Task 2
- 1. Task 2 By Alex Pereira (Director and Screenwriter) & Millie West (Producer and Editor)
- 2. Job Role 1: Director In the film industry, a director is responsible for creatively translating the film's written script into actual images and sounds on the screen. They are ultimately responsible for a film's artistic and commercial success or failure. They are responsible for making a film as powerful, entertaining and effective as possible. Without a skilful direction, a well- written film with an excellent cast of actors can still fail. Everyone who plays a part in the production of a film is important, but the film director is the most vital member of the team. They work alongside every member of the film production team, from the actors camera operators. They direct everyone else, asking them to perform certain tasks or act in a certain way, in order to visualise their creative ideas on the screen. The style, the pace and the impact of a film is dictated by the director. They oversee everything, from casting and set design to lighting and editing. An example of this is Steven Spielberg, he has worked on many different projects and is a very famous director, some of the projects he has worked on are ‘Jaws’ (1975), ‘Jurassic Park’ (1993) and ‘The BFG’ (2016).
- 3. Job Role 1: Director To become a director you don’t need to have any formal qualifications although there are numerous training courses and reference books on directing and studying the art and craft of directing. The best way to get into directing is usually by starting as a runner on a film set or in a production office and then working your way up throughout the years. Some skills that you need to become a director are excellent organisational and planning skills, the ability to make decisions quickly and leadership and motivational skills. The main I found out about film directors on a variety of different websites. One of these websites was Creative Skillset, it has a lot of information on how you would get into the industry, the role of a director and what experience you would need in order to become a director. For directors there are not a lot of advertisements for jobs as most people who want a director already have one in mind. There are only advertisements for directors when the project is a lot smaller or for specialised projects. One place in which jobs can be found is on the Guardian website. It has a variety of roles and has some roles for directors.
- 4. Job Role 1: Director The working patterns for a film director are usually very random and scattered, this can lead to very long or short working hours, this is due to the fact that filming can be done at any time and at any place. Being a director you can also be expected to work in a variety of locations such as a studios, offices and on set in remote locations. Film directors don’t tend to earn an annual salary as they are not working on set hours. They are paid on a film-by-film basis. How much a director can earn really depends on the type of films that they work on. Directors can earn anywhere between £10,000 for a short film and upwards of £1,000,000 for an internationally successful feature film. As you become more established as a director, you may start taking a percentage of what the film earns at the box office, rather than receiving a set fee. This is very good for directors as if the film is successful they can end up making more money than if they were on a set fee.
- 5. Job Role 1: Director One very important legal constraint that a film director needs to follow is labour laws. Labour law defines your rights and obligations as workers and employers. The EU labour laws, include working conditions, which must be acceptable for employees or contractors to work, and individuals cannot work more than 48 hours a week on average. Another part of labour laws are child labour laws as for under 18’s the rules are very different so directors need to be careful. Another aspect that directors need to focus on is health and safety. They are required to have a management system in place to control the risk to employees. Potential hazards that could occur need to be noted down in the form of a risk assessment as well as the procedures that would occur if the hazard happened.
- 6. Job Role 2: Producer In a media context, a producer is the person who is responsible for the financial and managerial aspects of making a film, a broadcast, show, opera or any other staging production. They play an integral role in the television and film industries. The role of a producer, is to oversee each project from its conception to its completion and beyond. This means that they are involved in all aspects of its production. During pre production they have the important roles of approving locations, studio hire, the final shooting script, production schedule and the project's budget. The day-to-day smooth operation of the team is also down to the producer. One of the ways that they can ensure that all days run smoothly, efficiently and effectively is by having constant communication and consultations with the Director and other key staff, on and off set. During post production they may also be involved in the distribution process and the marketing of the project. As implied, producers usually tend to work closely with directors of a production as well as other production staff on a shoot. They are also responsible for a have overall control on every aspect of a film's production. A good example of a producer is Steven Spielberg. He is extremely well known for producing movies such as Jaws, Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan and War Horse. Sean O'Connor is a great example of a television producer. In June 2016, he replaced Dominic Treadwell- Collins as the executive producer of EastEnders, and ever since, O’Connor has been well known for his work on the infamous soap opera.
