2. COSTUME DESIGNERS
Job Area- Creative
Working Pattern- An experienced costume designer could negotiate a consultancy contract on a freelance basis.
About the job- Costume designers break down scripts scene by scene, in order to work out how many characters are involved, and what
costumes are required. They develop costume plots for each character, research into the costume styles, designs and construction methods
which are appropriate for the productions' time period, ensure that accurate financial records are kept, and that weekly expenditure reports are
produced. They prepare overall production schedules, as well as directing the day-to-day breakdowns of responsibilities. They supervise fabric
research and purchase, and ensure that garments are completed to deadlines.
Skills needed-
You will need:
•To be creative, have a good imagination and excellent design skills.
•To have good communication skills and organisation skills.
•To have good research skills and knowledge of costume history and fashion.
•To have good garment production skills.
•To have a full EU driving licence, as travel is often required
Examples: Adrian Adolph Greenberg was an American costume designer for films such as The Wizard Of Oz, Adrian was hired by Rudolph
Valentino's wife Natacha Rambova to design costumes for A Sainted Devil in 1924. He would also design for Rambova's film, What Price Beauty?
(1925). Adrian became head costume designer for Cecil B. DeMille's independent film studio. In 1928, Cecil B. DeMille moved temporarily to
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Adrian was hired as chief costume designer at the studio. While DeMille eventually returned to Paramount, Adrian
stayed on at MGM. In his career at that studio, Adrian designed costumes for over 200 films.
3. SOUND ENGINEER
Job Area- Technical
Working Pattern- Freelance
About the job- Sound engineers confer with producers, performers, and others in order to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production such as a musical
recording or a film, mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for pre-recorded events, using sound mixing boards, record speech,
music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment, regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles,
reproduce, duplicate sound recordings from original recording media, using sound editing and duplication equipment and separate instruments, vocals, and other
sounds, then combine sounds later during the mixing or post-production stage, keep logs of recordings, prepare for recording sessions by performing activities such as
selecting and setting up microphones and report equipment problems, and ensure that required repairs are made.
Skills needed-
You will need:
To have excellent aural skills;
To have scrupulous attention to detail;
To have general technical ability, dexterity and agility;
To have a good sense of timing and swift reactions.
Example: Andrew Brook Jackson is a British recording engineer best known for his work with the British progressive rock band Pink Floyd. He is also the owner and
operator of Tube Mastering, a private studio specializing in recorded music mastering.
He was originally trained in the profession by producer/engineer James Guthrie at Utopia Studios and serving as his assistant for several years, Jackson began work as
an engineer for Pink Floyd in 1980, assisting in the recording of the performances of The Wall at Earls Court.
4. CAMERA OPERATOR
Job Area- Technical
Working Pattern- Full Time
About the Job- Camera operators have to operate a range of different cameras such as single cameras, multi cameras, portable cameras, remote control cameras,
camera cranes and mobile mountings. They have to set up, plan and rehearse scenes. They follow camera scripts and have to frame and capture the action according
to how the director and cinematographer want it.
Skills needed-
You will need:
sound theoretical, practical and technical knowledge of cameras
the ability to frame and compose shots
the ability to perform camera moves accurately
interpersonal and communication skills
the ability to multi-task and take direction from others
team working skills and the ability to lead and motivate others
tact and diplomacy
the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
flexibility
creativity
patience
attention to detail
Example- Chris Haarhoff is a great example of a camera operator. He has worked as a camera operator in a number of films such as Bridesmaids, X-men: The Last Stand
and The Green Hornet.
5. JOURNALIST
Job Area- Creative
Working Pattern- Permanent
About the Job-Newspaper journalists research and write stories for national, regional and local press. As well as news and politics, they report on
sports, arts and culture, science and business. They also cover national and local events, entertainment and human interest stories.
Skills Needed-
You will need:
To be able to interview people in a range of different circumstances
To be able to build contacts to maintain a flow of news, for example, police and emergency services, local council, community groups
health trusts, press officers from a variety of organisations, the general public, etc.
To be able to seek out and investigate stories via your contacts, press releases and other media
To attend press conferences and ask questions
To attend a variety of events, such as council meetings, magistrates' court proceedings, football matches, talent contests, etc.
To be able to answer the phones on the news desk and react to breaking news stories
To work closely with the news team, photographers and editors
6. GAMES DEVELOPER
Job Area- Technical (Could also be classed as creative)
Working Pattern- On completion
About the Job-Games developers are involved in the creation and production of games that range from computer, handheld, console and arcade
games to games on the internet, mobile phones and other wireless game applications. Their work involves either design (including art and
animation) or programming.
Skills Need-
You will need:
To develop designs and/or initial concept designs for games including game play
To generate game scripts and storyboards
To create the visual aspects of the game at the concept stage
To use 2D or 3D modelling and animation software, such as Maya, at the production stage
To produce the audio features of the game, such as the character voices, music and sound effects
To programming the game using programming languages such as C++
To quality testing games in a systematic and thorough way to find problems or bugs and recording precisely where the problem was
discovered
To solve complex technical problems that occur within the game’s production
To disseminating knowledge to colleagues, clients, publishers and gamers
To understand complex written information, ideas and instructions
To work closely with team members to meet the needs of a project
7. BROADCAST PRESENTER
Job Area-Creative and Technical
Working Pattern-Part Time/ Full Time
About the Job- A broadcast presenter is the public face - or voice - of programmes broadcast on television, radio and the internet.
They work on a variety of platforms including national, regional, satellite and cable television, online or radio, but their role is
always to entertain and inform their audiences by presenting information and/or entertainment in an accessible and attractive
way.
Skills Needed-
You will need:
excellent communication and presentation skills
performance skills and a clear voice
personable and interesting appearance, especially for visual broadcasts
a broad range of interests, including current affairs
good research and interviewing skills
confidence and the ability to sell yourself
an awareness of media law
the ability to take the initiative and make quick decisions under pressure
team-working skills
creativity and problem-solving skills
8. PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Job Area-Creative
Working Pattern- Most production designers work as freelancers and so an important part of their work is marketing their skills
and experience, making contacts and briefing agents.
About the Job-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.
Skills Needed-
You will need:
a flair for generating original creative ideas and the ability to present them to others
the ability to communicate ideas through technical drawing and model making
a good working knowledge of the visual arts and production processes
a critical view of film, television or theatre, and familiarity with the work of specific designers
persistence to follow-up leads and gain work
Example- Ken Adam is an example of a production designer and has worked as one in many different films such as Chitty Chitty Bang
Bang, Addams Family Values and The-Out-of-Towners.
9. DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Job Area-Creative
Working Pattern-Freelance
About the Job-Directors of photography must discover the photographic heart of a screenplay, using a variety of source material
including stills photography, painting, other films, etc. They realise the desired look using lighting, framing, camera movement,
etc.
Skills Needed-
You will need:
artistic vision;
creativity and precise attention to detail;
good colour vision;
ability to give and to accept direction;
excellent communication skills;
diplomacy and tact when working with cast and crew;
knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
Example- John Toll has worked as the director of photography in many films such as Braveheart, The Adjustment Bureau and
currently working on Iron Man 3.
10. PRODUCER
Job Area-Management
About the Job-Producers are the main players 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. Some of the roles they will
have to complete are, 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.
Skills Needed-
You will need:
strong communication and people skills
strong time and resource management skills
creative ability
the ability to cope under pressure
a strong head for figures
leadership skills
Example- Drew Barrymore was the producer in films such as Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Our House and The Perfect Catch.
