2. Video editor
The role of a video editor is to organise and arrange footage that has been shot in to
order and then to cut bits that should not be used. This role applies in both television
and film.
For this job role you would need a degree, it would help if it’s a media or a graphical
study such as art.
Freelance work is optional as it is mainly contracted.
Starting salary: £18,000+
Hours per week: 10-40+
3. Director
The role of Director is very important in a media production as they need to direct actors
and ensure that the scene goes as planned. This roles applies in both television and film.
A degree is often required for this position, usually in the field of media and arts.
Most directors are freelance in film however contracts are available especially for television
series.
Salary: variable
Hours per week: variable
4. Producer
The producer is a very wide job role, mostly looking at funding, rights and budgeting so
that the rest of the crew can work solely on the production. This role applies in both
television and film.
Experience in the media sector is required for this role.
Contract work is available however the most common type is freelance.
Salary: variable
Hours per week: variable
5. Production manager
The production manager takes care of all the financial side of television and film
production. They are in charge of planning schedules, organising resources as well as
monitoring costs and budgets.
A common route is to work your way up through the media and film industry as you will
need substantial experience in how the filming process runs.
Contract work is available but it is more common to be freelance.
Salary: variable
Hours per week: variable
6. Sound recordist
The job role of sound recordist is to record sounds that will be used in production. As can
be seen in the picture, a boom microphone operator is recording the sound during the
shot. This job role applies in both television and film.
For this role it is highly important to have a degree or similar qualifications in sound and
music technology.
Can be both freelance and contract.
Salary: £15,000+
Hours per week: variable
7. Assistant director
An assistant director has to organise schedules and the day-to-day running order of what
will be happening each day. Their job also involves hiring cast and crew. Applicable in both
television and film.
This job can be worked up to from the role of runner, it also helps to have qualifications in
media from a BTEC upwards.
Can be both freelance and contract.
Salary: variable
Hours per week: variable
8. Runner
The job role of Runner is a starter job in the media industry. The role of a runner would be
to go around behind the scenes performing small tasks to help the production. This offers
valuable experience in the media industry.
The vast majority if not all runners are freelance.
There is no entry route as this is a starting job.
Salary: variable
Hours per week: variable
9. Camera operator
A camera operator is a crucial role in the media industry as it is their job to record film or
images for the production. This job role also includes setting up equipment and planning
shots. This job role is required in both television and film.
Most common route into this job role is to take a course related to camera work so that
techniques and skills can be learnt.
Salary: variable
Hours per week: variable
10. Researcher
The role of the researcher is to find relevant information, locations and people needed for
a media production. Lots of organisation is required, this job role is required in both
television and film.
There is no set route into this role however you will need a lot of experience in the media
sector.
This role can be freelance or contract.
Salary: variable
Hours per week: variable
