Job Roles in the Television and Film

Industries

Runner: TV/Film• A runner is an entry level position, a runners job roles varies from fetching and

carrying items to making and handing out tea. • Runners act as general assistants, working under the direction of the producer

and other production staff, to undertake whatever basic tasks are required to ensure the smooth running of the production process.• There are no specific educational requirements for becoming a runner, however a

post graduate degree in television, multimedia and such would be relevant.• Average starting salaries can range from approximately £6.50 to £8.80 per hour,

most runners work on a freelance basis and are employed on full-time, short-term contracts.

Researcher: Broadcasting

• As a media researcher you would support producers by finding the information, people and places needed for TV or radio programmes.• There are no set qualifications for becoming a media researcher, although many

new media researchers have a degree level qualification.• Hours and Starting salary is variable. Freelance researchers are usually paid a fee

for each contract, and there may be gaps between contracts.• There are no set Entry requirements although its preferred to have practical

experience from: student film or TV productions to unpaid work placements on TV or radio productions.

Editor: Film/TV• As a film or video editor, you'll be responsible for assembling recorded raw material into a

finished product that's suitable for broadcasting.

• Standard office hours but it will vary depending on the production

• You don't need a foundation degree, HND or degree to be a film or video editor but it is helpful to have one for experience. It is helpful if you have a keen eye for detail and a critical mind also creativity and a passionate interest in film and video editing.

• Starting salaries for those employed by a television or post-production studio are in the region of £18,000 to £25,000. With experience as a film or video editor, you could earn £20,000 to £35,000. At a senior level, you could reach potential earnings of £37,000 to £70,000 but the higher end of this scale is only available to senior editors working on high-status projects.

Director: Film/TV

• Directors lead a certain company or business. They are responsible for all aspects of the company’s success. Managing Directors work to administer organizational activities, set business strategies, delegate tasks, and recruit new managerial employees. • Master’s degree or MBA as a Director is essential. Skills needed are Leadership,

successful, be a stimulating boss and have excellent technology skills.• The average salary offered to directors is £57,341. • Hours are variable and nothing is set in stone.

Production Manager: Film/TV

• A production manager is involved with the planning, coordination and control of manufacturing processes. • A degree in subjects from chemistry to business/management are preferred, a

qualification in other subjects such as civil engineering are welcome. Not having a degree will make it hard to obtain this job.• Average salaries for production managers with a few years of experience range

from £30,000 to £40,000. For more senior roles, salaries are in the region of £40,000 to £60,000.• A 9 to 5 job but may have to work unsocial hours.

Location Manager: Film/TV• Location managers are responsible for making all the practical arrangements for

film, television or photographic shoots taking place outside the studio.• Most location managers work as freelancers and are paid on a contract basis.• A career of location manager is open to all graduates, but a degree, HND or

foundation degree in a related subject may be helpful. Skills such as communication skills, ability to problem solve etc.• Hours are very variable, as location managers need to be on call and is often full

time.

Sound recordist: Film/TV• 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.

• You won’t need a qualification to be a TV Sound Recordist. However it is vital to be able to show a strong interest in sound and an understanding of its physical properties.

• Salaries vary depending upon the actual role and type of production. In an established studio or in television and radio, starting salaries may be in the region of £16,000 to £18,000. With experience this can rise to salaries upward of £30,000. Supplements for unsocial hours may be available.

• Working in multiple locations is often required. This can include recording studios, film or television sets or on location. Freelance sound technicians often work on fixed-term contracts for broadcasting or production companies and like other freelancers, often face uncertainty around job security.

Sound Assistant: TV/Film

• Sound assistants do a lot of things from preparing for recording sessions by performing activities such as selecting and setting up microphones to reproduce and duplicate sound recordings from original recording media, using sound editing and duplication equipment.

• Degrees in Communications Technology/Technician, Music Technology and Recording Arts Technology/Technician are helpful.

• Median annual wage is around £56,000. Median hourly wage is around £27.

• A wide range of skills are needed to become a sound assistant from negotiation to learning strategies.

Producer: TV/Film• Producers play an important role in the television, film and video industries. A producer will

oversee each project from conception to completion and may also be involved in the marketing and distribution processes.

• This area of work is open to all graduates, the following subjects at degree or HND level may increase your chances from: broadcasting to communication and media studies. Skills such as confidence, creativity and leadership are welcome.

• Beginning salaries for assistant producers may range from around £18,000 to £25,000. With experience, salaries can reach £40,000 to £55,000, and for departmental heads, £60,000 to £80,000 plus benefits. Fees for freelance producers vary considerably.

• Work involves regular unsocial hours at weekends and in the evenings. Long hours and time spent in meetings or on location is the norm.

Production Designer: TV/Film• Production designers are responsible for the visual concept of a film, television or theatre

production. They realise a design style for sets, locations, graphics, props, lighting, camera angles and costumes, while working closely with the director and producer.

• Production designer is not typically an entry-level position. Those breaking into the field usually start as art department runners, art department assistants or design assistants. Freelance rates vary so it is best to check current agreed rates with BECTU. Salaries may vary greatly from one production to the other.

• Hours are very irregular and unsocial hours, such as weekends.

• Art and Design degrees are relevant, if you fail to provide a degree it’s likely you’ll have to provide an excellent folder. Skills such as working independently and persistence is welcomed.

Reference List:

• http://www.prospects.ac.uk/runner_broadcasting_film_video_job_description.htm• https://

nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/MediaResearcher.aspx• http://www.prospects.ac.uk/film_video_editor_entry_requirements.htm• http://www.jobisjob.co.uk/director/job-description• http://www.prospects.ac.uk/production_manager_salary.htm• http://www.prospects.ac.uk/location_manager_job_description.htm • http://www.prospects.ac.uk/sound_technician_broadcasting_film_video_job_description.htm• http://www.mymajors.com/career/sound-assistant/• http://www.prospects.ac.uk/television_film_video_producer_job_description.htm • http://www.prospects.ac.uk/production_designer_theatre_television_film_job_description.htm