In a group of four, we had to discuss different aspects of legislation in the media. Here is our talk.
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Task Four - Mock Interview
This is the mock interview that Jasmine and I took part in. I filmed and edited the video.
Monday, 12 April 2010
Task Four - Educational Routes into the Media
To get a high status job in the media industry, it is a good idea to have as much education on the industry as possible, meaning you also have higher qualifications. This is turn proves to employers that you have closely studied the subject and are interested in it, and know what you are talking about.
Apprenticeships
Post 16 education offers a chance to participate in an apprenticeship scheme, where you will be training on the job, whilst getting paid. You can get an apprenticeship in most sectors of the media industry, such as TV and film, marketing, journalism etc. This is a good way to start in the industry, as when you have finished the apprenticeship you have practical experience of the business and your employer may want to permanently employ you.
Education
Going on to higher education is a very popular way to continue. Under/graduate media courses are run in most universities across the country, and the length of time varies as to which course you take. A full-time course would usually be 3 years. A part-time course would be 6 years. These courses are usually made up of practical units, and are often assessed through coursework. If you take a part time course, this gives you a chance to work when you are not studying. You could gain experience from applying to different work placements, which would help get you a better job later on. There are different level courses that you could take – Foundation (level 2) or Higher (level 3). Your entry to either course will depend on your results from previous assessments, such as GCSE’s. These are usually BTEC courses. Going onto a higher course may give you the chance to partake in many different areas of the industry, such as a film and TV course will have you complete units on documentaries, reality shows, film production etc, so this is a good way to help you decide and ensure you are following the right path. Colleges and universities also often have ties to certain media companies, such as the BBC. These will often give you an opportunity to carry out work experience or make a project for the company. You may also get a chance to use their equipment. Participating in any of these educational courses are highly likely to develop you career, as you would have better qualifications than someone who hadn’t taken the course. The qualifications will show an employer that you have worked hard to gain the achievement.
Skills Analysis
Education not only teaches information critical to the industry, but it also teaches skills that are needed to survive in the general working world. For example, personal skills such as communication are learnt by socialising in the classroom and listening to others. This is part of the hidden curriculum taught in education and working in the media industry, and being able to work in a team is something very important to the job, which is also used a lot in practical projects in the classroom. You will also learn skills on the computer, which, in the media industry, is very important. Computers are part of new age media, and they will be around for a very long time, so it is important that an employee is educated on how to use one efficiently. Most universities use software called Final Cut Pro, which is an editing software on an Apple Mac. This is one example which employers want employees to have experience with, and if you have already learnt this in the classroom then they are more likely to employ you. All practical media courses will provide you with a chance to use camera and lighting equipment, which is another factor which is important to employers. People with experience of equipment are more likely to get the job over others who do not have experience. This is where educational courses are going to give you more skills than some other routes can offer you.
Sources of Information
Unions are in place to support and fight for employees rights. If an employee feels they are being mistreated in any way then they can go to their union and they will give support and advice on what to do. They are also there to give information, should you need it. They can inform you about your rights as an employee and contract issues, for example. Sector skills councils are run by employers, and they are there to improve skills of workforces and to improve the productivity. These organisations will benefit the employees as they are there to improve skills and to make working life more comfortable for everyone. A careers advisor will give you advice on certain career paths and advise you on the best way to go about your aims. You can get a lot of information in a career in the industry from an advisor, as they know what they are talking about and they can give you information on different people in the industry to contact. This is helpful in developing a career, as you will gain more information and positives and negatives on all areas of the job. You can go into the job knowing what you are responsible for and what you are entitled to.
Apprenticeships
Post 16 education offers a chance to participate in an apprenticeship scheme, where you will be training on the job, whilst getting paid. You can get an apprenticeship in most sectors of the media industry, such as TV and film, marketing, journalism etc. This is a good way to start in the industry, as when you have finished the apprenticeship you have practical experience of the business and your employer may want to permanently employ you.
