Music Video Job Roles

There are many different jobs that are involved in the production of a music video and in this post I will list some of them. I will identify some of the roles of each job and the responsibilities that each position requires. Each job has a variety of necessary qualifications and so attracts many different individuals.

Camera Operator

Camera Operator:
Duties:

• Usually starts work towards the end of pre-production and work with the heads of department
• Helps to decide on the position of the camera, what lenses and other supporting equipment will be used
• To ensure that both the camera and other equipment are prepared for each set-up
• The ability to collaborate and to work as part of a team
• Attention to detail is a necessary requirement

Skills:

• Knowing how to safely and effectivly operate camera equipment
• Give creative input and a different way of thinking
• Understanding how new lenses and cameras work and being able to get the most out of the equipment

Qualities:

• Being able to think in a visually creative way
• Need to be patient
• Need to be able to time manage efficiently

Camera Assistant

Camera Assistant:
Duties:

• The ability to accurately judge distances
• They are responsible for focusing and refocusing the camera lens 
• An excellent knowledge of lenses, cameras and other essential equipment
• To ensure that the equipment is set up for the days shoot
• They must keep up to date with new equipment and shooting techniques

Skills:

• Being able to work at high speed
• Being able to follow instructions
• MUst have good I.T knowledge and skills

Qualities:

• Must be able to work well within a group
• Willing to learn from new skills from peers
• Must be able to to take orders from an authority figure

Art Director

Art Director:

Duties:

• To be able to draw free hand and do technical drawings
• They act as managers for Art Departments
• To be able to use and adapt the materials in the environment
• Must be up to date with all Health & Safety regulation when working in hazardous environments
• Being responsible for the maintenance of permanent sets

Skills:

• A good eye for detail
• To be able to coordinate a team efficiently
• The ability to match colours and characters

Qualities:

• Willing to work long hours to finish a project
• Interested in art, sculpture and design
• Must be able to enforce your authority to a large group

Make-up Artist

Make up & Hair Stylist:

Duties:

• Must be experienced in using professional make up and hair product
• Be able to apply special effects like cuts, scabs and bleeding wounds
• To quickly and professionally maintain an actors make up during scenes
• They must check in advance whether the actress/actor has any allergies
• Be able to affix and alter wigs, facial hair and prosthetics

Skills:

• Ability to work well in the team dynamic
• Be able to create complicated make up designs
• Must be able to work safely with potentially hazardous substances

Qualities:

• Work well in stressful conditions
• Being able to take on board constructive criticism and use the advice
• Wanting to work with a variety of different make up and hair styles

Lighting Director

Lighting Director:

Duties:

• Making extensive preparations prior to the day of recording such as script reading and other meetings
• The ability to concentrate on tasks with maximum attention to detail for long periods of time
• The ability to plan well in advance and anticipate possible problems
• They oversee the set-up, operation and striking of the lighting on a set
• Must have a logical and methodical approach to problem solving

Skills:

• Must be able to work efficiently with a variety of equipment
• Need to be able to concentrate for long periods of time
• Must have good physical and mental stamina to work long hours

Qualities:

• To be able to communicate well within a group
• Must have drive to finish every project to the best of their ability
• Interested in working with the lighting equipment

Gaffer

Gaffer:

Duties:

• Be able to adapt to a situation and find a resolution quickly
• Need extensive I.T knowledge
• The ability to carry out a thorough risk assessment
• Must ensure that all lighting crew have been briefed on each production
• To observe all aspects of the lighting department during production/filming

Skills:

• Working with different lights in a variety of models and manufacturers
• Determined to provide specific lighting for each set
• Must have the qualifications to handle all the varieties of lighting equipment

Qualities:

• Must have an interest in the job role
• Must be able to adapt to different working environments
• Willing to work long hours

Executive Producer

Executive Producer:

Duties:

• Must be able to make a pitch and have excellent marketing abilities
• Be able to identify marketable and commercial products from a range of choices
• Must ensure that a variety of publicity materials are prepared to entice co-production partners
• The ability to work on a number of different projects  simultaneously
• Be able to deal sensitively with production partners  in order to resolve an issues

Skills:

• A good understanding of mathematics
• Must be able to delegate jobs between employees
• Good communication skills to pitch to partners

Qualities:

• Business minded to gain production partners
• Willing to travel a lot for work
• Must be able to cope well in highly stressful situations

Production Manager

Production Manager:

Duties:

• Must have exceptional organisational skills
• Must liaise closely with other heads of departments
• To oversee all aspects of daily running of a set
• Need well developed verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to foresee problems and produce alternate work plans

Skills:

• Must be able to budget efficiently
• Needs to be able to communicate well with employees
• High level of IT knowledge and skills

Qualities:

• Be able to work on  computer for long periods
• Needs a democratic approach to leadership
• Being enthusiastic in all aspects of the job 

Location Manager

Location Manager:

Duties:

• Must be willing to work long and irregular hours
• Must ensure that filming locations are maintained properly during or after production
• Be able to identify daily requirements during production e.g. traffic diversion, parking
• Must collaborate with head of departments concerning each other specification for the shoot
• Responsible for writing and distributing letters informing local residents of any disturbances that may occur during filming

Skills:

• A good knowledge of distance measuring equipment
• Being able to work irregular hours
• Must be able to think visually

Qualities:

• Must be willing to do extensive research for every location
• Must take responsibility for the high job demand
• Determined to fulfil all job requirements 

Director

Director:

Duties:

• Ability to decide appropriate graphics for production
• Discuss the significance of individual scenes to the overall piece
• Be able to contribute creatively to the projects
• Ensure that there is sufficient coverage of each scene e.g. shots from different angles
• May have to change the running order at short notice to accommodate emerging items

Skills:

• Being able to delegate jobs to subordinates
• Have a good eye for potential talent
• Communicating between all departments

Qualities:

• Determined to create the best outcome
• Must be a fair but consistent leader
• Being fully committed to the current project

Conclusion:
I feel that I am most suited to be an Art Director or an employee in the Art Department. This is because I am interested in drawing and sculpture and I also enjoy producing drawings. I have some natural ability in art which, if I were to go into this field of work, I would need to expand and improve on. I feel that I would most enjoy this role in film production and because of this would be more likely to produce my best work.