Film and TV
Film & TV Career Overview
There are many different possibilities when it comes to a career in film and television. The industry includes feature films along with major television stations, cable television, digital video recorders, computer graphics and editing software, and the Internet, along with many small and medium-sized independent filmmaking companies.
Within these many different sectors of the film and television industry are a number of various careers that are both rewarding and in high demand. While there is a broad spectrum of job opportunities, a common link is that it is essential that an individual working behind the scenes in film and TV is well equipped to work with the technology that is essential to bringing the projects to life.
Within the film industry there are some motion picture and video companies that produce films for limited, or specialized, audiences. These include documentaries along with educational films. In addition, the industry produces business, industrial, and government films that promote a specific organization's image, provide information on its activities or products, or aid in fund raising or worker training. Most motion pictures are still made on film. However, digital technology and computer-generated imaging are rapidly making inroads and are expected to transform the industry.
Film & Television Training & Education
Since there are many different specialties within the film and TV industry, each career path requires different training. Cinematographers, camera operators, and sound engineers usually have either a college or technical school education, or they go through a formal training program.
Computer skills are required for many editing, special-effects, and cinematography positions. Individuals interested in production management typically have a bachelor's degree.
Feature-film writers usually have many years of experience and work on a freelance basis and also typically possess a bachelor's degree. Many writers start as copywriters in advertising agencies and as writers for educational film companies, government audiovisual departments, or in-house corporate film divisions. Traits that are beneficial for individuals working in the film and television industry tend to be self-motivation, perseverance, and an ability to take criticism.
Film & Television Career & Salary Outlook
The film and television industry is projected to increasingly expand, and as a result many more job opportunities will become available. The international market for U.S.-made films is expected to continue growing as more countries and foreign individuals acquire the ability to view our films. As the industry registers employment growth, many more job openings will be created to meet in-home demand for videos, DVDs, and films over the Internet. The US Department of Labor estimates growth of up to 17% for employment in the motion picture and video industries through to the year 2014.
While competition for the more glamorous high-paying jobs in the industry will remain, there will be an increase in the number of more technical positions available. There will be a high demand for computer specialists, multimedia artists and animators, film and video editors, and others skilled in digital filming, editing, and computer-generated imaging, creating the best job prospects within the industry. There also will be opportunities for broadcast and sound engineering technicians and other specialists, such as gaffers and set construction workers.
Earnings of workers in the motion picture and video industries vary, depending on education and experience, type of work, union affiliation, and duration of employment. In 2004, the median weekly earnings of wage and salary workers in the motion picture and video industries were $592. Producers seldom have a set salary; they get a percentage of a show's earnings or ticket sales. Directors also do not have a set pay scale, thus earning a wide range of salaries.
Career Fields/Specializations
Broadcast Sound Engineer Career
It is crucial for sound engineers to be technologically savvy and well versed in how to operate the equipment necessary for creating the best audio sound for a project. More filming is done on location than ever, and as a result one person often performs a multitude of the duties associated with broadcast sound engineering.
Sound engineering technicians, film recordists, and boom operators record dialogue, sounds, music, and special effects during the filming. Sound engineering technicians supervise all sound generating during the filming process. They select microphones and the level of sound from mixers and synthesizers to assure the best sound quality. Recordists help to set up the equipment and are in charge of the individual tape recorders. Boom operators handle long booms with microphones that are moved from one area of the set to another.
Camera Operators Career
The operator is responsible for physically operating the camera and maintaining composition throughout a given scene or shot. The camera operator typically collaborates with the director, director of photography, actors and crew including the director of photography and one or more camera assistants that work together to make technical and creative decisions. The operator may or may not be working in collaboration with a director or producer.
Camera operators handle all camera movements and perform the actual shooting. Assistant camera operators check the equipment, load and position cameras, run the film to a lab or darkroom, and take care of the equipment. Important camera operator skills include choreographing and framing shots, knowledge of and the ability to select appropriate photographic lenses, and other equipment (dollies, camera cranes, etc.) to portray dramatic scenes.
