Jobs in the TV

and film industry

Management; Production Accountants; Financial;
Organizational; Creative; Editorial; Technical;
Research; Administrative.
Introduction
In the media industry fields of employment can fall in to one of two categories, these
categories are creative and non-creative. These two categories can then be broken down in
to more specific job roles that are available in the media: management, creative,
editorial, technical, research based, organizational, administrative and financial.

In this industry the nature of employment can be flexible depending on which role you
take on . The most common natures of employment available in the industry are: shift
work, fixed term, freelance, irregular pattern, office hours, hourly rates and piece work.

In this PowerPoint I will be going into greater detail about some of the more specific
employment roles are are available in the media industry, particularly within the film and
TV genre. I will be addressing both the creative and non creative avenues, as well as
including the nature of employment and some of the key skills required to successfully
carry out specific roles
Management
 Management of all disciplines involved in both the TV sector and the film making
industry is an essential part of producing a successful end product. Management is the
organization and coordination of the activities of a business in order to achieve
defined objectives. Having a manager/management team is one of the first steps to
ensure that a project will work. The manager as a duty to overlook all aspects of the
production or project except what happens on set as this is the job of the director and
producer. Financial, organisational and administrative also come under management

Different Job Roles

 Accountants – production accounts, Production costs and Financial control
 Production Office – Producer and Exec Producer
 Casting – all casting Directors and staff
 Health & Safety – Risk Assessment, Medical Staff
 Location Manager – Managers of Units and Locations
 Catering – Operatives
 Distribution – Contractors and Agents
Production Accountants
 A Production Accountant job includes managing budgets and schedules for film productions on a day-to-day
basis. It also includes producing financial reports against the financial budgets set for the project. People
employed in this role are usually contracted on a freelance basis.
 Production Accountants are responsible for maintaining and managing financials record throughout
production in the Film and TV industry. Working closely with Producers and production Teams, they put in
place systems and supervise the input staff.
 Production Accountants should have strong organizational skills as well as excellent communication
attributes.
 Accountancy staff will manage budgets payrolls, taxes and any insurance claims as well as closing off the
production financial year end.
 Through out the process accountants have to be aware of government regulations and legislation
appertaining to the production such as guild, tax, health and safety. Production teams are involved in the
film making process and communicating with the production crew.
 Production accountants follow projects that range from a few days or for months at a time depending on
how long the film takes to make.
Financial
 The TV and Film industry require financial control to be stringent, saving money being
at the top of the list of requirement, budgeting and where money is spent should
follow the lines of less spending, rather than non essential. The field of finance deals
with the concept of how time, money and risk are so closely intercalated a have a
great impact on each other. Employees based in finance also have an overall duty to
plan where money is spent and budgeted.

 Different jobs available:

Accounts: financial controller, production accounting.

Distribution: distributor, sales agent

Publicity/stills: unit publicist, units stills photographer.

Organisational
 Having organisation skills is essential in the TV and Film making industry. Having
strengths in directing and managing people, making sure plans are made and carried
out and deadline are met precisely. People employed for organisational purposes are
in charge of positioning of items or people to ensure that everything is in the correct
please on set. For example all props are easily accessible to actors and ensure that
everyone who is working on the production has a set job.
 Different jobs available:
 Transport: transport manager, transport captain
 Location: unit manager, location manager
 Casting: casting director, casting assistant
 Publicity/stills: unit publicist unit stills photographer
Casting – Casting Director
 Casting directors work closely with producers and directors in order to be fully aware
of what their requirements are for a role. They are responsible for selecting,
interviewing and auditioning actors that fit the requirements. Once the actors are
selected and accept the role, the casting directors then negotiate fees and contracts.

 The casting director has an important role to play and is held in high regard by the
producer and director, as they assist to assemble the prefect cast for a film. It is
essential that a casting director has a wide range and current knowledge of the acting
talent available, as they are responsible for matching the prefect actor to the prefect
role based on many factors such as: experience, ability, reputation, availability and
box office appeal.

 Directors and producers are highly selective and demanding when casting the ideal
actors for key roles, so it is important that casting directors are patient, hard working
and diplomatic at all times. They must be equipped with negotiation and
organizational skills for agreeing actors fees and arranging terms and conditions of
contracts.

