Saturday, 23 May 2015

Multi-camera Job Roles

In this blog post I will be writing about the Duties and Skills of the different job roles, the duties of the different job roles are something that has to be done, where as the skills is something that they are good at doing and that they can improve to get the best result out of that specific job. There are 10 jobs that I will be speaking about which are in sub heading's below, these jobs will be put in to a hierarchy system which is a ladder of importance in that event, for example out of the jobs that I will be discussing the director is at the top as he or she is in control of everything.

Camera Operator 
The Key Duties of a camera operator are to make sure that they are filming in the correct shot and in the right place as in a big event there are several camera operator's, which means that each of them have a specific place to be at that time so that when the shot is changed it is the shot that the director wanted. The camera operator also moves and sets up the camera on the set, this has to be done at quite quickly so that when the director is ready to start working and filming for the TV programme they can start, however as this has to be done at a quick speed the camera operator also needs to make sure that all the equipment is working properly. Another duty that the camera operator has is having the final decision on where the camera is placed as they know how the camera's act to different lighting conditions and where the camera would be placed best in different shots. A final duty that the camera operator has is fixing any technical difficulties, this would have to be done fast so that the director and any one else can stick to the schedule so that no one falls behind.

Key Skills
  •  The camera operators should have creativity so that they can suggest the best possible idea's / locations or movements for different shots.
  • The camera operator should have a good eye for a shot so that they can help the director choose what shots would look best for the certain thing that is happening.
  • The camera operators should also have good knowledge of camera's so that they can help the directors get the best camera's and also know how to fix them if a problem occurs.
Qualifications - The are no specific qualifications for this job as the employee's will be more interested in your practical experience and also your technical skills, also you learn most of the skills whilst recording different things, however I think that if you have had a background with camera operating, for example Media studies, performing arts, journalism ect you could have more of a chance as you have more experience.
Hierarchy - The position of the camera operator in the hierarchy is the 5th position as they are important to the shows or events as they are filming the show and they also work closely with the director, however I think that they are not to high in this system as they have very little control of what is aired on the TV.
Example -  The example that I am using is a freelance camera operator called Brian, from this case study this has taught me that with a degree you have more of a chance of getting a good camera assistant or operating job, which can give you good experience. For this job Brian says that he has to keep up with the technology "specifically new cameras and formats" , also as a camera operator you have to be familiar with sound equipment and different microphones to get the best sound when working as a "one man band". Throughout doing the job you travel a lot and also work in different weather conditions, which means that whilst being a camera operator no matter the weather you have to be filming.


 Sound Mixing 
The Key Duties of a sound mixer are to make sure that all the equipment is working so that when the show is taking place nothing stops working and nothing cuts out in the middle of someone speaking. Another duty of the sound mixer is to make sure that the right sounds and music comes on at the right time so that if someone is performing the wrong song does not come on and they look confused, and also so that if a sound is supposed to play that it plays for example for family fortunes the sound mixer has to make sure that the buzz sound goes of at the right time. A final duty of the sound mixer is to monitor sound equipment to make sure that whilst the show is going on the music or sounds that are supposed to be played sound like there are supposed to and do not sound funny, this means that they also must know how to fix the equipment if it does go wrong or sound funny.

Key Skills 
  • One key skill for a sound mixer is to have a good knowledge on electronics and sound technology so that if something goes wrong they will be able to fix it.
  • Another skill for a sound mixer is to have good hearing levels so that they know when the sound or music do not sound right so that they can fix the sound.
  • A final skill for the sound mixer is to have a high level of attention to detail for the sounds that are being played.
Qualifications -  The are no specific qualifications to be a sounder mixer, however the employers are looking for people with a lot of good experience. If you are planning to be a sound mixer in college you can do a course to get you more knowledgeable about sound mixing and the skills, the type of course that you can do are Level 2 diploma in sound and music technology, Level 3 diploma in music technology and sound engineering.
Hierarchy - I put sound mixers bellow the camera operator but above the presenter as the sound mixer is important to the TV show as they are making sure the right sounds play at the right time, however they are not as important as the camera operator as if there was no camera operator there would be no TV show.
Example - The example that I am going to use is a freelance sound mixer and technician called Steve from this case study I have learnt that if you have good knowledge of electronics you are more likely to get a better job. For this job Steve says that it involves a lot of travelling and long hours (16 hours) Steve says that most of the days follow the same pattern, Steven says the benefit of his job is that he can turn down jobs and have weekends off.

