Apprentice Lighting Technician

Good evening everyone, today I am coming to talk to you about Apprentice Lighting Technician according to Creative Skill set.

http://creativeskillset.org/creative_industries/film/job_roles/3815_apprentice_lighting_technician

 

What does an Apprentice Lighting Technician do?

The Apprentice Lighting Technician is also known as Apprentice or Trainee Lighting Electrician/Technician/Operator, Lighting Assistant or Trainee Lighting Apprentices. An apprentice or trainee is learning to become a fully qualified technician and must become familiar with all the lighting equipment, how it works, and how it is used and maintained.

Apprentices are taken on by specialist lighting companies and are generally moved from one section or department of the company to another, getting to know electrical maintenance, batteries, electronics and dimmers, as well as the electrical installation of the building. Their work involves tasks like testing machines and faultfinding; cleaning, repairing, and maintaining equipment; fixing distribution boards and boxes, and lights; and wiring dimmers and circuit boards.

They work under the close supervision of fully qualified technicians for the first two years of their apprenticeships. Each department of a lighting company has its own Head who helps to train the apprentices. An apprenticeship usually takes three years to complete. This involves four days per week working in a lighting company, and one day per week on day release attending a college course.

Apprentices must be aware of Health and Safety implications. They must take responsibility for themselves, and act responsibly towards other members of the team. Apprentices can expect to be making calculations at “A” level standard by the time they reach the end of their training.

Will I need a qualification?

You will need at least a Level 2 qualification in English, Math and IT, for example a Grade C in GCSE. You will need to do further training to keep up to date with new equipment and changing regulations as you go forward in your career. It is useful to obtain a driving license as soon as possible – eventually an LGV or HGV license may also be required.

Have you thought about what it takes to be a screenwriter? Please share your comments with me and others because I have more to share tomorrow.

Television anchor

Good evening everyone, today I am coming to talk to you about television anchor according to sokanu

https://www.sokanu.com/careers/news-anchor/

 

What is a News Anchor?

A news anchor is a journalist who educates others to the issues that continuously change and shape the world, whether locally, nationally or internationally. The news anchor delivers the day’s events on a news program, and may comment or provide professional insight on complicated issues that are reported. Sources that are analyzed for commentary or reporting are gleaned from many different media sources, including print and internet agencies.

What does a News Anchor do?

A news anchor is responsible for interpreting happenings locally, nationally, and internationally for a wide audience. This entails keeping at the forefront of news that has an impact on the viewing audience. Commentary is often provided to help people understand how the news affects their daily lives. Millions of people get their news from the daily evening or late-night report, and come to trust and favor a particular news anchor. Successful news anchors have many followers, and are still remembered years later for covering specific events in history. While the evening news is not the only mode of broadcasting, it is perhaps the most watched and most dependable form. There are also local news programs, 24-hours news channels, and even online news programs, and they are all excellent options for someone looking to become a news anchor.

News anchors can also conduct interviews with people who impact media happenings from around the world. Interviews help to open a discussion or clarify issues that influence the news or media happenings. An interview can help broaden the audience’s understanding of a particular issue or begin a discourse on an issue important to the audience. Important skills necessary for a news anchor when interviewing others is the ability to put people at ease, and remembering to be unbiased.

A news anchor may be responsible for writing his or her own news copy, operating the control board, and conducting investigative journalism. Larger stations have separate newscasters for each section of the news, and personnel are made available to assist in researching and writing news stories.

What is the workplace of a News Anchor like?

The workload for a news anchor can be demanding. The day may begin very early, depending on the shift assigned. Once at work, the anchor will begin by reviewing the events of the last 24 hours, and then decide what and what not to cover. A large portion of the workday is devoted to reading news articles and searching out items of interest to the viewing or listening audience.

Interviews must be prepared for and may involve reading the works of the person to be interviewed. In some cases, the news anchor may be responsible for contacting the people to be interviewed. Once the subject matters have been decided, the news anchor will work with the writers to create a transcript for the broadcast. After hair and makeup, the anchor delivers the broadcast, working in front of the camera anywhere from a half hour to several hours in a row. News anchors most often work from a television studio or radio studio, but may also present the news from remote locations in the field related to a particular major news event.

Have you thought about what it takes to be a screenwriter? Please share your comments with me and others because I have more to share tomorrow.

Movie Director

Good evening everyone, today I am coming to talk to you about movie director according to sokanu.com (https://www.sokanu.com/careers/film-director/)

What is a Film Director?

A film director is in charge of making sure that every component of a movie runs smoothly. Generally, these directors work on a movie from its conception stage to its delivery stage. They have a say in how the scenes unfold, what props are going to be used, how the characters should look, and who should play specific parts. Directors also work with individuals in charge of lighting, scenery, writing, and so forth, to make sure that all the elements come together. The director oversees the three main phases, which are pre-production, production and post-production. Generally, he or she does not actually do the work for post-production, but is in charge of overseeing it.

