Job Description - Film Producer

Opportunities to work in the film production arise in television, film companies and advertising. Most people who work in this area are self-employed freelancers. Film production involves both studio and location work. Jobs within film production are much sought after, vacancies are few and competition is consequently fierce. Individuals who are serious about working in this area will need to develop personal marketing skills in addition to their creative craft skills.

Animation

Animation involves the design, creation and operation of animated production and effects. It may be traditional ‘cell’ animation, computer imagery or, increasingly, a combination of both forms.

Announcers

Announcers work to detailed and carefully timed scripts, communication information to the viewer from a soundproof ‘behind the scenes’ office. They sometimes write or adapt their own material, and need to be able to work on their own. Archivists/Librarians

Archivists and librarians collect, collate, preserve and make available collections of recorded visual, sound, written and other materials for use by various productions. Archives are valuable business resources and some archivists are now involved in selling and marketing materials to likely purchasers. Art Design

The art and design function is to create a visual effect to meet the needs of the production, creating manual or computer-generated graphics. Costume/Wardrobe

The wardrobe department interprets the production requirements in terms of costumes and accessories to ensure historical accuracy and an accurate portrayal of the style and ethos of the period. Direction

The Director is responsible for achieving the creative, visual and auditory effect of a production and, equally importantly, motivating a team. Engineering

Engineers provide a design maintenance and installation service to the production site and equipment. Research specialists are usually employed by the equipment manufacturers or design consultancies. Film, Video and Audio Tape Editing

Raw tape or film is shaped to interpret the requirements of the Director, either by physical cutting (film) or by selecting sequences and re-recording on to a master tape using sophisticated computer equipment. IT Specialists

IT Specialists support many aspects of broadcasting, film and video, either within the companies or as consultants, providing and maintaining relevant systems and software. Journalists

Generate and report on local, national or international stories, and research relevant background information. BI-media (radio and TV) contracts are increasing. Some journalists present their own work. Laboratory

Lab technicians develop and process film, duplicate and check video tapes, ensure high technical quality. Lighting

Lighting specialists ensure that the stage or set is correctly lit to meet the needs of the production. Make-up and Hairdressing

Make-up and hairdressing professionals interpret the requirements of the production and research to ensure accurate representation of the historical or design concept. They maintain a continuity of approach throughout the production in studio or on location. Management

Directs and co-ordinates the different elements of the industry to ensure their efficient function – ranging from commissioning a production to negotiating international rights. Specialists work in a full range of business areas. Marketing and Sales

Marketing and sales staff work in an international marketplace to raise revenue for broadcasters or film makers. Airtime is sold, sponsorship and co-production rights are negotiated and spin-off products, such as books, toys, videos are developed. Producers

Producers perform a variety of management and operational roles to bring together the many elements of a production either, in studio or on location. Often responsible both for the initial concept and raising the essential finance, they are the team leaders. Production Assistants

Production Assistants provide high-quality administrative and secretarial support to the Producer and Director at every stage of production, coordinating all activities and preparing schedules and scripts. Production Management

Production Managers organise all essential support facilities for the team, from accommodation and transport to on-set catering. They will also roster crews and arrange payments. Production Operatives

Perform the operational duties of the production such as vision mixing and autocue operations. Recording Still and Moving Images (Camerawork)

Workers in this area operate and assist with still film and video cameras to record images as directed, using different techniques. Researchers

Support the producer, helping to turn ideas into reality – providing and following up ideas, contacting and interviewing people, acquiring relevant factual material, and writing briefings for presenters. Runners/Gofers

The traditional entry-level job for the industry. Bright, highly motivated, often highly qualified – people act as general assistants, taking messages, making deliveries, being indispensable and learning the basics of the commercial business. Setcraft/Props

People working in this area construct the scenery, sets and backdrops to meet the production brief reflecting both historical accuracy and required design and style. They also maintain sets during a production, and operate any mechanical features as directed. Props (hired or made) are used to dress the set. Sound