Education
Going on to higher education is a very popular way to continue. Under/graduate media courses are run in most universities across the country, and the length of time varies as to which course you take. A full-time course would usually be 3 years. A part-time course would be 6 years. These courses are usually made up of practical units, and are often assessed through coursework. If you take a part time course, this gives you a chance to work when you are not studying. You could gain experience from applying to different work placements, which would help get you a better job later on. There are different level courses that you could take – Foundation (level 2) or Higher (level 3). Your entry to either course will depend on your results from previous assessments, such as GCSE’s. These are usually BTEC courses. Going onto a higher course may give you the chance to partake in many different areas of the industry, such as a film and TV course will have you complete units on documentaries, reality shows, film production etc, so this is a good way to help you decide and ensure you are following the right path. Colleges and universities also often have ties to certain media companies, such as the BBC. These will often give you an opportunity to carry out work experience or make a project for the company. You may also get a chance to use their equipment. Participating in any of these educational courses are highly likely to develop you career, as you would have better qualifications than someone who hadn’t taken the course. The qualifications will show an employer that you have worked hard to gain the achievement.
Skills Analysis
Education not only teaches information critical to the industry, but it also teaches skills that are needed to survive in the general working world. For example, personal skills such as communication are learnt by socialising in the classroom and listening to others. This is part of the hidden curriculum taught in education and working in the media industry, and being able to work in a team is something very important to the job, which is also used a lot in practical projects in the classroom. You will also learn skills on the computer, which, in the media industry, is very important. Computers are part of new age media, and they will be around for a very long time, so it is important that an employee is educated on how to use one efficiently. Most universities use software called Final Cut Pro, which is an editing software on an Apple Mac. This is one example which employers want employees to have experience with, and if you have already learnt this in the classroom then they are more likely to employ you. All practical media courses will provide you with a chance to use camera and lighting equipment, which is another factor which is important to employers. People with experience of equipment are more likely to get the job over others who do not have experience. This is where educational courses are going to give you more skills than some other routes can offer you.
Sources of Information
Unions are in place to support and fight for employees rights. If an employee feels they are being mistreated in any way then they can go to their union and they will give support and advice on what to do. They are also there to give information, should you need it. They can inform you about your rights as an employee and contract issues, for example. Sector skills councils are run by employers, and they are there to improve skills of workforces and to improve the productivity. These organisations will benefit the employees as they are there to improve skills and to make working life more comfortable for everyone. A careers advisor will give you advice on certain career paths and advise you on the best way to go about your aims. You can get a lot of information in a career in the industry from an advisor, as they know what they are talking about and they can give you information on different people in the industry to contact. This is helpful in developing a career, as you will gain more information and positives and negatives on all areas of the job. You can go into the job knowing what you are responsible for and what you are entitled to.
Task Four - Ongoing Work Applications
To date, I have applied for work experience at:
- BBC Solent
And I currently work:
- At hospital radio
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Task Four - My CV
Task Four – Preparing a CV
This is an up to date CV that I have written. I will be adding more to it when I have gained more experience/qualifications.
Personal Details
Amy Browning
10 Hilltop Way,
Salisbury,
Wilts,
Sp1 3QY
Phone number: 01722 330473
Date of Birth: 21st February 1993
Email Address: amy2468@tiscali.co.uk
Nationality: British
Driving License: Clean
Highly motivated, committed, organised and willing to take on challenging tasks. Qualifications in media production and keen to try different approaches that will achieve improved quality of work for the company.
Key Skills and Achievements
• IT Key Skills Level 3
• Radio production and experience on radio desk
• Written a number of articles for college magazine “anthem”
• Certificate in First Aid
• Student receptionist for a day - carrying out responsibilities that the employed receptionist would do
• Teaching Assistant for a day – Assisting in classrooms teaching media studies
• Good communication skills – I am a good listener and I will discuss how and when projects need to be carried out
• Motivation – I am self motivated, but I also find it easy to motivate others.
