Job Roles in The TV and Film Industry

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.
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 onscreen 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Producer
Producers have overall control on every aspect
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.
of
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

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

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Job Roles in The TV and Film Industry

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Job roles in the TV and film industry

As with most media routes the best way in is to

photographs or video footage. They check

Average Wage - 40,000 to 80,000

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