Wednesday, 23 May 2012

Research into Media Jobs

Camera Operator

What does a Camera Operator do?
A Camera Operator's job is taking control of the camera. They also work with the Director of Photography (DoP) on choosing the positioning of the camera and the lenses and extra equipment on the camera. Many Camera Operators specialize in precision equipment, such as Remote Heads or Steadicams.

What is expected of a Camera Operator?
The camera operator works closely with the Director of Photography (DoP), Director and Grip. They are responsible for any assistant camera's and any camera trainees. Once the Director and DoP have planned out the shots, the Camera Operator and DoP position the camera, chooses what lenses or other equipment for the camera to use. Camera Operators work closely with the Grip and other Heads of Departments and keep them updated about how the position and/or movement of the camera might affect their workload.

Camera Operators work closely with performers helping them to know what can or can't be seen on camera. Another department sound works closely with is the sound department, when a boom is in shot it's the Camera Operator's job to let them know.

What has attracted me to this job?
I have always had a passion for technology and from a young age imagined of being a camera operator. I feel the responsibility of a Camera Operator is a big one as that is what all filming is based around, cameras. I have an interest of how cameras work and how different techniques can alter the final image.

How do you achieve employment as a Camera Operator?
With getting reasonably high ranked jobs such as a Camera Operator, you have to work your way up. A way to go up the rankings to a Camera Operator is to start as a runner, that usually can get you into any department. After becoming a runner, you can progress onto second assistant camera (or clapper loader), then onto first assistant camera (focus puller), then move up to Camera Operator. You don't need many high qualifications as a Camera Operator, but you often work unsociable hours. Most of the time it's not what you know, but it's who you know, if you know someone in the film industry, it can help a lot.

Sources:
http://www.richmondmediamarketing.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56:freelance-camera-operator&catid=25:more-dfx&Itemid=37
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/studentlife/careersandchoices/dreamjobs/mediaandentertainment/camera_operator.shtml




Video Editor 

What does a Video Editor do?
A film or video editor is required to arrange all the raw video footage into a sequence suitable for broadcast. The final sequence will contain the whole movie in the right order.

What is expected of a Video Editor?
Their job may be as simple as just arranging all the clips into the right sequence or adding a few titles or text in. In lower budget productions, the video editor may be required to do some colour correction, maybe a few effects and some sound editing. In higher budget productions, they will employ separate departments in charge of colour correction, video effects/CGI and a sound editors. Video Editors work closely with the director ensuring that the movie is portrayed as the Director is wanting.

What has attracted me to this job?
To make any basic video, you need to video the clips and edit them (apart from in camera editing). I can do basic editing if required, but most of the time, to work in the media industry, you need to be able to operate a camera as well as edit the video.

How do you achieve employment as a Video Editor?
Anyone can easily practice to become a video editor. You can start straight at home by recording a few clips and editing on Windows Movie Maker or iMovie. Once you get more advance, you might think about purchasing more professional editing programs like Adobe Premiere and Final Cut. You can start employment by becoming a runner at a facilities house or a television studio. According to the BBC, runners can get the opportunity to edit their own material in the editing suites at quite periods.

Sources:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/film_video_editor_job_description.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/justthejob/followyourdream/wrap/e_getstarted.shtml



Lighting Technician

What does a Lighting Technician do?
Lighting Technicians light the area for the camera. They could be working in a highly controlled environment, such as a studio, or outside where they have to match the lighting with the surrounding environment.
What is expected of a Lighting Technician?
Lighting Technicians are required to light the scene to match the Director's specifications. They have to be highly creative in order to get the best out of the video.
What has attracted me to this job?
I've always wanted to learn how to light a set, and also the fact that I work in a theatre closely to the Lighting Operator. Lighting is also quite an important job that can help with being a camera operator as the slightest change in lighting can make a big difference on camera.
How do you achieve employment as a Lighting Technician?
Using the method of working your way up the roles, you'd start as a runner, then train up to become a senior electrician (best boy), then chief electrician (rigging gaffer or gaffer), then Lighting Technician.
Sources:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/lighting_technician_broadcasting_film_video_job_description.htm
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/lighting_technician_broadcasting_film_video_career_development.htm

No comments:

Post a Comment