Note the difference between a film director and a producer: A film director controls a film’s artistic and dramatic aspects, and visualizes the script while guiding the technical crew and actors in the fulfillment of that vision. The producer initiates, coordinates, supervises and controls matters such as raising funding, hiring key personnel, and arranging for distributors.

What does a Film Director do?

In addition to having control over nearly every aspect of the movie, film directors also have a large role in technical aspects. They read over the script to make sure that it makes sense, and they decide where the actors are going to stand and how they will move. Directors also help the actors to truly understand the characters. They might explain the characters’ motivation for a particular action or their back-story. One of the goals of a director is to push the actors to do their best work.

Once the editing team gets to work, the film director has the final say as to how the shots look and how they should be blended together. The movie director can also decide that the crew needs to do another take of a particular scene or scenes. They also decide when one scene should fade into the next.

A film director also has the responsibility of handling most of the budgetary concerns of a film. He or she will have to figure out how to make the movie work on the allowable budget. This might involve hiring actors who will work for lower pay, asking family members or friends to help with some of the behind-the-scenes work, or coming up with less expensive strategies for executing an idea.

What is the workplace of a Film Director like?

There is often a lot of pressure in the work environment of a film director. Film directors need to make most of the decisions; therefore, the success of the movie depends on them. Furthermore, while film directors are working on a movie, they also need to be looking for their next movie. Many film directors have to hop from one job to the next.

The entire production process of a film can take over a year. When the movie is in the production phase, the director is very busy. When the movie is in post-production and the director just has to oversee things, there may be a bit more spare time.

When on a job, a film director’s schedule can vary considerably. For example, he or she might work for ten hours on Monday and then an entirely different set of hours on Tuesday. It is not rare for a film director to work on weekends, evenings and holidays.

Have you thought about what it takes to be a screenwriter? Please share your comments with me and others because I have more to share tomorrow.

Television Producer

Good evening everyone, today I am coming to talk to you about television producers according to Learn.org (http://learn.org/articles/What_Does_a_Television_Producer_Do.html)

A television producer is a person who oversees all aspects of video production on a television program. Some producers take more of an executive role, in that they conceive new programs and pitch them to the television networks, but upon acceptance they focus on business matters, such as budgets and contracts.

 Career Overview

As a television producer, you’ll oversee planning shows, news segments, documentaries, or episodes to air on television. You’ll be responsible for gathering all of the important components needed to produce a program, including research materials, scripts, and props. You’ll also help cast the main actors and hire other production members for your show. You must closely supervise your crew to ensure that production runs as efficiently as possible and stays within a set budget.

To be a television producer, you must be well-organized, be able to think quickly, and possess creativity. You’ll often work long, unpredictable hours in a high-stress environment. You also must have excellent managerial and business skills to devise ways to fund their programs. You should express confidence when making important decisions regarding the direction of a TV show.

 Important Facts About Producers

Key Skills – Communication, time-management, leadership

Work Environment – Constant time pressure

On-The-Job Training – Many start out as theatrical managers

Similar Careers – Film & video editors, art directors, multimedia artists

 Educational Requirements

If you’re looking to enter television production, educational requirements in this field can vary. Many television producers hold a bachelor’s degree and major in fields like television and film production, television broadcasting, and business. Some producers pursue a graduate degree in production or business, although this generally isn’t a requirement for entering the TV business.

 Occupational Outlook

If you want to start a career as a television producer, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov) reported that jobs were extremely competitive. You first might want to gain an internship or entry-level position as a production assistant. This lower-level position can teach you many of the skills required to produce a TV program and can lead to more advanced job opportunities.

The BLS stated that jobs in producing and directing were predicted to rise nine percent from 2014-2024. According to PayScale.com in September 2015, most television broadcasting producers made between $35,859 – $133,567 per year. The BLS estimated in May 2014 the median annual salary earned by producers and directors to be $69,100.

Have you thought about what it takes to be a screenwriter? Please share your comments with me and others because I have more to share tomorrow.

Screenwriter

Good afternoon one all, today I am coming to talk to you about screenwriting according to Creative Skill Set http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/3078_screenwriter

The lowdown

  • Researching and developing story ideas
  • Writing screenplays

Is this role right for me?

To do this role, you will need to:

  • Have an in-depth understanding of story, plot and narrative
  • Understand the different ways that films affect audiences
  • Be familiar with current formats for presenting screenplays
  • Be able to demonstrate creative imagination
  • Be able to bring to life the individuality of characters
  • Be able to write visually, using sound and dialogue to support action
  • Be dedicated and well organized
  • Be able to work as part of a team
  • Be able to work to strict deadlines
  • Be able to handle frequent rejection
  • Be ambitious
  • Be realistic

What does a Screenwriter do?