- 7. Job Role 2: Producer There are many qualities that a person needs if they are aspiring to be a producer. One of these includes the ability to be creative and have visions.To be able to plan, create and organise a new and unique idea that you know audiences will love, and make that idea into a reality using the resources you have. Another crucial skill one needs to be a successful producer is to have the ability to be a leader and a manager. This includes presentation and negotiation skills, having the ability and confidence to present a pitch or an idea to a group of people as well as consult, discuss and compromise about other ideas that another person may have. Finally having financial skills and the ability to work with a budget, and stick to it is a necessity in being a successful and professional producer. To get into the producing industry you don’t need a specific qualification, but some qualifications would be useful to have to use as a gateway to get a producing job. Having a degree or HND in a relevant subject such as filmmaking, media production or any other course that is listed on the Creative Skill Set Page, which have been assessed by the film industry to provide a high level of education, that prepares students for a career in the TV and film industry. These courses enable you to gain some of the practical skills you'll need and use if and when you become a professional producer or part of the media industry.
- 8. Job Role 2: Producer There are many locations in which a director's job can be advertised. One of these places is The Guardian website. The guardian offers jobs for both those who wish to pursue a career in either the Film, or in Television sector. To apply for or browse the job opportunities offered concerning film, go to https://jobs.theguardian.com/jobs/film/. Similarly, to apply for or browse the job opportunities offered by ‘The Guardian’ regarding television, visit https://jobs.theguardian.com/jobs/tv/. Another way of becoming a part of the media industry, is by applying for jobs that may be advertised in either the windows of shops or in articles produced in magazines or newspapers. Some forms of social media and apps also tend to advertise all forms of jobs, including ones that are media related. In a media context, companies may advertise ‘runner’ jobs. This can enable people of any age to train on the job and get a feel for the media industry and what it offers. By starting as a runner or production assistant, trainees get to experience all parts of a company, from pre production, to production, to post production. It can also enable the on the job trainees to work their way up the company, business or media industry, if they are seen as trustworthy or reliable, and they can form themselves a proper career in any section of the production industry, such as the job role of a producer.
- 9. Job Role 2: Producer Like any job, there are conditions to being employed as a producer. Working conditions for a producer vary widely. On the whole, producer’s schedules are not the standard 9-to-5 workday. Producers can set their own hours, although they must be available to handle any obstacle or issue whenever they may arise . If the producer is also the director of a production or they simply works closely with the director, then their hours can be very long. Although the work is often hectic and demanding, it can also offer a great deal of satisfaction. There are different ways in which one can be recruited to be a producer. Usually top filmmakers will work with the same people over and over again, as they are known to be dependable, honourable, enthusiastic and good at their job. If a person is interested in media, or the role of a producing officer yet is new to the industry, as mentioned it is a good idea to apply for a job as a runner or production assistant. If you get the job that you apply for and excel in it, then there are increased chances that you will progress not only in your experience, but in your job role entirely - as the apprentice, you could possibly end up with a career in the media industry as a producer or another part of the production team.
- 10. Job Role 3: Screenwriter Screenwriters create screenplays for films.A screenplay is the script of a film, including acting instructions and scene directions. The screenwriter would usually show some a rough draft of the script to a potential investor. If they then get backing from an investor they would work closely with a script development team to finish their script and to ensure there are no mistakes. Screenwriters are usually freelances that have come up with an idea, then then pitch that idea to to producers to be sold. Alternatively a producer can commission a screenwriter to create a screenplay from a concept, true story, comic book, short story etc. An example of a famous screenwriter is Quentin Tarantino. He has written things such as ‘True Romance’ (1993) and ‘Natural Born Killers’ (1994). He also won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar in 1995 for ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994).
- 11. Job Role 3: Screenwriter You don’t need formal training or a specific qualification to become a screenwriter. Although there are a variety of courses that you can take to enhance your skills and look more attractive to potential investors. Some of the courses that could be taken are creative writing and scriptwriting; also experience in journalism, advertising copywriting or acting can also help. Most screenwriters usually start by coming up with their own screenplays and ideas, and then try to sell them to agents and producers. As you build a professional reputation producers might ask you to write scripts for them. Another way that screenwriters can get noticed is by entering competitions; this is a good way to get noticed by broadcasters and regional screen agencies. Alternatively a screenwriter could send their work to BBC Writers Room who works with writers at every stage of their career.
