AS Film Studies

Runner > is an entry level position in the production department of a broadcast, film or video company. There is no single job description as runners undertake whatever basic tasks are required to ensure the smooth-running of the production process. Responsibilities usually include tea making, transporting scripts and hire equipment, taking messages, looking after guests, and getting everything in place for shoots.
This role, integral to the production team, offers the opportunity to gain essential knowledge and experience of the production process and is often seen as the first step on the ladder for those aspiring to roles in production.

Film Directors > take overall responsibility for the look, sound and style of a film. Their job usually starts once they receive the script, although in the case of some feature films the director may also be the scriptwriter. It is the director's artistic vision that will guide the work of the film crew as they search for suitable locations, hire the cast, design the sets and lighting and finally edit and dub the finished recording.

Production Designers > are responsible for the visual concept of a film, television, or theatre production. Working closely with the director and producer, they realise a design style for sets, locations, graphics, props, lighting, camera angles and costumes.
Once the concept is decided, designers usually appoint and manage an art department, which includes a design and construction team. They often form a strong partnership with a particular director and work together on many productions.
Designers tend to specialise in either film, television or theatre, although there can be some overlap. The terms stage or set designer are also used in relation to theatre productions.

Sound Technicians > assemble, operate and maintain technical equipment to amplify, enhance, record, mix or reproduce sound for: films; television programmes; live performances. They interpret production requirements and work with a range of equipment used for entertainment, commercial and industrial purposes. Based within a studio or on location, they interpret the director's wishes to help achieve the desired end result. Tasks include: setting up, testing and operating equipment in accordance with the acoustics of the area; selecting, placing and adjusting microphones; monitoring audio signals to detect quality deviations or malfunctions; servicing, maintaining and repairing sound equipment; and introducing pre-recorded special effects.

Multimedia Specialists > are designers who combine design and technical knowledge to create information and communication technology (ICT) based products, such as: CD Roms, DVDs, websites. Typical outputs include: entertainment products, such as computer games; education and training materials; advertising and marketing materials; catalogue databases and public information resources. When the design is complete, multimedia specialists use authoring software to arrange the files in a single program (to enable interactivity and navigation through the product content). They also test and adjust the product to deal with technical problems, and produce documentation describing the creation, content and processes of each file.

Film Editor > is responsible for assembling the final product as a sequence consisting of shots from the raw camera footage, dialogue, sound effects and graphics. This is a key role in the post-production process and the editor's skill determines the quality and delivery of the final product. Digital technology is increasingly the key medium for editing. Based in the post-production editing suite, the editor works closely with the director to meet his or her requirements. The majority of film/video editors are employed on a freelance basis, working on short-term contracts for post-production studios, television companies and corporate employers.

Production Manager > is the producer's deputy and is responsible for: organising all the essential support facilities for the team; resolving the day-to-day problems of filming and co-ordinating the other activities (e.g. camera, sound, editorial and music); bringing the production in on budget. Typical work activities include: organising the location/set, props and equipment, accommodation and catering, crew hire and employment contracts; tallying the running costs; sorting out any issues or conflicts that may arise. On small productions, such as documentaries, this function might be carried out by the producer or producer/director or even an experienced production assistant. Experience in TV or film is expected, and this could be as a runner, researcher, floor manager or production co-ordinator. The right personality, with energy and enthusiasm for the industry, counts for more than courses and training. Most production managers work on a freelance basis. There are good opportunities for experienced production managers. As this can be a very well-paid post many stay in this field, although some move on to assistant producer or producer posts.

Audience Development Officer > In this exciting and varied role, you will organise and deliver programmes to various people; organise and publicise community programmes such as special events and film festivals. You will also play a key role in fundraising for projects, and in developing marketing strategies to attract new audiences. You will also assist with programming and general day-to-day duties.

Other possibilities are: