Job roles in the television and film industries

All of the information from this post comes from: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles

Editor:

Industry: Film

Job details: 

• Working closely with the Director to craft the finished film
• Working in an edit suite for long hours
• Running a team of assistants and trainees on big productions

To do this role, you will need to:

• Have technical aptitude
• Have wide experience of the post production process
• Be familiar with a variety of computer editing equipment
• Understand dramatic storytelling to create rhythm, pace and tension

• Be creative under pressure
• Have imagination and an understanding of narrative
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Have highly developed aesthetic visual awareness
• Be able to lead a team
• Have patience and attention to detail
• Have good organisational skills
• Understand the requirements of relevant health and safety laws and procedures

Best Route In:

Traditionally, you could go from being a Runner to a Trainee, Second Assistant, First Assistant and eventually to become an Editor. However, with digital editing, 2nd Assistants are now only employed on very big budget films. 

As a Trainee with at least two years' experience you would have to work as an Assistant in television or on low budget films for a considerable period of time before becoming First Assistant on feature films. Some big budget productions take on Trainees and Second Assistants, and it is important to keep up to date with films in pre-production by reading the trade press. 

If you can work with an Editor as an Assistant, you may be allowed to carry out the assembly edit of some sections of the film. If you can become an experienced Assistant, you may also work as an Editor on short films, which will enable you to showcase your talents.

Qualifications: 

You don’t need a specific qualification. But if you are considering taking a film production course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the film industry and awarded the Creative Skillset Tick for the high standard of education they provide and the degree to which they prepare you for a career in film.

Work Hours and Pay:

Editors work long, unsociable hours, often under pressure, in an edit suite. They are employed on a freelance basis by the Producer (sometimes with the approval of the film's financiers), based on their reputation and experience. Editors often work on television drama, as well as on feature films. 

Editor Salary (United Kingdom) The average salary for an Editor is £25,951 per year. Most people move on to other jobs if they have more than 20 years' experience in this field. A skill in People Management is associated with high pay for this job.

Sound Recordist:

Industry: TV 

Job details: 

• Recording sound on location or in a studio, usually in synchronisation with the camera, to enable the highest quality 'real' sound to be recorded at the time of filming

To do this role, you will need to:

• be a strong team player - many of the skills needed in this role involve working as a team as efficiently and effectively as possible
• be willing and able to compromise
• be able to think creatively to solve problems created by particular locations or situations
• pay close attention to detail and concentrate for long periods
• have good knowledge of audio equipment and sound technology
• have knowledge of the television production process, including camera and lighting techniques
• have knowledge of management and licensing of radio transmission systems
• have excellent hearing
• have excellent balance, agility and a good sense of timing
• have good communication skills, including diplomacy and sensitivity when working with artists and crew members
• be patient, self-disciplined and reliable
• have knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health & safety legislation and procedures

Best Route In:

The best way to start your career in sound is to develop and demonstrate an interest in, and enthusiasm for sound. You can do this by exploring, experimenting and learning about audio technology and its capabilities. 

Your first steps into the industry will normally be in a trainee role. On-the-job training or shadowing of more experienced personnel is the best way to learn. Experience of working in theatre or the music industry, hospital or community radio would also provide you with a useful background for this role. Alternatively, getting a job with an equipment manufacturer or hire company could also provide valuable experience and training, helping you to learn about sound equipment, make industry contacts and get a foot in the door.

Qualifications: 

You won’t need a qualification to be a TV Sound Recordist. However it is vital to be able to show a strong interest in sound and an understanding of its physical properties. 

Courses are available throughout the UK, from HND to degree level in sound technology, audio engineering, acoustics and music recording. 

You will need to develop your skills throughout your career as television sound technology and techniques are constantly changing.

Executive Producer:

Industry: TV

Job details:  

• Being responsible for the overall quality control and success of TV productions
• Ensuring that television programmes conform to commissioners' specifications

To do this role, you will need to:

• have creative flair and a commitment to quality programming
• possess strong financial acumen
• be able to assess projects for their marketability and potential audience appeal
• have practical knowledge of financial, legal and regulatory requirements
• be an exceptionally good networker and people manager 
• be able to prioritise effectively across a number of projects, managing your time and resources according to each production's requirements
• understand programme markets and worldwide audience dynamics
• understand the requirements of individual broadcasters' audiences and in some cases, individual commissioners' preferences
• have a working knowledge of languages other than English in order to develop worldwide partnerships and marketing opportunities
• have highly effective negotiating skills
• have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• have excellent presentation, pitching and marketing skills
• possess advanced analytical skills and pay precise attention to detail
• possess effective leadership and mentoring skills
• show diplomacy and sensitivity when dealing with partner organisations and colleagues
• be able to work under pressure calmly and effectively, and to tight deadlines
• have current knowledge of the relevant legislation, regulations, and associated procedures, including copyright, data protection, public liability, etc. and how to comply with regulatory requirements
• have knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures

Best Route In:

To become an Executive Producer, you will need to gain a lot of experience in the TV industry, and usually you will have worked previously for a number of years as a Producer, Writer, Director or Script Editor among other roles. 

