6 answers
Shira
Student
Monterey, Massachusetts
5
Questions
Asked
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What jobs are best for people (me) who want to deal with all the technology and behind the scenes of film/tv?
I am going to college for film/tv/digital media production and was wondering what are all the jobs I can get out of it that are super technical and less screenwriting and such.
#Spring24
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6 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Shira,
Answer:
Jobs in the film and TV industry that involve dealing with technology and working behind the scenes are crucial for the successful production of any project. Here are some roles that might interest you:
Film/TV Editor: As a film or TV editor, you would be responsible for assembling raw footage into a coherent story, ensuring continuity, and adding visual effects. This role requires technical proficiency with editing software and a keen eye for detail.
Sound Engineer: Sound engineers work on recording, mixing, and producing audio elements for film and TV productions. They handle sound effects, dialogue, music, and ensure high-quality audio throughout the project.
Visual Effects (VFX) Artist: VFX artists create computer-generated imagery (CGI) to enhance scenes in films and TV shows. They work with software to add special effects, animations, and other visual elements to bring stories to life.
Cinematographer/Director of Photography (DP): Cinematographers are responsible for capturing the visual essence of a film or TV show. They work closely with directors to achieve the desired look through camera work, lighting setups, and shot composition.
Technical Director: Technical directors oversee the technical aspects of a production, ensuring that equipment functions properly and coordinating with various departments to achieve the director’s vision.
Post-Production Supervisor: Post-production supervisors manage the technical aspects of post-production, including editing, color correction, sound mixing, and final delivery of the project.
Broadcast Engineer: Broadcast engineers are responsible for maintaining broadcasting equipment, ensuring smooth transmission of content, troubleshooting technical issues, and implementing new technologies in broadcasting.
Digital Imaging Technician (DIT): DITs manage digital workflows on set, ensuring proper camera settings, data management, and color correction during filming to maintain consistency in post-production.
Grip/Electrician: Grips and electricians work behind the scenes to set up lighting equipment, rigging systems, and camera support for film shoots under the direction of the DP or gaffer.
Production Designer/Art Director: Production designers oversee the visual aspects of a production by creating sets, props, and overall aesthetics that align with the director’s vision.
By pursuing these technical roles in film/TV/digital media production, you can leverage your passion for technology while contributing to the creative process behind the scenes.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Variety: Variety is a reputable entertainment industry news source that provides insights into various job roles within the film and TV industry.
The Hollywood Reporter: The Hollywood Reporter offers in-depth coverage of industry trends and career opportunities in film/TV production.
American Film Institute (AFI): AFI is known for its educational programs in filmmaking and digital media production; their resources can provide valuable information on technical roles in the industry.
GOD BLESS!
JC.
Answer:
Jobs in the film and TV industry that involve dealing with technology and working behind the scenes are crucial for the successful production of any project. Here are some roles that might interest you:
Film/TV Editor: As a film or TV editor, you would be responsible for assembling raw footage into a coherent story, ensuring continuity, and adding visual effects. This role requires technical proficiency with editing software and a keen eye for detail.
Sound Engineer: Sound engineers work on recording, mixing, and producing audio elements for film and TV productions. They handle sound effects, dialogue, music, and ensure high-quality audio throughout the project.
Visual Effects (VFX) Artist: VFX artists create computer-generated imagery (CGI) to enhance scenes in films and TV shows. They work with software to add special effects, animations, and other visual elements to bring stories to life.
Cinematographer/Director of Photography (DP): Cinematographers are responsible for capturing the visual essence of a film or TV show. They work closely with directors to achieve the desired look through camera work, lighting setups, and shot composition.
Technical Director: Technical directors oversee the technical aspects of a production, ensuring that equipment functions properly and coordinating with various departments to achieve the director’s vision.
Post-Production Supervisor: Post-production supervisors manage the technical aspects of post-production, including editing, color correction, sound mixing, and final delivery of the project.
Broadcast Engineer: Broadcast engineers are responsible for maintaining broadcasting equipment, ensuring smooth transmission of content, troubleshooting technical issues, and implementing new technologies in broadcasting.
