Unit Group
5226 Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
This unit group includes a range of technical, co-ordinating and supervisory workers who co-ordinate and perform specific activities for television, radio and motion picture productions, news broadcasts, theatre and stage productions, and other live or recorded productions. They are employed by television and radio stations and networks, recording studios, motion picture and video production companies, concert promoters and theatre, stage and dance companies.
Example Titles
costumier
gaffer
key grip
lighting technician
make-up artist – motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
program co-ordinator – broadcasting
property master – broadcasting
settings shop foreman/woman
special effects technician
stage manager
stunt co-ordinator
theatre technician
View all titles
Main duties
The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
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Floor managers co-ordinate the work of camera operators and other technical staff, and cue announcers, actors and performers during news broadcasts and television program tapings.
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Key grips supervise grips, gaffers and stagehands who rig, place, move and dismantle lights, sets, backdrops, scenery and other stage equipment.
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Gaffers and lighting technicians set up, operate and make repairs to lights and other electrical equipment in studios and on sets and stages.
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Stunt co-ordinators and special effects technicians design and co-ordinate special effects such as fires, explosions and crashes.
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Make-up artists apply cosmetic and special effects make-up on actors and other performers.
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Costumiers study scripts to determine the necessary costumes and oversee the acquisition, fitting and maintenance of costumes.
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Settings shop foremen and forewomen assist in preparing the construction specifications for sets.
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Property masters identify and list the necessary props and place them during rehearsals and performances.
Employment requirements
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For most occupations in this unit group, completion of a college or university program in broadcasting, theatre arts or a related field
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and
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Several years of experience in a related support or assisting occupation in motion pictures, broadcasting or the performing arts are required.
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Floor managers require a portfolio of work.
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Make-up artists working in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts may require a training program.
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Creative ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, is required for make-up artists.
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For gaffers, lighting technicians, key grips and other stage technicians, completion of a college program or other specialized training program in technical production for theatre is required.
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Membership in a related union may be required.
Additional information
- There may be an overlap in duties among occupations in this unit group, depending on the size of the production or broadcasting studio.
Classified elsewhere
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Audio and video recording technicians (5225)
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Broadcast technicians (5224)
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Film and video camera operators (5222)
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Lighting designers (in 5243 Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers )
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Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts (5227)