 Casting directors are usually employed and have contracts with the production team of
the film. They work until actors are casted and rehearsal/filming starts, their
contracts are always negotiated and payment usually takes place on the first day of
pre-production.
Administrative
 ‘Arrangements and work that is needed to control the operation of a plan or
organization’ performance and management of implementing major decisions in
operating a business. Administrative is the universal process of effectively and
efficiently organizing people and resources.
 Different jobs available:
 Accounts
 Casting
 Health and safety
 Location
 Transport
 Catering Runners
Creative
 The creative among the industry have a huge role to play. The jobs they have are
directing camera work, they determine how the media looks. They are responsible
for constructing a genre within a piece of media and making it look professional
and worthy of watching. The creative industries allude to a wide range of
economic activity which are concerned with the generation or misuse of the
perception of knowledge and information:
 Available creative jobs.
 Camera: script supervisor, camera operator
 Music: music supervisor, composer,
 Direction: First assistant director, film director.
 Casting: Casting director, casting assistant.
 Hair and Make up: hair and make up designer, chief make up artist.
 Performing: Choreographer, actor.
 Props: Property master, prop maker.
 Lighting: Moving light operator, best boy (best electrician on the team),lighting
technician
 Costume: Costume designer, Costume maker.
 Construction: Model maker, moving light operator.
 Script: Script writer, script editor
 Production Office: Producer, executive producer.
 Script Editor
 Script Editors have many responsibilities in their role, including finding new scriptwriters, developing
storylines and series ideas with writers, and ensuring that the script is suitable for the production.
 The way in which they find new scriptwriters is by reaching out to existing writers and familiarizing
themselves with their previous work, for example reading previous scripts. They then would need to
ensure that the style of the person is appropriate for their specific project. A large amount of a
script editor’s time is spent reading scripts from existing writers – this is because there are so many,
and they need to narrow it down to who they think is most suitable. They also attend theatre shows
or films to find new writers.
 Another responsibility that a script editor has is to read through pitches and treatment of different
writers’ ideas and hold meetings to discuss how they can develop the ideas further. They will give
the writer notes to improve continuity, characters, storylines – they also will do research on the
subject matter to make it more accurate. On a soap opera, script editors will attend story
conferences to ensure that they have a wider knowledge of the show, so that when they give
feedback to the writer they know how it should match to the rest of the stories.
 In terms of script, the script editor needs to ensure that the style is appropriate for the production.
For example, dialogue, locations, factual accuracy, character accuracy, script length, scene length,
spelling and grammar, continuity, and whether all the plot lines have been dealt with. The minimum
amount of drafts is three, however if they are still not happy they may need to do more.
 Script editors tend to work for production companies in film and television -- they can also be
freelance, contracted or staff. Some script editors form casual partnerships with writers so will tend
to work with them over their career.
 Skills needed would be: excellent writing ability, creativity and imagination, story-telling skills and
understanding of dramatic structure, good presentation and networking skills, and very strong
organization skills.
Camera Operator
 The job of a camera operator is to be in control of the camera and film for TV series,
soaps, films, documentaries, chat shows and more.
 Camera operators are employed by television and cable companies, within the film
industry and by video production houses. They are responsible for operating a variety
of technical equipment including single and multiple portable, remote-control and
electronic cameras, cranes and mobile mountings. Other responsibilities include:
• assembling and setting up equipment 
• planning, preparing and rehearsing scenes
• following camera scripts
• creatively framing and capturing action
• responding quickly to directions
• liaising with lighting and technical staff

Opportunities are advertised via the internet, in newspapers, and specialist

publications such as Audio Visual and Broadcast magazine. Networking, job
shadowing and speculative applications are advisable.

Some skills required in order to carry out this job are physical fitness, creativity and
imagination, advanced knowledge of technology, good communication skills,
teamwork, and dedication to work long, challenging hours. You also may need a
driver’s licence.
Lighting Technician
 A lighting technician is the person who ensures that all the lighting equipment is safe
and all the appropriate equipment is supplied – they also choose where it will be placed
on set or stage. The different areas they tend to specialise in film, TV and theatre
productions. This role can be considered creative and technical.
 Depending on the scale of the production, the role may be different. Some of the
different roles are:
 interpreting a lighting designer's plan
 carrying out risk assessments for health and safety purposes
 planning where to run cables and place lights at film locations
 helping to rig and check the equipment
 taking cues from the stage manager in theatre or the floor manager in TV
 programming and operating manual and computer-controlled lighting systems
 taking down the equipment after shows or filming
 Employment opportunities would require qualifying as an electrician and getting
practical experience in production lighting. You could also do a college course to learn
skills like stage electrics and lighting design. In terms of the nature of employment, the
majority of lighting technicians work on a freelance basis. This is because the industry is
very competitive, however some companies offer vacancies.
 Some key skills needed to carry out this role are: practical and numeracy skills,
communication and people skills, health and safety knowledge, creativity and problem-
solving skills and the ability to follow technical and design instructions.
Editorial
 Editing  is the process of selecting and preparing written, visual, audible,
and film media used to convey information. The editing process can involve
correction, condensation, organization, and many other modifications performed with
an intention of producing a correct, consistent, accurate and complete work.
 Different jobs available:

