JOB TITLES & ROLES WITHIN THE BROADCAST MEDIA INDUSTRY.

The first week of the BC1001 Module, we looked at the different job roles within the media industry. Having Kim as our lecturer is fantastic because she has great experience of working within the industry, and knows some of the job titles extremely well.

Here are some job titles and roles looked at in class which interest me:


Trainee Production Secretary / Production Assistant.

Job Description.

The job is full time, 40 hours per week, trainee production secretary / production assistant position from 20th July for 26 weeks. The pay is £120 per week for the first 6 months. At the end of tis period if both the employer and trainee are happy the post of full time Production Secretary / Production Assistant will be offered at £240 per week on a freelance basis when in production.

Duties Involved.



1. General secreatial duties including dealing with the mail, answering the phones, filing, typing, administering petty cash, ordering stationary. Assisting researchers, directors and producers in their work as required.

2. Obtaining props, preparation and distribution of call sheets, release forms, preparing publicity info for broadcasters PR departments. Completeing programme forms, obtaining music clearance and completeing music cue sheets. Doing BETA SP to VHS transfers, and thanking contributors.

3. Working with camera crews as location production assistant writing shot notes, dealing with contributers, assisting the crew, supervising rushes.

Skills Required.

The successful applicant needs to have an existing interest in TV production preferably gained as a result of taking media studies at GCSE or Alevel or a relevant college course or by having done work experience in the industry. An ability to communicate easily with people is essential as is a friendly telephone manner and a good level of literacy and numeracy. Typing at 30 w.p.m would be useful as would some experience of using word processing software. Ability to function as part of a team is essential as is the ability to work under pressure that goes with the tight deadlines.





BBC SOUTH WEST: TELEVISION PROGRAMMES.

JOB TITLE: RESEARCHER.

1/. JOB SPECIFICATION: AIMS: To provide support o programme staff by undertaking broadly based independent research into any subject or issue relevant to the programme output. To evaluate information and material and present it to the producer in an appropriate form. To assist in assembling and processing programme material. To assist in general programme duties as required.

2/. MAIN DUTIES:

PRELIMINARY RESEARCH.

2.1/. INFORMATION GATHERING: After initial briefing by the producer, postholders are required to undertake independant research to a broad or specific brief, into any subjects or issue relevant to the programme, using all sources of reference both internal and external. Such research may involve either a journalistic or academic approach, and may involve finding and contacting indeviduals and organiseations, finding locations for filming, identifying and selecting stock shots and film clips, and making a preliminary selection of suitable music and material.

2.2/. EVALUATION: Researchers are required to evaluate their findings in terms of programme aims and intentions, and to make preliminary selection for presentation to the producer.

2.3/. PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION: Postholders are required to present their findings either verbally or in writing, using sketches, photographs, and other aids as appropiate. In the case of film and TV they will be expected to select relevant sections and arrange viewing facilities for the producer or picture editor.

PRODUCTION WORK.

2.4/. ASSEMBLY OF MATERIAL: Researchers are required to assist in assembling programme material into its final form. This can include the preparation of draft scripts, interview questions, assembly and preparation of material for rostrum work etc.

2.5/. CONTRIBUTORS: Researchers are required to find, and make the initial contact with appropriate contributors, to ascertain their views, brief them on the programme intentions, make arrangements for them to attend film or recording sessions, and look after them before and during recording.

2.6/. FILMING: In the case of location filming, post-holders are required to make arrangements such as obtaining local permits and permissions, and arranging production facilities. In the case of library material from external sources they arrange copying of duplicate sections, and are responsible for ensuring that these are sent to the picture editor.

2.7/. MUSIC: Researchers may be required to select suitable background or mood music, using BBC libraries or other sources.

2.8/. EDITING AND DUBBING: Researchers who have assisted on location filming may be asked to pass on the producers instructions to the picture editor. On programmes using library material compilations they must assist with arrangements for duplicating material and providing shot lists and identification. They may also be asked to attend dubbing sessions with a picture editor in order to provide information and pass on the producers instructions.

2.9/. POST PRODUCTION DUTIES: Post-holders are required to assist in post production duties such as writing letters of thanks when these concern his or her own contacts. When there is no production assistant available, to deal with letters of enquiry, complaints etc, and to index programme material, and to prepare lists of material for future use.

3/. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE.

Post-holders must have a broadly based general knowledge, and must be familiar with conventional sources of reference both internal and external. They must have an understanding of television production techniques and procedures, and a good knowledge of the specialized reference sources for visual research such as film and videotape libraries, and photograph and stills collections. They must be able to assess material in terms of its value and impact on television.



BBC SOUTH: TELEVISION PROGRAMMES.

JOB TITLE: ASSISTANT PRODUCER (TELEVISION)

1/. JOB SPECIFICATION : AIMS: To assist a producer or programme editor in all stages of a television programme or series, with direct accountability for the execution of a programme of a programme intention to a specific brief, referring when necessary on editorial matters.

2/. MAIN DUTIES.

2.1/. To contribute ideas for programme content.

2.2/. To undertake programme research and filming, working on a broad brief.

2.3/. To provide scripted material, including scripts for programme parts into a composite whole.

2.4/. To draft and edit material for supporting publications: e.g. pamphlets, programme notes.

2.5/. To undertake preparatory arrangements for logistic aspects of a single programme or parts of a larger programme.

2.6/. To co-ordinate preparatory arrangements for logistics aspects of a single programme or parts of a larger programme.

2.7/. To co-ordinate preparatory arrangements for all supporting staff, facilities, locations, artists and contributors.

2.8/. To maintain liaison with outside authorities and individuals where appropriate or necessary for the successful execution of the programme and its parts.

2.9/. To undertake direction of film, single camera or outside broadcast items or programmes.

3.0/. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE OR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

THE POST-HOLDER SHOULD HAVE AN INFORMED INTEREST IN THE AIMS AND OUTPUT OF THE DEPARTMENT OR SPECIALISM, THE ABILITY TO CONTRIBUTE ORIGINAL MATERIAL, AND TO ADAPT WRITTEN MATERIAL, PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE OF FILM OR TELEVISION DIRECTION, KNOWLEDGE OF PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES AND EDITING PRACTICE, KNOWLEDGE OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND COSTING PROCEDURES FOR TELEVISION PROGRAMMES, TOGETHER WITH A KNOWLEDGE OF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, AND THE IMPLICATION OF UNION AGREEMENTS FOR ARTISTS AND CONTRIBUTORS, AND IN THE PROGRAMMME SERVICING AREAS.

OTHER JOBS TITLES AND ROLES LOOKED AT WERE:

* DIRECTOR.
* PRODUCER.
* SERIES PRODUCER.
* EXECUTIVE PRODUCER.
* COMMISSIONING EDITOR.
* CAMERA.
* SOUND.
* OFFLINE EDITOR.
* ONLINE EDITOR.
* DUBBING.