Film & TV Jobs

Food Stylist

(sometimes called Food Dressers) make food look attractive in photographs and videos for advertisements and menus

Dolly Grip

A Grip that moves a dolly (the wheeled platform which carries the camera and the camera operator) and must create smooth movements that do not distract from the onscreen action.

Animator (with Live Action)

A live action/animated film is a motion picture that features a combination of real actors or elements: live action and animated elements, typically interacting. Originally, animation was combined with live action in several ways, sometimes as simply as double printing two negatives onto the same release print. More sophisticated techniques used optical printers or aerial image animation cameras, which enabled more exact positioning, and better interaction of actors and animated characters.

Audio Recordist

A member of the sound crew responsible for operating the audio recording equipment on a set.

Matte Painter

A person who creates artwork (usually for the background of a shot) which is included in the movie either via a matte shot or optical printing.

Dialect Coach

A person who helps train an actor in diction and/or the use of inflections, so that his or her speech fits the character and situation.

Digital Imaging Technician

A person who provides on set quality control, image manipulation and color correction, production continuity, troubleshooting and consultation to assist in fullfilling the requirements and vision of the cinematographer in film style digital production.

Art Dept, Leadman

AKA: Leadman, Lead Person Member of the art department who is in charge of swing gangs and/or set dressers and reports to the set decorator.

Jimmy Jib Operator

Although negotiating a crane, carrying a heavy camera and a camera operator around a feature film set, or steering a remote head 100 ft above a location on a high-tech strada crane is a highly skilled job, the audience is unaware of this as they marvel at the resulting birds eye views and breathtaking cinematography. Operating these potentially hazardous pieces of heavy machinery in difficult locations, often under the pressure of hectic shooting schedules, is the job of the Crane Operator

Anchor

Anchor/Presenters work at the front line of television and radio. They introduce and host programs, read the news, interview people and report on issues and events. As the number of channels and radio stations increases, so do the openings, but opportunities to become a Presenter are still scarce and competition is fierce. Presenters work across the whole spectrum of broadcasting — national and regional television and radio, satellite and cable channels

Animator

Animation is the art of making images that appear to come to life on screen. It features in all kinds of media, from feature films to commercials, pop videos, computer games and websites. Animators use a range of techniques to make images appear to move, and most specialize in one of the following: * 2D drawn animation * 2D computer animation * stop frame or stop motion animation * 3D computer generated (CG) animation 2D drawn animation consists of a series of images

ADR Recordist

Automated Dialogue Replacement, also known as looping or dubbing. This is the critical process in film and TV whereby dialogue is recorded in a studio for any number of reasons: to replace existing production sound that is not usable either for technical considerations (usually due to a noisy location) or editorial ones (lines of dialogue have been changed); to add a voice-over to a film (often planned from the outset, but occasionally added at the last moment to help clarify a hazy plot);

Aerial Specialist

Camera Pilots fly the aircraft that carries the aerial camera crew (aerial director of photography (DoP) and aerial camera assistant). Together they shoot the aerial sequences that form part of the finished feature film. Camera Pilots are also responsible for flying any aircraft, including helicopters, planes, hot air balloons, etc., that appear as action props in finished films. This may involve performing difficult stunts requiring a high degree of expertise and experience.

Editor, Assistant

Film and television Assistant Editors aid the editor and director in collecting and organizing all the elements needed to edit the film. When editing is finished, they oversee the various lists and instructions necessary to put the film into its final form. Editors of large budget feature films will usually have a team of Assistants working for them. The First Assistant Editor is in charge of this team, and may do a small bit of picture editing as well, if necessary.

Caterer

Film crews work long hours and need to eat well. On sets or locations, the standard daily meals are breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus coffee or snacks if the crew are required to work late into the evening. Catering is provided by specialized companies who drive catering trucks packed with food and a range of equipment including ovens, extraction fans, fridges, gas and water, to each unit base.

Casting Director Assistant

Good casting is crucial to making characters credible on screen, and is fundamentally important to a film's success. Casting Assistants perform general running duties around the casting office, and assist with specific casting related jobs. They are employed as freelancers on a film by film basis by casting directors. Casting agencies vary in size but are usually quite small, comprising of the casting director and casting associate.

