Jobs within the Media Industry

Film director Job description and activities Film directors take overall responsibility for the look, sound and style of a film. Their job usually starts once they receive the script, although in the case of some feature films the director may also be the scriptwriter. It is the director's artistic vision that will guide the work of the film crew as they search for suitable locations, hire the cast, design the sets and lighting, and finally edit and dub the finished recording. Typical work activities include: interpreting the script; developing storyboards; directing actors; managing technical details, such as camera shots and the use of lighting; making decisions about location and design; liaising with the producer at certain stages, for example, when editing the final 'cut'; managing the work of the other production staff and delegating tasks accordingly to realise the final production. Directors may come from a range of different backgrounds (e.g. production, camera, editing) but most importantly they will have substantial experience in the industry. Most film directors are based either in London or in one of the larger cities in the UK.

Television/film/video producer Job description Producers are the main players in the television, film and video industries. The initial idea for a project often comes from a producer, who will oversee each project from conception to completion and may also be involved in the marketing and distribution processes. A producer or executive producer is required to report directly to the client. Producers work closely with directors and the other production staff on the shoot. Increasingly, they need to have directing skills themselves as it is likely that the producer will also be the director and take care of all project operations. Producers arrange funding for each project and are responsible for keeping the production within the allocated budget. Creative input and the level of decision making varies, as this is dependent on the client and the brief.

Typical work activities Producers are responsible for facilitating a project from beginning to end. They are involved in every stage of the television programme, film or video, overseeing the project from start to finish, both in the studio and on location. Essentially team leaders, they are supported by production assistants, coordinators and managers, depending on the size of the project. Typical work activities include: raising funding; reading, researching and assessing ideas and finished scripts; commissioning writers or securing the rights to novels, plays or screenplays; building and developing a network of contacts; liaising and discussing projects with financial backers - projects vary from a small, corporate video costing £500 to a Hollywood feature film at more than £100million; using computer software packages for screenwriting, budgeting and scheduling; hiring key staff, including a director and a crew to shoot films or videos; controlling the budget and allocating resources; pulling together all the strands of creative and practical talent involved in the project to create a team; maintaining contemporary technical skills; organising shooting schedules - dependent on the type of producer and availability of support staff; troubleshooting; supervising the progress of the project from production to post production; holding regular meetings with the director to discuss characters and scenes; acting as a sounding board for the director; bringing the finished production in on budget. In theory, the producer deals with all the practical and political aspects of keeping a project running smoothly, so that the director and the rest of the team can concentrate on the creative angles.

Film/video production manager Job description and activities A film/video production manager is the producer's deputy and is responsible for: organising all the essential support facilities for the team; resolving the day-to-day problems of filming and coordinating the other activities (e.g., camera, sound, editorial and music); bringing the production in on budget. Typical work activities include: organising the location/set, props and equipment, accommodation and catering, crew hire and employment contracts; tallying the running costs; sorting out any issues or conflicts that may arise. On small productions, such as documentaries, this function might be carried out by the producer or producer/director or even an experienced production assistant. Experience in TV or film is expected, perhaps as a runner, researcher, floor manager or production co-ordinator. The right personality, with energy and enthusiasm for the industry, counts for more than courses and training. Most production managers work on a freelance basis. There are good opportunities for experienced production managers. As this can be a very well-paid post many stay in this field, although some move on to assistant producer or producer posts. All information from: