Monday, 19 March 2012

Film Director

A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in film making. They control a film's artistic and dramatic aspects, while guiding the technical crew and actors.The director is the highest authority on the set. They are experts on everything that is associated with the process of film making. Film making is a three part process that the director is heavily involved in throughout each stage including pre and post production. It important that before the director begins to shoot the film he/she has read through the script thoroughly.  They have to sit with the screenwriters and make a screenplay out of the script. The screenplay is how the story is going to get played out on the screen. The editing process begins after all the production work is done. The director has to sit with the editor and be a part of the whole editing process. They have to hand the screenplay and the shooting script to the editor so they can line up the shots accordingly. They have to guide the editor on the quality of the picture they want. They also have to choose the background music, ambient sounds and folly sounds that have to be inserted onto the film.n process, the director has to shoot the whole film according to the screenplay and the shooting script. Ensuring that the final edit has their approval before it can be released.

In order to become a film director requires qualifications and experience. Many universities and even colleges offer specialised courses in the art of directing with film direction as specialization; degrees from such universities are helpful in getting a job. Like many other jobs within in this industry many directors work they way up starting off as assistant directors allowing them to gain experience and explore with their ability to direct often involving making armature short films to demonstrate their skills and capability.

Simularly to many other jobs the salary of a director can vary according to the scale of the film and who they are working for. The reputation of a director can be vital as a production company may hire a director of reputation alone and offer them a considerable amount of money and earning from profit made they can even demand to be paid and negotiate deals with a company. For example one of the most famous directors known world wide Steven Speilberg is estimated to be worth £3billion pound.. However on average a film director can make a minimum of £200,0000 a year plus the back end of any profits made.

Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Camera Operator

A Camera Operator is a professional opertaor of a film or video camera. Depending on the scale of the production they are working on and in what field they will often work with  multi and single-camera operational conditions, producing pictures for directors by combining the use of complex technology with creative visual skills. A camera operator will often work for a production company and can be based in various locations. The cameraman is responsible for physically operating the camera and maintaining composition and camera angles throughout a given scene or shot. It is vital that the camera operator works closely with the director and had good leadership skills along with being creative. They often have to collaborate clsely with the director as it is important that they capture the narrative of whatever they are filming on camera by using different shots and angles that mimic the narrative. Important camera operator skills include choreographing and framing shots knowledge of and the ability to select appropriate camera lenses, and other equipment to portray dramatic scenes. The principles of dramatic story telling and film editing fundamentals are important skills as well.

The camera operator is required to communicate clearly and concisely on sets where time and film budget constraints are ever present.Work activities vary greatly depending on the type of programme, for example studio/outside broadcast programmes, television dramas, commercials, documentaries, current affair and news, and whether the camera operator can use several different cameras however their workload is usually simular.

A camera opertaor must:

  • assembling, preparing and setting up equipment prior to filming, which may include tripods, monitors, lighting, cables and leads, and headphones;

  • offering advice on how best to shoot a scene, explaining the visual impact created by particular shots;

  • planning shots - when filming an expensive drama scene, such as an explosion, there may be only one chance to get things right so shots need to be meticulously planned beforehand;

  • practising the camera moves required for pre-arranged shots;

  • studying scripts;

  • working quickly, especially as timing is such an important factor;

  • taking sole responsibility in situations where only one camera operator is involved in the filming;

  • keeping up to date with filming methods and equipment;

  • repairing and maintaining equipment;

  • demonstrating a good awareness of health and safety issues.


  • In order to become a camera operator training, experiance and qualifications are required. Often cameraoperators start at a lower levels as an assistant observing experienced crew members and gradually gaining practical experience.
    Some television companies set up their own in-house training programmes, as and when they need staff in technical roles. Many also start off working freelance to begin with allowing themselves to gain a good reputation so that they are in demand and can apply to become a permenant member of a television production company or film. Once a camera operator is fully trained it is also important they take reponsibility of their career Continuing professional development is vital and all camera operators need to take responsibility for ensuring they keep up to date with changing technology and techniques in the field.

    The salary of a cameraoperator can vary depending on who they work for o if they work freelance which many cameraoperators tend to do. According to the production they are working on wether it be television or film. Although the average rate of a days wages earnt by a camera operator can be between £285; for commercials £411; and for TV news £227. However it is possible to negotiate rates of pay based on your previous experience as well as the type of production.

    Dedication, patience and stamina are needed. The work can be physically demanding as you have to stand for long periods of time and carry heavy equipment. Working to tight deadlines may be stressful, and long waits between shots and repeating ‘takes’ till the recording is perfect may also be frustrating.

