The document provides information on several roles in film and television production:
- Camera operators work under the director of photography and director to operate cameras and oversee camera equipment and assistants. They help decide camera positioning and setups.
- Sound workers ensure high quality audio across live events, recordings in the field, and post-production editing. The work requires technical skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
- Lighting technicians setup and operate special lights to achieve specific moods and visual styles, requiring expertise in equipment, cabling, and accessories like filters. The work involves long hours including travel.
1. Assignment 2 task 1
I am going to produce a fizzy drink advert for the company Fizzy Drinks Inc. and it is going to be put
on the internet so it can be viewed on YouTube. The advert will be promoting a new fizzy for the
company and will be between 30 – 60 seconds. The funding will come mainly from the company
itself, Fizzy Drinks Inc, from the sales of the products. However, there will be some other advertising
on YouTube; before a clip is played there will be a small advert about the fizzy drink.
Camera Operator:
Camera operators have a vital role. They support the Director of Photography and the Director by
carrying out the instructions they are given by them. Camera Operators usually begin their work at
the end of pre-production and if the budget allows they attend the technical recces with other
Heads of Department. They work closely with the Director of Photography, Director and Grip, and
are responsible for the 1st Assistant Camera, 2nd Assistant Camera and the Camera Trainee.
After the Director and Director of Photography have rehearsed and blocked the shots, the Camera
Operator and Director ofPhotography decide where to position the camera, and what lenses and
supporting equipment to use. Camera Operators liaise with the Grip and other Heads of
Department, and keep them informed about how the position and movement of the camera might
impact on their work load. They oversee the preparation and checking of camera equipment. During
shooting, Operators are responsible for all aspects of camera operation, enabling the Director of
Photography to concentrate intensively on lighting and overall visual style.
Camera Operators ensure that the camera and other equipment needed are prepared for the
required set-ups, always keeping alert for any last-minute changes. They must be able to multi-task,
and to watch, listen and think on their feet while carrying out difficult technical tasks. They liaise
closely with the Director, fine-tuning the exact details of each shot, which often involves suggesting
creative improvements or alternatives. They supervise the logistics of moving the camera, and
oversee the Camera maintenance work carried out by the Focus Puller and the 2nd Assistant
Camera.
Sound:
Sound is vital to the creative media industries and sound workers work across all production areas.
They make sure it is at the highest quality sound in live events and outside broadcasts, capture the
performance of artists on set and on location, set up links by satellite and land line, edit dialogue and
music and create original sound effects to work with visual images.
All TV Sound occupations require the following skills:
Good knowledge of audio equipment and sound technology;
Good communication and interpersonal skills;
2. Ability to work well in a team;
Excellent hearing, balance and agility;
Computer literacy;
Patience, self-discipline, reliability and attention to detail;
Willingness to work long and irregular hours;
Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and
procedures.
Lighting:
People working in the lighting department set up and work special lights to light the scene being
filmed and to create a specific mood or visual style. This involves selecting the correct lighting
equipment, connecting the lights to electrical sources with special cabling and using various
accessories like filters and screens to achieve the desired look.
All occupations within this department demand a very high degree of commitment and
determination; the hours are long and often unpredictable. The work can involve long periods away
from home and some travel abroad. Most people work on a freelance basis so they have to seek out
work and training opportunities for themselves. Other important qualities are being a team-player, a
good problem-solver, having excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a close attention to
detail and the ability to take directions.
Directors:
Directors work closely with Producers and or Writers, elaborating, refining and ultimately realising
original ideas into finished programmes. They make careful preparations in order to ensure the
success of each shoot. Directors must have a clear creative vision of the project, and what materials
and equipment are required to achieve it. They should not shoot endless footage which may be
useful, but prepare a carefully calculated shooting schedule which provides the required footage
within budget and to deadlines. Within those limits they should also be able to contribute creatively
to projects.