- 12. Job Role 3: Screenwriter There are many skills you need to become a screenwriter, these include excellent writing ability, creativity and imagination, storytelling skills and an understanding of dramatic structure, a willingness to accept criticism and rejection of your work and good presentation and networking skills. There is a lot of information online about becoming a screenwriter, on Creative Skillset there is a lot of information on on how you would get into the industry, the role of a screenwriter and what skills you would need to become a successful screenwriter. There are many places where a scriptwriter can find a job, an example of this is on the Guardian Website which has an advert for a screenwriter. Another place in which jobs are advertised is on the BBC Website, the website has a variety of job roles, an example of this is a job that has just gone which is for a lead screenwriter.
- 13. Job Role 3: Screenwriter Most screenwriters are freelance and self-employed. Which means that they will set your their working hours.They will usually work from home or an office, but will also attend meetings with agents, script editors and producers.If they part of a studio-based writing team they will usually work standard office hours. If you’re freelance, you or your agent will negotiate a fee for each piece of work. Although if you are an experienced scriptwriter you can be paid differently; generally, if the budget of the film is more than £2m, the screenwriter can expect to receive a minimum fee of approx. £42,120. If the budget of the film is between £750k and £2m,the screenwriter can expect to receive a minimum fee of approx. £25,650. If the budget of the film is under £750k, the screenwriter can expect to receive a minimum fee of approx. £18,900. This is based off of the PACT rate card (1992). Scriptwriters need to follow certain legislation in order to make sure their work is not copied and to ensure they don't copy anyone else's work. In this case it would be the Copyright, Design and Patents act (1998). To ensure their work is not copied writers must copyright their work. A way they can do this is by making sure that the copyright must be clearly exposed on the front cover and the footer of every page on scripts.
- 14. Job Role 4: Editor Editors are one of the most important parts of the team when producing a film, a TV programme, a music video or any other visual media project. Although this is a more technical and creative role, they are the person who is in charge of and determines the final content of a production. They select the best takes of raw footage and edit them together to create scenes.These scenes are then put together to create some sort of storyline or message - the definition of media. As an editorial team, they must cut files and put them together in a logical sequence to create a film that runs smoothly. Being critical, they must also decide what is usable and what is not. Alongside other staff members, editors try and enhance the prospects of a media project. They have the potential to do this by using standard and professional technologies, as well as an emerging sense of story or meaning, in addition to the actors' performances. Editors are key heads of departments and they tend to take a supervisory role, being responsible for assistant editors and trainees. A great example of an editor includes Kirk Baxter; an award winning Australian editor who is well known for his editorial skills in shows such as ‘Gone Girl’ and ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. In addition to Baxter, Tom Cross is also an Academy Award, BAFTA and Independent Spirit Award winner, for Best Editing in ‘Whiplash’ and ‘Joy’. In addition he won the Critics Choice Movie Award for Best Editing in the recent, well known and 4 star production, (IMDB) La La Land.
- 15. Job Role 4: Editor To become an editor, there are many skills that you need, one of these begin that you need a keen eye for detail and a critical mind, to be able to make constructive decisions. Patience and concentration is a key skill needed to become an editor, this is because editing can be a long and critical process. In relation, organisational and time management skills, including the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, are a few of the most important skills one would need to become an editor. This is because editing a long yet accomplishing task, and a professional editor needs to work quickly whilst making effective, critical and precise decisions, in time to present the most part of the completed project to the director and for the producer to then approve it, making it the final cut. Communication skills in both a written and oral form are key to being successful. To project your thoughts and ideas to other people as well as have the ability to listen to others, when working well as past of a team - which are all key skills that are necessary, can strongly aid a victorious media projects being create. As mentioned although editorial side of media production is long, it is also very rewarding. To see a completed project that you and your team have edited together to show a project that runs smoothly, is a great achievement. But to be able to work for long and continuous periods of time, you need a high level of self-motivation, commitment and dedication to keep you going and enjoy the work that you do. Creativity together with passion and interest in film and video editing is extremely important for an editor or someone who is aspiring to become one. This is a key way in motivating someone to enjoy the work they do help them achieve to strive for success.