    Monday, 12 March 2012

    Publicist

    A Publicist is someone whose job it is to represent and manage another person generating press attention publicity and handling their business and demand for work. The main responsibility of a publicist is to generate positive press coverage by maintaining good relationships with both their client and journalists. They must serve as the bridge between their client and the media writing press releases that are written much like a news story complete with a eye catching headline to attract attention and create interest. A publicist has to handle all interview or any appearances request that their client may receive then they must ensure that their client is protected asking what the interview will be about and what exactly they plan to ask allowing their client to plan and either accept or decline work.
    Publicists often organize press tours for actors, celebrities and authors. The publicist makes all the travel arrangements for the client, sets up locations, arranges for press passes and even accompanies the client on the road. More than ever, publicists network with online bloggers and read and respond to comments on popular social networks. In addition to a standard press tour, they might arrange for a live, online Q&A session with a popular fansite or interviews with podcasts.

    When training to become a publicist several skills are required both academic and personal. It is very important that a good publicist can handle the balance between a working relationship and a personal relationship they may or may not have with their client. They must also have the ability and qualifications to think like a journalist so they are able to distinguish the need for a story and how the story could be tailored and edited for the readers interest. Communication skills are a vital skill to have as they must communicate and maintain relationships, both written and phone communication is very important. The best publicists establish genuine relationships with the editors and reporters who cover their client. They know how to network without looking like they're networking. Patience and flexibility is also very important as often celebrities can be difficult to work with and the hours they work are not always consistent like a typical 9-5 job.  As a Publicist is working within the sector of public relation is is also important that they keep cal under pressure and in emergencies as like any part of the media industry many things can go wrong or often clients can be very demanding. They must also be able to make the most of a bad situation and use their accademic skills and relationships with the media to turn a bad story or mistake made by a client into a positive lesson to be learnt and demonstrated to the public ensuring their clients image is kept clean and positive.

    Often a publicist starts at the bottom and gain experiance. Strong written and communications skills are essential. Although degress or certain qualifications and not essential  experiance in communcation any type of public relation or journalism study can be required although their is not one course you can study to become a publicist defress in english (journalism) or PR and the media is a starting point if you want to become a publicist.  Internships are a good place to start at Public relation firms literary agencies and talent agencies are good places to look for publicity internships. Interns are expected to do some of the least glamorous work like pick up rental cars and dry cleaning for the client. Many Publicists are assistancs to professionals before becoming a publicists themselves however moving up to an assistants position is a major step to becoming  a successfull publicist.
    To move up from an assistant position, you need to start making contacts within the publicity industry and the media. Being an assistant is a great place to start, because you can piggyback on the network of contacts already in your boss's Rolodex. You need to show your boss and members of the media that you're reliable, a solid writer and that you have a nose for a good news story.

    Depending on who a Publicist represents their annual salary can vary dramatically according to the scale they are working at. As a Publicist may be independant or work for a company again this will effect the final earning they will recieve.  They can earnt a percentage of how much their client recieves for a certain interview, appearance or any other publicity stunt. A deal with their client will be negotiated before the client chooses them to represent them personally.  Therefore a publicist can earn an annual salary ranging from £30,000 per year to £250,000 00 per year.

    Max Clifford is considered the highest profile and best known publicist in the United Kingdom. Over the years his client range has varied and he is a controversial figure as he has represented unpopular celebrities and acted as an agent for those who are not always considered celebrties for example those who sell kiss and tell stories to the paper in order to create fame. Max originally began his career working as a journalist it was through his passion for writing he was introduced to this industry and soon discoverd his ability to reprsent people and make them famous. In 1970 he set up his own agaency called Max Clifford Associates. He has reprsented starts such as Muahmmed Ali and Marvin gaye both known world wide for different reasons. He is worth an esimated 10million pound.

    Tuesday, 28 February 2012

    Financial

    Financial jobs within the media are always to do with money and often crossover with marketing, administrative and managerial positions.

    Financial Planner

    A financial planner is a professional who plans and budgets for others covering various aspects of a overall production. They have to work with a budget and create a detailed final plan that creates a strategy tailored to a company's situation and action plan to produce a production. A payroll clerk has to input all of the information onto a date based installed but the company. It is very important that a financial planners considers all of the defining aspects of a production and how it will effect the budget and overall outcome and financial state of the client. When planning a document they have to take into considertaion employee wages, the cost of any potential set design and props,

    Payroll Clerk

    A payroll clerk computes and records all of the earnings owed to each employee working for a company, responsible for calculating deduction such as tax and must check the date for any errors that could possibly have occurred on a date system before an employee is paid. They must also track and keep a record of any benefit deductions such as sick leave or holiday pay.

    Accounts Executive

    The job role accounts executive in the media industry covers various descriptions and crosses over with marketing roles. Depending on theie field of work wether they be involved in distribution or advertising marketing their works may vary however an accounts executive main duty is to serve the direct link between their client and company involved wether it be a distribution issue or advertising agency. Managing dady to day affairs maintaining customer satisfaction. It is an accounts executives job to liase closely with their clients throghout campaigns managing administrative and campaign work ensuring that all is completed on time and to a finanacial budget. Typically the job involves :
  • working with the account manager to brief media, creative and research staff, and assisting with the formulation of marketing strategies;

  • liaising with, and acting as the link between, the client and advertising agency by maintaining regular contact with both, ensuring that communication flows effectively;

  • negotiating with clients and agency staff about the details of campaigns;

  • presenting creative work to clients for approval or modification;

  • handling budgets, managing campaign costs and invoicing clients;

  • writing client reports;

  • monitoring the effectiveness of campaigns
  • Legal

    There are many legal requirements and issues in relation to the media such as intellectual property lawyers and copyright therefore there are many positions and job oppurtunites within the media industry that crossover with the legal industry.


