Jobs In Television Film by benalexanderkippen

Jobs In The

The Television & Film Industry

Runner G

Entry Requirements

What Is A Runner

runner is an entry-level position, the most junior role in the production department of a broadcast, film or video company. There is no single job description as runners act as general assistants and undertake whatever basic tasks are required to ensure the smooth running of the production process. Runners’ general responsibilities include tea making, transporting scripts and hire equipment, taking messages, looking after guests and getting everything in place for shoots. This role offers the opportunity to gain vital experience and knowledge of the production process, offering valuable networking opportunities, and is often seen as the first step on the ladder for people aspiring to roles in broadcasting media

Freelance or Contracted?

ost runners work on a freelance basis and are employed on full-time, shortterm contracts. Short-term contracts and long hours can have lifestyle and financial implications. It is wise, therefore, to line up your next piece of work while still working on the current project.

etting a position as a runner is often a combination of luck, timing and networking. The industry looks favourably on those with experience and contacts, rather than qualifications. There are no specific educational requirements for becoming a runner. However, a relevant HND, degree or postgraduate qualification, particularly one with a practical focus, may increase your chances of success as this can equip you with an understanding of the industry, practical skills, a work experience placement and useful contacts.

Typical Salary

lthough starting salaries vary according to the size of the company, they have increased very little over the past few years. The average starting salary is approximately £7-£8 per hour. Pay is low and there is little reason for it to increase because competition for paid runner positions is fierce.

Editor

What Is An Editor?

film or video editor is responsible for assembling recorded raw material into a finished product suitable for broadcasting. The material may consist of camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics and special effects. This is a key role in the post-production process and the editor’s skill can determine the quality and delivery of the final product. The editor may be part of a team and they will usually work closely with the director to achieve the desired end result

Entry Requirements

o specific qualifications are required and so this area of work is open to all graduates and those with a HND.

Entry without a degree or HND is possible but applicants must show commitment and determination to enter the industry. Courses offering film/media production experience may be advantageous.

Typical Salary

ange of typical starting salaries: £18,000-£25,000 for those employed by a television or postor freelancers, career development takes the production studio. This is not form of progressing from small productions to typically an entry level/graduate larger or more prestigious projects. Forging good job; entrants start at a lower-paid working relationships with freelance directors, level, which can be around the production managers and producers pays off national minimum wage, working in developing a network. As these colleagues as runners and then assistant move from job to job and into new production editors before reaching this post. companies they are often able to bring preferred Range of salaries with experience: editors onto projects. While relevant qualifications £20,000-£35,000 may be of benefit, career development is based more on evidence, experience and practical involvement within the industry, and on developing this strong network of contacts.

Freelance or Contracted?

Director

Floor Managers

What Is Director?

he Director is the driving creative force in a film’s production, and acts as the crucial link between the production, technical and creative teams. Directors are responsible for creatively translating the film’s written script into actual images and sounds on the screen - he or she must visualise and define the style and structure of the film, then act as both a storyteller and team leader to bring this vision to reality. Directors’ main duties include casting, script editing, shot composition, shot selection and editing. While the practical aspects of filmmaking, such as finance and marketing, are left to the Producer, Directors must also always be aware of the constraints of the film’s budget and schedule. In some cases, Directors assume multiple roles such as Director/ Producer or Director/Writer. Being a Director requires great creative vision, dedication and commitment. Directors are ultimately responsible for a film’s artistic and commercial success or failure.

Freelance or Contracted?

ost Directors work on a freelance basis and are employed on full-time,

implications. It is wise, therefore, to line up your next piece of work while. still working on the current project.

Entry Requirements

hile there are numerous training courses and reference books on directing, formal qualifications are not necessary to become a Director. Studying the art and craft of directing is important, but the role can only really be mastered through in-depth practical experience. Writing a screenplay, directing one’s own short film or an amateur play, are all good starting places.

Typical Salary

irectors vary depending on the contracts in place. Directing can be well payed to underpaid all depending on the contract.