Publishing: Editor-in-chief, Sub-editor, Proofreader

Film: Sound Editor, Visual Effects, Editor

Music: Sound Mixer, Music Director (MD)

Music Director (MD)
 The main job and responsibility of a radio station’s Music Director is to find the right
music for the station, but it’s more complicated than just picking quality music as they
need to make sure that the music is available to them. It is also their duty to ensure that
the music is appropriate for the audience that they are targeting.
 Ways in which Music Directors get into the field are: working in several entry-level
positions at a radio station, gaining experience through employment as a DJ, Promotions
Staffer, or Assistant Music Director. Advancement in this role could mean taking on the
position of Program Director or Station Manager or getting hired to work at a bigger
station in a major market. Usually Music Directors work on a full-time basis with a
certain radio station.
 Skills that are needed to carry out this job are a good musical ear, being aware of
popular genres, knowledge of technology, networking, communication, flexible hours,
sociability.
Visual Effects Editor
 The Visual Effects Editor is part of the post-production process of a
project. They are responsible for adding any additional effects that
cannot be achieved naturally with practical effects.
 Before a film even starts, both the Visual Effects Editor and the
director decide what visual effects are going to be used to bring the
film to life. The Visual Effects Editor takes notes about what visual
effects they feel will work best, then they may need to update
these notes later on in the process. Visual Effects Editors also have
the duty to catch mistakes in shots, for example reflections of
camera crew as these mistakes make the film unrealistic.
 Visual Effects Editors usually work on a freelance basis. In terms of
education, you will usually need a degree in the fields of digital
special effects, animation, multi-media art, computer animation or
computer graphics and possess enough artistic skill combined with
technical ability to understand use 2-D and 3-D animation and other
types of imagery. By graduation, you should have a strong portfolio
to show prospective employers.
 Skills that are needed to carry out this job are good
communication, pays close attention to detail, flexible hours,
determination and organisation.
Technical
 Having a technical role in the media industry means that you have the
responsibility of making sure that all technology needed on set is all correctly set
up and safe for use. For example camera, lighting and sound equipment. When
setting up the technical staff must listen to the directors orders to ensure that
everything is working and ready for filming. The technical staff are highly
important as without working technology the filming process would be impossible
to carry out.
 Different jobs available:
 Studio and broadcast technology (tv) – Transmission and sound engineer, vision mixer.
 Production sound – production sound mixer, boom operator
 Post production sound – sound designer, music editor
 Camera – camera operator, script supervisor
 Lighting – best boy, moving light operator.
Sound Engineer
 Sound engineers or audio engineers work on the technical aspects of sound and music
production by mixing, reproducing and manipulating the equalization and electronic
effects of sound. 
 The majority of sound engineers work strictly in music, however some engineers end
up working in theatre, conferences and any other venues that require sound projection
for an audience. Some other venues that sound engineers work in are radio, computer
games, musical recordings, sports games etc.
 The overall job of a sound engineer is to mix, edit and master sound. However, some
other more specific types of sound engineers include: wireless microphone engineer,
monitor sound engineer (adjust what the band hear), game audio designer engineer.
 Postsecondary training in the fields of radio & television, music, audio, performing
arts, broadcasting, or electrical engineering can all be lead-ins to a career in sound
engineering. Many colleges and universities offer specific training in audio engineering
and sound recording. Often, though, audio engineers may have no formal training, but
instead, attain professional experience and skills in audio through extensive on-the-
job experience
 Skills needed include wide knowledge of technology, knowledge of acoustics, a well-
trained ear for music, communication, willingness to work flexible hours, editing and
mixing skills, creativity and imagination.
Music Editor
 A music editor job is compiling, editing and syncing music for any soundtrack project.
 A music editor is responsible to help achieve the directors music vision on a project,
ensuring that the songs are appropriate for the style, genre and working perfectly
together in order to achieve an overall effect.
 In order to get into the industry there is no standard requirements however an
undergraduate degree may be preferred. Music editors can be contracted on a fixed
term contract or freelance depending on the nature of the employer.
 Some keys skills in order to carry out the job of a music editor are:
 Knowledge of music theory
 Familiarity with sound technology and related equipment
 Strong communication skills
 Flexible working hours
 Good editing skills
Boom operator
