Friday 4 April 2014

8. Qualification and Experience

1) Film Producer

There are no set qualifications for the grade of Producer, but by having a degree in something like film making then that comes with the qualification of the degree and the experience of making a film and the paperwork. Also experience needed or that would help to get a job with film producing would be something along the lines of being a runner, although this isn't the most challenging job or relevant to producing but it offers experience of working behind the scenes of a movie. You then learn the ins and outs of how things work.

Key skills that would help in acquiring this job are things like organisation, dedication and a good sense of marketing.

2) Prop Maker/Designer

Qualifications that would help become a Prop Maker/Designer include:

  • BTEC Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Production Arts
  • BTEC Level 4 HNC and Level 5 HND in Performing Arts (Production)
  • A degree or foundation degree in set design or prop making
  • A drama school diploma in stage design or technical theatre (see the Drama UK website for details of approved courses).

However, these are not 100% necessary, your personal talent and capability to do the job well is more important to a Prop Design employer.

Experience that you gain from something like this when you are starting out include things like improving your skill at making props. You may be able to receive apprenticeship-style training at the start of your career from new entrant training schemes occasionally run by the BBC, regional screen agencies or media training organisations. This will further develop your skill level and give you an opening into the industry.

Key skills that are required for this job type are generally of the art type, so things like drawing, sewing and any form of art construction. A creative mind is imperative in this line of work and can be very difficult without this.

3) Animator

To become an animator, you will need skills in drawing, modelling or using computer animation packages. Some animators are self-taught, but many start by taking an animation or art-related course to develop their skills before looking for work. So qualifications that will help get you into the business will be things like:

  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration
  • Computer Programming
  • Modal making or sculpture
  • 3D Design
  • Maths or Physics
  • Multimedia design.
Previous experience needed for an employer to see how talented you are is usually shown on a 'showreel' which is a DvD or online portfolio to show your experience and previous work.

Some skills that would help within this job would be things like a creative mind, being able to adapt to a directors needs. Knowing how to use a wide variety of animation softwares for the creation of films and television programmes. Also you need to be patient and able to wait for something, rather than having everything right there in front of you.

4) Video Editor

Employers will be more interested in your technical skills and personal qualities, such as common sense and initiative, than your formal qualifications. The key is to gain as much experience as you can weather or not it is paid or unpaid. By gaining extra experience you will be showing the employer what you can do and normally you would need a DvD or online portfolio, similar to the animator, to show your skills.

Qualifications that would help you get into the industry of Video Editing include:

  • City & Guilds Level 1, 2 and 3 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Media Techniques
  • BTEC Level 3 Certificates and Diplomas in Creative Media Production
  • BTEC HNDs, degrees and postgraduate courses.
These will help you along the way and perhaps open various doors and opportunities but overall the experience you have is much more valuable in this line of work.

5) TV or Film Camera Operator

Employers will be more interested in your technical skills and practical experience than your qualifications.  Many camera operators take a college or university course to develop the necessary skills before looking for work. Courses include:

  • City & Guilds Diploma (7501) in Media Techniques (Level 1, 2 and 3 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Media Techniques (7601) from September 2010)
  • BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Media Production
  • BTEC HNC/HND in Media (Moving Image)
  • degrees in media production, media technology or photography
  • trainee courses run by the GBCT (camera guild).
They do these courses because, along with the qualification, they get the necessary experience from the work they will do during the course. The most useful courses offer practical experience and may include work placements.













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