Vision Mixing 
The Key Duties of a vision mixer are to make sure they know how the equipment works
so that if a problem occurs they will be able to fix it without any troubles, so that during a show if something does go wrong they can fix it easily so that the show does not look bad. Another duty of the vision mixer is to have visual and aural awareness so that they can visualise how the TV show will look before being edited, which will then help with the editing itself. A final duty of the vision mixer is to be able to have the confidence to take initiative and deal with unforeseen problems, which means that they are able to take control of a problem that arises during the show.
Key Skills 
  • The vision mixer should be good at multi tasking so that they can listen to the directors orders as well as cutting to different shot types.
  • The vision mixer must have excellent organisation abilities so that the TV show runs seamlessly.
  • The vision mixer should have a good sense of rhythm so that they can create the right feel for the TV show.
Qualifications - You do not need any specific qualifications to become a vision mixer, however by having a degree in a media related subject you will have a better chance of becoming a vision mixer.
Hierarchy - I decided to place the vision mixer with the sound mixer as they have the same importance as they are quite similar jobs, however one is sorting out the music and sound effects and the vision mixer is dealing with editing the show live as it happens.
Directing 
The Key Duties of a director are to be able to decide appropriate graphic styles and music so that it fits what is going on in the tv show. Another duty of the director is to be aware of and value other crew members contribution to the final show so that everyone has an input. A final duty of the director is to be able to form ideas and to think visually so that the tv show is creative and entertaining.

Key Skills 
  • The key skill of a director is to have budgeting and finance skills so that when it comes to calculating things they will not calculate it wrong.
  • A director should understand when to use visual and sound effects and how to use them effectively.
  • The director should be able to lead and motivate the crew and the presenters in the TV show.
Qualifications - To become a director you do not need specific qualifications, however a degree in a media related subject could give you the edge on other people, also to become a director you would need to have specialist training in single and multi-camera directing.
Hierarchy - I placed the director at the top as they are in charge of the full show and what happens and they also have the last say on what happens, and also what the presenters say and do. The director also works closely with the set designer, floor manager and the camera operator.

Set Designer 
The Key Duties of a set designer are to meet up with the producer and director to discuss production requirements, which means meeting up with the director and producer to speak about how they would like the TV show to look like. Another duty of the set designer is to attended to meetings, rehearsals and the filming of the show so that they can give there visual advice of how the show is laid out to the director and producer. A final duty of the set designer is to read through the script so that they can get a visual idea of how they would like the show to look and where different things should be placed e.g camera and lighting.

Key Skills 
  • The set designer should have good visual awareness and design skills to be able to design the set to match the visual style of the tv show.
  • The set designer should also be skilled in computer software to be able to create 3D version of the set to see how it will look.
  • The set designer needs to deploy tact and diplomacy when dealing with other members of the crew.
Qualifications - To be a set designer you would need to be a graduate in art, architecture and 3D design, if you do not have a degree it is almost impossible to be accepted, however you would need a good portfolio to show the interviewer that you have creativity and flair.
Hierarchy - I placed the set designer in the 3rd position in the hierarchy as they are quite important as they have to design the set where the show will be placed, the set designer also works closely with the director so they can discus there ideas, the same for the floor manager, and finally they work closely with the camera operator so they can speak about where the camera's will go.


Lighting Desk
The Key Duties of a lighting desk are to assemble and set up equipment before filming the tv show, this equipment could include tripods, lighting, cables and leads. Another duty of the lighting desk is to find solutions to technical or other practical problems that happen during filming, for example natural light that can effect the lighting of the shot. A final duty of the lighting desk is to repair and maintain the equipment so that if a problem does happen they are able to fix it quickly so that they can continue with the programme quickly.

Key Skills 
  • A key skill for a lighting desk is to have great attention to detail whilst setting up the equipment.
  • Having a good knowledge of lighting equipment and keeping up to date with the latest lighting equipment.
  • A final key skill for the lighting desk is to be able experiment with new idea's to be shown on set during the production.
Qualifications - To become a lighting desk person you do not need any specific qualifications, as the are a number of basic courses which are given, also practical experience would be better as the employer would be looking for that.
Hierarchy - I placed the lighting desk in 6th position along with the vision mixer and sound mixer, ect as they are not that important to the production, as they only have to set up equipment, however they are more important than the presenters as they have more of a role to do within the actual production itself.


