There are 3 main types of job roles in the Film and T.V industry. These include:
Production Management
Creative
Technical
Production Management
Many jobs fall under the category “Production Management”. These include:
- Producer – The Production Manager supervises the physical aspects of the production (not the creative aspects) including personnel, technology, budget, and scheduling. It is the Production Manager’s responsibility to make sure the filming stays on schedule and within its budget. The PM also helps manage the day-to-day budget by managing operating costs such as salaries, production costs, and everyday equipment rental costs. The PM often works under the supervision of a Line Producer and directly supervises the Production Coordinator.
- Researcher – Researchers work within any genre of television production, including news, sport, current affairs, documentaries and factual programmes, entertainment, children’s television, comedy, soaps and drama. The researcher may originate or develop programme ideas and will draw on their particular knowledge and understanding of industry requirements. As a researcher, you will also be a fact checkers and ‘brief’ writers for on-screen presenters. You must understand and work with relevant legislation and regulations. You may be employed by production companies or work on a freelance basis.
- Production manager – A production manager is involved with the planning, coordination and control of manufacturing processes. A production manager also ensures that goods and services are produced efficiently. They ensure the correct amount is produced at the right cost and at the right level of quality. Overall a production manager manages the production of the film or TV making sure that things are in order and that things run smoothly to the producers liking.
- Creative – The creative aspect of a production is as important as the other aspects of production because without good material to broadcast the TV episode or Film will not be popular or will have a much less chance of taking off with people watching it. In the creative aspect there are also many jobs involved to complete the main job role of the creative department. These include:
- Screen writer – The screenwriter is the writer of the script of a film. They create the dialogue, the characters and the story line of a movie script or TV series. The screenwriter is often the most essential person in film production because no movie can start without some form of a script or idea.
- Set designer –Designs sets for theatrical productions: Confers with play’s director regarding interpretation and set requirements. A Set Designer also conducts research to determine appropriate architectural and furnishing styles. Integrates requirements, interpretation, research, design concepts, and practical considerations regarding factors, such as mobility, interchangeability, and budget to plan sets. Renders drawing or illustration of design concept, estimates costs, and presents drawing for approval. Prepares working drawings of floor plan, front elevation, scenery, and properties to be constructed. Prepares charts to indicate where items, such as curtains and borders are to be hung. Oversees building of sets, furniture, and properties. May build scale models from cardboard, plaster, or sponge. May design stage lighting to achieve dramatic or decorative effects.
- Director – The main job of the creative director is to direct and look over the crew that are the face of the creative department. Another job of the creative director is to ensure that all the jobs conducted by his/her team is done correctly and safely. Also everything they do much comply with the production directors orders. If there is any error regarding props or script writing the Creative team will have to take full responsibility as a department but the main script writers will take majority of the responsibility for the error.
- Technical –The technical aspect during production is vital as without technical support the film or TV serious would not be broadcasted as there would be nobody to specify in technical ishues that may occur. Again there are many jobs that revolve around the title “Technical”. These include:
- Camera Man – The main job role of the camera man is to film and act upon instructions given by the director or given to someone by the director or producer. This is a very tricky job as the fate of the shot relies on the camera men.
- Editor – The main job of the editor is to edit the final piece. There are editors that are scattered in all stages of production simply to neaten and trim shots to make them more visible and usable. However the final editor that takes place in post production has the very important job role of editing the film or T.V series to the producer and directors liking and to how the script reads.
- Lighting Assistant – The Lighting Assistant is responsible for the creation of the lighting design for a given production. Working in concert with Artistic Staff and Production Personnel, the Lighting Designer becomes part of a collaborative team. This team is led by the Director and strives to create a unified production product.
Permanent Vs Temporary Contracts
Temporary
A temporary worker is someone employed for a limited period whose job is usually expected by both sides to last for only a short time. Temporary workers may be employed directly by the employer or by private agencies. Agencies will recruit, select and sometimes train temporary workers and hire them out to employers. Throughout the filming industry temporary contracts are the most common in terms of films. However with television series and popular regular soaps permanent contracts are more common to form a solid and stable filming regime. Temporary contracts are ideal for big companies hiring as it means that there hired workers will work extra hard in attempt to try and secure a more permanent place in there work place. When working as a temporary contractor in the filming industry it is very tough to find work. This is because the world is not short on freelance staff. Freelance means that a person works for them self and simply offers a service to companies. They are at no point apart of there company but simply offering a service. People who freelance are under much strain to not become unemployed as this means lack of income. Freelancers also are under alot of strain due to the high amount of freelancers around and the limited demand for them. This means that they must be on the ball at all times to ensure quality work and work ethic, this means that they will be recommended to other companies and will most likely be re hired by others. If they do a bad job the chance of them being rehired will be very slim.
Permanent
Permanent contracts in the film industry are more lenient that temporary. This is because you would have secured a permanent place in that specific area of the industry. However this does not mean that there is slack in the work produced as again there are many freelancers and temporary workers looking for permanent work therefore a replacement of people is easily available if necessary. Both temporary and permanent workers will be expected to work potentially long hours without breaks. this links in with the conditions that are displayed to workers. The conditions for people working in film are potentially bad. This is because big companies along with small productions are all working towards a deadline meaning it is vital to complete projects on time. If this means employees working overtime then this must be done. Most of the time overtime is not payed for but simply requested. This is because people on set may be set a task and will be expected to complete the task however long it may take them. If this means undertaking unpaid hours then it must be done.
Overall freelancers have a tough time getting and maintaining work, Temporary and permanents contracts also have there ups and downs. With the temporary contracts there is a limited time of employment meaning there is not a stable income. With permanent contracts there is a stable income if the contractor works hard as they are often easily replaceable. The reason for long unpaid hours is often because the film industry varies from any other place of employment in terms of how things work. In the film industry people are expected to work hard and to complete there given tasks. This is due to the competitively of the industry. This is why film productions can get away with this.
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