Professional Experience
• September 2006 – Present: The Edwardian Lodge, Salisbury
-Waitressing
-Chambermaid
• February 2010 – Present: Hospital Radio, Odstock Hospital, Salisbury
-Producing radio show
-Controlling radio desk
-Playing music
-On air speaking
• April 2008 – May 2008 (two weeks): Traveller’s World work experience, Salisbury
-Accounting
-Assisting computer bookings
-General office assistant
Qualifications/Education
School/College Years
Harnham Infants, Salisbury 1997-2000
St Marks Junior, Salisbury 2000-2004
St Edmunds Girls, Salisbury 2004-2009
Totton College, Totton 2009-2011
Personal Details
Amy Browning
10 Hilltop Way,
Salisbury,
Wilts,
Sp1 3QY
Phone number: 01722 330473
Date of Birth: 21st February 1993
Email Address: amy2468@tiscali.co.uk
Nationality: British
Driving License: Clean
Highly motivated, committed, organised and willing to take on challenging tasks. Qualifications in media production and keen to try different approaches that will achieve improved quality of work for the company.
Key Skills and Achievements
• IT Key Skills Level 3
• Radio production and experience on radio desk
• Written a number of articles for college magazine “anthem”
• Certificate in First Aid
• Student receptionist for a day - carrying out responsibilities that the employed receptionist would do
• Teaching Assistant for a day – Assisting in classrooms teaching media studies
• Good communication skills – I am a good listener and I will discuss how and when projects need to be carried out
• Motivation – I am self motivated, but I also find it easy to motivate others.
Professional Experience
• September 2006 – Present: The Edwardian Lodge, Salisbury
-Waitressing
-Chambermaid
• February 2010 – Present: Hospital Radio, Odstock Hospital, Salisbury
-Producing radio show
-Controlling radio desk
-Playing music
-On air speaking
• April 2008 – May 2008 (two weeks): Traveller’s World work experience, Salisbury
-Accounting
-Assisting computer bookings
-General office assistant
Qualifications/Education
School/College Years
Harnham Infants, Salisbury 1997-2000
St Marks Junior, Salisbury 2000-2004
St Edmunds Girls, Salisbury 2004-2009
Totton College, Totton 2009-2011
GCSE Results
• Media Studies – A*
• Religious Studies – A*
• Physical Education – Distinction
• English Literature – A
• English Language – A
• Textiles – A
• Science Applied – A
• Science – B
• Mathematics – B
• Spanish – C
Personal Interests
• I have a large interest in the television industry, and I have been to many tapings of live shows which has broadened my knowledge of how a television crew operates, and the complications that arise. I am very keen to learn more about all aspects of the media industry.
• I have been a part of many team sports in the past, such as netball and football, which have led to competitions and leagues for me to compete in.
• As a hobby, I experiment with making and editing videos using Sony Vegas, and I also volunteer at a radio station weekly which I enjoy.
• I try to go to the cinema once a week with my friends as a socialising activity, but I also go because I love films and I am always interested in new releases.
• I love to travel, and I would love a career that would allow me to work and live abroad, as it is something that is very important to me.
• I also enjoy shopping and eating out with friends; I usually do this at the weekends to relax.
• I am currently studying journalism, which is another aspect of the media that I may want to pursue. I am interested in how the manipulation and mediation of news
• I love to listen to new music, so I often search YouTube for new and upcoming bands that I like.
• I am very interested in the Internet; it is something that I use daily. I read a lot of news on different websites, and I like to micro blog and use Internet forums.
• Media Studies – A*
• Religious Studies – A*
• Physical Education – Distinction
• English Literature – A
• English Language – A
• Textiles – A
• Science Applied – A
• Science – B
• Mathematics – B
• Spanish – C
Personal Interests
• I have a large interest in the television industry, and I have been to many tapings of live shows which has broadened my knowledge of how a television crew operates, and the complications that arise. I am very keen to learn more about all aspects of the media industry.
• I have been a part of many team sports in the past, such as netball and football, which have led to competitions and leagues for me to compete in.
• As a hobby, I experiment with making and editing videos using Sony Vegas, and I also volunteer at a radio station weekly which I enjoy.
• I try to go to the cinema once a week with my friends as a socialising activity, but I also go because I love films and I am always interested in new releases.
• I love to travel, and I would love a career that would allow me to work and live abroad, as it is something that is very important to me.
• I also enjoy shopping and eating out with friends; I usually do this at the weekends to relax.
• I am currently studying journalism, which is another aspect of the media that I may want to pursue. I am interested in how the manipulation and mediation of news
• I love to listen to new music, so I often search YouTube for new and upcoming bands that I like.
• I am very interested in the Internet; it is something that I use daily. I read a lot of news on different websites, and I like to micro blog and use Internet forums.
Task Four - CV Structure Research
Tips for CV Writing
• If a CV is more than 3 pages long then everything on the third page and beyond is unlikely to be read. Keep your CV to a maximum of 3 pages. No one wants to read your life story. Not all of it is relevant, and not everyone has the time.
• When CVs are scanned the reader cannot be bothered to read sentences. They want to pick out the keywords to see if the person has the experience and expertise required. This is one reason why it is useful to bolden the important parts so they stand out to the person scanning the words. They also take up less room than sentences. When CVs are scanned the reader cannot be bothered to read sentences. They want to pick out the keywords to see if the person has the experience and expertise required. This is one reason why it is useful to bolden the important parts so they stand out to the person scanning the words. They also take up less room than sentences.
• Without a summary of your skills the reader needs to read the whole CV and pick out the skills themselves.
• Each time you send your CV out it should be targeted directly to the position you are going for.
• If your CV does not have a profile that says precisely what you are then the reader is going to have to guess by reading your CV. Make sure have a profile on your CV, and ensure it is tailored to the position.
• If you have 10 years experience, don’t put your education on the first page. It is really not as important as the most recent experience you have. Clients want highly skilled contractors with recent and relevant experience - not graduates. If you have only been working for a couple of years, then you could consider adding education in the expertise and achievement section, but still put it all in the main section at the end. But don’t waste
• Having a good achievements section can put you above the rest who don’t. Achievements state the measurable benefits you provided to your clients that justified your pay cheque. They are things you did that saved time, saved money, made more money, won more business, and so on.
• Too much use of the word ‘I’ can appear self indulgent and does not appear as professional. Remove the use of it entirely. Use action words like designed, improved, completed, or initiated.
• Writing a CV well involves putting yourself in the shoes of the people who are going to read it. The front page needs to convince the reader in no uncertain terms that you are the best person for the role.
• CVs should be no more than two pages, on good (e.g. 90-100gsm) white paper, typed or word-processed, and preferably in a font no smaller than 12 point.
Format:
• Name
• Contact details
• Profile Statement - The statement should be no more than 2-3 lines in length and it should be filled with the kind of "attribute" words which will help the reader identify you as a potential candidate for the kind of role that you want to get. To take a couple of examples:
o A highly organized and experienced Payroll/Human Resources Administrator, with excellent communication and IT skills
o Self-motivated, committed software development team leader with over ten years experience developing large scale, robust systems to high quality standards using multiple platforms and languages
• Bulleted list of key achievements and skills - trying to keep each one to no more than a single line, and using "action" words which reinforce the positive role which you had.
• Actual Professional experience - List jobs in reverse order and try to ensure that your most recent and relevant roles fit onto the first page.
o Name the company you were working for (with dates)
o Have 2-3 lines summarising the main parameters of that job.
o If you had multiple roles in the same company, have an entry for each.
o For the most recent role you may also like to list 4-5 points summarising your role and achievements. Try to use action words.
o Ensure that you can account for any gaps in the dates. In interviews, this is always one of the first things checked. Prospective employers use this history to try and build a picture of how the candidate's career has developed.
• List qualifications- (Highest first and work-based qualifications before academic ones). Add any courses which are relevant to the job role you are seeking too, and if these led to formal qualifications or not. For example, if you have attended a presentation skills course, this could be relevant for a lot of IT roles.
• List professional memberships
• Remainder of your personal information e.g. Full clean driving license, date of birth. Opinions seem to vary on whether you should mention your existing salary or package.