Multi-Camera Director

Multi-camera productions are most often sitcoms and soap operas, as well as talk shows, sporting events and newscasts. Multi-camera means multiple cameras. Most multi-camera productions use three cameras that run simultaneously to catch various reactions in the same scene rather than having to run a scene over and over as is typical with most single camera shoots.

Lighting Design

Often referred to as 'LD', this person works with producers, directors, set designers, and other essential crew members to create the 'look' of the show as it is interpreted through the writing. This position can be found in film, television, stage productions, and even concerts.

Accounting Assistant

Performs clerical work in support of company accounts and utilizes financial management software to do so. This person must compile, analyze, reconcile, and verify financial and statistical data as well as perform related work as assigned by their superior.

Development Executive

Producers have the final responsibility for all aspects of a film's production. They are frequently the first person to become involved in a project. The Development Producers' role is to turn ideas into profitable entertainment, and to persuade others to share in their vision. Development Producers are often responsible for coming up with the underlying premise of a production, or for selecting the screenplay.

Art Dept, Swing

Set Dressers who dress and strike sets, as well as pick up and return the dressing. They work apart from the shooting crew, as they are always either prepping a set for shooting or striking it after it's been shot.

Animal Trainer

Someone who conditions animals to perform various behaviors on cue.

Craft Service

The person (or people) available to assist the other crafts which include camera, sound, electricians, grips, props, art director, set decorator, hair and makeup, during the actual shooting of a motion picture, with tasks including providing snacks and cleaning the set.

Electrician

The person or grip in charge of, and familiar with the electrical equipment on the set.

Loader

The person who operates the clapboard at the beginning of a shot, also responsible for loading film stock into film magazines. The action of slapping the clapper was invented as a way of synchronizing the visual and audio components of a shot. Recent innovations in audio-visual synchronization have made this unnecessary

Creature Designer

These artists create masks, body parts, and sometimes entire creatures.

Camera Assistant (1st)

When characters in films run out of a burning building or simply walk across a room to open the door, they are usually moving closer or further away from the camera. This means that the focal length — the distance of the camera lens from the subject — is constantly changing. Adapting or "pulling" focus to accommodate these changes is the main responsibility of the 1st Assistant Camera (AC).

Agent's Assistant

Works under the company CEO as an assistant to the firm. Will be required to manage day-to-day activities in the office, as well as mailings, maintain and build client relations, media public relations, and any other duties assigned by their superiors.

Concept Artist

a graphic artist position that works closely with other members of a design team, including the Art Director and the Storywriters. Their drawings form the basis for a film or game's overall design. The concept artist has to produce images in a timely manner as to make short deadlines. The artist will work alongside other team members where they will create quick sketch ideas reflecting the concepts that are discussed.

Music Supervisor

act as mediators between production teams and composers and their teams, which may include orchestrators, engineers, copyists, musician's contractors, etc. They also suggest ideas, and research and obtain rights to source music for films. Music Supervisors oversee spotting sessions (deciding on where the director wants music, and why), recruit and contract musicians, book recording studios and attend sessions, ensuring that delivery requirements are fulfilled.

Art Director

act as project managers for the biggest department on any film - the art department. They facilitate the production designer's creative vision for all the locations and sets that eventually give the film its unique visual identity. Art Directors are responsible for the art department budget and schedule of work, and help the production designer to maximize the money allocated to the department.

Mechanical Effects

also called Practical or Physical Effects), are usually accomplished during the live-action shooting. This includes the use of mechanized props, scenery and scale models, and pyrotechnics. Making a car appear to drive by itself, or blowing up a building are examples of Mechanical Effects.

Marine Specialist

are employed in films at the early stages of pre-production, to discuss any water stunts. They usually work closely with visual effects supervisors and stunt coordinators. Underwater stunts and effects are often extremely complicated and potentially dangerous, so all sequences are carefully planned and storyboarded and used as blueprints during filming.

