• Making use of his/her creativity to produce the best possible visual and sound effects.



• Deciding on such details as décor, lighting and music.



• Controlling the production budget, the production team and any other parties involved.Script-writer



• Considering various filming techniques and other technical aspects. Also called the architect of the film.



• Writing all continuity outlines and the scripts that are read by presenters when introducing or promoting upcoming programmes.



• Writing scripts for productions.Camera Operator



• Filming events by making use of specialised equipment such as video cameras, sound equipment and lighting equipment.



• Capturing events on camera artistically and professionally, usually on the instruction of the producer or reporter.



• Handling technical quality control during the shooting or recording of an event or production.Vision Controller



• Ensuring that the visual aspects of broadcast are of the highest quality, for example, making sure that the lighting is correct.Vision Mixer



• Following the script and the instructions of the producer closely to combine the scenes accurately by cutting, mixing and using other special effects. They require skill, speed and the ability to work under pressure.Videotape Recorder



• Handling the video-recording equipment.



• Viewing pre-recorded programmes and editing them before transmission.



• Controlling the video of a TV-signal.



• Previewing all upcoming programmes to determine whether the signal is functioning properly and that the programme will be ready for transmission at the required time.



• Doing the physical transmission to the viewers, and being responsible for vision mixing.



• Setting up and operating videotaping equipment to record and playback television programmes.



• Selecting sources for programme recordings, to do satellite recordings and satellite dish control.



• Dubbing, editing and vision mixing films.Film Preparation Officer



• Preparing films and sound tracks up to finalisation.



• Examining films for problems, such as scratches and bad joins.Title Generator Operator



• Creating the titles used in programmes by making use of an electronic processing system and computer keyboard.Final Control Operator



• Directing all television transmissions from the final control centre. To be able to do this, he/she must have thorough knowledge of all aspects of television operations.Scenic Designer



• Designing and planning the construction of décor in collaboration with the producer.



• Gathering detailed information by looking at the script and using it as guideline.Décor construction



• Putting the scenic designer’s ideas into practice.



• Producing life-like sets, by using various materials.Scenic Painter and Sign-writer



• Painting backdrops to complete the décor sets.



• Making signboards for sets of shops, ships, offices, etc..



• Doing silk-screening.Special Effects



• Taking care of and being responsible for non-electronic effects, such as smoke, snowstorms, fire and explosions that may be required on the set.Graphics Artist



• Planning and arranging an effective presentation of television visuals according to aesthetic design concepts, by making use of illustrations and photographic techniques.



• Preparing a series of drawings to illustrate sequences and timing of story development for television production (only in some cases).



• Creating animated portions or still graphics for logos or programmes, televisions scenes, advertisements, presentations and promotions.Lighting Designer



• Ensuring that lighting meets broadcast standards, by keeping the set design, props and costumes in mind.



• Creating sunsets and night scenes effectively. They should therefore have a flair for colour and knowledge of electricity.Lighting Operator



• Determining what lighting is needed during the recording or transmission of a programme or film.



• Plotting the lighting and the sequence of lighting changes and feeding this information into the computer.Model Builder



• Building different models such as marionettes, puppets, replicas of buildings, etc.. He/she should therefore have knowledge of mechanics and electronics.Film-Sound Operator



• Using a portable tape recorder to record a sound tape.



• Doing language dubbing.



• Creating sound images through sound mixing.



• Controlling the technical quality of sound recordings.



• Suggesting and creating appropriate sound effects to enhance the overall effect of sound recordings.



• Selecting the type and location of microphones to obtain the best sound on outside locations or in studio.



• Controlling the audio equipment to regulate the volume level and quality of sound during television broadcasts according to the script and instructions from the director or technical producer.



• Synchronizing the sound with picture presentation.



• Doing the final mix of the various sounds.



• Producing the final sound track.Film/Video Editor



• Editing the shots into a logical and artistic programme after receiving the prints and sound tracks.



• Working in close contact with the producer.



• Advising the producer on the capabilities and limitations of the editing equipment.



• Designing and creating video effects.Programme Assessor



• Screening and evaluating the content or purchased television programmes, in terms of technical quality, format, public’s information needs, and whether they are compatible with the broadcasting corporation’s value standards.



• Judging, detecting and recommending deletion of vulgar an immoral segments or statements from programme material.



• Transferring material into the broadcasting’s own tape stock for future processing.

Requirements

Secondary Education

A HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption is required to be accepted by South African universities. Possession of a HIGCSE or outstanding IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, is needed to enrol at a South African technikon. Possession of at least an IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with passes in five subjects and 25 points on the UNAM point evaluation scale is required to be accepted at UNAM.

Recommended subjects
Art for some occupations (South Africa)
Mathematics, Computer Studies, Art - for graphic designers (Namibia)

Tertiary Education
A B. degree in Communications is offered by some universities in South Africa. For careers such as animator, scenic painter, and graphic designer a B. A. Fine Arts can also be completed at a university. UNAM offers a 4-year B. degree in Media Studies, or a 4-year B.A. degree in Performing Arts, where the student can take Drama as a major subject.

The Technikon of Pretoria is the only technikon that offers the N. Dip.: Film and Video Technology. The duration of the course is three years full-time study; five semesters of formal training and one semester of experiential training.

Prospective graphic designers should enrol for a Graphic Design course at a technikon or university Prospective costume designers, décor designers, animators and make-up artists can complete a relevant National Diploma at any technikon in South Africa. Model building students can complete a N. Dip. Performing Arts Technology at a technikon.

Personality
The prospective candidate must have a well-developed artistic sense, and should be able to get on well with other people. The candidate should also have knowledge of complicated electronic equipment.

Work Opportunities
People in the film- and television production field are employed by the NBC, private film and production companies and theatres.

Back