Job Roles (T.V. Studio)

In this post I will produce a report on the duties and skills needed for each of the ten job roles involved in the production of a television show listed below. Each of these jobs has a specific set of skills and qualities needed and so a variety of individuals are drawn to the field.

• Camera Operator
• Sound Mixing
• Vision Mixing
• Set Designer
• Director
• Floor Manager
• Presenter
• VT Operator
• Graphics Generation
• Lighting Desk

Camera Operator
Duties:
One of the main duties of a camera operator is deciding what camera, lenses and other equipment to use for each section of filming, This requires a knowledge of the equipment in use and what equipment is best suited to the needs of the shoot. Another duty is to help with making the decision on where the final position of the camera should be, this is made easier by understanding how the camera reacts to certain conditions of lighting and the environment. They also have to take responsibility for the 1st and 2nd Camera Assistant as well as the Camera Trainee.


Skills:

• Knowing how to operate the equipment safely and proficiently
• Being able to provide creative input
• Having an understanding of all relevant equipment and to be proficient in the use of equipment

Qualifications:

There are no specific qualifications for this job as most of the skills are learnt through experience whilst working up through the positions of Trainee, 2nd and 1st Camera Assistant and then on to Camera Operator. Although having qualifications in Media, Film and TV production and Cinematography may provide additional knowledge.

Camera Operator

Sound Mixer
Duties:
One duty of a Sound Mixer during the production stage is to collaborate with the director and production manager about what equipment is best suited to the needs of the shoot and to select additional gear if required. Another duty is to help with the selection of other crew members such as Sound assistant, Boom operators and Sound Crew runners. Also the sound mixer is in charge of producing log sheets for each piece of film or digital unit in conjunction with camera assistants and script supervisors.


Skills:

• Having a trained ear for the state of the audio being produced
• Must be able to communicate effectively and delegate roles to sound crew members
• Must have a precise attention to detail and the patience to work achieve this

Qualifications:

Before starting out at a junior level they must undertake specialist training and then progress to the level of Sound Mixer, although there are some degree and undergraduate opportunities available. FT2 (Film and Television Freelance Training) offers training in an apprentice style set up with short course training also available.

Sound Mixer

Vision Mixer
Duties:
Vision Mixers are responsible for timing and executing the transitions between two shots of a programme, whilst simultaneously listening to the instructions of the director or producer. Another duty is being responsible for cutting away from a shot on a live programme if the shot becomes compromised in any way. Also Vision Mixers use rehearsals in Soaps and Sitcoms to practise where and when they will cut from one camera to another making the transitions in the finished programme smoother.


Skills:

• An understanding of the language used on set
• A good sense of rhythm to put transitions on the beat (music)
• Must be able to multitask in a high pressure environment

Qualifications:

No specific qualifications are required but a degree or other higher learning qualification in Media or a related subject will provide valuable additional information. The most desirable characteristic is experience due to the high pressure nature of the job so practical job experience is suitable.

Vision Mixer

Set Design
Duties:
The set designer must present drawings of their design to the director and producer and adapt it where necessary. Another duty is selecting the types and styles of materials / furniture that is to be used on set. Also a set designer must integrate specific aspects from the script into their design and location whilst keeping within a budget.


Skills:

• Must have the ability to convey their idea through drawing / sketches
• The ability to design a set that uses the space available fully
• Being able to take criticism and the persistence to  see each project through to the end

Qualifications:

Most set designers have graduated from courses such as interior or 3D design as this has taught them how to enhance their creative abilities and contain it within set perimeters. Also some choose to complete a specialist course in theatre or film production design. Experience is also a vital aspect and so they may have to work as an assistant set designer until they have reached a certain level of experience and knowledge.

Theatre Set

Set designer

Director
Duties:
The main duty of a director is to instruct the rest of the production team throughout the programme, by giving orders, collaborating with department heads and considering inout from other team members. Another duty they have to perform is ensuring that the footage shown to audiences contains sufficient coverage of specific script related issues such as scenes or presenters. Also a director must be able to change the running order at short notice and still be able to produce a programme that meets broadcasting standards.


Skills:

• Must be able to effectively delegate jobs/roles to crew members
• Must be able to spot potential talent quickly and capitalise
• Being able to communicate with the entire crew easily whilst maintaining control

Qualifications:

The numerous courses and training books on directing provide a wealth of knowledge but no formal qualifications are required in order to become a Director. The main characteristic of any good director is experience but by studying and learning from an established successful director valuable skills and techniques can be picked up.

Director

Floor Manager
Duties:
One duty of a floor manager is to check and prepare any equipment that is to be used in the production of each programme before filming to ensure the safety of crew and cast, as well as helping the show to run smoothly. On some studio productions a floor Manager may also be required to prep the audience before the live recording, this may involve explaining the rules of audience participation as well as giving cues for the audience to applaud or react in some manner. Another duty of a floor manager is to work closely with both the crew and talent/presenters to ensure that the whole production runs as smoothly as possible.


Skills:

• Must demonstrate a willingness to work long and unsociable hours during production
• A high level of maturity and competence is needs to keep to keep the crew motivated and working well
• Needs to be able to cope with the high levels of stress associated with this job

Floor Manager

Presenter

Duties:

One duty of a Presenter is relaying line from the script to the camera thus  giving the feel of the presenter addressing the audience personally. Another duty would be to research and then contribute to the script collaborating with the producer and director. Also being able to improvise if needed on a live broadcast such as if on a news programme the live feed from a report is lost.

SKills:

• A basic knowledge and understanding of the terminology used in a tv studio
• The ability to cope with stress and improvise if needed
• Must be able to multitask e.g. presenting whilst receiving information via an earpiece

Presenters

VT Operator

Duties:

One of the main duties of a VT Operator is editing the footage together to form a complete and aesthetically pleasing piece of footage, reading for broadcast. Another duty would be cueing or playing video items at set time or at the directors instruction. Also a VT Operator may have to in some situations produce a master tape of the production.

Skills:

• Must display a precise attention to detail when editing footage
• Need advanced IT skills in order to use equipment proficiently
• Excellent communication skills are needed to take instruction from the director as well as giving feedback

Qualifications:

Having degrees or other qualifications in I.T. or engineering although not a requirement can provide useful skills for operating equipment.

VT Operator

Lighting Desk

Duties:

Setting up and controlling the lighting for the entire programme is probably the most important duty of the Lighting Desk. Another duty is to read the script and set up lighting cues accordingly as well as spontaneous cues from the director or producer. Also the lighting desk has to use the rehearsals to get the equipment into place so that preparations to programme the lighting desk can get underway.

Skills:

•  Must be able to think creatively and plan a lighting scheme that complements the actions on stage
• Must be willing to work long hours to set up and pack away lighting equipment and large volumes of cable
• A logical and methodical approach to setting up and striking the equipment is a valuable skill

Lighting Desk

Graphics Generation

Duties:

The main duty of a graphic generator is to ensure that they arrive on set with the graphics needed for that specific programme, this helps to keep the recording or broadcast running smoothly. Another duty is to ensure that all equipment is set up in the correct manor and meets all current health and safety requirements. Also graphics generators are responsible for all of the equipment they use in the production of a graphic and accordingly should keep up to date with any new equipment that becomes available.


Skills:

• Being able to draw/sketch the designs for a new graphic in order for it to be presented to the director or producer
• A willingness to work long hours in order to achieve the desired result within the given time frame
• A high level of I.T. knowledge is a necessity in this career as all the work is done on a computer

Graphics Generator