Producer/ Assistant Producer Career
Producers are involved in every phase of the filming process. They are responsible for finding ideas that they believe can be turned into lucrative film projects or television shows. They may see many films, read hundreds of manuscripts, and maintain numerous contacts with literary agents and publishers. Producers are also responsible for all of the financial aspects of a film, including finding financing for its production. He or she is responsible for raising funding, hiring key personnel, and arranging for distributors.
The producer works closely with the director on the selection of the script, the principal members of the cast, and the filming locations, because these decisions greatly affect the cost of a film. Once financing is obtained, the producer works out a detailed budget and sees to it that the production costs stay within that budget. In a large production, the producer also works closely with production managers, who are in charge of crews, travel, casting, and equipment.
Since the producer is forced to perform so many duties it is essential that a producer is multifaceted. One must have a wide array of skills to best serve this role. It requires excellent analytical skills in order to choose worthwhile projects, must work well with others, and have an interest in creating budgets and scheduling events.
Video Editor Career
Video editors study footage, select the best shots, and assemble them in the most effective way. Their goal is to create dramatic continuity and the right pace for the desired mood. Editors first organize the footage and then structure the sequence of the film by splicing and re-splicing in order to create the best shots and the most cohesive composition.
Perhaps the most important requirement of a video editor is that he or she must have a good eye. In addition video editors and understand the subject of the film and the director's intentions. The ability to work with digital media also is becoming increasingly important. Strong computer skills are mandatory for most jobs as a video editor.
Art Director Career
Art directors design the physical environment of the film or television set to create the mood called for by the script. The art director oversees the artists and craftspeople who build the sets. Art directors may design elaborate sets in order to best create the atmosphere for the story that is being told.
Thus, it is necessary for art directors to be creative and innovative. They supervise many different people, including illustrators, scenic designers, model makers, carpenters, painters, electricians, laborers, set decorators, costume designers, and makeup and hairstyling artists. As a result, art directors must be able to delegate tasks to many different people.
Videographers Career
Videographers record moving images and sound onto linear analog or digital tape, non-linear digital disc, or any other digital recording media, such as memory cards. On a set, he or she may be responsible for the lighting as well as the audio and images captured by the video camera.
Videographers differ from cinematographers because they record using video cameras or camcorders while cinematographers use film cameras to shoot film footage onto motion picture film stock. The development of high definition digital cinematography, however, is quickly blurring this distinction. As a result, it is essential that someone interested in becoming a videographer or a cinematographer be well versed in the technology necessary for filming with the most cutting edge equipment.
Director of Photography Career
The director of photography, or cinematographer, is in charge of the camera and lighting crews working on a film and is responsible for achieving artistic and technical decisions related to the image. The director of photography selects the film stock, lens, filters, etc. to realize the scene in accordance with the intentions of the director. The director of photography is also on occasion the camera operator.
During the filming process the director will typically convey to the director of photography what he wants from a scene visually, and allow the director of photography latitude in achieving that effect. As a result, the director of photography must be a good listener and pay close attention to detail in order to best execute the director's vision.
Pre-production Manager Career
Before a film or a television program moves into the production phase, it begins with an idea. He or she must be well-spoken and an excellent sales person. Anyone can pitch an idea to a studio executive or an independent producer, but usually an agent representing an actor, writer, or director will have the best access to someone who has the influence to decide that a project is worthwhile. Therefore, before a preproduction manager can pitch an idea they must first gain access to the people that can help get their project started. The preproduction manager is responsible for effectively conveying the concept behind a project. Once they complete their role, the project can move forward to become a reality.
Screenwriter Career
Screenwriters shape abstract ideas and turn them into a screenplay or a script. Screenwriters work closely with producers and directors. Before filming or taping can begin, screenwriters will prepare a shooting script, which has instructions pertaining to shots, camera angles, and lighting. Screenwriters must accept criticism and easily accept the ideas of others because they are forced to make changes to reflect the director's and producer's ideas and desires.
The work, therefore, requires not only creativity, but also an ability to collaborate with others and to write and rewrite many versions of a script under pressure. Screenwriters typically hold at least a bachelor's degree in order to have a good grasp of language arts and to further develop effective writing skills.