What Is Floor Manager?

elevision floor managers ensure that sets, props and technical equipment are safe, ready to use and in the right position prior to filming. They have a liaising and coordinating role, acting as the link between the director and the many people involved in a production. It is the floor manager’s responsibility to pass on cues to presenters and guests to ensure timings are met and the broadcast goes smoothly. The floor manager ensures that events go according to a set plan and that people taking part know their particular roles and how it fits in with whatever else is happening. The work is mainly studio-based, but may also include outside broadcasts, depending on the production.

Freelance or Contracted?

ost floor managers are freelance, moving between employers on contracts that can last a few days or months at a time. Once you establish a good relationship with a director, it is quite common for your services to be requested for their next programme.

Entry Requirements

lthough this area of work is open to all graduates, the following degree and HND subjects may increase your chances: •media studies; •drama/theatre studies; •photography/film/television. Entry without a degree or HND is common and many floor managers have worked their way up to this position from a more junior or related role.

Typical Salary

ange of typical starting salaries: £16,000 - £22,000. •Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience, e.g. after 10-15 years in the role: upwards of £25,000. •Salary will vary according to location, company, experience, duration of contract and demand.

Location Managers What Is Location Manager?

ocation managers are responsible for making all the practical arrangements for film or photographic shoots taking place outside the studio. Productions are made in a wide range of places and location managers need to research, identify and organise access to appropriate sites. As well as arranging and negotiating site use, the role usually includes managing sites throughout the shooting process. This involves working to strict budgetary and time limits and maintaining a high standard of health and safety and security. The demands of organising crews and dealing with a range of people make this an intense and varied role.

Freelance or Contracted?

ilm companies and independent production companies that make films usually recruit location managers for individual productions and are most likely to appoint on the basis of previous experience and reputation. Location managers are mainly freelanced with pay depending on experience

Entry Requirements

lthough this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree, HND or foundation degree in a subject related to communication or media studies, or photography, film or television, may increase your chances.

Typical Salary

ates of pay vary widely, depending on experience, your reputation within the industry and the type of production. Location managers working on major television dramas or feature films can expect to earn more than those working on lowbudget productions. For recommended minimum rates for location management contact the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographer and Theatre Union (BECTU) .

DoP Director of Photography What Is Director Of Photography?

Entry Requirements

inematographers, sometimes referred he majority of DoPs study film and/or to as directors of photography, are photography to degree level or higher, skilled in operation of the camera and subsequently working in a junior capacity, lighting equipment used to produce movies, e.g., as 2nd Assistant Camera on short television shows and other film projects. films or promos, and progressing through Some cinematographers complete formal the camera roles. Camera Operators education programs on the bachelor’s or often progress to becoming DoPs by master’s levels, but experience in the field carrying out second unit work, although might be more valuable in today’s job there is no set route. Less frequently market. they may progress from the Lighting Department. Becoming a DoP can be a long and arduous process, but the eventual he majority of DoPs study film and/or rewards are great. Although experience photography to degree level or higher, of working on short or student films can subsequently working in a junior capacity, provide a good introduction to feature film production, the on-set hierarchy and e.g., as 2nd Assistant Camera on short films or promos, and progressing through traditions of working as part of a camera the camera roles. Camera Operators often crew can only be learned by experience.

Freelance or Contracted?

progress to becoming DoPs by carrying out second unit work, although there is no set route. Less frequently they may progress from the Lighting Department. Becoming a DoP can be a long and arduous process, but the eventual rewards are great. Although experience of working on short or student films can provide a good introduction to feature film production, mainly freelanced

Typical Salary

Camera Operators

Sound Designer

What Is Camera Operator? Entry Requirements

What Is Sound Designer?

amera Operators perform a vital role within the camera department on feature films. They support the Director of Photography (DoP or DP), and the Director, by accurately carrying out their instructions regarding shot composition and development. The seamless ease with which the camera moves is key to the narrative flow of feature films, and is the Camera Operators’ responsibility. They are usually the first people to use the camera’s eye piece to assess how all the elements of performance, art direction, lighting, composition and camera movement come together to create the cinematic experience.

Freelance or Contracted?

ost Camera Operators begin their careers as Camera Trainees or Runners, progressing to 2nd AC and, as they gain more experience, to 1st AC. Throughout this progression, they must build upon their experience, and achieve a high level of competence when operating a variety of cameras. Once this level of expertise and experience has been achieved, they may become a DoP or a Camera Operator.

o specific qualifications are required to work in this role, although film schools and training courses offer a good basic grounding in the skills and knowledge required and in practice many Camera Operators have studied for higher level qualifications. The most useful courses offer practical experience and may also include work experience placements.