Agencies will almost certainly ask this straight away if you do not volunteer this information. However, you can distinguish clearly between "package" (performance bonus, car, BUPA, pension, creche etc..) and basic salary; and it is perhaps better to say what you are looking for, rather than what you had before.
• Personal interests – Does not have to be long. Team based sports are good as they show you have worked with others.
• If a CV is more than 3 pages long then everything on the third page and beyond is unlikely to be read. Keep your CV to a maximum of 3 pages. No one wants to read your life story. Not all of it is relevant, and not everyone has the time.
• When CVs are scanned the reader cannot be bothered to read sentences. They want to pick out the keywords to see if the person has the experience and expertise required. This is one reason why it is useful to bolden the important parts so they stand out to the person scanning the words. They also take up less room than sentences. When CVs are scanned the reader cannot be bothered to read sentences. They want to pick out the keywords to see if the person has the experience and expertise required. This is one reason why it is useful to bolden the important parts so they stand out to the person scanning the words. They also take up less room than sentences.
• Without a summary of your skills the reader needs to read the whole CV and pick out the skills themselves.
• Each time you send your CV out it should be targeted directly to the position you are going for.
• If your CV does not have a profile that says precisely what you are then the reader is going to have to guess by reading your CV. Make sure have a profile on your CV, and ensure it is tailored to the position.
• If you have 10 years experience, don’t put your education on the first page. It is really not as important as the most recent experience you have. Clients want highly skilled contractors with recent and relevant experience - not graduates. If you have only been working for a couple of years, then you could consider adding education in the expertise and achievement section, but still put it all in the main section at the end. But don’t waste
• Having a good achievements section can put you above the rest who don’t. Achievements state the measurable benefits you provided to your clients that justified your pay cheque. They are things you did that saved time, saved money, made more money, won more business, and so on.
• Too much use of the word ‘I’ can appear self indulgent and does not appear as professional. Remove the use of it entirely. Use action words like designed, improved, completed, or initiated.
• Writing a CV well involves putting yourself in the shoes of the people who are going to read it. The front page needs to convince the reader in no uncertain terms that you are the best person for the role.
• CVs should be no more than two pages, on good (e.g. 90-100gsm) white paper, typed or word-processed, and preferably in a font no smaller than 12 point.
Format:
• Name
• Contact details
• Profile Statement - The statement should be no more than 2-3 lines in length and it should be filled with the kind of "attribute" words which will help the reader identify you as a potential candidate for the kind of role that you want to get. To take a couple of examples:
o A highly organized and experienced Payroll/Human Resources Administrator, with excellent communication and IT skills
o Self-motivated, committed software development team leader with over ten years experience developing large scale, robust systems to high quality standards using multiple platforms and languages
• Bulleted list of key achievements and skills - trying to keep each one to no more than a single line, and using "action" words which reinforce the positive role which you had.
• Actual Professional experience - List jobs in reverse order and try to ensure that your most recent and relevant roles fit onto the first page.
o Name the company you were working for (with dates)
o Have 2-3 lines summarising the main parameters of that job.
o If you had multiple roles in the same company, have an entry for each.
o For the most recent role you may also like to list 4-5 points summarising your role and achievements. Try to use action words.
o Ensure that you can account for any gaps in the dates. In interviews, this is always one of the first things checked. Prospective employers use this history to try and build a picture of how the candidate's career has developed.
• List qualifications- (Highest first and work-based qualifications before academic ones). Add any courses which are relevant to the job role you are seeking too, and if these led to formal qualifications or not. For example, if you have attended a presentation skills course, this could be relevant for a lot of IT roles.
• List professional memberships
• Remainder of your personal information e.g. Full clean driving license, date of birth. Opinions seem to vary on whether you should mention your existing salary or package.
Agencies will almost certainly ask this straight away if you do not volunteer this information. However, you can distinguish clearly between "package" (performance bonus, car, BUPA, pension, creche etc..) and basic salary; and it is perhaps better to say what you are looking for, rather than what you had before.
• Personal interests – Does not have to be long. Team based sports are good as they show you have worked with others.