In the main, you will also have hands-on experience of producing, enabling you to appreciate the requirements of your own role within the production process. You will also need to have a good knowledge of other roles and grades. 

In the role of Executive Producer, you may perform a dual role on productions, such as Writer and Executive Producer. Programme commissioners or heads of department employed by broadcasters are often credited as Executive Producers on all their departments' programming output.

Qualifications: 

You won’t need a specific qualification to become an Executive Producer in TV. However, a degree in a media-related, drama or specialist subject may give you a good grounding.

You will need to have wide experience in and knowledge of the production process. Some specialist courses aimed at experienced producers offer training in co-production, developing networks and partnerships, pitching, and other topics.

Average Salary: £79,906 

Location Manager:

Industry: Film

Job details: 

• Finding ideal locations for a film shoot
• Negotiating fees, terms and permissions
• Managing the location during the shoot

To do this role, you will need to: 

• Have plenty of initiative
• Be able to visualise and find potential locations
• Have excellent organisational skills
• Have good negotiating skills
• Have an understanding of location fees
• Be able to work within budgets
• Understand contracts
• Understand local authority processes for permits
• Have good problem solving skills
• Have good communication skills
• Be reliable and enthusiastic
• Be flexible and able to work long hours
• Have a full driving licence
• Have a good working knowledge of health and safety requirements

Best Route In:

You can learn on the job as a Runner. Once you have experience, you can progress to the role of Location Scout, or Assistant Location Manager to an established Location Manager.

Qualifications:  

You don’t need a formal qualification to become a Location Manager. If you can complete any health and safety training course, this is extremely useful. 

Average Salary: £25,000

Researcher:

Industry: TV

Job details: 

• Originating or developing programme ideas, drawing on knowledge and understanding of industry requirements, and presenting findings to decision makers
• Checking facts and briefing writers who write scripts for on-screen presenters

To do this role, you will need to: 

• be able to establish a rapport quickly with production personnel and potential contributors
• maintain up-to-date contact lists and be able to access relevant information from various sources
• source and suggest suitable contributors, demonstrating how their input fits into each production
• be able to explain tactfully and diplomatically if contributors are not suitable
• be aware of the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the release of information to the press and public, especially when sensitive or contentious issues are involved
• be responsible for handling floats and petty cash, e.g. for taxis for contributors during production
• be able to keep accurate records of all income and expenditure
• have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• have excellent presentation skills
• possess advanced analytical skills
• pay precise attention to detail and have a methodical approach to work
• be able to conceptualise ideas and think visually
• show initiative and possess strong problem-solving skills
• have advanced IT skills
• show diplomacy and sensitivity when working with writers, producers, actors, presenters, other contributors and crew members
• have current knowledge of the relevant legislation, regulations, and associated procedures, including copyright, data protection, public liability, etc. and how to comply with regulatory requirements
• have knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures

Best Route In:

You could start out as a Runner or Production Assistant, or gain a role as a Researcher because you have specialist qualifications or knowledge about a particular programme's content. You could also start out as a non-media researcher, journalist or writer and become a TV researcher.

Qualifications:  

You won’t need a specific qualification to become a TV Researcher. However, a degree in a media-related, drama or specialist subject may give you a good grounding.

You will need to have wide experience in and knowledge of the pre-production and production processes.  

Average salary:  £20,268

Production Runner:

Industry: Film

Job details:

• Working in the office, around the set and on location
• Dealing with varied office admin tasks 

• Dealing with a range jobs on locations

To do this role, you will need to: 

• Be flexible and well organised
• Be able to think on your feet
• Have good communication skills
• Be able to take orders
• Be tactful and diplomatic
• Be punctual
• Be enthusiastic
• Be able to work calmly and effectively under pressure 
• Have good IT skills
• Have good organisational and administrative skills
• Be able to work without supervision
• Be versatile and a willing to learn
• Be aware of relevant health and safety laws and procedures

Best Route In:

Start out by getting some experience in film, drama or broadcasting. It can be in amateur dramatics, student radio or film making, shorts or community media. This will put you in a better position to apply for work as a Production Runner, as there is a lot of competition for jobs despite the low pay.  

This is a good entry-level role into the film industry. You can make valuable contacts and may progress to a trainee position or another role in the Production Office.

Qualifications:  

You don’t need a specific qualification, but a good education is an advantage. You will also need a full, clean EU driving licence.