Sound craftspeople interpret requirements of a production in terms of sound collection. During post-production they may be involved in recording, editing and dubbing, using a range of sophisticated equipment. Special Effects

Special effects designers create and operate effects for a production, within technical limitations and budget, and operate the necessary machines. Support Staff

Many people working in film, video, television and radio fulfill essential support roles, including administration, catering, driving, and cleaning. Transmission

Technicians and engineers work to exhibit the production in a high-quality form, which can involve projecting images or operating transmission equipment linking electronic signals from the studios to a transmitter. Writers

Writers work to produce or edit scripts for a variety of radio, TV, video or film production. Training & Qualifications

BECTU (Broadcasting Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union) is working with Skillset, the national training organisation, in developing related vocational qualifications to create clearer progression from college and university courses into the industry. The National Film and Television School runs a three year course in film making, taking about 24 students each year, none of whom is a complete beginner. Most are graduates and all will have shown some previous ability in either writing, direction, production or photography. Other institutions offering previously accredited courses are the London International Film School, the University of Westminster, the West Surrey College of Art and Design, Bristol University’s Film and Television Department, the London College of Printing and Distributive Trades, and Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design. New entrant training is offered by FT2; competition for places is fierce. A database of courses is maintained by the BFI and Skillset.

Camera Operators train differently in different sectors of the industry. Skillset has established NVQ levels 2-4 within the industry. Modern Apprenticeships and National Traineeships are also available in certain categories. A good general level of education is required and some operators start off as film loaders or clapper-board operators. One way into continuity work is via shorthand typing, a general education to GCSE standard is required and a foreign language would be helpful. Personal Qualities

In film work, it is important to combine artistic ability with technical expertise, to pay attention to detail, to have patience, good powers of concentration and an interest in colour and design. An even-tempered, logical and visually imaginative approach is necessary. It is important to keep in touch with what is happening in the industry, and to be able to create a network of friends and contacts. Absolute reliability is essential, especially at the start of a career.

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  Useful Addresses & Contacts

Film Producer - UK

FT2 (Film and Television Freelance Training), Fourth Floor, Warwick House, 9 Warwick Street, London W1 5RA

Tel:  020 7734 5141

Website:  http://www.ft2.org.uk

FT2 - Film and Television Freelance Training is the leading training provider for young people who wish to become freelance assistants in the construction, production and technical areas of the United Kingdom's film and television industry.

The Moving Image Society, Ealing Studios, Ealing Green, London W5 5EP

Tel: 020 8584 5220

Website:  http://www.bksts.com

The Moving Image Societies mission is to encourage, sustain, educate, train and represent all those who, creatively or technologically, are involved in the business of providing moving images and associated sound in any form and through any media.

Broadcasting Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU), 111 Wardour Street, London W1V 4AY

Tel:  020 7537 8506

Website:  http://www.bectu.org.uk

BECTU is the independent union for those working in broadcasting, film, theatre, entertainment, leisure, interactive media and allied areas who are primarily based in the United Kingdom.

British Film Institute, 23 Stephen Street, London W1P 2LN

Tel:  020 7255 1444

Website:  http://www.bfi.org.uk

British film Institute informative Website with information on education, film facts, archives, links and film news.

Skillset, National Training Organisation for Broadcast, Film, Video and Multimedia, 2^nd Floor, 91-101 Oxford Street, London W1 1RA

Tel: 020 7534 5300  Fax: 020 7534 5333

Website:  http://www.skillset.org

Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for Broadcast, Film, Video and Interactive Media.

PACT, 45 Mortimer Street, London  W1W 8HJ

Tel:  020 7331 6000  Fax:  020 7331 6700

PACT is the UK trade association, for independent feature film, television, animation and interactive media companies. Their website includes information on film and TV training, and PACT's own training programs.

