Floor Manager
A
floor manager takes charge of the production floor in the studio. He acts as
the connection between the director and the people on the floor such as the
presenters and the audience. The floor manager has to keep contact with the
control room and must therefore have a microphone as well as an earpiece while
on the floor. He has to make sure that all technical equipment, props and sets
are in good condition before filming begins.
Floor
managers do not require professional qualification since it mainly involves
on-the-job training. However, to increase chances, aspiring candidates should
consider taking up courses in media studies, theater/drama
studies, television production, photography or film production.
A
floor manager checks all microphones and earpieces to ensure that they are in
good working condition before filming begins. She passes on instructions to the
studio floor as received from the control room. She also takes part in the
preparation and planning of productions while also taking care of the people
involved in the production. The floor manager in addition informs the producer
and the director about the action off-camera and also watches over the work of
other departments including props and lighting. She also gives cues as well as
time counts to the actors, guests and presenters.
A
floor manager should portray maturity and confidence at a high
level since the position involves managing a diverse group of people. An
in-depth understanding of floor staff positions as well as such television
requirements as sound, camera and lighting will enable him to carry out
specified duties efficiently. The ability to remain calm even when handling
difficult situations will enable him to cope with the pressure and stress
characteristic of this position. Since the position involves liaising with
various people, the floor manager should possess strong communication and
interpersonal skills.
Vision mixer
Vision mixers are
technicians who work at a console in the gallery or studio control room. They
are responsible for controlling the vision mixing desk: the pictures viewers
see on their television are the result of the work of the vision mixer.
Working closely with a varying
team of directors, cameras and other technical crew, the role of Vision Mixer
will be to deliver the best visual cuts in a fast and demanding environment.
The successful applicant will provide assistance to the director, have an eye
for what cuts and what doesn't cut understands the challenges of the camera and
sound crews and possess a good understanding of the editing process. This role
will give an experienced Vision Mixer the opportunity to unleash their talent
and creative flair with the objective of creating maximum visual impact for the
viewers at home. The role requires someone, who can develop the necessary
in-house skills to then go on to provide training as required.
Job description and activities
Typical work
activities include:
§ viewing different types of image from a
variety of sources, for example pictures from several cameras, digital video
effects, graphics and outside broadcast materials;
§ under instructions from the director,
selecting the required images and combining them, ensuring a smooth transition
between shots - this involves 'cutting', 'mixing' and 'wiping';
§ controling which camera goes on air,
according to the camera script.
Employment is
mostly on a freelance basis and may be based in a studio or involve work on
location at outside broadcasts.
Excellent timing
and coordination skills, quick reactions, high levels of concentration and the
ability to handle stress are all essential as vision mixers work on live
programmes and ‘as live’ programmes. Normal colour vision and good hearing are
also required in this role.
Cameramen
A camera person is an
experienced camera operator who is employed by the print and film industries to
creatively incorporate a variety of film techniques using digital, electronic
and film cameras. Camera operators use film equipment in a studio or outdoor
location and primarily take their direction from a director who expects them to
interpret his or her instructions for the purposes of movie making or capturing
still photography
The camera operator's
primary responsibilities are to assemble camera equipment before and after a
photo or film shoot. This involves many pieces of appendages such as tripods,
monitors, lighting gear and cables. A camera person working on a motion
picture, for example, will be asked by the director and other members of the
creative team to provide insight and advice based on his or her experience on
how to best make the shot work for the benefit of the audience. This will
require creativity, vision and the ability to plan shots down to the second,
especially when large sums of money are on the line for car accidents or
explosions in an action film. A camera person will be expected to rehearse and
choreograph scenes extensively as there is sometimes only money for one good
shot.
A camera operator should
be a highly technical and creative individual who enjoys collaborating with
large groups of people. Excellent verbal communication is required as is the
ability to take direction well from others. The successful candidate should
also be able to work quickly, stay current on new film techniques and equipment
as well as possess knowledge in camera equipment repair. He or she should also
respect the safety and working conditions of others and be willing to join the
union or unions that represent talent in the film industry.
