What job options do I have to work in a 'behind the scenes' role in broadcast media?

Hi Hollie!

What helped me understand exactly what I wanted to do in the industry was freelancing. I was a freelance Booth Coordinator (or sometimes called stage manager). That helped me understand the day-to-day roles of each position and gave me an idea of how each position works together in a live production. Maybe you can check to see if there are any runner or freelance positions available in your area! Which then in turn would help you make connections with all different roles.

Hi,

There are very many options in behind the scene media / broadcasting jobs -

orking in film and TV covers many roles. Here are just some of the types and jobs involved:

Craft, trade and specialist roles – model makers, carpenters, riggers.
Artistic and creative roles – make-up artists, costume designers, set-decorators, art directors, directors.
Technical roles – camera operators, lighting and sound engineers.
Other production team roles – producers, location managers, crew co-ordinators, script supervisors.
Post production roles – visual effects specialists, editors.
Support roles – lawyers, accountants, photographers.
There is also a variety of roles in distribution, the process of releasing films into cinemas.

Above list is just a few of the whole actual set of opportunities out there in market. One should not look at list and decide where to fit in, one should focus on what you are good at and then see where do you fit in scheme of things.

Decide good, do well.

Regards,
Archana Jain

Hi, Hollie!

The types of work listed above by some of my wonderful colleagues are on the production side. Don't forget that the media industry is a business and we need lots of people working behind the scenes on that side as well. Every media company, whether it's sports, entertainment or a network, all have the following departments for you to consider:

Marketing
Communications/PR
Programming
Business Development
Business Operations
Sales

There are so many departments that keep the whole industry moving so you have a lot of options. If you have the opportunity to participate in an internship program, I would suggest trying out a few different types of companies and departments to see what you like. Even you if don't necessarily narrow it down to what you want to do, it may help you also figure out what you are not interested in doing. I personally interned with ESPN, Fox and Nickelodeon. I bounced between Development, Programming and Production Business Operations.

While working for a company, make time to meet with people in other departments, set up time to shadow their daily responsibilities and ask a lot of questions. Another tip is to learn what your strengths and passions are and find something that allows you to utilize them.

I hope this information helps. Good luck!

Brie

Actually there is a lot of options ope to you. I would also consider expanding your horizons into marketing and advertising.
On the broadcast side there are always need for producers who, plan, write, and figure out logistics for newscasts and productions. They maybe required to have some editing or camera skills. Production managers are in charge of managing a team of creatives making sure deadlines are met, and productions are on track. If you have people skills many find careers in sales. Every organization also has a business office in charge of managing the books. Executive Producers are in charge of large productions and are involved in the big picture of finding talent, booking crews and production trucks, managing the budget, and coordinating with sales, business office, and doing other on location "fixer" work that may arise in the course of production. Usually though they're someone with seniority/experience. Then you have the marketing and business development side. In broadcasting these people market the stations with clients and look for new clients. Where I work that's coordinating contests, helping sales staff, and finding ways to tie companies into promotional opportunities our programming offers.
You need a strong command of English language and creative writing. Ability to multitask, and an analytical sense to plan ahead.

Hollie,

Going off of what Carlie said, I was a production runner for 2.5 years in college. Being able to travel and work with a production crew enabled me to see all of the moving parts within a large production. I didn't even know some of the roles existed until I was a runner. Start building a network and don't be afraid to ask questions. If you learn about a collection of positions, you'll better understand the workflow and find the perfect fit that matches your skills and passion. Hope this helps!