Typical Salary

ccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), earnings of cinematographers vary significantly with experience, location and employment specifics (www.bls.gov). The median annual salary of cinematographers was $41,670 in May 2008; however, cinematographers on major motion picture and television projects can earn 6-figure incomes. Cities with the highest annual salaries for cinematographers in 2008 included Indianapolis, IN, and Oakland and Santa Ana, CA. The single largest employers of cinematographers were companies providing programming for cable outlets.

ound Designers (previously known as Sound Effects Editors or Special Effects (SFX) Editors) are responsible for providing any required sounds to accompany screen action. Most Sound Designers are experienced Supervising Sound Editors who carry out a managerial role, steering the work of the entire sound post production process, combined with the specialist role of creating the sound concept for films. As well as creating the sounds for giant explosions or car crashes, Sound design is also the art of creating subtle sounds that enrich the language and feeling of a film.

Freelance or Contracted?

ll Sound Designers start out as sound enthusiasts and have usually spent years recording and experimenting with everyday sounds before entering the industry. Since Sound Design is a highly competitive area, even the most highly qualified industry entrants must be prepared to start in junior roles. They usually progress from being Runners in Picture or Sound cutting rooms, or in Audio Post Production Facilities houses.

Entry Requirements

lthough this area of work is open to all graduates, a successful candidate will need to show a good understanding of the physics of sound, technical aptitude (including an awareness of current sound technology and equipment), good aural skills, excellent communication skills and acute attention to detail

Typical Salary

ypical starting salary: £16,000 £18,000 in an established studio or in television and radio. Typical salary with experience, e.g. after ten years in the role: £30,000 - £35,000. These wages are often supplemented with unpredictability or unsocial hour allowances. Freelance sound technicians can earn £230 - £500 per (ten hour) day. The Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematography and Theatre Union (BECTU) publishes a set of

Sound Editor

Sound MIXER

What Is Sound Editor?

What Is Sound Mixer?

perate machines and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in sporting arenas, theater productions, recording studios, or movie and video productions Supervising Sound Editors are Heads of Department, responsible for all sound post production. They are the Director’s main point of contact for everything concerning film soundtracks. They must have a good grounding in dialogue recording, ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), Foley (post-synchronised sound effects), and sound effects or music editing.

Entry Requirements

good general education will be useful. GCSEs or A-levels in maths and physics and qualifications in electronics will be particularly beneficial. The following degree/HND subjects may increase your chances of success:

Typical Salary

reelance sound technicians can earn £230 - £500 per (ten hour) day. The Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematography and Theatre Union (BECTU) publishes a set of guidelines on rates of pay for freelancers. •Sound technicians frequently have to work long days and unsocial hours (the average working day is ten hours) upervising Sound Editors must have including evenings, nights and weekends. gained extensive experience by working They often need to adopt flexible working in Sound Post Production over a number patterns in order to work on breaking of years. They usually work their way stories, to tight deadlines or to ensure up from being Runners in Audio Post Production Facilities Houses or Mixing Studios, progressing to assisting in picture or sound cutting rooms where they are often required to work on Dialogue, Special Effects, and Foley.

Freelance or Contracted?

Entry Requirements

Freelance or Contracted?

Typical Salary

roduction Sound Mixers are responsible for the difficult job of ensuring that dialogue recorded during filming is suitably clear. Although much of the storytelling and the emotional impact of a script are conveyed through dialogue, most film sets are challenging environments for Mixers because there are often unwanted noises to deal with, or the required camera shots hamper the placing of microphones

he majority of Production Sound Mixers train in sound recording but start working in the industry at junior levels as Sound Trainees. This period of on-the-job training lasts approximately two years before Sound Trainees are ready to become Sound Assistants. Working with equipment manufacturers or hire companies can also provide the opportunity to learn about sound equipment and to make useful industry contacts.

s the head of the production sound department, Production Sound Mixers must undertake specialist training in sound recording before starting out at junior levels within the sound department and progressing through the sound roles. Sound is one of the best served areas for film and television training in the UK with provision ranging from specialised short courses, to qualifications at HND, BA and post graduate levels.

reelance sound mixer can earn £230 - £500 per (ten hour) day. The Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematography and Theatre Union (BECTU) publishes a set of guidelines on rates of pay for freelancers.

Sound Recordist

Producer

What Is Sound Recordist? Entry Requirements

What Is A Producer?

sound recordist is is the man/woman who is responsible for collecting all the different sounds that composes the film, this can range from gun shots to atmospheric sound effects

Freelance or Contracted?

xecutive Producers are experienced industry practitioners, who have usually worked previously for a number of years in any one of a variety of roles: Producer, Writer, Director, Script Editor, etc. Most have some hands-on experience of producing which enables them to appreciate the requirements of their own role within the production process. Knowledge of other grades is also essential. They 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.

lthough this area of work is open to all graduates, the following subjects at degree or HND level may increase your chances: Communication and media studies; Photography/film/television; Information technology/multimedia; Broadcasting. Entry without a degree or HND is possible, but most producers are educated to degree level.

Typical Salary

ange of typical starting salaries: £18,000-£25,000. Range of salaries with experience: £40,000-£55,000, and for departmental heads, £60,000-£80,000 plus benefits. Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) indicates that experienced production managers earn between £1,062 and £1,812 a week freelance for a 50-hour week, depending on whether you work on TV factual or dramas, or on feature films

Entry Requirements

roducers are highly self-motivated lthough this area of work is open individuals, who have the final to all graduates, the following responsibility for all aspects of a film’s subjects at degree or HND level may production. There are so many ways of increase your chances: being a Producer. Very often the Producer Communication and media studies; is the first person to become involved in a Photography/film/television; project, even before the writer, or they may Information technology/multimedia; be the agent-style Producer who focuses on Broadcasting. the deal. Generally though, the Producer shepherds the film from inception to Entry without a degree or HND is completion and beyond, starting long possible, but most producers are before the film-making process and educated to degree level. continuing to talk about and sell the picture long after everyone else has gone on to other projects. Â Top film makers work with the same people over and over again, ange of typical starting salaries: which is why it is important for those who £18,000-£25,000. wish to make a career in the Production Range of salaries with experience: Office to gain respect by being a reliable, £40,000-£55,000, and for departmental trustworthy and enthusiastic Production heads, £60,000-£80,000 plus benefits. Assistant or Runner

Typical Salary

Freelance or Contracted?

roducers are both free lance and contracted, you have more freedom if you are freelanced

Executive Producer

Line Producer

What Is Executive Producer? Entry Requirements

What Is Line Producer?

n the production of a television show there may be many executive producers listed. Sometimes it may be a situation not unlike the one described above for motion pictures: someone with previous involvement with a particular work, a project’s financier, or someone in control of the business aspect of production. Sometimes, this title is conferred upon a celebrity or notable creator who has lent their name to a project to boost its prestige or credibility, as a recognition of newlyacquired industry status, or as a perk to the shows main star or creative force..

Freelance or Contracted?

xecutive producers are mainly contracted for a specific company rather than freelance. Executive Producers are experienced industry practitioners, who have usually worked previously for a number of years in any one of a variety of roles: Producer, Writer, Director, Script Editor, etc.

ntry without a degree or HND is possible, but most producers are educated to degree level. Gaining work experience or taking a weekend course while you are still studying may improve your chances of entry. Any opportunities to network should also be exploited and those in the sector expect it. If you can manage to work without pay even for a short time, volunteer to work at some of the television and film festivals held annually throughout the UK.

Typical Salary

ange of typical starting salaries: £18,000-£25,000. Range of salaries with experience: £40,000-£55,000, and for departmental heads, £60,000-£80,000 plus benefits. Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographer and Theatre Union (BECTU) indicates that experienced production managers earn between £1,062 and £1,812 a week freelance for a 50-hour week, depending on whether you work on TV factual or dramas.

