Jobs in Film And TV
Jobs directly related to my degree include:
Film/video editor-
Starting salaries for assistant editors employed by a television or post-production studio are in the region of £18,000 to £25,000. With experience as a film or video editor, you could earn £21,000 to £35,000.
As a film or video editor, you'll be responsible for assembling recorded raw material into a finished product that's suitable for broadcasting. The material may include camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics and special effects. This is a key role in the post-production process and your skills can determine the quality and delivery of the final product. You'll usually work closely with the director to achieve the desired end result.
Lighting technician
They tend to be upward of £25,000, but you may need to start on a lower salary in order to secure work and gain experience.
Lighting technicians set up and operate lighting equipment in television and film. They work across all types of programmes and may cover productions inside studios or outside on location.
The work demands high-level technical and creative skills in order to follow instructions that ensure the desired production lighting is achieved. Lighting technicians generally have to carry out heavy lifting and may need to work at heights to make sure the lights are in the correct position.
Location Manager
Most location managers work as freelancers and are paid on a contract basis. Many enter the career as an assistant manager or location scout and so would start on a lower salary.
Location managers are responsible for making all the practical arrangements for locations used for film, television or photographic shoots outside the studio. Productions are made in a range of places and location managers need to research, identify and organise access to appropriate sites.
Programme researcher
Basic rates for a junior researcher on a TV programme are around £400 for a 48-hour week.
The work involves organising, planning and researching everything that will happen during the programme such as who'll be interviewed, the location, if the film crew will fit, if the budget will stretch and so on.
The researcher has a responsibility for fact checking, writing briefs for presenters, and ensuring that the production adheres to appropriate legislation.
Broadcasting/film/video runner
Average starting salaries can range from approximately £6.50 to £8.80 per hour.
A runner is an entry-level position, the most junior role in the production department of a broadcast, film or video company.
Runners act as general assistants, working under the direction of the producer and other production staff, to undertake whatever basic tasks are required to ensure the smooth running of the production process.
Broadcasting/film/video sound technician
The average salary for a Sound Engineer is £23,598 per year. People in this job generally don't have more than 20 years' experience.
Sound technicians are required to assemble, operate and maintain the technical equipment used to record, amplify, enhance, mix or reproduce sound.
They identify the sound requirements for a given task or situation and perform the appropriate actions to produce this sound.
Broadcasting/film/video
Starting salaries vary significantly between local and national broadcasters but can range from around £16,000 to £24,000.
Broadcast journalists research, investigate and present news and current affairs content for television, radio and the internet. Their aim is to present information in a balanced, accurate and interesting way through news bulletins, documentaries and other factual programmes.
Television/film/video producer
Average UK salary of £26.5k.
Producers play an integral role in the television, film and video industries. In this role you will oversee each project from conception to completion and may also be involved in the marketing and distribution process.
You'll work closely with directors and other production staff on a shoot. Increasingly, you'll also need to have directing skills to take charge of all project operations. You'll arrange funding for each project and keep the production within the allocated budget.
Television/film/video director
The average pay for a Film/TV director is £35,359 per year.
You'll work closely with producers and other production staff on a shoot. Increasingly, you'll also need to have directing skills to take charge of all project operations. You'll arrange funding for each project and keep the production within the allocated budget.
Camera Operator
Day rates range from £254 to £319.
A television camera operator works with digital, electronic and film cameras and produces required shots by combining the use of complex technology with creative visual skills.
They usually work under a director or director of photography and may be supported by a camera assistant.
Jobs where my degree would be useful to include:
Broadcast engineer
A broadcast engineer works with hardware and broadcast systems that are used across television, radio and new media. They make sure that programmes are broadcast on time and to the highest level of quality. As well as operating and maintaining the systems, they also carry out updates and repairs.
Broadcast engineers work in a variety of locations and situations. They may carry out studio or set work or post-production operations. They could also be involved in outside broadcasts, where sound and images are relayed live back to a studio or straight to the network.
Starting salaries for broadcast engineers vary but may be within the region of £18,000 to £20,000.
Television camera operator
A television camera operator works with digital, electronic and film cameras and produces required shots by combining the use of complex technology with creative visual skills.They usually work under a director or director of photography and may be supported by a camera assistant.
Day rates range from £254 to £319. Extra payments can be charged for overtime and unsocial hours. Full information on the different freelance rates is available from Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU). It may be possible to negotiate rates of pay based on your previous experience, as well as the type of production. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Television floor manager
Television floor managers make sure that sets, props and technical equipment are safe, ready to use and in the right position prior to filming.
They have a liaising and coordinating role, acting as the link between the director and the many people involved in a production on the studio floor.
It is the floor manager's responsibility to pass on cues to presenters and guests to ensure timings are met and the broadcast goes smoothly.
As a general guide, day rates can range from £150 to £400.
Television production coordinator
A television production coordinator is responsible for the administration, organisation and secretarial work involved in producing a television programme. You may work on different kinds of programmes, such as news and current affairs, reality shows, soap operas, dramas and comedies. You will usually be involved at all stages of a project, working alongside everyone from the early stages until completion.
With experience, it's possible to earn salaries in the region of £26,000, rising to over £35,000.
References
"Prospects.Ac.Uk". Prospects.ac.uk. N.p., 2017. Web. 10 Jan. 2017.
"Creative Skillset - Supporting Creative Industries". Creativeskillset.org. N.p., 2017. Web. 10 Jan. 2017.
