Job roles and applications

Camera Operator- Duties  Keeping up to date with filming methods and equipment is a main thing they have to do as they have to know the latest things to make the production run easily with minimal complications. Repairing and maintaining equipment is so that it is all in good condition for filming. If this is not done then the filming for the production would have major complications which could take a dramatic effect overall. A camera operator also has to drive crew, actors and equipment from location to location. This is so they know that they have everything and everyone needed for the scene which they are going to record at.
Skills The camera operator must have a quick response to the director as they need to capture what the director sees as an image. They need to work fast of this to achieve the image as quick as possible. Assembling, preparing and setting up equipment before filming is a major skill they must have. Finding out solutions to technical problems is a major skill needed as if there is a malfunction, they would be able to deal with it as quickly as possible with no major interference. Working quickly for timing reasons is an essential. This is so there is no wasted time during this production which may be cut from different scenes.
Qualifications This job role is open to all graduates and diplomates but these qualifications set a useful background 

• Media studies
• Performing arts
• Photography, film or television
• Journalism
• Media Production

SOURCE: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/television_camera_operator_job_description.htm

Sound Mixing Technicians - Duties Sound mixers are required to assemble, operate and maintain any equipment that is used to record, amplify or would help enhance sound. They must consult with the producers and performers to determine the sound requirements and to see if it is at a high standard. They also have to maintain and repair sound equipment which may get broken during recording so they wouldn't have to waist time to order in new equipment or have to improvise.
Skills They would have to record sound onto digital audio tape or hard disk recorders with no trouble so that they have all the sound backed up if footage is lost. Monitoring audio signals is a great skill to have as they would be able to detect any sound-quality malfunctions. Another skill would be correcting any problems that would be out of time. They would be able to match up the sound to the correct part of a scene so there isn't a lag.
Qualifications GCSEs or A-levels in maths and physics would be beneficial, yet these qualifications would also enhance your chances of success

• Music/sound technology
• Sound engineering
• Media technology and/or production
• Technical theater  

SOURCE: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/sound_technician_broadcasting_film_video_job_description.htm

Vision Mixing Technicians - Duties They have to view a variety of sources from several cameras. This would often be from digital, graphic or broadcasting settings. They have to select required images which have been enforced from the director and have to insure a smooth transition between each scene. They also have to control which camera goes on air according to the camera script.
Skills To make sure each transition runs smoothly, they would have to know how to use things such as cutting, mixing and wiping. Their timing an coordination skills have to be perfect to make everything run smoothly with no jumping in between. Good colour vision and good hearing is also a great skill so have as they need to make sure that the directors vision is met to the highest standard.
Qualifications No qualifications are needed for this role but there are degrees which would make you a higher choice in the part

• Media related
• Drama

SOURCE: http://130.88.36.167/p/types_of_job/vision_mixer_job_description.jsp

Directing - Duties  A director has to take a script and interpret it into something at the end productions which could be a show or a film. This can involve planning of locations and shots. They are required to coach the actors and direct them towards their required performance. They would also have to coordinate the staff on set, shooting the timetable and assure that the deadlines are met.
Skills A director must have a comprehensive understanding from all aspects of the production. This means they would have a better view of the outcome. They must have good communication and people skills which will allow them to run a smooth process which would be building up for the production. A good decision ability would halo as they would be able to deal with situations quick and easily with out time consuming difficulties.
Qualifications The main thing that would help in becoming a director would be having experience in TV of film. It would make it easier to take degrees or courses such as

• Media (build practical skills)
• Directing
• Film making 

SOURCE: http://www.iod.com/guidance/briefings/cgbis-directors-duties-and-responsibilities

Set Designer - Duties A set designer must take a budget into consideration so that they know how much they have to work with for the overall design. This budget is a guide line to how big or small the production would be. It is down to them so select furniture and other objects to fit in with the whole idea of the production. This would set the theme and mood of the scenes. They would also have to assign staff to complete designs by sketches and detailed drawings of the final animation.
Skills As a set designer, you must have a creative imagination so that you can create the whole atmosphere to the production. This would also mean having to create something in the directors view. You would have to be organised so you know which design is allocated to each scene and to the improvement made over the stencils. Budget awareness is a high skill to have as they must stick within the budget allocated due to the directors rules. To stick in the budget they would have to make changes and inform the director to why and how it can be done.
Qualifications Many set designers have an art related degree. This helps with the design side bu having a wide creativity side to help with the creation of the set. Other useful subjects would be