Entry Requirements

he Line Producer is one of the first o qualifications can prepare people to be employed on a film’s anyone completely for this hugely production by the Producer and Executive demanding role. Line Producers must Producers. Line Producers are rarely have considerable industry experience, involved in the development of the project, which can only be acquired by working but often play a crucial role in costing the for a number of years in film, television production in order to provide investors and/or commercial production. with the confidence to invest in the Individuals usually progress to the role project. As soon as the finance has been of Line Producer by working their way raised, the Line Producer supervises the through a variety of roles in Assistant preparation of the film’s budget, and the Direction, Location Management and/ day-to-day planning and running of the or the Production Office. Many start production. Line Producers are usually their careers as Runners or Production employed on a freelance basis. They must Assistants. Line Producers must also expect to work long hours, though the role attend the required Health & Safety can be financially very rewarding. Career courses advancement is based on their experience and reputation. Where a Line Producer has a creative input to the production, he or typical salary of a line manager is she is often credited as a Co-producer. £29,000 - £45,000

Typical Salary

Freelance or Contracted?

ine producers are mainly contracted for a specific company rather than freelance. Executive Producers are experienced industry practitioners, who have usually worked previously for a number of years in any one of a variety of roles: Producer, Writer, Director, Script Editor, etc.

Designer What Is Designer?

roduction Designers are major heads of department on film crews, and are responsible for the entire Art Department. They play a crucial role in helping Directors to achieve the film’s visual requirements, and in providing Producers with carefully calculated schedules which offer viable ways of making films within agreed budgets and specified periods of time. Filming locations may range from an orderly Victorian parlour, to a late-night café, to the interior of an alien space ship. The look of a set or location is vital in drawing the audience into the story, and is an essential element in making a film convincing and evocative. A great deal of work and imagination goes into constructing an appropriate backdrop to any story, and into selecting or constructing appropriate locations and/or sets.

Freelance or Contracted?

s the head of the largest department on a film crew, Designers must have extensive experience gained over a number of years, usually by progressing through the various Art Department so beginning freelance to gain experience to become a permanent member

Entry Requirements

roduction Designers must have expert knowledge of many art and design related subjects including draughtsmanship, technical drawing, colour theory, architecture, building and construction, history of design, interior design, cameras and lenses, lighting, etc. Production Designers must also have full knowledge of computer budgeting software and computer aided design programmes (CADS). Production Designers are usually graduates of Art, Architecture, Theatre, Interior or 3D Design courses. Subsequently they usually complete a specialist course in Film and/or Theatre Design.

Typical Salary

ange of typical starting salaries for junior graphic designers: £14,000 £25,000. A senior designer can earn £25,000 £45,000. A creative director can make up to £65,000.

Researcher What Is Researcher?

pecialist Researchers work closely with the Production Designer, the Supervising Art Director, Art Director(s) and Set Decorator, but also provide backup in the form of detailed research to the entire Art Department. This may involve anything from finding a visual reference to inspire a specific set, or sourcing details that enable the Draughtsmen* to produce accurate technical drawings, to researching a specific craft or skill that might be needed to make a prop. Supported by the Specialist Researcher, it is the Production Designer’s job to ensure that every detail on sets, which can range from the interior of an alien spaceship to the contents of a Victorian drawing room, is as authentic and believable as possible.

Entry Requirements

pecialist Researchers are likely to be graduates of Art, Architecture, Theatre, Interior or 3D Design courses. Some individuals may also undertake higher level courses in Film and/ or Theatre Production Design. After training, it is equally important to acquire on the job experience of how Art Departments work. Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted.

Typical Salary

ange of typical starting salaries: £18,000 - £25,000. •Range of typical salaries with some experience: £25,000 - £35,000. •Range of typical salaries with significant experience: £40,000 lthough there is no typical career route £80,000. These figures are for employed to becoming a Specialist Researcher, the positions only and do not include role requires extensive knowledge of how earnings that can be expected from Art Departments work which can be gained freelance work or self-employment. by working as an Assistant Art Director or Art Department Assistant.

Freelance or Contracted?

Hoped TO Have Helped

e hoped you have learnt something from this booklet, we hope that this has assisted you in choosing your future jobs and your pathway to it. If you have any other questions you can use the websites in the sources list below. There are many more jobs that the ones in this booklet but these are the main ones that can branch into more.

Sources of Information http://www.creativeskillset.org http://www.prospects.ac.uk https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk