Aisling Sweeney

Art directors (often known in the advertising industry as 'creatives') design visual concepts for eye-catching advertising campaigns. If you are imaginative and have a flair for art and design, you might enjoy this job. To be good at this job you will also need to be a good communicator and work well in a team. You should have resilience and the ability to work to deadlines. To get into this job, your creativity and ability in art and design are the most important things. However, most art directors have studied design and have a BTEC HND or degree in graphic design, advertising design, illustration or fine art. Getting work experience, paid or voluntary, is the main route to getting into this job. Entry Requirements Needed: Good creative design skills have a BTEC HND or degree in graphic design, advertising design, illustration or fine art.) High level of artistic ability – have studied design in the past (most art directors have studied design and have a BTEC HND or degree in graphic design, advertising design, illustration or fine art.)

Skills, Interests and Qualities to be an advertising art director: To be an advertising art director you should have: creativity and imagination good art and design skills, including an understanding of photography and printing excellent communication and team working skills good computer skills a good eye for detail the ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines resilience and the ability to cope with criticism of your work good business sense and awareness of budgets. Working hours, Conditions and Income: Your hours could vary – you would usually work Monday to Friday, but your days may often be longer than 9am to 5pm if you had deadlines to meet. The work is office-based, but you may also travel to meet clients or visit studios or locations where advertisements are being made. Starting salaries are often between £18,000 and £25,000 a year. With experience, earnings can be between £25,000 and £50,000. Senior creatives in leading agencies can earn up to £100,000.

About Job Profile/Role: Camera Operator (Portable Single Camera) is a senior role within television camera departments. The role's duties vary depending on the type of production. On high budget dramas or commercials, their main role is to support the Director of Photography (DoP or DP) and the Director, by accurately carrying out their instructions regarding shot composition and development. They also cover drama productions, documentaries, current affairs and news, shooting on various tape or digital formats. Camera Operators are usually selected by the Director, but sometimes by the DP. They work closely with the First camera Assistant (Focus Puller). They oversee the preparation and checking of camera equipment. During shooting, they are responsible for all aspects of camera operation, so that the DP can focus on lighting and overall visual style. While the DP and Director discuss their composition of each shot, the Operator ensures that the camera and associated equipment are ready for the required set-up, keeping an alert for any last minute changes that may occur.

Qualifications needed for Job role: You do not need a specific qualification to work in this role. Instead, you would usually learn the practical skills required through hands-on experience on the job. That said, continuing professional development is vital, especially as camera technology changes rapidly. Basic stills photography, which develops visual and composition skills, also provides a useful starting point in training for this role. If, however, you are considering taking a TV production course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the TV industry and awarded the Creative Skillset Tick for the high standard of education they provide and the degree to which they prepare you for a TV career.

About Job Role/Profile: Gaffers are responsible for all the practical aspects of lighting sets and locations. They work closely with lighting directors in order to fulfill their creative vision for the productions lighting. They work on all genres of television programming, including multi- camera and single camera shoots, in studios, Outside Broadcasts (OBs) and on locations. They report to the Lighting Director, Director of Photography (DoP), the lighting company or the production company During pre-production, Gaffers discuss all lighting aspects of the production with relevant heads of department, including crewing and equipment requirements, and shooting dates and durations. They then produce a list of the required equipment and request quotations from lighting companies for consideration by the Lighting Director or production company. If the quotations are over budget for the production, they may suggest solutions during discussions with Lighting Directors or production personnel. Once this is all agreed, Gaffers order the required equipment from lighting companies and specify the crewing requirements.

Qualifications/Requirements need for Job: Have a deep knowledge of what can be achieved in terms of lighting for each production, in any particular studio or location. Be able to interpret lighting plans, including all aspects of the rig, scale drawings of all lamps and their positions, and what lighting gels and circuits to use. Have strong team-working skills, both within the lighting department and with other departments involved in the production. Have an understanding of all aspects of television production. Have knowledge of electrical theory and practice. Have excellent IT skills. Be adaptable and resourceful before and during the production process Be quick and logical in solving problems. Have good communication skills. You must be a fully-qualified electrician to be a Gaffer, with relevant City & Guilds or electrical engineering qualifications at HND. Creative Skillset has developed a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at Level 4 for Gaffers. This qualification is awarded by City and Guilds You will need to keep your skills up to date with further training as television lighting technology and techniques are constantly changing.