Digital Imaging Technician (DIT): DITs manage digital workflows on set, ensuring proper camera settings, data management, and color correction during filming to maintain consistency in post-production.
Grip/Electrician: Grips and electricians work behind the scenes to set up lighting equipment, rigging systems, and camera support for film shoots under the direction of the DP or gaffer.
Production Designer/Art Director: Production designers oversee the visual aspects of a production by creating sets, props, and overall aesthetics that align with the director’s vision.
By pursuing these technical roles in film/TV/digital media production, you can leverage your passion for technology while contributing to the creative process behind the scenes.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Variety: Variety is a reputable entertainment industry news source that provides insights into various job roles within the film and TV industry.
The Hollywood Reporter: The Hollywood Reporter offers in-depth coverage of industry trends and career opportunities in film/TV production.
American Film Institute (AFI): AFI is known for its educational programs in filmmaking and digital media production; their resources can provide valuable information on technical roles in the industry.
GOD BLESS!
JC.
ALEJANDRA SCALONE
Arquitecta de Solucion
30
Answers
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Updated
ALEJANDRA’s Answer
That's exciting! There are plenty of technical roles in the film and TV industry that focus on the behind-the-scenes aspects of production. Here are some roles you might consider:
Cinematographer/Director of Photography (DP): Responsible for the visual aspects of a film or TV show, including camera operation, lighting, and shot composition.
Camera Operator: Operates the camera during filming according to the instructions of the DP or director.
Grip: Works with lighting and rigging equipment, assisting with camera movement and setup.
Electrician: Works with the electrical aspects of lighting setups, ensuring proper power distribution and safety.
Sound Engineer: Manages recording equipment and ensures high-quality sound capture during filming.
Post-production Supervisor: Oversees the technical aspects of editing, visual effects, and sound mixing after filming is complete.
Visual Effects (VFX) Artist: Creates computer-generated imagery (CGI) and other visual effects to enhance the final product.
Digital Imaging Technician (DIT): Manages digital footage during production, ensuring proper recording and storage.
Colorist: Adjusts the color and look of footage during the post-production process.
Production Designer: Oversees the design and construction of sets, as well as the selection of props and costumes.
Set Builder/Prop Master: Constructs sets and procures props according to the production designer's specifications.
Technical Director (TD): Manages technical aspects of live TV productions, including camera switching, graphics, and audio mixing.
These roles involve a combination of technical expertise and creative problem-solving, making them perfect for someone interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of film and TV production. It's great that you're exploring these options as you pursue your studies in film, TV, and digital media production!
Cinematographer/Director of Photography (DP): Responsible for the visual aspects of a film or TV show, including camera operation, lighting, and shot composition.
Camera Operator: Operates the camera during filming according to the instructions of the DP or director.
Grip: Works with lighting and rigging equipment, assisting with camera movement and setup.
Electrician: Works with the electrical aspects of lighting setups, ensuring proper power distribution and safety.
Sound Engineer: Manages recording equipment and ensures high-quality sound capture during filming.
Post-production Supervisor: Oversees the technical aspects of editing, visual effects, and sound mixing after filming is complete.
Visual Effects (VFX) Artist: Creates computer-generated imagery (CGI) and other visual effects to enhance the final product.
Digital Imaging Technician (DIT): Manages digital footage during production, ensuring proper recording and storage.
Colorist: Adjusts the color and look of footage during the post-production process.
Production Designer: Oversees the design and construction of sets, as well as the selection of props and costumes.
Set Builder/Prop Master: Constructs sets and procures props according to the production designer's specifications.
Technical Director (TD): Manages technical aspects of live TV productions, including camera switching, graphics, and audio mixing.
These roles involve a combination of technical expertise and creative problem-solving, making them perfect for someone interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of film and TV production. It's great that you're exploring these options as you pursue your studies in film, TV, and digital media production!
John Alston
Dishwasher
5
Answers
Kernersville, North Carolina
Updated
John’s Answer
Honestly, this is the answer that pretty much everyone "in the biz" knows and nobody wants to say.
