Multi-Camera Job Roles

Multi-Camera Job Roles

Camera Operator

A camera operator is someone who records images, TV shows and motion pictures for the audience and most of these camera operators work for a picture industry or television broadcasting company. The camera operator is in charge of filming and capturing the footage that is required through maintaining composition and camera angles however at times they may need some assistance setting up the camera equipment and this is all done under the camera operators supervision. The director instructs the camera operator ensuring that the action required is filmed correctly and this is carrying out the director and director of photography's instructions for shot development.
Camera operators are in charge of their assistants that help them however the director is in charge of them from being the top in the teams hierarchy. 
This role of a camera operator is important as they are in charge of editing or shooting a scene based on the directors vision and the other assistants that help them when needed however they also do the following:

• Choose and present interesting material for the audience
• Work with the director to determine the visual aspects of the production
• Discuss filming and editing techniques with the director to possibly improve a scene or shot in the production
• Select the appropriate equipment, form the type of camera to the editing software.

The three duties of a camera operator:

1. To read and discuss the script with the director and the certain shots that occur as the camera operator specializes more in visual aspects which can help the director with decisions.
2. To be on set at the right time as this could affect the filming schedule and timing of the scene that needs to be filmed.
3. To check for any off-set items in the scene or area in which the shot takes place as items and props that are not needed can then ruin and disturb the visuals in the camera lenses.

The Three skills a camera operator needs is:

1. The ability to select the correct lenses and other equipment to ensure the footage turns out as good as can be for the audience/viewer.
2. The choreographing and framing of  shots is important as a skill for a camera operator.
3. Good Hand Eye co-ordination is needed because at times more than one or two buttons may be needed to be pressed at the same time or one after another whilst still looking at the footage they are filming whilst it is going on.

The specific qualifications to become a camera operator are:

• BTEC national certificate or diploma in media production.
• BTEC HNC/HND in media(moving image).
• Degrees in media production, media technology or photography.
• Trainee course run by GBCT(camera guild).

Camera operators are in charge of their assistants that help them however the director is in charge of them from being the top in the teams hierarchy. 
This role of a camera operator is important as they are in charge of editing or shooting a scene based on the directors vision and the other assistants that help them when needed however they also do the following:

• Choose and present interesting material for the audience
• Work with the director to determine the visual aspects of the production
• Discuss filming and editing techniques with the director to possibly improve a scene or shot in the production
• Select the appropriate equipment, form the type of camera to the editing software.

Case-study

( http://www.prospects.ac.uk/case_studies_television_camera_operator_case_study_1.htm)

This case study had taught me that being a camera operator is hard work but enjoyable from making films and shooting films.

Sound Mixing:

A sound mixer is someone who mixes the sounds during a production and controlling what sounds are heard at each time. They are responsible for ensuring that all the dialogue and music is clear. As a sound engineer they are in charge of planning the session times for the recording to take place and setting up the equipment in the studio and ensuring it is all linked to where the sound mixing will take place. The sound mixer is in charge of the recording equipment and adding effects to make the audio seem more interesting. 
Three duties of a sound mixer:

1. To record and edit content when mixing the sound to create a polished final product and this is so that the audio is clear to the listener to interpret.
2. To reproduce and synchronize bits to ensure the timing is good and this is good because it allows the audio to flow more.
3. To help repair and trouble shoot equipment problems that may be faulty or are working inadequately.

Three skills of a sound mixer:

1. Knowing how to use the equipment required for sound mixing.
2. Good musical ability as it helps with the mixing between the different sounds , audio tracks for distinguishing sound quality.
3. Keeping up to date with the latest sound equipment so that the audio is clear to the viewers.

The qualifications needed:

• Level 2/3 certificate/diploma in sound and music technology.
• Level 3 diploma in music technology and sound engineering.
• Level 3 certificate/ diploma in music technology.

As a sound engineer they are in charge of planning the session times for the recording to take place and setting up the equipment in the studio and ensuring it is all linked to where the sound mixing will take place. The sound mixer is in charge of the recording equipment and adding effects to make the audio seem more interesting. 

Case study:
( http://www.ablcircuits.co.uk/sound-mixing-desk-case-study/ )
From this case study I learnt what you do as a sound mixer/engineer and also about the certain companies that produce equipment for sound mixing/engineering.