Camera Assistant (2nd)

are key members of the camera crew, and are responsible for the smooth running of the entire camera department. Audiences watching a finished film are not conscious of the camera — a complex piece of machinery, powered by batteries which must be charged and reloaded. Nor are they thinking of the difficult job of anticipating when a magazine (the sealed container that feeds the unexposed film into the camera) is about to run out,

Master Control Operator

are responsible for monitoring the quality and accuracy of the on-air product, ensuring the transmission meets government regulations, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and preparing programing for future playback. Regulations include both technical ones (such as those against over modulation and dead air), as well as content ones (such as indecency and station ID).

Editor

assemble footage of feature films, television shows, documentaries, and industrials into a seamless end product. They manipulate plot, score, sound, and graphics to refine the overall story into a continuous and enjoyable whole. On some films, the film Editor is chosen before cast members and script doctors; people in Hollywood recognize that the skills of a good film Editor can save a middling film.

Boom Operator

assist the production sound mixer on film and television sets, and operate the boom microphone, which is either hand held on a long arm or dolly mounted (on a moving platform). If radio or clip microphones are required, Boom Operators position them correctly around the set or location, or on actors' clothing. Boom Operators are responsible for positioning microphones so that sound mixers can capture the best quality dialogue and sound effects.

Celebrity Booker

contracts the appropriate performers to star in a production. The Celebrity Booker follows viewer trends to ensure that the most popular celebrities are featured, and he or she also works with talent agencies to discover new talent.

DVD/Blue Ray Author

creates DVD and Blu Ray discs that are capable of playing on a DVD or Blu Ray Disc player. Must have the proper software to structure the programatic commands allowing for interactive actions with the user. Designs menu graphics, buttons and their destinations, subtitles, and chapter points

Graphic / Titles Designer

design the opening titles, captions and credits for film and TV productions. They may spend a great deal of time researching or creating specific fonts which accurately reflect the film's genre or period. They also contribute to creative decisions such as the choice of color, and whether to include animation or special effects. They may be freelance and pitch for work using their show reels, or they may be employed by digital, special effects and design companies.

Lighting Technical Director

designs the lighting for multi camera television productions. He or she instructs the electricians' crew in their work in addition to guiding the team of operators who usually sit with the LD in the lighting gallery. All this while working closely with the director and the rest of the production team to deliver the pictures they are hoping to see.

Music Editor

help directors to achieve their musical ambitions on films, and provide a crucial link between the film and the composer. They structure the soundtrack, ensuring that all the components work together. For film music to work successfully it must be beautifully written, well performed and appropriate to the story and setting. In addition, it must be very carefully placed within the film, in order to complement the action, rather than detract from it.

Gaffer

in the motion picture industry is the head of the electrical department, responsible for the execution (and sometimes the design) of the lighting plan for a production. In British English the term Gaffer is long established as meaning an old man, or the foreman of a squad of workmen. The term was also used to describe men who adjusted lighting in English theater and men who tended street lamps, after the "gaff" they used, a pole with a hook on its end.

Field Director

is a coordinator for a story while the crew is in the field. This person generally oversees the direction of a story, working with cast and crew to convey the story line as they see it creatively

Field Producer

is a coordinator for a story while the crew is in the field. This person generally oversees the production of a story, working with a reporter and photographer to set up interviews, gather video and collect information. The Field Producer is also the liaison between the crew and the newsroom. In many cases, the Field Producer will conduct the research, log the video, and write the story for the reporter.

Director, Music Video

is a film director that specializes in creating short films driven by a given music track. These are called music videos and are then used as promotional tools for popular music singles. The earliest music videos were directed by television and film directors; by the 1990s music video directing had become a specialized field.

Director, Commercials

is a film director who specializes in creating audio visual advertising. These are called commercials and are then used as promotional tools for a client's product(s).

Casting Coordinator

will solidify a venue, schedule audition times and talent for a Casting Director concerning an upcoming project.

Autocue Operator

is a name commonly given to the computerized prompting system used by presenters. The Autocue Operator follows the script and ensures that no matter how fast or slow you're talking, the Autocue keeps up with you.