First, one should go to areas with CONSISTENT commercial FILM PRODUCTION. Hollywood/NewYork/Atlanta/ (Burbank and Oregon for animators) and almost always the "normal" job is the production assistant, which is as unglorious as it sounds.
Film involves confetti- you're probably gonna have to sweep it up. Madam Fivver wants her coffee, you might be the one to give it to her.
Film is outside and production needs to chase away onlookers, you're going to show the security (which to be fair, protects the gear) how it's done.
It's pretty much the only true "universal" film job for live action, and "clean-up" and "motion designer" are pretty much the few "bottom rung on the latter" jobs. However, feel free to pitch your "above the line" skills developed in a video reel (I like unlisted Youtube for this-- deters the amount of mean comments)
First, one should go to areas with CONSISTENT commercial FILM PRODUCTION. Hollywood/NewYork/Atlanta/ (Burbank and Oregon for animators) and almost always the "normal" job is the production assistant, which is as unglorious as it sounds.
Film involves confetti- you're probably gonna have to sweep it up. Madam Fivver wants her coffee, you might be the one to give it to her.
Film is outside and production needs to chase away onlookers, you're going to show the security (which to be fair, protects the gear) how it's done.
It's pretty much the only true "universal" film job for live action, and "clean-up" and "motion designer" are pretty much the few "bottom rung on the latter" jobs. However, feel free to pitch your "above the line" skills developed in a video reel (I like unlisted Youtube for this-- deters the amount of mean comments)
Ivo Raza
filmmaker
1
Answer
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Updated
Ivo’s Answer
Filmmaking is often a highly technical endeavor, demanding a deep understanding of various equipment and advanced technology. There are numerous roles that necessitate substantial technical proficiency. For instance, on a film set, jobs such as data management or Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) are crucial. These roles involve handling and backing up all the footage shot on multiple drives, as well as reviewing it for quality, glitches, color, and more.
Another technical role is that of a sound engineer, who is responsible for recording sounds accurately, a vital aspect of high-quality production. For those seeking roles off the set, post-production offers a wealth of opportunities. These positions, which include editing, graphics, animation, special effects, and color grading, all demand a thorough knowledge of the most recent software to execute the tasks effectively.
Another technical role is that of a sound engineer, who is responsible for recording sounds accurately, a vital aspect of high-quality production. For those seeking roles off the set, post-production offers a wealth of opportunities. These positions, which include editing, graphics, animation, special effects, and color grading, all demand a thorough knowledge of the most recent software to execute the tasks effectively.
Jamie Clark
Visual Effects Artist
25
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Hey Shira,
I started out in front of the camera as an actor, then I did some directing, then I eventually landed on doing visual effects for film/tv (animation, blowing stuff up in the computer, compositing, modeling)
James has a very good list of things that are open to you on the technical side. There are lots of different things that go on behind the scenes.
It's a very rewarding career and I wish you all the best!
I started out in front of the camera as an actor, then I did some directing, then I eventually landed on doing visual effects for film/tv (animation, blowing stuff up in the computer, compositing, modeling)
James has a very good list of things that are open to you on the technical side. There are lots of different things that go on behind the scenes.
It's a very rewarding career and I wish you all the best!
Milijana Lazić
EC
12
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Milijana’s Answer
Hi Shira, I hope my answer finds you well.
There are many jobs in the film and TV industry that involve working with technology and behind-the-scenes. Some roles that may be of interest to you include audio and visual technicians, editors, and special effects artists. These roles involve using advanced technology to enhance the production and storytelling of film and TV projects.
Additionally, positions in IT and engineering may also be relevant to your interests. These roles help ensure that production equipment and technology are functioning properly and efficiently.
Good luck in your career search!
There are many jobs in the film and TV industry that involve working with technology and behind-the-scenes. Some roles that may be of interest to you include audio and visual technicians, editors, and special effects artists. These roles involve using advanced technology to enhance the production and storytelling of film and TV projects.
Additionally, positions in IT and engineering may also be relevant to your interests. These roles help ensure that production equipment and technology are functioning properly and efficiently.
Good luck in your career search!