Shooting People, 27 Hedingham Close, London  N1 8UA

Email:       contact@shootingpeople.org

Website:  http://www.shootingpeople.org

On-line filmakers' community, Shooting People has a membership of over 23,000 film makers.

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Film Producer - USA

The American Film Institute, 2021 North Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Tel: 323 856 7600  Fax: 323 467 4578

Website:  http://www.afi.com

The American Film Institute helps train the next generation of filmmakers.

New York Film Academy, 100 East 17^th Street, New York, NY 10003

Website:  http://www.nyfa.com

The New York Film Academy offers evening classes and 1-year courses in all aspects of film production.

Film and TV Connection Website:  http://www.film-connection.com

Film and TV Connection provides on job training in major film/video studios and television stations.

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Film Producer - Australia

Full-time post graduate options are offered in film and television for periods of one to three years. Short courses may run for periods ranging from part of a day to several months.

Australian Film Television and Radio School, PO Box 126, North Ryde NSW 1670

Website:  http://www.aftrs.edu.au

Australian Film Institute, 49 Eastern Rd South Melbourne, 3205 Victoria, Australia
Tel:  3 9696 1844  Fax:  3 9696 7972

Email:       info@afi.org.au

Website:  http://www.afi.org.au

Australian Film Institute is a non-profit organisation, which helps to support and promote Australian films and filmmakers

Australian Film Commission, GPO Box 3984, Sydney NSW 2001

Tel:  2 9321 6444 Fax:  2 9357 3737
 

Email:       info@afc.gov.au

Website:  http://www.afc.gov.au

Offers information and links to other Australian film sites.

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Film Producer - Canada

Directors Guild of Canada, One Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 604, Toronto, Ontario M4P 3A1

Tel:  416 482 6640  or Toll-Free: 1 888 972 0098

Fax: 416 482 6639 

 

Email:      mail@dgc.ca 

Website: http://www.dgc.ca

 

The Directors Guild of Canada represents more than 3400 members with occupations in all areas of production editing and design.

 

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Studio Extra - UK

The Casting Collective Ltd., 5&6 Olympic House, 317-321 Latimer Road, London W10 6RA

Website:  http://www.castingcollective.co.uk

The Casting Collective is an agency providing Background Artistes and Walk Ons for film, TV, commercials, photographic stills and pop promos.

Fresh Agents, Whitepoint Studios, 2 Hove Business Centre, Fonthill Road, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, BN3 6HA


Tel: 01273 711 777  Fax:  01273 711 778

Website:  http://www.freshagents.com

This Brighton based agency have years of experience in the fields of model management, TV production as well as corporate entertainment.

TV Enterprises, 37, Portland Avenue, Nottingham, NG17 9BL

Website:  http://www.tv-filmextras.co.uk

TV Enterprises offer the information you require to start either part time or full time as a TV / Film Extra.                           

The Stage, Stage House, 47 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XT

Tel: 020 7403 1818  Fax:  020 7357 9287

Website:  http://www.thestage.co.uk

Magazine published in London and sells about 42,000 copies each week.

The Spotlight, 7 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7RJ

Tel:  020 7437 7631  Fax:  020 7437 5881

Email:  info@spotlightcd.com

The Spotlight was founded in 1927 and publishes the most famous casting directories in the world.

Website:  http://www.spotlightcd.com

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Studio Extra - USA

Background inc. 20 W. 20th Street, Suite 234 New York, NY 10011

Tel:  212 609 1103

Website:  http://www.bgroundinc.com

Casts union and non-union background actors for commercials, film, industrials, music videos and trailers.


NY Castings,

Email:       info@nycastings.com

Website:  http://www.nycastings.com

Website with helpful casting links

Moviex.com

Website:  http://www.moviex.com

Moviex.com is the web's most popular extras casting solution

Maxanns Casting Company

 

Website:  http://maxannscastingcompany.com

 

This Website is intended to help you with information on how to get into the business, finding out if there are auditions going on and just basic information on the biz.