• Interior design
• Fine art
• 3D design
• Architecture

SOURCE: http://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Set-Designers.cfm
SOURCE: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/SetDesigner.aspx

Lighting Desk Technician - Duties During filming, the lighting desk technician would have to operate and maintain the lighting equipment during the shoot. This would be during the main production as well as the rehearsals. They would have to review the footage with the director to see if it fits in to what their overall view of the production would be. They also have to make sure that all lighting equipment is working ready for the shots or it may take an affect on the whole production.
Skills They would have to know how to load the automated colour change systems to fit the scene better for the imagery. Programming and operating lighting consoles would have to be known how to use to great extent as it is what controls the finished piece of work. They must know how and when to change lighting between shots if it is necessary as they may be in a different location that may a brighter or dimmer light.
Qualifications You can qualify as an electrician and get practical experiene in production lighting. An alternative would be taking a course which would give ou the skills you would need such as

• Level 3 certificate/diploma in production arts
• Level 5 HND in performing arts (Production)
• Foundation degrees
• Lighting design
• Lighting technology
• Performance technology
• Technical theater

SOURCE: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/lighting_technician_broadcasting_film_video_job_description.htm

Floor Manager - Duties The floor manager has to make sure that all the props and technical equipment are safe and ready to use on the set. It is their responsibility to pass cues to the presenter and guests to ensure that the timings are met and the broadcast goes smoothly. They have to act like a link between the director and people involved on the studio floor to make sure everyone is clear on what is happening.
Skills The floor manager must have great communication skills to receive and interpret information throughout the screening as accurate as possible. They must have good organisational skills and the ability to multitask as there are various things happening at the same time during recording. They would also have to solve and avoid problems under pressure as if the problems occur during filming, they would be able to solve it without a fuss.
Qualifications You can become a floor manager with any degree but the following would be particularly helpful

• Media studies
• Drama/Theater studies
• Photography/Film/Television

SOURCE: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/television_floor_manager_job_description.htm

Graphics Generation - Duties The graphics generation has to design rough layouts of art of what would be interpreted into the final viewing of the recording. They would also have to make a rough copy and a final copy of the layout one approved by the director by operating typesetting, printing and similar equipment. Completing projects by coordinating with outside agencies and are services means that they would get i higher recommendation and a better view on their ideas. 
Skills They must be flexible to work around time schedule to make sure they would get the work done whether it is a rough copy or the final. Having acute vision would allow them to pick out direct detail which can improve the design overall. They would also have to be good at deadlines as the process has to run smoothly as possible.
Qualifications You can work your way up to being a graphic generator by pur practice. These degrees would help entirely as you would have a better knowledge of programs 

• Media studies
• Graphic Design
• Computer Technology

SOURCE: http://hiring.monster.com/hr/hr-best-practices/recruiting-hiring-advice/job-descriptions/graphic-designer-job-description-sample.aspx

VT Operator - Duties The VT operator has to record and playback video material on a tape machine or computer-based system. This can be in a live production or post-production session. They have to press play, pause and record when needed but sometimes have to be very fast to keep up with the recording. They have to listen out to the director to get clear instructions on what to do during the production.
Skills The VT operator must have a good working knowledge of video recording systems and understand the program requirements related to their position. They would have to be able to use a variety of record/playback systems, including edit controllers, jog/shuttle dials and editing software. Being able to think and act quickly is also a high skill to keep up with the pace of the recording.
Qualifications There are no specific entry requirements but to become a professional, it would be best to have some qualifications such as

• Media
• Media Production
• Video Technology
• Broadcast Technology

SOURCE: http://www.mediacollege.com/employment/television/vt-operator.html

Presenter - Duties The presenter has to research topics and background information for items to be featured in the recordings. They would have to write and sometimes memorize scripts so they know specifically what to say on set. They would also have to plan and rehears their role as they are responsible to what is said on set.
Skills A presenter has to be confident and outgoing so they are aware of the role they have to take part in. They would have to have the ability to improvise when necessary. Also, calmness under pressure would help as it would show in the recordings otherwise if they are tense.
Qualifications There are no qualifications needed to become a presenter. You just have to be confident and outgoing to give the footage a positive look. Experience would help to gain confidence which you can get from various things such as

• Radio
• YouTube posts
• Blogs

SOURCE: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/tvpresenter.aspx