Exploring Job Roles

Currently as I have endlessly had a burning passion for Film making, I have always enjoyed every single aspect of each stage. Despite this, I have always loved operating a camera, exploring and attempting new and creative angles. As well as this, I have also really enjoyed directing people what to do when on set. Therefore, when I leave college, I would love to work in the Production stage in the Media Industry, I feel that it must include and get me excited when wanting to make a film for a company – Permanent Employment. Despite there being less flexibility of hours when working in a Permanent place in a job role, but I wish to receive security in steady income and regular work. I don’t like the sound of  being on free-lance as there are a lot of factors to think about such as:

Cons of being freelance :

• Buying your own Equipment
• No steady Income
• No security in the job role
• Not know when you are working
• Having to know everything – Knowing how to advertise, marketing and sales

Pros of being freelance :

• Flexibility of hours
• Be your own boss
• Not tied down to many responsibility
• Control over clients
• Keep the profits

Although there are an equal amount of pros as there are cons of being a freelancer, I personally would not wish to work as one unless it was absolutely necessary.

The next work category is fixed term. If for example you were a freelancer, you could if you wanted apply for a fixed term employment although you would have to sacrifice some of the perks of being a freelancer such as not being able to keep all the profits of the job. The pros and cons vary depending on what way you look at it, for example – If you were looking for something that isnt permanent then a fixed term contract is for you, and if required there is a possibility that our employer can extend the contract if absolutely necessary .

Pros of a Fixed term contract :

• The same pay and conditions
• The same or equivalent benefits package
• The same or equivalent pension scheme
• The same opportunity to apply for vacancies for permanent posts in the business
• Redundancy rights
• Protection against unfair dismissal

Cons of a Fixed term contract :

• Lasts for a specified time, set in advance
• Ends with the completion of a specified task
• Ends when a specified event does or does not take place

Information from : http://www.encorehrportal.co.uk/recruitment-and-getting-started/fixed-term-contracts/

Now a permanent job role is something I would be looking for when I go into the world of work and media. I wish to look for work experience in the industry as well as become a professional in film making alone. To do this  i will be including not only permanent job roles but also many work experience/apprenticeships  in the industry.

Pros of a Permanent contract :

• Equipment provided by the company you work for
• Income security
• Know when you are working
• Pension scheme
• Insurance  – Dental, Life etc.
• Vacation, holiday and sick pay.
• Job advancement
• Retirement
• Travel paid for

Cons of a Permanent contract :

• No flexibility on hours
• Tied down to work
• May be required to overtime
• Work load
• No decision on what project to do

Information from :http://work.chron.com/advantages-permanent-employment-8921.html

Desire Job Roles

Camera Operator & Video Production Co-Ordinator

Circa £24,924-£28,866 per annum (commensurate with skills and experience) + benefits

Contract type:

35 hours per week, permanent, based in London WC2

Description

We are looking for a brilliant camera operator for RSA Events, filming events in the public programme in order to produce high-quality online videos. You will film or live-stream each event, manage our freelance camera/vision mixer schedule and help coordinate a professional post-production service.

ABOUT THE RSA

The RSA believe in changing society to make it fit and more  suitable for creative individuals to expand and grow. They do agree with the way society is currently but they dont agree with the fact that its all one sided to be academically run, although there are so many people who aren’t academically talented but are more creative. They wish to bring creative people together to create a fairer society where equality is the main factor.

Cinematographer

Circa: £38,000-£42,000 per annum + benefits

Contract type:

35 hours a week, Permanent based in Manchester

Responsibilities:

• Create game trailers, TV commercials, and other marketing and production-based materials.
• Edit high-end marketing materials in both a supervised and unsupervised capacity.
• Initiate concepts and work within a team to develop the best assets possible.
• Take responsibility for projects and self-produce/direct when necessary, or alternatively work closely with a director to realize a specific vision.
• Conceptualize projects from beginning to end in a well-organized manner
• Make executive decisions in collaboration with the Marketing Director for lighting, camera and lens selection, and equipment for all on set video productions.
• Compose and frame each shot, applying the technical aspects of light, lenses, film, filters, and camera settings.
• Operate multiple camera accessory and support platforms such as tripods, jibs, steadicams, dollies, lights etc.
• Collaborate with creative team on the visualization of scenes.
• Select best camera, lens and accessories package to meet desired creative result.
• Observe set or location to determine lighting requirements for scenes.
• Instruct camera operators regarding camera setup, angles, distances, movement, depth of field, and focus.
• Oversee color grading of final images.

