They media sector i have chosen to talk about it TV. I have chosen TV because I believe they will be a lot to talk about within the employment opportunities.
In order to create a successful TV programme, you have to have a a team of enthusiastic hard-working people, who are determined to do the best they can. Showing their experience and dedication to their job. This would be down to the 'production' team. The producer is the head of the TV production team. The producer is the one who starts off process of creating a TV show, they then go about getting the money to make the show and selecting all the right production personnel to create the team for this TV show. The producer selects the writer and the technical team along with the assistant director. The director works closely with the producer, and is responsible for for staging the show and directing the performer and technical crew. The exact role depends on the role of the show and the way it is made.(Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.)
In the TV industry, most workers are freelancers. According to (Wikipedia, 2016) a freelancers someone who works for themselves and not always for a company. They don't work log-term and only work when a job comes up that they are interested in. According to (Baylis, 2010) 89% of employers in the TV industry are freelancers. Only 11% of employers in the industry are permanent and contracted employers.
TV drama director.
The director of a television drama will cast the actors, and direct them on set. This job means that you have responsibility of creating the overall look of the TV programme. They do this by working closely with the camera crew. To be a director, you need to be up for creating an enthusiastic and dynamic relationship with number of people on set. Good communication is the key to being successful in this job role. To be a director, you need to make sure you know exactly hat you want the certain shot to look like and be able to communicate with the actors and camera crew to tell them what you want them to do and want it to look like. When being the director, you will also supervise in the editing stages and select the music and work closely with the production manager to make sure the programme is the highest possible quality for TV broadcasters. (Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.) The hours of this job can be variable, for instance if no job comes up, then you don't work. (Nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk, 2016)
TV studio director
The main job for a tv studio director is to direct a multi-camera studio set-up. This involves creating the camera script, rehearsing front of camera talent and some involvement with the content and look of the show. They work closely with the TV drama director. A studio show may go live, or be recorded as live, so the director's job is crucial on the day of recording. (Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.) This job is also variable, as there isn't anything for you to do if there is no shoot being made at that one time. You only work when a job comes up that you have been asked to work in. Sort of like an on call job, where you get asked to come in and work if a place comes up where they need you.
Factual programme director
Documentaries and factual programmes are mostly produced and directed by the same person. This isn't just a cost-cutting development. Modern digital equipment has mean that the time that a programme takes in production is reduced. One person doing both jobs can be in a better position to make fast decisions rather than having to agree with other people. This also means they can take quick action when working with a small team on location. More independent companies are making mainstream programmes. This allows specialist programme makers to create their own style of programme They offer the networks reasonably priced factual or reality programming. An example of these would be all the programmes about relocating to somewhere sunny abroad, Eg. A place in the sun home or away or a place in the country.(Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.) This job you can find on a number of sites and is to work full time.
Production assistant
The production assistant, also known as the PA works closely with the producer and the director on the paper-work for all types of production. The PA is nearly always a woman and she is a formidable communicator, and an essential part of every production. She will always work on the shooting schedule and will set up filming and genuinely involved in the day-to-day activities of the production team. You could say that the PA is the secretary of the production team. If involved in a factual programme production team, they would sort out all of the fights, books, hotels, hire cars and deals with the budget of the production. When filming a drama programme, the PA is more specialised and would be responsible for drawing up a comprehensively marked-up editing script after each days shoot. They have a big job on their hands and must be dedicated to do it. (Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.) You can be a production assistant either full time or part time, whatever you would like to do best would suite you.
Production manager
The production manager is in charge of resources for a production and is answerable to the producer. They will always work closely with the director if the production and is an essential part of production. They're job is important in producing a drama series. Before any of the filming begins, you need to be able to budget and schedule complex activities and always aim to spend the least amount of money as possible. The responsibilities of a production manager are very large, they are expected to manage the locations, scheduling the film crew, negotiating daily rates and terms of technical contracts. They are also responsible for the health and safety and insurance of the set and people on the set. As well as all this, they are responsible for arranging technical facilities. This means getting the crew, the actors and everyone else to turn up at the right time in the right place. The production manager has t be able to think on they're feet so that if any crew member falls ill, or if it starts to rain, they can sort something out as quickly as possible in order to keep the production running. This could be finding someone else to do the job, or starting a new part of filming that is indoors and is not effected by the rain. (Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.) When you are a production manager, you do not work 9-5 hours. You may have to work shifts and unsocial hours, especially in the early stages of your career. Sometimes you will have to work extended hours, particularly if there are tight deadlines to be met or new systems to be introduced. On weekends you can be on call or even on public holidays to deal with some problems. (Prospects.ac.uk, 2016)
Researcher
A researcher in the television industry is often the first production job for a new recruit into the business. The researcher is a demanding and absorbing job that requires a number of skills. To be a good researcher you must be good with other people, be able to come up with amazing ideas for a programme, and have an excellent organisational skills. This job as a researcher is not as simple as you would think. For example, when creating a factual programme, their main job is to find someone who is actually willing to be part of the factual programme otherwise there wouldn't be one. To be successful you need to be able to persuade anyone to be part of the programme. (Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.) This can be an extremely difficult job to do so you have to make sure you are definitely up for it and dedicated to your responsibilities.