Art Dept Coordinator

is a position on the production crew that is responsible for overseeing the entire Art Department. They are concerned with implementing and executing all of the visual artistry of on set. He or she will work under the production designer and art director to complete the 'look' of the film.

Intern

is a work related learning experience for individuals who wish to develop hands on work experience in the film or TV industry. Most internships are temporary assignments that last approximately three months up to a year. [Search jobs...]

Assistant to Producer

is an administrator who works closely with producers throughout the production process. They are involved at the pre-production stage through to post production and marketing and distribution. They must be well organized, flexible, and have a good overview of the production process. The producer will determine their responsibilities throughout the production on a day to day basis.

Director's Assistant

is an administrator who works closely with the director throughout the production process. They are involved at the pre-production stage through to post production marketing and distribution. They must be well organized, flexible, and have a good overview of the production process. The director will determine their responsibilities throughout the production on a day to day basis.

Music Truck A2

is an assistant position often requested by the on site music and audio production team at a film or tv set. This person is responsible for keeping track of equipment, winding cables, as well as fetching and organizing audio gear.

Computer Effects

is an effect used to create an illusion in a movie. It refers to effects created in post production via computer software. Most movie illusions are created in post production. These are called visual effects

Line Producer

is one of the first people to be employed on a film's production by the producer and executive producers. A Line Producer is a key member of the production team for a motion picture. Typically, a Line Producer manages the budget of a motion picture. Alternatively, or in addition, they may manage the day to day physical aspects of the film production, serving a role similar to the unit production manager.

Colorist

is one who is recognized as skilled in their ability to integrate color by hand or digitally with uncolored images. This position is heavily utilized in film, tv, and print

Distributor

is responsible for coordinating the distribution of the finished movie to exhibitors, as well as the sale of video, DVD, Blu Ray and other media on which the movie will be made available.

Costumes / Wardrobe

is responsible for the design, fitting, hire, purchase, manufacture, continuity and care of all costume items on feature films. The term 'Costume' refers to the clothes that the actors wear, and these differ enormously from production to production, ranging from contemporary urban fashion to period ball gowns, and even wetsuits. The Costume Department is also responsible for jewellery, footwear, corsetry, hosiery, millinery and sometimes wig work.

Motion Graphics / Capture Artist

is the art of graphic design within the context of motion graphics such as film, video or computer animation. Examples include the typography and graphics you see as the titles for a film, broadcast design like show opens for television or the spinning, three-dimensional logo at the end of a TV commercial.

Assistant Director (1st)

is the director's right hand person, taking responsibility for a number of important practicalities so that the director is free to concentrate on the creative process. During pre-production, First ADs break down the script into a shot by shot storyboard, and work with the director to determine the shoot order, and how long each scene will take to film

Director

is the driving creative force in a film's production, and acts as the crucial link between the production, technical and creative teams. Directors are responsible for creatively translating the film's written script into actual images and sounds on the screen - he or she must visualize and define the style and structure of the film, then act as both a storyteller and team leader to bring this vision to reality.

Director, Feature Film

is the driving creative force in a film's production, and acts as the crucial link between the production, technical and creative teams. Directors are responsible for creatively translating the film's written script into actual images and sounds on the screen - he or she must visualize and define the style and structure of the film, then act as both a storyteller and team leader to bring this vision to reality.

Broadcast Engineer

is the field of electrical engineering, and now to some extent computer engineering, which deals with radio and television broadcasting. Audio engineering and RF engineering are also essential parts of broadcast engineering, being their own subsets of electrical engineering. Broadcast engineering involves both the studio end and the transmitter end (the entire airchain), as well as remote broadcasts.

Assistant Director (2nd)

is the first assistant director's right hand person. The Second AD's main function is to ensure that all the first AD's orders and directions are carried out. Seconds have two main responsibilities during production: they prepare and draw up the 'call sheet' (a document detailing daily filming logistics, which is distributed to cast and crew), under the supervision of the first; and they oversee all the movements of the cast, ensuring that the principal actors are

Director / Producer

is the lead creative artist on set. He or she will communicate with the talent what is exactly needed to convey a particular scene. Often times the Director/Producer will be heavily involved in the casting, script editing, scene selection, and shot composition.