 Boom operator job is to ensure that the microphone does not interrupt the camera
operation or actors performance. It is vital that there is a clear dialog from performer
when an audience is present. This is mostly achieved by positioning the microphone at
an appropriate distance from the preforming actors.
 Boom operators usually work on a freelance contract and report to the production
sound mixer. They have long working hours which can take them away from home for
periods of time until the project is complete.
 A boom operator is primarily responsible for operating a boom microphone but also
works with other sound equipment on sets, they work closely with the production
sound mixer. Boom microphone are available in either hand-held attached to a long
arm or a dolly mount which attaches to a moving platform. The boom operator should
be able to use other sound equipment capturing the best quality and also carry out
repairs if needed on set.
 Boom operators usually begin working on the first day of principle photography
however before they are able to begin their role they would need to read the script of
the project several times to familiarize themselves with the characters and dialogue,
they are then given “sides” to memories the dialogue of actors.
Research:
 The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to
establish facts and reach a new conclusion. Research is carried out to solve exiting
problems, provide new ideas or develop new theories. Two main types of research
carried out are primary which is carried out to answer specific issues or questions
and secondary which involves summary, collation or synthesis of existing research.
 Different jobs available:
 Locations: locations manager and assistant locations manager
 Music: composer, music supervisor
 Transport: transport manager, transport captain
 Catering: catering crew
 Casting: casting director, casting assistant
 Costume: costume design, costume maker
 Props: props maker, property master
Costume Designer
The job of a costume designers is to create the look of each character by choosing
different martials and designing clothes and accessories the actors will wear in
performance. Depending on their style and complexity, costumes may be hand made,
bought, revamped out of existing stock or rented.  
 A costume designer is responsible for reading the script to learn about the personalities
of the characters. If the production is set in an different time period, the costume
designer would have the duty to research the styles of clothing appropriate for the era of
the production. They also have the responsibility to ensure that they stay with the
production’s costume budget. The overall goal for a costume designer is to create a visual
representation of characters in terms of social class, occupation and time period. 
 in order to be able to undertake this role no formal education required, but a creative
bachelor's degree/certificate would be helpful. ccostume designers may need to be able
to work long hours and possibly be available to work on weekends in order to meet
deadlines. They usually work in studios, theaters, offices or from home. Some costume
designers are employed by wardrobe departments, but most are freelance, working om
fixed-terms contracts.
Some key skills you will need to carry out this role are:
• excellent design skills.
• leadership ability.
• Organisational and communication skills.
• to be aware of costs and budgets
• a good eye coordination for detail.
• the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• good research skills, with a knowledge of costume history and modern fashion.
• Able to work flexible hours.
Music supervisor
 A music supervisor is a person who combines music and visual media, they are
qualified professionals who oversee all music related aspects of film,
television, advertising, video games and other existing or emerging visual media
platforms which requires music 
 Music Supervisors are responsible for negotiating contracts, preparing budgets,
attending/scheduling meetings and spotting sessions. They oversee the compositional
process and have a duty to ensure that the required music is being written, listened
to, and reported upon. They also organize music orchestration and copying.
 in order to be able to undertake this role you will need to earn bachelor's degree in
music bossiness management. However some may also seek music industry internship
opportunities to learn on the job, make connections and get a small wage. Up-and-
coming music supervisors often start out by taking low and non-paying jobs to build
their portfolios. Many music supervisors work as freelancers, so portfolios show their
experience to prospective clients.
 Some key skills you will need to carry out this role are:
 Creative and imaginative
 knowledge of music theory and different genres and knowledge of current technology
 Aware of what different visual media platforms relate to certain musical genres
 Good communication and networking skills
 Available to work flexible hours
 Some key Professional Behavior
required In All areas of employment
 A Strong Work ethic
 Dependability and Responsibility
 Possessing a Positive Attitude
 Adaptability
 Honesty and Integrity
 Self-Motivated
 Motivated to Grow and Learn
 Strong Self-Confidence
 Professionalism
 Loyalty
 Excellent time management
 Determination
 Patience
 Strong ability to work as a team