Runner
A runner is a job in the TV industry like all other jobs. The runner works with the production manager on set and 'runs' for anything that is needed. Most people who work as a runner or any other employer in the industry say that it is the best way to learn the business. This is because you see everything that is happening on set and you know what is used and what is needed when filming. The only problem is that you do not see the how the production is set up in preproduction, or the editing stages in post-production. If you were looking for work experience in the media industry, this job would be a great one to sign up for. (Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.)
Assistant producer
This job means that you have to work well and closely to the producer. The assistant producer on a factual programme series is often the director and researcher and even the editor. They will research and set up a story, shoot it, edit it, and then finalise the graphics and music in post-production. On a studio-based programme, the assistant producer is often the studio director. Companies such as the BBC employ assistant producers because they are able to do a number of different jobs that they may need on set. To be an assistant producer, you need to have a number of skills and be experienced in the television business. You may gain these skills in work experience that you have done previously. If you were looking for a job in the TV sector and for a large company, then this is the job to aim towards. (Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.)
Assistant director
Assistant directors are also known as AD's and these are usually found on drama shoots. There isn't just one AD but a number of them. The first AD is the closest to assistant producer and is a very important part of the shooting. They do most if not all of the organisational work on shoot and can line up shots, set up locations, supervise rehearsals and be responsible for the actors. The first AD is assisted by the second AD and then the third, and if a large shoot is being created, then even a fourth AD is introduced. Each one of these A's has a specific job to their name. The third AD is is responsible for the extras. By this i mean marshaling large crowds or making sure a few extras are in exactly the right place for a shoot. If you are training in the industry then the fourth AD would be a good job for you as they usually are there to help out the third when they need it. (Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.)
Production executives
All large companies in the TV industry will have an executive producer. This person is the one who originally commissioned the programme and has sanctioned the budget. The executive producer also known as the EP is not really found on set. However the EP has a very important role as they set up the show. In TV the EP will usually work on something such as a documentary, normally aimed at young people. They would also work on; reality TV, arts, current affairs or science. The EP has a certain number of shows to plan and is always the one to look for new talent. (Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.)
Technical Jobs in the TV industry
Lighting cameraperson
The lighting cameraperson is usually known as the DOP, which stands for director of photography and is a supervising cameraman who works with the director to achieve a distinctive 'look' for a production. The DOP is in charge of all technical crew on location set. When a large production is being shot, the DOP works with the chief electrician and supervise the team of electricians. They will help them to set up all lighting for the scenes that are up coming. Lighting for a shot is very important as you do not want to cast any shadows on set as you want to make the set or scene look the best it can. The DOP also works with the camera operator to chose the correct lens for the camera and shoot and to find the most suitable tripod, steadicam or any lens filters for a scene. This job is very important and requires a large number of skills and responsibilities. You have a lot to cover when you are a lighting cameraperson. You have to be dedicated to the job and know exactly what your doing for each. (Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.)
Camera assistant
Being a camera assistant is a great job if you want to learn the skills of being a goof camera operator. The camera assistant makes sure all the batteries are charged, loads and label tapes or discs, and sets up the camera with the correct time code at the beginning of the shooting day. The camera assistant can also be responsible for focusing the camera on shoot and often carries a lot of the equipment such as the tripod, lenses and batteries. (Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.)
Sound recordist
When you are the sound recordist you are in charge of recording the location sound. When recording for television they will use a small portable sound mixer that receives the output from microphones, this could be by wires or radio link. When the sound is being recorded, it goes onto a digital tape or disc in the camera. Television programmes are recorded in stereo. You have a lot of jobs when you are the sound recordist and aren't just responsible for the sound quality, but also ensures that there is no overlapping sound, things such as voices talking in the background or over each other. The aim of the sound recordist is to deliver a clean uncluttered sound to the editor for them to then edit the sound into the edit. (Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.)
Sound assistant
The sound assistant works with the sound recordist when setting up the microphones, operating sound equipment in the TV studio and sound gallery. They also hold the boom mic on location of the shoot. To be good at this job you have to have a lot of knowledge on microphones and this would be a greta first job in the industry. (Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.)