Attorney

is the lead legal advisor for any film or television company.

Casting Recruiter

will reach out to different talent agencies to get referrals regarding talent for an upcoming project. It is their job to get a wide selection of talent to audition for the available roles.

Lighting Supervisor

is the most senior role in television lighting departments. Using the script or brief from the production team they design the specific look required for each shot. They use their advanced technical skills to realize the design and, with the help of the rest of the lighting department, to set up and operate specialized lights and accessories. As lighting is an essential part of a programs' overall design and style, this is a key creative and technical role.

Foley Artist

is the person who actually creates the sounds in front of a projected picture.

Location Manager

is the person who will be liaising directly with the film production company or advertising agency, and may be working closely with the film's director, taking decisions not only about the right location, but also the logistics of making that location work. The Location Manager will be closely involved with the rest of the production team dealing with many such logistical problems and their solutions

Assistant Script Supervisor / Coordinator

is the point person between the writers and production and will distribute scripts to production. This person will also take care of clearance issues.

Executive Producer

is to oversee the work of the producer on behalf of the studio, the financiers or the distributors. They will ensure the film is completed on time, within budget, and to agreed artistic and technical standards. An Executive Producer may be a producer who has raised a significant proportion of a film's finance, or who has secured the underlying rights to the project. In major productions, the Executive Producer may be a representative or CEO of the film studio.

Consulting Producer

is usually a former executive or co-producer that no longer work on a particular show. They often assist writers and producers regarding specific areas of concern that is likely to coincide with their experience.

Director of Photography / Cinematographer

is usually referred to as the DP and is responsible for selecting all camera equipment for the production and liaising with the technical director. The Director of Photography decides what lights and related camera equipment are needed and procures these. The Director of Photography is ultimately in charge of the photographic quality of the show and heads up a crew.

Location Scout

location department staff work under the location manager. Their function is to provide as many potentially useful/viable ideas and/or options as possible for review by production; often the assistant director, production manager and subsequently, the director or even the executive producer in the case of narrative filmmaking. They are responsible for heading out to various areas that could serve as possible production locations.

Cable Puller

looks after the cables on a particular production. Will often be required to follow roaming cameras insuring that the cables attached to the camera are out of the way regarding safety concerns.

Graphics Operator

maintains mostly the lower third of a TV screen inserting anchor names, scores, facts, or subject lines. They can also be responsible for creating full screen graphics like charts and graphs depicting statistics about a sport, team, or event.

Costumers

may be employed on films at any stage during pre-production. They are responsible for carrying out any tasks allocated to them by costume designers, costume design assistants, costume supervisors and wardrobe supervisors. Their tasks may include: assisting with the design of, and carrying out research into costumes; making, ordering and adapting the costumes and accessories required for productions; organizing fittings, dressing performers, and overseeing continuity on sets.

Key Grip

often doubling for a construction coordinator and a backup for the camera crew, that also moves a dolly. Key Grips work closely with the gaffer.

Audio Visual Technician

operates equipment to create sound and visual images. This job requires one to be able to synch audio and visual, as well as define just one of the mediums

Casting Director/Agent

organize and facilitate the casting of actors for all the roles in a film. This involves working closely with the director and producer to understand their requirements, and suggesting ideal artists for each role, as well as arranging and conducting interviews and auditions. Once the parts are cast, the Casting Director negotiates fees and contracts for the actors, and acts as a liaison between the director, the actors and their agents.

Associate Producer

position can often be an entry level one. Often referred to as the 'AP', an Associate Producer generally assists the producer in putting the TV program or film together. Duties may include writing, editing, organizing scripts, running the teleprompter in news casts, or helping the editor by making beat calls. An Associate Producer needs good writing and editing skills,

Fixer

provides logistical support, facilitates permit, custom, location, talent, crews, equipment, accommodation and transportation for filmmakers who wish to conduct filming abroad.

Best Boy

refers to the best electrician in the team led by the gaffer (chief lighting technician). Best Boys coordinate the team of lighting technicians, and deal with all the logistics and paperwork relating to the role. They liaise between the production office and the lighting company, and relay information for the gaffer.