Floor Manager 
The Key Duties of a floor manager are to check that all the equipment is working before the show starts so that no problems take place whilst the show is being recorded. Another duty of o floor manager is to give cues to the presenter, actors and guest that take part in the show so that they know when to say there lines or when to speak and what camera to look at. A final duty of the floor manager is if there is a audience for the show they must seat the audience and then tell the audience safety requirements ect so whilst the show is going on if anything was to happen the audience would not panic as they would have been told what to do.
Key Skills 
  • One skill of the floor manager is to have good leadership skills so that the production can be lead and run smoothly.
  • To be able to manage the production team and delicate tasks to individuals and crews, so that they all know what they are supposed to be doing.
  • Another skill of the floor manager is to be able to form a concept of the idea's that they have been told.
Qualifications - You can become a floor manager with any degree, however a degree in media studies or photography and television would be helpful. You can also become a floor manager without any degree by just working your way up.
Hierarchy - The reason why I placed the the floor manager 2nd is because they work closely with the director to manage what goes on with the main floor and to also insure all the equipment is set up on time to start filming.

Graphics Generation 

The Key Duties of a graphics generator are to produces rough sketches of the graphics that will be shown to the audience whilst the show is going on insuring that it is corresponding with the recorded footage. Another duty of the graphics designer is to use special computer software to execute the graphic designs needed for the programme. A final duty of the graphics designer is to use specialised software to crop and re-size the graphics created for the TV programme.

Key Skills 

  • To have good accuracy and attention to detail when creating the graphics needed for the show.
  • To have creative idea's whilst making the graphics so they catch the audience's eye.
  • Final good use of digital software so that they are able to use the software without having problems.
Qualifications - To become a graphics designer you would need a degree of some sorts in graphics design or another art or design based subject. An employe would be more interested in your design skills and creativity rather than your qualifications.

VT Operator 
The Key Duties of a VT operator are to have a good knowledge of recording systems so that they are able to work with the equipment that is there to get the best possible result from the filming. Another duty of the VT operator is to be able to prepare the tv machines for the editors to use and some times set up the AVID system to record the programme . A final duty of the VT operator is to manage the room and make sure that all the equipment is working properly so that when they start filming there are no problems or if a problem does arise they are able to fix it quickly.

Key Skills 
  • To have the ability to think and react quick when under pressure during the show if an error arises.
  • To be able to use a variety of controllers, shuttle dials and editing software's 
Qualifications - For VT operator you do not need any specific qualifications as they are looking more for the amount of experience that you have in that role.

Presenter
The Key Duties of a presenter are to research information about topics so that they can be discussed on the show for the viewers watching to know about the news, so what is going on in the country , or world also sport so to tell the viewers the football scores or cricket scores and who is in the finals or semi finals, ect. Another duty of the presenter is to plan and rehearse the show, so that they know what to do and what to say, clearly so that the viewers understand and also so the show runs smoothly, also if they are speaking to a guest what questions to ask the guest and also responses to what they think the guest might say to the questions. The presenters also have to meet with the production team to go through the running order which means that they have to go through what is happening on the show and when it is there shots and what they have to do during the shots and also what they have to speak about, this is so that the show can run smoothly without any problems occurring. 

Key Skills 


  • The presenter should have a good memory, for remembering the scripts and facts of the show so that they do not forget what to speak about
  • The presenter should have good research and interviewing skills so when it comes to researching it will not be hard and when they have to interview it is not hard to do. 
  • The presenter should have excellent communication and presentation skills so that when being recorded they are able to make contact with the camera whilst being clear and understandable.


    •  Qualifications - There are no specific qualifications needed for this job, however as a person that want to get into TV presenting you must be determined and persistent as there are a lot of other people that do not have a degree and are trying to become a TV presenter. You can get into this job without a degree as long as you have the right skills and personality.
    Hierarchy -  The position of the presenter in my hierarchy is last as they are the last people to find out what is going on with the set and where the locations are and other things like that, I also believe that they are at the bottom as they do not have much of a say of what goes on, they only have a say on the script and what to say.
    Example - The example that I am using is a BBC sports presenter Katherine Downes, from this case I have learnt that with a degree it still takes a long time to get into a good job that will get you the best experience needed, however with the degree you can also get a better job that can get you the most experience. Katherine Downes says that her working days are long (10 hours) but she only works 4 days a week, she says that as she does sports that they have to work on the weekends a lot for long hours 6am to midnight, so the shifts start at different times.

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