Production Designer:

Industry: Animation

Job details:

• Creating the ‘look’ of an animation project, developing the characters, environments, props, colour schemes and any other design elements
• On some productions, also undertaking the role of Art Director

To do this role, you will need to: 

• have imagination, artistic flair and talent to produce the best design solutions for a project
• be able to understand what is going to be achievable further down the line by the animation and post production teams
• be able to work to a schedule and budget, and prioritise their own work and that of others
• have good people management and leadership skills
• have good communication and presentation skills
• be able to take direction, give direction and work as part of a team
• be able to work without supervision
• be able to receive and address constructive feedback
• be able to interview and assess work of potential art department member
• be able to work long hours and, if required, work calmly under pressure
• have knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures

Best Route In:

There is no typical career route you can follow into the Production Designer role in animation. You don't need an animation background, although an understanding both of animation in general, and the technique of a particular project, will be extremely helpful.

If a project is based on an existing book or comic strip, the creator of that original work may become the Production Designer.

Another route could be that you move into this role having been an illustrator or graphic designer who is 'cast' as Production Designer based on previous work, regardless of the medium that work was created in.

Ideally, you will have worked your way through the art department, possibly starting as character or set designer and working your way up to Art Director. The experience you gain via this route will enable you to appreciate more than just the design aspect of the project. In this way, you will make a greater contribution to the technical realisation of the project and the efficient running of the art department.

Qualifications:  

To be a Production Designer you will generally need to have an established track record. You will be selected on the basis of the suitability of your style and work. You will usually need an art-related or design degree but may or may not have any experience of animation.

If you are considering taking an animation course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the animation industry and awarded the Creative Skillset Tick for the high standard of education they provide and the degree to which they prepare you for an animation career:

Camera Operator (Portable Single Camera):

Industry: TV

Job details: 

• Supporting the Director of Photography and the Director with shot composition and development on high budget productions 
• Being responsible for all aspects of camera preparation and operation

To do this role, you will need to:  

• have artistic ability and be able to offer creative input
• have good colour vision, and excellent hand-to-eye co-ordination
• have a strong affinity with technology, knowledge of the relevant electronics and an in-depth knowledge of the principles of camera work
• have good communication skills and show diplomacy and sensitivity when working with artists, production staff and crew
• be able to take direction and work as part of a team, particularly on multi-camera shoots
• be able to carry out instructions with great accuracy and attention to detail
• be able to frame and compose shots and perform camera moves with precision and speed
• have good IT skills
• possess physical stamina for working long hours and moving heavy equipment
• understand the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures

Best Route In:

Intensive industry experience is the best route into this role, having gained a grounding in the basic camera skills and knowledge required. You could begin your career as a Camera Assistant, and then work your way up through the ranks of the camera department over several years.

Qualifications:  

You do not need a specific qualification to work in this role. Instead, you would usually learn the practical skills required through hands-on experience on the job. That said, continuing professional development is vital, especially as camera technology changes rapidly.

Basic stills photography, which develops visual and composition skills, also provides a useful starting point in training for this role.

In addition, the Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media could allow you to gain camera skills on the job. Again, the Creative Skillset Tick has been awarded to some apprenticeship programmes that provide the meet the highest standard of industry-relevant training.

Art Director:

Industry: TV and Film

Job details: 

• Realising the Production Designer's creative vision for all the sets and locations that give productions their look and feel
• Project managing the work of the art department
• Also undertaking the role of Production Designer on smaller TV productions

To do this role, you will need to:  

• have a good all-round knowledge of interior design and architecture and the history of both
• have a practical understanding of building and construction
• understand the work of other TV/film departments, such as camera, lighting, sound, props, and to know how your set designs affect their work
• have a good knowledge of computer budgeting software
• possess a full clean driving licence 
• have excellent free-hand drawing, perspective and technical drawing skills
• possess a good eye for decoration and detail
• be able to conceptualise ideas
• be able to think visually
• have a methodical approach to work
• have strong leadership skills, to motivate and direct a team
• be able to see the broader picture and to co-ordinate effectively
• show diplomacy and sensitivity when working with artists and crew
• be willing to work long and irregular hours
• understand the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures, particularly relating to potentially hazardous working conditions or materials
• be aware of and sensitive towards different working practices and cultures when working in other countries

Best Route In:

To become an Art Director, you need to learn your skills on the job. This involves starting out as an Art Department Assistant and progressing through the grades, e.g. to Junior Draughtsman, then to Draughtsman or Assistant Art Director. Although this progression will take a number of years, it is a crucial process during which you will gain the knowledge and experience you require to become a good Art Director.

If you study film, television and theatre design you could also gain experience working on low budget productions before progressing to junior roles on television programmes or feature films. 

You could transfer across from a similar role in the theatre, having learnt to conceptualise ideas and communicate them dramatically and visually; however, you will have to learn techniques specific to film and TV.

Qualifications:  

You will generally require a qualification to be an Art Director. Many are graduates of art, architecture, theatre, interior or 3D design courses. You could also undertake higher-level courses in film and/or theatre production design. After training, it will be vital for you to acquire on-the-job experience of how art departments work, studio practice, working on locations, etc.