Vision Mixing
A vision mixer is a device that is used to change and switch between several footage sources and mix sources together to make effects that are appealing to the eye. This is also known as a vision switcher. The vision mixer is in charge of creating smooth clean transactions between the footage they have to make it appealing to the audience, whilst still focusing on the live footage that needs editing.

Three duties of vision mixing

1. Having a good ability in using this piece of equipment and an understanding of how it works. 
2. Knowing how to use this piece of equipment and knowing all the functions that the vision mixer can do.
3. Having a good sense of rhythm in order to produce accurate and sensitive transactions.

The skills of vision mixing

1. A good ability to repair and fix faults that have occurred.
2. Having a good knowledge of electronic equipment and keeping up to date wit the latest gear.
3. Good use of technical skills and ability to work and function this equipment along with good hand eye co-ordination.

The requirements to become a vision mixer

1. BTEC, HNC, HND or degree in electrical, electronic or broadcasting engineering.
2. BTEC national diploma in science or design technology.
3. BBC's trainee technologist scheme.

Case Study
( https://davidbird92.wordpress.com/2012/05/10/my-role-as-vision-mixer/ )
From this case study I learnt that there a different parts in vision mixing an PA is one of them and the role of a PA is to produce smooth transactions through the footage.

Directing 
As a director this is the person who is in charge of making the film/ show and all the decisions based around it. The director controls all aspects of the crew and the actors + cast members.  The director specializes in supervising and the filming of the production, the director is in charge of the overall production and everything must go through them as the are at the top of the hierarchy in the team and control all that happens.

Three duties of a director

1. Having good leadership and organisation skills to allow the production to run smoothly.
2. To display a high level or skill and diligence towards work.
3. To take control and responsibility of what takes place.

Three skills of a director

1. Have strategic thinking strategies outside the box and different ideas.
2. To have good initiative and problem solving abilities.
3. To work calm under pressure when pressure is being applied.

The are no requirements to become a director however a good way to start and build up is by becoming assistant director or floor manager and this will increase the media commitment level into leading up to become a director.

Case Study

(http://www.prospects.ac.uk/case_studies_advertising_art_director_case_study_2.htm)

From this case study I learnt that the key features in becoming a director is strong leadership and staying calm whilst working under pressure.

Set Designer

The set designer is in charge of creating the overall look for background to represent the idea to the viewers. As the set designer they design the background/ backdrop in theaters, film production and television scenery. They are in charge of ensuring all the backgrounds have the correct lighting and design to go with the scene in order for it to look complete.
Three duties of a set designer

1. Create effective designs with the available budget.
2. Oversee the set design and decorations.
3. Study scripts and discuss other ideas with the director.

The skills of a set designer

1. Budget awareness with the given budget to spend on creating the scenery/backdrop.
2. Good level of creativity and imagination when designing.
3. Knowledge of production processes including aspects as technical as lighting and sound.

The requirements to become a set designer( require a HND or degree in any of the following subjects)

• Interior design
• Fine art
• 3D design 
• Architecture
• Design and technology
• Technical arts

Case Study

( http://www.prospects.ac.uk/case_studies_production_designer_theatre_television_film_case_study_1.htm )

From this case study I learnt that there are many skills and requirements needed for this role and a lot of time and hard work is needed to complete this job as it is time costing.

Lighting Desk

The lighting desk operator is responsible for the conventional automated lighting fixtures ensuring that they suit the recorded scene. This operator has to ensure the lighting fits in with the atmosphere to help set the scene and evoke a response form the viewers/ audience. They also set up the lights and are in charge of changing them during production and to ensure that health and safety requirements are met with the running cables not being in the way.

Three duties of the lighting desk operator

1. Establishing the lighting requirements to help set the scene.
2. Changing the lighting between shots if necessary.
3. Operating and maintaining the equipment during shots.

Three skills of the lighting desk operator

1. Good practical and numeracy skills.
2. Good understanding and knowledge of electronics and electrics systems.
3. Creativity and problem solving skills.

Requirements to become a lighting desk operator

• Level 3 certificate/diploma in production arts
• Level 5 HND in performing arts(production)
• Foundation degrees and degrees in lighting design. lighting technology, performance technology or technical theatre.

Case Study

( https://www.crunch.co.uk/blog/inside-crunch/2012/01/04/case-study-tim-spilman-of-trs-technical-ltd/ )

From this case study I learnt that becoming a lighting desk operator is very time effective through a lot of rehearsals and having to set up all the equipment needed.