Screenwriters create screenplays for films. They provide the blueprint for the creative input of the ProducerDirectorProduction Designer, Composer and Editor, cast and crew.

Screenplays should allow whoever is reading it to imagine how the film will work on screen. It should feature fascinating characters, an exciting plot, and a great idea for a marketable film. It should also fit in with basic principles of dramatic construction, and fit the format and style expected in the industry.

Screenwriters must produce highly creative writing, to strict deadlines. They work with a script development team to create a finished product that is likely to be financed and made. Sometimes producers bring in an additional Screenwriter to improve certain aspects of the screenplay. In this case, the Screenwriter may share a credit with the original Screenwriter. Or they may be credited for Additional Dialogue, or as a Story Consultant.

In some cases, the original Screenwriter may be replaced entirely by another Screenwriter. In this case the original Screenwriter may then receive a “Screen story by…” credit on the finished film.

Screenwriters are almost always freelancers. They either pitch original ideas to Producers in the hope that they will be optioned or sold. Or they are commissioned by a Producer to create a screenplay from a concept, true story, existing screen work or a novel, poem, play, comic book or short story.

Many more screenplays are commissioned than films are made. Only a few top UK Screenwriters make enough money to sustain themselves entirely through writing screenplays.

 

Have you thought about what it takes to be a screenwriter? Please share your comments with me and others because I have more to share tomorrow.

Sound Engineer

Good evening one all, today I am coming to talk to you about sound engineer according to The Balance https://www.thebalance.com

What exactly is a sound engineer?  Do they play an important role in the music industry? If you have ever been at a concert where you were blown away by the clarity and overall quality of the music you heard, chances are that there was a very talented engineer controlling the sound you heard.

What Is a Sound Engineer?

Sound engineers or audio engineers work on the technical aspects of sound and music production by mixing, reproducing and manipulating the equalization and electronic effects of sound.

Sound engineers don’t have to work strictly in music. Some engineers end up designing and controlling the sound at conferences, in theaters, and in any other venue that requires sound projection for an audience. By controlling microphones, sound levels, and outputs, sound engineers combine their well-trained ears with their knowledge of acoustics to produce the best quality of sound for a variety of purpose. Some venues that hire sound engineers include:

  • film
  • radio
  • television
  • musical recordings
  • computer games
  • live music concerts
  • theatre
  • sports games
  • corporate events

Different Types of Sound Engineers

Many people think of the sound engineer as the person who stands behind the big mixing desk at a show and mixes the sound the audience hears. This is also known as mixing the “front of house” sound. But this is only one aspect of sound engineering.

In fact, though, there are 4 distinct steps to commercial production of a recording including recording, editing, mixing, and mastering.

As a result, there are other types of sound engineers with roles and specializations. Keep in mind, however, that it is common for all of these roles to be taken on by one sound person at smaller events and shows as having a whole team of engineers is a luxury usually reserved for large, well-funded tours.

Some of the other roles and titles common to audio engineers include:

  • Monitor sound engineers. This type of engineer takes care of the sound the band hears on their monitors on stage. If you’re ever heard a band say, “can you turn down my guitar a little bit” or something similar, they are talking to the monitor sound engineer.
  • Systems engineers. They take care of setting up amps, complex PA systems, speakers and such for the band and the other sound engineers.
  • Studio sound engineers. They work in a recording studio to make high quality recordings of music, speech and sound effects.
  • Research and development audio engineers. They work to invent new technologies, equipment and techniques, to enhance the process and art of audio engineering.
  • Wireless microphone engineers. They are responsible for wireless microphones during a theatre production, a sports event or a corporate event.
  • Game audio designer engineers. They deal with sound for video and computer game development.

Camera Operator

Good evening one all, today I am coming to talk to you about camera operator according to Creative Skillset http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/3073_camera_operator

Carry Operators carry out the Director of Photography’s and Director’s instructions for shot composition and development. They are usually the first people to use the camera’s eyepiece to assess how all the elements of performance, art direction, lighting, composition and camera movement come together to create the cinematic experience.

 

Camera Operators usually start at the end of pre-production and attend technical recces with other Head of Department. They work closely with the Director of Photography, Director and Grip, and are responsible for the First Assistant Camera (1st AC), Second Assistant Camera (2nd AC) and the Camera Trainee.

 

After the Director and DoP have rehearsed and blocked the shots, the Camera Operator and DoP 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 workload.

 

During shooting, Operators are responsible for all aspects of camera operation, enabling the DoP to concentrate intensively on lighting and overall visual style.

