Job roles in the TV and film industry

Runner The main role of a runner is to deal with any tasks that need to be done around the set and on location. These tasks can be very varied and range from things such as office admin tasks to looking after actors on set. A runner can be found in both TV and Film industries as there is no set role in what they do and they simply help out doing whatever is needed. In the Production Office duties might include answering telephones, filing paperwork and data entry. Or arranging lunches, dinners, and transportation reservations, photocopying, general office administration, and distributing production paperwork. On set, Runners might have to act as a courier and help to keep the set clean and tidy. They also distribute call sheets, health and safety notices, and other paperwork. On location shoots, Production Runners may also be needed to help co-ordinate the extras, and to perform crowd control duties.

There is no set route in becoming a runner and no specific qualifications are needed but a good education and a full driving licence is always good to have.

Sourced from: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles/1701_production_runner

Average Wage - 6.50 - 8.80 an hour.

Researcher The aim of a researcher is to develop programme ideas and present findings to the decision makers. Its also hugely important for researchers to check facts for script writers and on-screen presenters.

Another big job for researchers is to obtain guests for productions and to keep good contact lists to access relevant information when needed. To be able to do this effectively good communication skills are needed as well as superb attention to detail and to be able to solve problems quickly to overcome any issues that may arise. A big responsibility for researchers is to look after guests that will be part of the production and take care of them. Arranging transport, food, relevant paperwork and greeting them is a big part of the job.

Again, there are no particular qualifications for this role required however a media or drama role would be a good grounding. The majority of researcher jobs are on a freelance basis. Researchers are normally found in the TV industry but can also play a part in the film industry.

Average Wage - 415 for a 48 hour week.

Sourced from: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles/308_researcher_tv

Editor - The Editor works closely with the Director, crafting the daily rushes into a coherent whole. To ensure that the story flows effortlessly from beginning to end, each shot is carefully chosen and edited into a series of scenes, which are in turn assembled to create the finished film. The Editor works closely with the Director before shooting begins, deciding how to maximise the potential of the screenplay. Editors check the technical standards, as well as the emerging sense of story, and the actors' performances.

As with most media routes the best way in is to start from the bottom as a runner and work your way up. To become an editor you often have to be an assistant first and these are rarely employed on large feature films so you will need to start on TV if these are open to employ people

with little experience.

Average Wage - 18,000 - 70,000 a year depending on experience

Sourced from: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles/2940_editor

Director - Directors roles change slightly depending on whether they are directing TV or film.

In film directors are responsible for creatively translating the film's written script into actual images and sounds on the screen. They are ultimately responsible for a film's artistic and commercial success or failure. Directors may write the film's script or commission it to be written, or they may be hired after an early draft of the script is complete. They must then develop a vision for the finished film and work out how to achieve it.

In TV directors are responsible for the look and sound of a production and its technical standards. They work closely with Producers and/or Writers, enhancing, refining and realising original ideas into finished programmes. They are responsible for ensuring that the final programme is faithful to the original concept. They must be able to push boundaries while remaining in total control of their material. They work across all genres.

To get into directing you will need a wide experience in and knowledge of the production process and complete specialist training in multi-camera and single camera directing.

Average Wage - for a director can vary hugely with some regional television directors earning less than 50,000 a year and the likes of Martin Scorsese earning 13,000,000 a year, this shows that if you get a big break and have the experience directors can become very rich people.

Sourced from: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles/283_art_director

Location Manager

Location managers are used in both TV and film and look at the locations required based from scripts and discussions with directors.

They arrange reconnaissance visits (recces) to assess the suitability of each location, taking detailed notes and clear and descriptive photographs or video footage. They check with relevant authorities to confirm the availability of potential locations, and to ascertain the need for any relevant permissions and/or licences. They assess any possible problems, including checking whether suitable local power supplies are available or whether there is sufficient space for any required generators. They also consider the climatic, physical, environmental and health and safety factors which may affect the use of locations. They identify any costs associated with the use of each location and ensure they are within budget.

Again, there is no set route into being a location manager but starting as a runner or researcher may mean you can work your way up to this. A background in managing live events may also help, for example being a stage or production manager.

Average Wage - 135 a day for freelance work

Sourced from: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles/299_location_manager_tv

Director of photography (DoP)

Directors of Photography (DoPs) are key Heads of Department on film productions and theirs is one of the major creative roles. They provide a film with its unique visual identity, or look. DoPs must discover the photographic heart of a screenplay, using a variety of source material including stills photography, painting, other films, etc.

Due to the visual nature of the Director of Photography it would be good to have a degree in stills photography or if not one in a media related course or drama. Most directors of photography can expect to start at the bottom producing short films or promos as a 2nd camera assistant and then working up gaining experience along the way.

Average Wage These normally work freelance and can expect a wage of 1300 per day for mainstream distribution.

Sourced from: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles/759_director_of_photography

Camera Operator Camera Operators ensure that cameras and associated equipment are rigged and ready for the required set-up. They must be able to multi-task, and to watch, listen and think on their feet while carrying out complex technical tasks. They supervise Assistants in moving the camera and carry out simple camera fault diagnosis. They may work closely with performers, giving them constructive advice in order to achieve the required composition.

On most productions, a team of camera operators is led by a camera supervisor or senior camera person. Programmes shot by multiple cameras are usually broadcast live or recorded as live and a camera operators work can be very intensive and stressful.

Usually camera operators are taught the practical skills through hands-on experience on the job but basic stills photography which develops visual and composition skills provides a useful starting point.

Average Wage Freelance work - 371-620 per day.

Sourced from: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles/290_camera_operator_portable_single_camera

Sound Recordist - Sound Recordists (also known as Production Mixers) record 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. They monitor the quality of the sound recording through headphones and work closely with the Director, Boom Operator and sometimes the Sound Editor, often using multiple microphones.

They directly supervise the Sound Assistants and Boom Operators. Sometimes, they also manage the rest of the sound crew. They may also occasionally operate the boom themselves. They often have to supervise frontline maintenance in order to keep the production on track.

There is no qualification needed to be a TV sound recordist however its vital to show real interest in sound and the understanding of its physical properties.

The first step into the role will be via a trainee role, on the job training or shadowing more experienced personnel and learning from them.Average Wage - 18,000 - 30,000 depending on experience. Sourced from: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles/312_sound_recordist

Producer

Producers have overall control on every aspect of a film's production. They bring together and approve the whole production team. Their key responsibility is to create an environment where the talents of the cast and crew can flourish. Producers are accountable for the success of the finished film. They steer the film from beginning to completion and beyond.

Producers usually hand pick a production office team and take them from production to production as this is who they will work best with and know they will produce the best results.

Average Wage - 40,000 to 80,000

Sourced from: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles/295_executive_producer

Production Designer

Production Designers are major heads of department on film crews, and are responsible for the entire art department. They help Directors to define and achieve the look and feel of a film. Filming locations may range from a Victorian parlour, to a late-night caf, 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 making a film convincing. A great deal of work and imagination goes into constructing the backdrop to any story and choosing or building locations and/or sets.

Qualifications are a must for this role. You will need to be a graduate of art, architecture, theatre, interior or 3d design courses. After this you will then need to complete a specialist course in film and theatre design.

The best way into this role is to gain experience over a number of years and work your way up. Due to managing one of the biggest teams on the production team its vital that you have experience in this sector.

Average Wage - 40,000 - 80,000

Sourced from: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles/737_production_designer