Floor Manager

The floor manager is a crew member who has the responsibility of giving the director information from in the control room. They plan schedules and locations for where the recording needs to take place and the time at when it all needs to be sorted by in order for the recording to take place and they are also in charge of what happens on the floor. The floor manager also runs the floor and everything that goes on.

Three duties of a floor manager

1. Checking all the equipment (microphones, earpieces) to ensure they are working before the recording takes place.
2. Dealing with technical problems if there are any that need to be dealt with.
3. Assisting guest on the show that make an appearance and giving orders to the other workers such as the camera operators.

Three skills of a floor manager

1. Good confidence and assertiveness.
2. The ability to work well and stay calm under pressure.
3. Good organisation skills to keep everything in tact.

Requirements to become a floor manager( require a HND or degree in any of the  following subjects)/ however experience is more required for this job than any of the degrees below.

• Media studies
• drama/theatre studies
• photography/film/television 

Case Study

( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cbIf36S6OA )
This is a video on YouTube that shows the skills and duties of a floor manager and how to become one of the best in this role.

Graphics Generation
The graphics operator puts graphics onto the screen to make it look more appealing to the viewers and this is done by using graphic generators on a computer that create graphics such as banners, text and images. 
Three duties of a graphic generator

1. To create the graphics that correspond with the occurring scene of recorded footage.
2. Use specialized software to crop and re-size images.
3. Download and import files that need to be generated or edited.

Three skills of a graphic generator 

1. The ability to understand graphic technology such as VizRT, Aston, Clarity, TOG and Chyron.
2. Accuracy and attention to detail.
3. Creative design skills and good use of digital software.

Requirements to become a graphics generator

• Certificate/diploma in photography and photo imaging at levels 2 and 3.
• BTEC HNC/HND, foundation degree or degree in photography or digital imagining.
• Certificate in art and design at levels 2 and 3.

Case Study
( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2tt0YHli70 )
This shows a generator that can be used text or pencil art.

VT operator
The job of the VT(video tape) operator is to record the playback material on a computer based system. This can during a live production or post production editing session. This operator also set up and operator the video tape system. As the VT operator they are in charge of the equipment in the machine room ensuring they all function correctly and properly so that the recording all goes smooth and according to plan.
Three duties of a VT operator

1. Manage the machine room and ensure all the equipment in there is working correctly.
2. Prepare the TV machines for the clients and editors to use and sometimes set up the AVID system and other editing equipment.




3. Ensuring the quality of the quality control of output media.

Three skills of a VT operator

1. The ability to use a variety of record/playback systems include editing controllers and editing software.
2. The ability to think and act quickly in situation when under pressure.
3. Having a good knowledge of video recording systems.

There are no requirements to become a VT operator however having experience an help with ensuring the understanding in this role is at its best.
Case Study
(http://www.prospects.ac.uk/case_studies_what_do_graduates_do_video_producer_hannah.htm )
From this I learnt that knowledge of equipment and management skills are key for this role and experience is needed to further this career because many mistakes can occur from working under pressure.

Presenters

Chris Evans from the one show.

A presenter is the main person who has the role and responsibility for running the event. Being the presenter is important as they control the entertainment level portray to the viewers which determines their interest. Chris Evans is a presenter who occurs  on the one show.

Three duties of a presenter

1.  They have the duty of presenting the information to the viewers.
2. Introducing people and elements of the show that occur.
3. Taking part in on screen activities to interest the viewers to the fullest.

Three skills of a presenter

1. Confidence and leadership is needed as it helps when taking control and running the show.
2. Good improvisation skills in the case that an error occurs whilst the recording or rehearsal takes place.
3. The ability to work calmly under pressure and stress when it is applied.

There are no requirements to become a presenter however experience is required however any degree in a subject is relevant but a starting point would be a journalist or researcher to boost the self confidence and skills such as ability to speak clearly and working under stress.

Case Study

( http://www.prospects.ac.uk/case_studies_broadcast_presenter_case_study_1.htm )

From this case study I learnt that confidence and time is the key to this job however experience is also useful as it can help apply new skills to the end product in the role of a pretender.

Websites in use of information for research:
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television_crew
http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/case_studies_details.htm?sectors=media
https://www.youtube.com/

Hierarchy Chart For Multi-Camera Format