Film, TV and Radio

Having a job in working in film, TV or radio makes people sound interesting. If you do pursue a career in this area you are sure to be proudly announced at parties as ‘here’s John, he works in film’… Immediately images of glamour and riches are summoned and if you smile mysteriously and avoid all follow-up questions you may be able to convince everyone that the reality is really that romantic.

Hard work and long hours are more likely than a trailer beside Angelina Jolie but the attraction to the variety of careers in these sectors continues to rise. There is little job security, yet those wishing to avoid the nine to five lifestyle might relish this environment.

It is undoubtedly a challenging and interesting route to set out on, and one that is always in demand for flexible, experienced and innovative individuals. Read on to find out how to equip yourself as well as possible.

Education
The BA in Communication Studies offered by DCU (which required 440 points in 2007) is an excellent introduction to the world of media in general. During the three-year course, the student learns skills of research, expression and critical awareness, while production modules equip the student for working with the mediums of audio, video and imaging.

In the hometown of Hollywood director John Moore (The Omen, Behind Enemy Lines) at Dundalk IT, you can enrol in the Bachelor of Arts in Video & Film (295 points – 2007). The four main strands of this three-year course are Film, Media & Cultural Theory, Applied Media Production, Business of Film and TV Production and Personal Development.

Besides higher education options such as these, there are many media broadcasting and production courses, accredited by FETAC, around the country. Contact your local VEC for details.

Broadcasting engineers for both TV and radio are usually qualified in electronic or electrical engineering, courses for which are available all over Ireland.

The role of researcher for TV and radio is much sought-after; competition is very tight and usually only journalists and media workers with years of experience are employed. Most communications, media and journalism courses will introduce students to the methods of research, and equip them with the relevant skills. Check with the course provider to ensure that the subject of research is included.

Options After Qualification
Graduates of radio courses can look for work in local or national radio, while those seeking work in TV can apply for positions in independent production companies, as well as the national TV stations. The competition for jobs in all media is extreme, but the options are improved slightly by the ability to move from one medium to another (from radio to TV or vice versa).

The Irish film industry has so far failed to recapture the glory days of the 1990s, when major blockbusters such as Braveheart and Saving Private Ryan were filmed here. Despite recent successes such as Once, only an average of six indigenous Irish films are made per year. Many graduates seeking to make their way in the film industry may need to work abroad.

The Work
Entry-level positions in TV and radio are often on a work experience or intern level. Even graduates with degrees start off making tea and labelling tapes in a production company or post-production house. You have to show initiative and talent to move up to more senior positions.

Researchers and production assistants on a TV or radio show have a wide variety of different responsibilities, including booking crew for shoots (cameramen, key grips, and so on), researching guests’ backgrounds, calculating budgets, making transport and accommodation arrangements, and suggesting creative ideas.

Broadcasting and sound engineers are responsible for the technical efficiency of a studio or outside recording scenario. Sound operators are often involved in post-production, adding music or a voice-over to a programme.

The producer is the head of the production team. Producers have an idea and put together a proposal for the programme, hire the crew and talent, receive a commission from a TV station or secure funding from other backers, and ensure the project comes in on-budget and on time.

The director is responsible for the finished content that appears on-screen. Directors plan visuals with the camera operators, deal with guests, interviewees or actors to help them perform in front of the camera, write scripts for voice-overs or montages and sit with the editor to put the finished project together.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment
Practical and technical abilities are important yet they must be used with a certain amount of creativity and imagination for success. To work in television, film or radio people skills are fundamental; it is in your dealings with successively bigger fish that your progress will be noticed. For those considering applying for TG4 fluency in Irish is a prerequisite.

Producers, researchers, directors and other media professionals can either work full-time for TV, a radio station or a production house, or they can work freelance on a contract basis. Freelance workers can often have very busy periods interspersed with quiet times. Working hours can be long, and shoots can be stressful.

The Money
People starting out in TV, film or radio usually earn around €20,000 - €25,000 a year. Pay can be quite irregular due to the nature of the work, but the money will improve dramatically if you succeed in your field of expertise.

The Jargon
Rushes: Daily raw footage shot during the production of a motion picture
Jump Cut: A video transition in which one shot appears to ‘jump’ to another shot with very similar framing; used for dramatic effect
Post-Production: The work that’s done to a completed recording, such as sound editing
Dolly Grip: The operator of a dolly, a wheeled cart upon which the camera sits for moving shots
Gaffer: The chief electrician on a film or TV production

Job Titles
Sound Engineer
Production Assistant
Researcher
Producer
Director

Further Resources
Head Office
TG4,
Baile na hAbhann,
Co. na Gaillimhe.
Tel: 353 91 505050
Email: eolas@tg4.ie

Irish Film and Television Network (IFTN)
First Floor, Palmerstown Centre
Kennelsfort Road
Dublin 20
Phone: 01 620 0811
Web: www.iftn.com
Email: info@iftn.ie

Radio Teilifís Éireann
Donnybrook
Dublin 4
Phone: 01 644 1200
Web: www.rte.ie
Email: info@rte.ie

Ardmore Studios
Herbert Road
Bray
Co. Wicklow
Phone: 01 286 2971
Web: www.ardmore.ie