TV & Video Production

A career in television and video production offers ample opportunity to move from entry-level positions to a variety of specialties. Newcomers to the business often start out performing duties such as lighting, staging and recording, or operating camera dollies and microphone booms. Mid-level positions include developing and editing film, producing storyboards, and videotaping or audio recording on tape or disc. Experienced and talented individuals may eventually produce, direct or supervise radio and TV programs, films or theatrical performances.

Often viewed as a glamorous profession, most of the work available in this field takes place behind the scenes, involving audio, video, lighting, set design, producing and directing. There is a high demand for skilled workers in these highly technical occupations, which are found in many industries and are continually growing due to changes in technology. Those who are successful have a passion for their work and are willing to work long hours under stressful conditions.

Main duties

• Film, radio and television producers plan, organize and control the various stages and scheduling involved in the production of presentations, motion pictures, television shows and radio programs; engage directors and other production personnel and supervise all technical personnel, and determine the treatment, scope and scheduling of production; maintain production archives and negotiate royalties.
• Directors interpret scripts and direct the mise-en-scène; select and direct the actors, extras and technical crew; advise the cast and crew on the interpretation and delivery of the performance; direct rehearsals, filmings, broadcasts and performances; and confer with crew and specialists throughout production and post-production to achieve desired presentation.
• Choreographers create dances for film, theatre and television performances that convey stories, ideas and moods, and direct rehearsals for dancers to achieve desired interpretation.
• Art directors plan, organize and direct the artistic aspects of motion pictures, stage productions and television shows by overseeing the design of sets, costumes, furnishings and props to create portrayals of period and setting.
• Film editors edit motion picture film and arrange film segments into sequences to achieve continuity and desired dramatic, comedic and thematic effects.
• Record producers plan and co-ordinate the production of musical recordings, direct musicians and singers during rehearsals and recordings and manage technicians involved in duplicating, dubbing and mastering of recordings.
• Directors of photography co-ordinate and direct the photography of motion pictures, supervise camera operators and other crews and determine lighting, lenses, camera angles, backgrounds and other elements to achieve desired visual effect.

Who do they work for?

• Television stations
• Advertising and marketing companies
• Government services
• Video production companies
• Independent film producers
• Self employed

Sample titles

• Special effects technician
• Broadcast engineer
• Recording engineer
• Artistic director
• Producer
• Technical director

Essential Skills

• Working with others
• Thinking: Critical, Problem solving
• Digital

How to join the field

• A university degree or college diploma in the performing arts, broadcasting, journalism, business administration, theatre production or film studies and Experience in a technical or production occupation in motion pictures, broadcasting or theatre are usually required.
• A university degree or college diploma in music or the recording arts and Experience in a technical or production occupation in the recording arts are usually required.

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