To get a TV program on air, be it for entertainment or informational purpose, requires an orchestrated effort by a medley of people towards a common goal. Every TV program goes through three stages – pre production, production and post production phase.

The pre production is the most important phase, where the message and the medium are chosen. Also, everything from wardrobe to audio and video quality to financial obligations are scrutinised and vetted for a smooth flow. Opting for a production career means, you would be part of one of the three phases or a combination of them or all of it.

There are distinct divisions in a production process, under which there are minor branching out of duties. The three primary groups are producers, camera operators and film-cum-video editors. Whichever you choose of these three, all need a minimum of bachelor’s degree. A working knowledge and passion to know about the industry, is what will take you forward. Team spirit and refined interpersonal relationship skills will give you extra mileage.

Outline of requirements

 

Career Producer Camera Operator Film and Video Editor
Minimum education Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, television or film broadcasting Bachelor’s degree in broadcasting, communications or multimedia Bachelor’s degree in broadcasting, communications or multimedia
2018 Median salary* $71,680 $58,990 $58,990
Job growth* (2016 – 2026) 12% (faster than average) 13% (faster than average) 13% (faster than average)

*U S Bureau of Labour Statistics 2019

 TV Producer 

A producer overlooks the budget, administration, business planning and hiring requirements. The approval of talent and decision of the medium and the message is a producer’s prerogative. To forge and sustain interpersonal relationship is a highly valued skill. Along with this, refined business acumen with organizational skills will give you leverage.

There are some producers who limit themselves to be financiers. the influence of a producer can be limited to one or a few phases or all phases of productions. Job security is solely dependent on a show’s success or failure. So, having an in-depth knowledge of the industry is crucial. This comes with experience. This is why experienced and successful producers are in-demand.

Film Editors and Camera operators

A major chunk of show is filming the footage and editing them, for either entertainment or informational shows. The basic requirement for them is to be well-versed with the nitty-gritty of the devices and software they handle. There should an aesthetic inclination, while deciding the light and audio or sequence and pose of the shot.

Generally, camera operators receive instructions either from the director or cinematographer. But, in case of live broadcasting, they are the ones, who take crucial decisions. Film and video editors are crucial during the post-production phase. The candidate should be tech-savvy and possess a passion for photography, video and editing. There is leverage when the candidate has done their bachelor’s in broadcasting or film.

Conclusion

The production sector is on high-demand with an exponential increase in the number of viewers. This is exclusively due to the internet and technology revolution. Career opportunities are booming with this growth.