating excellent opportunities for career growth.

With the proliferation of television stations and the subsequent need for quality programming, the demand for skilled professionals, such as floor managers, is on the rise.

Opportunities for promotion within the industry

The television industry in Nigeria offers a plethora of promotion opportunities for ambitious individuals.

As a television floor manager, one can advance to higher positions such as a production manager, director, or even executive producer.

This career path allows for continuous growth and development.

Competitive salary and benefits

Average salaries of television floor managers in Nigeria

Television floor managers in Nigeria enjoy competitive salaries.

On average, they earn a substantial income that reflects their expertise and responsibilities.

This financial stability provides a motivating factor for individuals considering a career in this field.

Benefits such as health insurance and paid leave

Beyond attractive salaries, television floor managers in Nigeria often receive additional benefits like health insurance and paid leave.

These perks contribute to a higher quality of life, ensuring the well-being and security of professionals in this field.

Exciting and dynamic work environment

Fast-paced nature of television production

Television production is renowned for its fast-paced and thrilling work environment.

As a television floor manager, individuals constantly face new challenges and opportunities to showcase their problem-solving and decision-making skills.

The ever-changing nature of the industry keeps professionals engaged and motivated.

Opportunity to work with professionals from different fields

Television floor managers collaborate with professionals from various disciplines, including directors, producers, camera operators, and sound engineers.

This diverse working environment exposes individuals to different perspectives, enhancing their overall skill set and fostering creativity.

Basically, a career as a television floor manager in Nigeria offers numerous advantages.

The increasing demand for television content, competitive salaries with benefits, and the exciting and dynamic work environment make it an appealing choice for individuals seeking growth and fulfillment in the entertainment industry.

Read: Ethical Responsibilities of a TV Floor Manager in Nigeria

Cons of a Television Floor Manager Career in Nigeria

While a career as a Television Floor Manager in Nigeria has its advantages, there are also significant disadvantages to consider.

In this section, we will explore the cons of pursuing this career path.

Work-life balance challenges

One of the major drawbacks of being a Television Floor Manager in Nigeria is the work-life balance challenges it presents.

The long and irregular working hours can disrupt personal schedules and routines.

Floor managers often work during evenings, weekends, and public holidays to ensure smooth television production.

This can make it difficult to maintain commitments outside of work, such as family or social events.

Additionally, the demanding nature of the job can have a significant impact on personal life and relationships.

The irregular working hours and high levels of stress can strain relationships with family and friends.

It may become challenging to find time for personal activities and relaxation, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction.

High stress levels

Another disadvantage of a career as a Television Floor Manager in Nigeria is the high levels of stress associated with the job. Floor managers face immense pressure to meet tight production schedules.

They are responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of operations, coordinating with various departments, and managing the overall production process.

This can result in a high-stress environment with tight deadlines and limited room for errors.

In addition to managing production schedules, floor managers are also tasked with handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

This requires excellent organizational and multitasking skills.

However, juggling multiple responsibilities can be overwhelming and contribute to increased stress levels.

Job instability

The television industry in Nigeria is known for its job instability, which is another significant con of a Television Floor Manager career. Many positions in the industry are project-based or temporary.

This means that floor managers may have to constantly search for new employment opportunities, leading to uncertainty and financial instability.

It can be challenging to find consistent and long-term employment in a highly competitive industry with limited job openings.

Furthermore, job instability may require floor managers to frequently relocate or travel to different production locations.

This can disrupt personal stability and require constant adaptation to new working environments.

Generally, while pursuing a career as a Television Floor Manager in Nigeria offers numerous opportunities, it is essential to consider the cons as well.

The challenges of maintaining a work-life balance, facing high stress levels, and experiencing job instability should be carefully weighed before embarking on this career path.

Read: Inside Look: Nigerian Television Station Floor Management

Necessary Skills and Qualifications

A successful career as a television floor manager in Nigeria requires several essential skills and qualifications:

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Effective communication skills to convey instructions to the production team.
  
  
• Ability to collaborate and work well with various professionals in a high-pressure environment.
  
  
• Strong interpersonal skills to maintain positive relationships with colleagues and talent.

Ability to Remain Calm Under Pressure

• A television floor manager must be able to handle stressful situations calmly and professionally.
  
  
• Quick decision-making skills to resolve issues and adapt to unexpected changes during live broadcasts.

Strong Organizational and Multitasking Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills to coordinate multiple tasks and ensure smooth production flow.
  
  
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
  
  
• Efficient multitasking skills to juggle various responsibilities simultaneously.

Knowledge of Television Production Processes and Equipment

• Comprehensive understanding of television production processes, including pre-production, production, and post-production.
  
  
• Familiarity with different types of equipment used in television studios, such as cameras, audio systems, and lighting.
  
  
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and ensure proper functioning of equipment during broadcasts.

Relevant Educational Background and/or Experience

• A degree or diploma in a related field, such as broadcast journalism, media production, or communication.
  
  
• Prior experience in television production or related roles, preferably in a live broadcast setting.
  
  
• On-the-job training or internship experience in a television studio to gain practical knowledge and skills.
  
  
• Strong understanding of the Nigerian television industry and its specific requirements and standards.

By possessing these necessary skills and qualifications, individuals can excel as television floor managers in Nigeria.

It is important to continuously enhance these abilities through continued learning and staying updated with industry trends and advancements.

Read: Day in the Life: A Nigerian Television Floor Manager

Tips for Pursuing a Television Floor Manager Career in Nigeria

Gain relevant experience through internships or entry-level positions

To pursue a successful career as a television floor manager in Nigeria, it is essential to gain relevant experience.

This can be achieved through internships or entry-level positions within the industry.

By working as an intern or starting at an entry-level position, you can learn the ropes of the television production process and understand the specific responsibilities of a floor manager.

These experiences will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to move up the ladder and excel in your career as a television floor manager.

Network with professionals in the industry

Networking is crucial in any industry, and the television industry in Nigeria is no exception.

Building connections with professionals in the field can open doors and create opportunities.

Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and actively engage in networking activities to meet and connect with people already working as television floor managers.

Networking can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable insights into the industry, which can further accelerate your career growth.

Continuously update knowledge and skills through workshops and training programs

The television industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, techniques, and trends emerging regularly.

To stay relevant and competitive, it is essential to continuously update your knowledge and skills.

Participate in workshops, seminars, and training programs that focus on television production, floor management, and related areas.

This will enhance your skill set, keep you up-to-date with industry best practices, and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.

Additionally, seeking certifications in relevant areas can further boost your credibility and increase your chances of securing high-profile job opportunities.

Seek mentorship or guidance from experienced television floor managers

Mentorship can greatly contribute to your development as a television floor manager.

Identify experienced professionals in the field and seek their guidance and mentorship.

Having a mentor allows you to learn from their vast experience, gain valuable insights, and navigate potential challenges in your career.

They can provide advice, share industry secrets, and help broaden your professional network.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to individuals who inspire you and have a successful track record in television floor management.

Their guidance can truly make a difference in your career trajectory.

Stay updated on industry trends and developments

In a dynamic field like television, it is crucial to stay updated on the latest industry trends, technological advancements, and market developments.

Read industry publications, follow relevant blogs and websites, and engage with industry professionals on social media platforms.

This will keep you informed about emerging trends and equip you with the knowledge required to adapt and thrive in the industry.

Being aware of industry changes and trends will not only help you excel in your current role but also position you as a valuable asset to potential employers.

By following these tips, you can kickstart and advance your career as a television floor manager in Nigeria.

Remember to stay motivated, be proactive, and continually work on improving your skills and knowledge.

Read: Educational Pathways to Become a TV Floor Manager

Conclusion

The television floor manager career in Nigeria has its pros and cons. Before pursuing this career, readers should carefully consider their interests and priorities.

A career as a television floor manager in Nigeria offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards.

• Dynamic Environment: Managing live broadcasts fosters adaptability and quick decision-making skills.
  
  
• Networking Opportunities: Interaction with diverse professionals enhances industry connections and learning opportunities.
  
  
• Stressful Demands: The fast-paced nature of live TV can lead to high-pressure situations.
  
  
• Skill Development: Floor managers hone multitasking and coordination skills, vital in the broadcasting arena.
  
  
• Creative Influence: Contributing to seamless productions brings satisfaction and boosts the entertainment sector’s quality.

While the role presents its share of challenges, the fulfillment of orchestrating captivating television moments makes it a gratifying career choice.

In a nutshell, my advice is to thoroughly research and weigh the pros and cons before deciding to enter the television floor manager industry in Nigeria.