 

Camera Operators make sure the camera and equipment are prepared for the required set-ups and ready for any last-minute changes. They must be able to multi-task and to watch, listen and think on their feet while carrying out complex technical tasks.

 

They liaise closely with the Director, fine-tuning the exact details of each shot, 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 AC.

 

Camera Operators work closely with performers, guiding them on what can and cannot be seen by the camera. As DoPs now also operate the camera on smaller films, many Camera Operators specialize in the operation of other precision equipment, such as Remote Heads or Steadicam. Most also work on commercials, promos and television drama.

 

The DoP or Director often asks for a specific Camera Operator, who in turn makes recommendations about the rest of the camera and grip departments.

The work is physically demanding, and requires high levels of strength and stamina. Hours are long (12-14 hours a day) and some foreign travel may be required, involving long periods spent away from base.

 

To do this role, you will need to:

  • Know how to operate the camera expertly
  • Have good working knowledge of all camera systems, lenses, support equipment and accessories
  • Provide creative input
  • Have artistic ability
  • Be patient
  • Have a good sense of visual composition, perspective and movement
  • Have physical co-ordination and strength
  • Combine creativity with technical skills
  • Pay precise attention to detail
  • Communicate effectively
  • Be able to collaborate and work as part of a team
  • Be diplomatic and sensitive when working with artists and crew
  • Know about health and safety legislation and procedures

 

Have you thought about what it takes to be a camera operator? Please share your comments with me and others because I have more to share tomorrow.

Video editing

Good evening one all, today I am coming to talk to you about video editing according to Media College.com (http://www.mediacollege.com/video/editing/tutorial/definition.html)

Video editing is the process of manipulating and rearranging video shots to create a new work. Editing is usually considered to be one part of the post production process – other post-production tasks include titling, color correction, sound mixing etc.

Many people use the term editing to describe all their post-production work, especially in non-professional situations. The following terminology falls under the meaning of editing:

  • Rearranging, adding and/or removing sections of video clips and/or audio clips
  • Applying color correction, filters and other enhancements
  • Creating transitions between clips

When you are editing your video or film you should first determine what is required in editing.

Time: When editing your project, it’s important to know how long is the video once you have determined the length you can move on to the next step.

Removing unwanted footage: Simply getting rid of the flawed or unwanted bits

Choose the best footage: Normally while filming you would take numerous shots of the area you are working or the events being performed, that way you can review and choose what footage you would like to use.

 Create a flow: Telling a story or providing information from the footage you have taken,

Add effects, graphics, music, etc.: Improving your project by doing a little extra to the film will have your customer lost for words by how well you made the film look.

Alter the style, pace or mood of the video: Techniques such as mood music and visual effects can influence how the audience will react.

Give the video an angle: Video can be tailored to support a certain viewpoint to tell a story of what is being filmed.

Have you thought about what it takes to edit a video? Please share your comments with me and others because I have more to share tomorrow.

 

 

Internship

Hello everyone, I want to invite you to follow me as I take you on a journey through the Life of an Intern. I am currently doing my internship in Northern Cambria, PA at Cam-Ron Video Production as a television production assistant, a Television production assistant are responsible for providing administrative and organizational support to senior production staff prior to, during and after production of a program. My role as a television production assistant is different from the standard definition given about the position, my role in this job is to edit previously recorded performances that occurred prior to me working for the company. When we go filming I am required to help carry equipment into the facility or the area outside once I have helped move the equipment to the location we will unpack everything and start laying wire, once the wire is laid it time to check the audio, cameras and the people you are filming to make sure no last-minute changes have been made.

I drive 226 miles every day from Youngstown, OH to Northern Cambria, Pa plus I have driven even further to different locations to perform my duties as an intern. In doing this job I have been able to learn how to run the video switcher which allows you to switch from three different cameras to catch the right shot of the performance. Before you can even get that far I must lay wire from the switcher to the different cameras plus sound microphone wire from the stage, podium or audience to get the right sound of the performance. When it comes to outside filming you are required to be patient with the outside elements because you cannot control the environment. It has taken us two days to film one episode all because we ran into issues we had not control over; the first obstacle we came across was the landscapers wanting to cut grass the same time we were filming which caused us to leave and drive another park; the second obstacle was the wind blowing causing noise on the microphone, messing up the hair of our actor, and blow our props around; the third obstacle was the sun and clouds at one moment the sun was shining bright and then the clouds would cause a cover that I had to use a reflector to catch any light if possible.

Have you had similar experience while doing your internship, if so please with me and others because I have more to share tomorrow.

Life of a intern

Once you start down the road of learning your profession from the experience people you are working with or working for you will truly know if the education you have gotten will pay off in real world.