Gaffer
The gaffer is the name given to the chief electrician. This person on shoot is responsible for all the other electricians. This could be the ones who operate the lights, or lighting equipment. They work with the DOP to light a scene on shoot. Any gaffer who is working on scene could be training to qualify or already fully qualified electricians. (Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.)
Grip
The grip is a member of the camera crew on set. They usually work with the DOP or lighting camera operator. The gips main function is to set up the camera dolly and lay the track for the dolly. The grip will also be responsible for using the dolly, for example moving it across the track smoothly but also require speed to the dolly. They have to make sure they stop at exactly the right point and require a lot of skills in order to get this perfect for the scene they are filming. To be able to be grip you have to have a lot of knowledge of cameras and camera equipment. (Bignell and Orlebar, n.d.)
Line producer
The line producer is responsible for managing and coordinating the production. Managing human, technical and financial resources efficiently. They have an important job just like any other in the TV industry and have a number of responsibilities to deal with. Making sure everything they do is done correctly. (Baylis, 2010)
Editor
The editor is the person who completes the TV show. They are responsible for completing the production as a sequence of shots. These shots are what have been filmed on location to make the actual TV show. They are also responsible for thew dialogue, sound effects and graphics. Overall the editor is responsible for finishing the TV programme ready for it to be put out there. They need to make sure that they get all sound effects correctly to make sure the audience understand what is going on, and they have to get all the scenes in the correct order. They produce the final TV show. (Baylis, 2010)
Floor manager
The floor manager in TV production liaison between the director and the studio floor. They are responsible for; managing the studio, managing the cast and crew, also the audience and all fire and safety precautions. The floor manager has a very big job on their hands as they have to make sure they gert all information correct as they do not want to be sending the wrong messages between floor and director. They also need to make sure that there are no hazards for fires on set or floor, then on top of all this, make sure that all people involved are safe. They have to think ahead and know what to do if something goes wrong or someone is hurt etc. (Baylis, 2010)
Designer
The designer is responsible for the art department in production. This means they are in charge of all designs, such as the sets that need to be built and think about all the props that have to be used as well as hair and makeup for any actors in the shoot. Finally what costumes everyone is wearing in each scene. They have a big job on their hands, making sure that everyone is wearing the correct costume for the scene that they are filming. All sets have to be built and ready in time for the shoot and have to be stable. They will have to fill out a lot of risk assessments and make sure that the sets are not going to be a danger to any of the people, (cast or crew) when filming. (Baylis, 2010)
Actor
An actor in the TV industry would use movement, sound and expression when performing. You would be a different character to yourself. This means you have to be able to be someone else and feel how they are feeling. When you go to work you are someone else, you have to fully feel the character you are playing as if it was your everyday life. Actors in drama have to believe that it is happening in their own lives. They become someone else and most of the tie, if you ask an actor about the character they play,. they know everything about them,. When you are playing a different character you have to have a back story for that character, therefore you know their age, if they have siblings, what their job is, where they live and everything personal about them.
In order to work professionally in the TV industry you need to have a lot of skills and be responsible for a number of things depending on what your job is.
If you wanted to become a TV producer, you need a number of requirements. These are things such as; a bachelors degree in Film and TV production, directing, communication or another related program. You have to have experience in related professional experience in the movie or TV industry. As well as this you have to have a number of skills, things like creativity, management and leadership abilities and networking. The salary for a TV producer would be $69,100 per year. (Study.com, 2016)
Most of the employment opportunities in the TV industry require lots of different skills and you have to make sure you are dedicated to what you want to do. The technical sides need to have experience with cameras and camera equipment.
To be a director in the TV industry you need to make sure you are able to lead a group of people. You have to have creativity and organisational skills as well as technical knowledge to manage the whole project together. (Nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk, 2016) Although there are a number of ways you can get into this business, you still have to have a lot of experience. You have to have an in depth understanding of the production process of a programme either in TV or film. It is always helpful to have a number of network industry contacts. Many professionals in the TV industry, or any other creative media sector in fact started off as a runner and made their way up the ladder to success.
Bibliography
Study.com. (2016). How to Become a TV Producer | Education and Career Roadmap. [online] Available at: http://study.com/how_to_become_a_tv_producer.html [Accessed 27 May 2016].
Prospects.ac.uk. (2016). Production manager job profile | Prospects.ac.uk. [online] Available at: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/production-manager [Accessed 27 May 2016].
Nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk. (2016). TV or film director job information | National Careers Service. [online] Available at: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/tvorfilmdirector.aspx [Accessed 27 May 2016].
Dismore, J. (2010). TV : an insider's guide. Evesham, Worcs., UK: HotHive.
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