Grip

responsibility is to build and maintain all the equipment that supports cameras. This equipment, which includes tripods, dollies, tracks, jibs, cranes, and static rigs, is constructed of delicate yet heavy duty parts requiring a high level of experience to operate and move. Every scene in a feature film is shot using one or more cameras, each mounted on highly complex, extremely expensive, heavy duty equipment

Executive Assistant

sometimes called Administrative Assistant or Associate) has a myriad of administrative duties. Traditionally, these duties were mostly related to correspondence, such as the typing out of letters. The advent of word processing has significantly reduced the time that such duties require, with the result that many new tasks have come under the oversee of the Executive Assistant.

Costume Designer

start working on films at the beginning of pre-production. They are in charge of designing, creating, acquiring and hiring all costumes for actors and extras. This must be achieved within strict budgets, and to tight schedules. Costume Designers' work is integral to defining the overall 'look' of films, and their role requires a great deal of expertise.

Construction Coordinator

supervise the construction of sets and stages for film productions. They coordinate the entire process of set building, from initial planning, through to the final coat of paint on the finished sets. Reporting to, and hired by, the production designer, Construction Managers lead a team of craftsmen, including carpenters, painters, riggers and plasterers, and ensure that all sets are completed to deadline and within budget,

Casting Associate

will assist Casting Directors with auditions to help select all of the speaking role actors in film, television shows or plays. The CA must know what the Casting Director is looking for regarding each particular role to be able to match a variety of actors with just the right part.

Marketing Executive

will develop marketing campaigns that promote a company's product, service or idea. The role includes planning, advertising, public relations, organising events, product development, distribution, sponsorship and research.

Assistant Stereographer

will help the lead Stereographer when assessing the interactive relationship between Convergence, Interaxial and focal length.

Composer

will need to write music to suit the mood and action in a TV, film drama or documentary. They will need to compose, perform, arrange, and then work with producers to rearrange, and rearrange as they change and finalize the film. You will usually have to submit an initial pitch which is mostly unpaid. During the course of the program you will need to do lots of Demos, some of which may not be followed up.

Marketing Assistant

will work under the Marketing Director mainly doing clerical work. They are often responsible for researching new markets, creating SWOTS, following up on sales prospects, providing vital status reports, as well as coordinating and scheduling meetings.

Compositor

work in most areas of animation and post production. They are responsible for constructing the final image by combining layers of previously created material. Although it is primarily a 2D role within the 3D world of CGI and VFX (Visual Effects), Compositors need a thorough understanding of the CG process combined with relevant artistic skills. In post production companies, some TDs (Technical Directors) may do their own compositing.

Makeup Artist

work on feature films and on some commercials and pop promos, working to the chief makeup artist. Makeup and hair are key elements in the overall design of films or television productions, creating a look for the characters in relation to social class, and time periods, and any other elements required to create the desired illusion. Makeup Artists should be experienced in using a wide variety of professional makeup products.

Hair Stylist

work on feature films and on some commercials and pop promos. They liaise closely with colleagues in the hair, makeup and costume departments, as well as with directors, actors and extras. They prepare performers' scalp and skin and create hairstyles to suit production requirements. They also work with wigs, hairpieces, and hair extensions and may be required to use chemical solutions, and to administer hair and scalp treatments as necessary.

Dubbing Mixer

work with all the sound elements (dialogue, automated dialogue replacement, foley, sound effects, atmospheres, and music), and mix them together to create the final soundtrack. They are primarily responsible for ensuring that film sound is correct both technically and stylistically. Setting the relative volume levels and positioning these sounds is an art form in its own right, requiring the skill and aesthetic judgment

Director of Programming

works in television and is responsible for selecting, planning, and scheduling various programs at the television station.

Camera Operator

works with digital, electronic and film cameras in multi and single camera operational conditions, producing pictures for directors by combining the use of complex technology with creative visual skills. The work is based in either a studio, where the Camera Operator usually follows a camera script (which gives the order of shots practiced at rehearsal and is cued by the director during recording) or on location