- 16. Job Role 4: Editor Similar to applying for the job role of a producer, to become an editor, you do not need a specific qualification but it is important that you show commitment and determination to get into the industry. It is important that you demonstrate the skills that are written above, and so it may be helpful to have a degree or HND in a film or media production course that offers the opportunity to teach these skills. This can include a course in visual art, photography, film or television or media and communication studies. Again to find courses awarded the ‘Creative Skillset Tick’ in media production and related to an editorial role, can be found at http://creativeskillset.org/search/3433?tags%5B%5D=Film+Production+degrees&tags%5B%5D=&tags%5B%5D=. When working with software packages such as ‘Final Cut Pro’ that you may well need to familiarise yourself with, it is advised to take a course in the latest technologies to learn the basics and how it works. Although they can be costly, this experience can put you at an advantage when applying for a job. A postgraduate qualification isn’t essential to have to become an editor, but there are relevant courses that are available that will provide you with extra skills. Again these skills, and the commitment and dedication shown to the course could help when competing against other applicants for the same job.
- 17. Job Role 4: Editor As mentioned, there are many places (and ways) in which media career opportunities arise and can be found. Similarly to the advertisement of producer jobs in the media industry, editor roles and jobs can be found on the internet. By using websites such as https://www.productionbase.co.uk/film-tv-jobs/3, those who wish to, are able to browse and apply for jobs in the areas of media that interest them most. Production base offers a wide range of media related jobs including job roles which are part of the pre production, production and post production of a project. In addition to other forms of social media and hard copy advertisements, which as previously mentioned may sometimes enable you, as the apprentice to start at the bottom and work your way up the industry, another website which is useful to find job is https://www.filmandtvpro.com/uk. By signing up to Film and TV Pro, apprentices are able to search for and apply for advertised jobs, which regard all forms of media careers including those such as an editor.
- 18. Job Role 4: Editor Some key parts of information that a person should know before applying to be an editor includes that they will be working closely with the director to craft the finished film. As continuously mentioned, working as part of a team, is a really important part of the job. It can help to create an incredible prodction, that runs elegantly. Moreover, you may be asked to run a team of assistants and trainees when dealing with big producions, therefore it is neccesary to have the magangerial and confidence skills that were mentioned earlier. In addition, editing apprencites should be aware that a major condition to the job role is that one will spend long hours in an editing suite. As mentioned the role of an editor means spending hours on end editing in a room and creating perfection, and although it is a long process, it is also extremely fullfilling. Although the hours tend to be regular office hours such as a 9-5 job, some employers may want an editor to work around a 50 hour a week basis. The salary of an employed assistant editor for a television or post- production studio ranges between £18,000 to £25,000. An experianced film or video editor could expect to earn between £21,000 to £35,000. Finally, a senior level editor could potentially earn between £37,000 to £70,000 but this is mainly available to senior editors working on big-budget projects.
- 19. Job Role 4: Editor Once applying for a job in methods mentioned in the previous slide, once recruited for having relevant and outstanding skills and qualifications, most editors will start at a lower paid level, and work their way up. One example of this as mentioned is by an apprentice editor starting as a general runner for a production company. This is similar to a producer. Once you progress in your job title and role, by working your way up, so will your salary. Some production companies may use the same, trusted editors time after time, as they are guaranteed to get incredible project outcomes, but the majority of editors will work as freelancers and will be paid on a contract basis. This means that editors can be hired on a project to project premise, and may be self employed; rather than be employed to a production company. Although this does mean that contracts can change, and so can pay, it does enable to editor to be employed by different companies and for different projects - which can empower then to get a wide range of editorial experience.
- 20. How do all of the Job Roles link? One way in which the director links to all the other job roles is by the fact that the director works alongside every member of the film production team, from the actors to the camera operators. They direct everyone, asking them to perform certain tasks or act in a certain way. This is imperative as the director needs to instruct everyone else to ensure things are done the best way. The Editor works closely with the Director in particular during post production, this is because using teamwork - which is one of the key skills that an editor needs to be successful, they refine the editing presented by the post production team. To ensure that the story flows effortlessly from beginning to end, each shot is carefully chosen by the editor and edited into a series of scenes; this is what creates the film or media project. By working with the Director before shooting begins, they together can decide how to maximise the potential of the project. In addition an editor will also work closely with the producer during post production, because they too will help in the consultation of how they would like the film to look and run. Once checked by the director, the producer must give approval, until they achieve picture lock or Fine Cut. This is the process whereby the Director and/or Executive Producer give final approval of the edited media. Similarly the screenwriter plays an important part in the editing process, as they help to decide what order the shots will go in, to ensure the audience understands the meaning and/ or storyline of the media project - considering they are the ones who wrote the script, consisting of details such as cuts, fade in, fade outs and scene changes.