This document summarizes various job roles in television production, including their responsibilities and required skills and qualifications. It describes the roles of camera operator, script supervisor, makeup artist, director, researcher, gaffer, and boom operator. For each role, it provides a brief overview of their duties and the types of qualifications or experience typically needed to perform the job.
1. Unit 3 TV Job RolesGrid
Job Role Roles and Responsibilities (what they do and
are in charge of)
Qualities Needed (skills and or
qualifications)
Camera Operator
(Studio/Outside
Broadcast)
Ensuring that cameras and associated equipment are
rigged and ready for the required shots to be taken
You do not need a specific qualification to work
in this role. Instead, you would usually learn the
practical skills required through hands-on
experience on the job. That said, continuing
professionaldevelopmentis vital, especially as
camera technology changes rapidly.
Script Supervisor
Itis the ScriptSupervisor’s roleto monitor whether it
is possiblefor each filmed scene to be edited into a
verbally and visually coherent sequence. Film and TV
dramas are usually shotentirely out of script
sequence. The ScriptSupervisor ensures thatthe
finished productmakes continuous verbaland visual
sense. They work as partof the camera department.
have exceptional skills of observation
have a meticulous and methodical attention to
detail
have stamina to remain alert and focused during
long filming days
be able to take precise and detailed notes
quickly and efficiently
possess a good senseof visualcomposition,
perspectiveand movement
have excellent organisational skills and a
practical approach to work
be able to think on your feet and respond quickly
to changing circumstances
have good communication skills and show
diplomacy and sensitivity when working with
artists and crew
be able to remain friendly and calm in
challenging situations
understand the requirements of the relevant
health and safety legislation and procedures
2. Make-Upand Hair
Artist - Film& TV
Creating make-ups and hairstyles to meet production
requirements Overseeing make-up and hair
continuity during filming
Working to the Make-up and Hair Designer’s brief
You will need to achieve at least a level 2
vocational qualification or equivalent in media
make-up and a level 2-3 NVQ in hairdressing, or
the equivalent of two years’ experience.
Director
Being the driving creative force in a film's production
- visualising and defining the style and structureof
the film, then bringing it to life
Carrying out duties such as casting, script editing,
shotcomposition, shot selection and editing
Acting as the crucial link between the production,
technical and creative teams
You don’t need a formal qualification to become
a Director.
have exceptional artistic vision and creative skills
have unerring commitment
have a deep passion for filmmaking
be a strong and confident leader
make decisions
delegate and collaborate with others
have excellent communication and interpersonal
skills
inspire and motivate the team
Researcher
Originating or developing programmeideas, drawing
on knowledgeand understanding of industry
requirements, and presenting findings to decision
makers
Checking facts and briefing writers who write scripts
for on-screen presenters
You won’tneed a specific qualification to
become a TV Researcher. However, a degree in a
media-related, drama or specialist subjectmay
give you a good grounding.
be able to establish a rapportquickly with
production personneland potential contributors
maintain up-to-date contact lists and be able to
access relevant information from various sources
sourceand suggestsuitable contributors,
demonstrating how their input fits into each
production
Gaffer
being responsiblefor all the practical aspects of
lighting sets and locations
You mustbe a fully-qualified electrician to be a
Gaffer, with relevant City & Guilds or electrical
engineering qualifications at HND. havea deep
3. knowledgeof what can be achieved in terms of
lighting for each production, in any particular
studio or location
be able to interpret lighting plans, including all
aspects of the rig, scale drawings of all lamps
and their positions, and whatlighting gels and
circuits to use
have strong team-working skills, both within the
lighting department and with other departments
involved in the production
have an understanding of all aspects of
television production
have knowledgeof electrical theory and practice
Boom Operator
Controlling the long boom arm, manoeuvring it as
close to the action as possible in order to achieve the
best quality sound recording
Fitting radio microphones to actors and presenters
You won’tneed a qualification to be a TV Boom
Operator. However it is vital to be able to show a
strong interest in sound and an understanding of
its physicalproperties.
be a strong team player – many of the skills
needed in this role involve working as a team as
efficiently and effectively as possible
be willing and able to compromise
pay close attention to detail and concentrate for
long periods
have good knowledgeof audio equipment and
sound technology
have knowledgeof the television production
process