    Media Lawyer
    A lawyer that works in the media idustry focus on providing legal services to the entertainment industry. The principle areas of entertainment law overlap substantially with the well known and conventional field of intelectual property law's and other issues concerning copyright, slander, libel law and defimation. Also negotiation contracts and mediation are a big part of the media industry. Lawyers working in the entertainment industry can cover the following categories
    • Film
    • Television
    • Publishing
    • Multimedia
    As the public interest has in celebrities has developed over the past few years media lawyers are more commonly known and are often involved in battles between celebrities and the courts over the 'personality rights' of a person. A lawyer can be a representative when the rights of an individual concerning their privacy and commercial use of his or her name has being wrongly accused or slander has being committed.



    Intellectual Property Lawyer

    An Intellectual Property Lawyer works for a client ensuring that their rights to rather the creation of a product regognizing that person exclusive rights or ensuring that they are granted certain exclusive rights to assests ranging from material objects to inventions or even words and phrases. They are professionals who are trained to licensed to practice intellectual law protecting rights and assests for others involved in anything legal that is connected to intellectual property.


    Legal Councel

    A legal councel gives adive to a client or company. In the entertainment industry a legal counsel gives advice agbout several matters including individual cases and company cases such as slander or if their personal rights have being breeched.  They are genrally the head lawyer at a law firm that specialises in the entertainment industry. A legal councel tends to have years of expericance that has allowed them to gain the knowledge and skills to give adive about legal cases and the best way to go about them. Within the media industry a legal councel also works to ensure that the company is opertaing within the law at all times therefore they must be aware of all the transactions the company is engaged in .

    Administrative

    Administrative jobs are genuinely jobs that involve working in an office doing administrative tasks such as the books and organising meetings and other organisational matters. There is a crossover with financial jobs such as doing the accounts and payroll. Administrative jobs give most people a base which they work from.

    Secretary

    A secretary works in support of managements and in often in charge of organisation and admin. All of the jobs are for the benefit of another employee or the company. They deal with organisation dealing with correspondence and admit new employees and organises official meeting and events. They have many administrative duties including typing out letters, maintaining files and records that need to be kept and documented. They may now also have to maintain websites and bookkeeping. Depending on who they work for a crossover can be made with finance as they could be in charge of managing budgets or organising travel arrangements when necessary.

    Researcher

    A media researcher would carry out tasks such as audience profiling, sales figures of other programmes, field research, market research. All of the research carried out must be detailed in an accurate manner. Research is a vital ingredient within the media industry it is important that research is carried out in the pre production stage of a production to allowing companies to know who they are aiming at how much it is likely to cost who they are competing against.

    Managerial

    Managerial jobs are ones that involve supervision of staff and being responisble for others. Supervision involves being able to take controll and work to benefit others taking on leadership and helping to supervide others ensuring as a production team everyone is doing what they should be and working to  a scheduale. Managerial jobs include a Director, Project Manager and Radio station manager.

    Director

    The duties of a director vary according to the production a director is working on whether it be television, film or a creative director. However the main duty of any director is responsible for supervising the placement of professional video cameras, Lighting equipment, microphones, and props. It is important that the director works closely with the actors and give them cues as to when the film is rolling and how their body language should appear on camera. The director has to have a creative artistic visual and understand the visuals of others ensuring the quality and completeness of a production.  A director will also play a key role in post production working closely in particular with editors to ensure they achieve the desired effect they want including all of the shots appropriately reflecting which character and location is driving the scene appearing to the audience the way he/she intended. Depending on the type of set the director is working on whether it be television or film they also play a role in the promotion of a production inparticularly if they are well known director creating a brand.


    Project Manager

    A project manager has the overall responsibility of a project. They are responsible for planning, execution and closing of any project typically accomplishing the stated project  objective. They must plan anad create attainable objectives for a project both on and off set to ensure that all of the aims and requirements are met. They will often manage the cost, time and quality of a production working to a deadline.


    Radio Station Manger.



    Radio Station mangers are also known as program directors. Their duties include overseeing most functions and project of  a radio station that involve its programming. The general responsibilities of a radio station manager is to work with the music director in programming to determine and finalise the songs that will be played on the radio station also working with presenters ensuring that their creative input and ideas contribute to the desired tone and target audience of the radio station. They will also determine what broadcasts and news reports will be aired on a radio station including all commercial advertisements. A radio station manger is also responsible for the upkeep of a radio station reputation for example if a presenter says or does something controversial that could possibly offend they must report and issue a statement on behalf of the radio station and presenter.