Requirements:

• Minimum 4 years’ experience as cinematographer or director of photography
• Fluency in Adobe Premiere interface.
• Experience working under tight deadlines and maintaining a positive attitude under pressure is required
• Keen interest and knowledge of video games.
• People skills and ability to work as part of a team are of utmost importance.
• Ability to take direction when required, while also working autonomously to self-direct and take ownership of a project where necessary.
• Comprehensive knowledge of cameras and camera equipment, both still and motion.
• Current on latest filming techniques and equipment knowing when to use new technology instead of the old.
• Flexible problem solver when production doesn’t go as planned due to weather, equipment problems, budget or creative changes.
• Absorb creative direction while bringing unique ideas to each project.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrate ability to work on multiple projects in a fast-paced, tight deadline environment.

About Cloud Imperium Games

Cloud Imperium Games is a new kind of independent studio dedicated to delivering AAAexperiences outside the established publisher system, Founded by Chris Roberts, creator of the best selling Wing Commander and Freelancer series, Cloud Imperium is currently developing Star Citizen, a record-shattering crowd funded title that combines classic space sim gameplay with Hollywood-caliber visuals.

Cloud Imperium aims to pave new ground in game development by sharing the process with the players. Where game development was once hidden, Cloud Imperium has opted to share the process with those backing Star Citizen. Supporters come to know the team and follow them every step of the way as the game created. The community is closely engaged and their feedback Is considered in all aspects of game development, avoiding standard publicity to put Roberts’ epic vision directly in players’ hands.

More about Cloud Imperium at: https://www.cloudimperiumgames.com.

Studio Operator

Location: London

Job Type: Permanent

Salary: £55,000 per annum

Post date: 10/10/2016 – 06:53

Consultant: James Johnston

Role Profile

We are looking for someone with a wide range of broadcast and production experience and a varied skill set.

The team is made up of multi skilled operators, a studio co-ordinator and a studio manager

The ideal candidate will be an experienced technical operator with 5+ years working in a busy TV and production environment.

They will have demonstrable knowledge in the following areas and be a specialist in at least one of them. Gallery operations – lighting, vision and camera racking, sound mixing, vision mixing, transmission control, studio operations, Editing / post production, camera operating and floor managing.

Key Responsibilities

• Studio ped camera operation
• Gallery Operations
• Overseeing equipment maintenance
• Client technical communications
• Studio and location lighting setups
• Helping to develop junior team members

Candidate Profile / Key Skills

• 5+ Years Industry experience
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Proven abilities as a camera operator
• Proven abilities to set up studio and location lighting scenarios
• Excellent IT skills and the ability to acquire new technical skills and to operate equipment is essential
• Knowledge of all of the following systems / processes with a specialism in at least one
  • Camera Operation
  • Camera Racking and Control
  • Sound Mixing and Recording
  • Edit and post production process using Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Studio production workflows for RX and TX
  • Lighting for Camera
• A good knowledge and commitment to providing output of technical high quality
• Good interpersonal skills to establish working relationships with a variety of personalities, able to communicate effectively with others and keep them informed on progress and to clarify production requirements
• The ability to work fast, accurately and under pressure to tight deadlines
• You must have a sufficient level of hearing and colour vision required for this post
• Flexible working hours will be required

Morgan McKinley is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Creative Skillset – Camera Operator

Industries:Film

Personality type:Engineer

Departments:Camera

Is this role right for me?

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

 I personally at the moment do not have the skills to have a role such as a camera operator but I am willing to do anything to earn and learn these skills as it is my dream job that I wish to occupate.

What does a Camera Operator do?

Camera Operators carry out the Director of Photography’s (DoP) 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 Heads 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 specialise 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.

Will I need a qualification?

Like many Camera Operators, you can study for higher level qualifications, although no specific qualifications are required to work in this role.

Film schools and training courses offer a good basic grounding in the skills and knowledge required and the most useful courses offer practical experience and may also include work experience placements.

You could take a City & Guilds course, BTEC HNC/HND, foundation degree, first degree and/or postgraduate qualification in media, film and TV production or cinematography.

If you are considering taking a film production course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the film industry and awarded the Creative Skillset Tick for the high standard of education they provide and the degree to which they prepare you for a career in film.

Film production courses awarded the Creative Skillset Tick

You will also find basic stills photography, which develops visual and composition skills, a useful starting point for this role.

You can expect to learn most of your practical skills through hands-on experience on the job. However, continual professional development is vital, especially as technology changes rapidly.

What’s the best route in?

You can expect to begin your career as a Camera Trainee or Runner, progressing to 2nd AC and, as you gain more experience, to 1st AC. You will have to continually build upon your experience and competence when operating a variety of cameras in order to achieve the role of Camera Operator.