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Task Two - Job Roles in the Industry
Job Roles in the Industry
A management role in the media industry could include jobs in any field (music, televisions, radio etc) as all areas of work need managers. Manager’s roles would include liaising with company partners, ensuring all business deals are in place and there are no problems. It is also up to the manager to ensure that all employees are happy and being treated fairly. As a manager, you are considered to be a role model to the rest of the workforce, and you should be trustworthy and approachable, to ensure that any queries or problems that arise can be easily sorted. A manager role could also include dealing with clients and client’s requests. The manager of a web design company, for example, will have many clients that they will have to meet expectations for, and it is up to the manager to ensure quality of work is high. A manager for an advertising agency could earn between £35,000 - £65,000 p.a.
Creative roles in the industry could include anything such as a music video producer, script writer, video game creator, magazine designer or web designer. These roles include thinking of ideas and presenting them to a team who are ready to produce and move forward with these ideas. Often, the creative side will not only include the pre production, but also overseeing or participating in the production and post production of a media product, depending on the job title. An example would be a creative media producer for a digital agency, who could earn £35,000 - £40,000 p.a.
A technical role could involve camera operation, special effects work, sound/lighting experts or setting up web pages. These jobs could mean working on a set, working as a business, such as a web based business, or working behind the scenes. Working on the DJ decks at a radio station is a technical job, as there are many controls that have to be carefully worked. Some of these jobs may just be part time, or an employee may be needed for a few days work. For example, a small company wants to employ a professional camera operator for 3 days, and they are paying £300 per day.
Research is vital in all areas of the industry, because without it, producers and creators would not know what the target audience want. Market research could be carried out to find out new information about a new product, by collecting qualitative and quantitative data to use in future developments. Researching what products are on the market is also important, because in the media, you cannot afford to create the same product that has already been made, so it is important to make changes and improvements to what is already out there. For example, there are hundreds of radio stations out there, but to make sure yours stands out, it is important to research what the target audience want to listen to, and Radio 1 do this by taking requests and looking into new artists. For example, a research executive could earn £23,000 – £26,000.
A financial role in the media includes jobs such as accounting, and sorting out funds for the company so they know how much expenditure they have. It is important that the funds are kept close track of, as the company could go into serious debt if they are wrong. Without employees qualified in the financial area, equipment, such as cameras and lighting may not be affordable. These employees may also be responsible for finding the cheapest equipment and taking note of prices and also the wages for the employees. They will sort out the wage packet and decipher how much each employee has earned by the pay day. A part qualified media accountant could earn £28,000 - £35,000.
Organisational roles in the industry could include jobs such as organising events, e.g. awards ceremonies, and organising tickets and entrance passes. This job could also entail the construction of sets and the allowing of staff on sets. For a live TV audience, it is important that there are staff to direct the audience to their seats, and an employee to organise where all the equipment will be places and ordered. This is important, as when it comes to filming, all staff must know where the cameras etc are, as for a smooth shooting and it will take less time. This is just a few examples of what an organisational role could entail. In all aspects of the industry, it is important to be on time and in the right place for the project. A media relations manager could earn £26,610 - £29,566.
An administrative job will include doing all the paperwork for the company, and filling out forms and contracts. For example, if you work for a newspaper company, there will be many legal forms that you must fill out to complete the publishing of certain articles. It may also include confirming the rights to use certain songs, if you work for a television show. Details on actors/staff/crew all must be gathered so there is contact information and contractual agreements printed. It is important that admin is completed before projects start. Admin is integral in the pre production and production stages of a production, as details on locations, equipment, actors etc can be gathered from this. For example, the wage for an Office Manager could range between £25,000 - £30,000 p.a.
Editorial jobs in the media industry are very important, and can vary within each field. This could include jobs such as editing newspapers, magazines, or films. Depending on the media text, the job requirements will be different. To edit a broadsheet newspaper, you must have degrees in English literature and language, but to edit a final cut for a TV show, you must have qualifications in TV production, and often advanced degrees. Editors are highly important in the media, because everything you will come across in the media is edited in some way. For example, a publicist will edit and reshape a story that has leaked into the press. This is not a job in the same field as an editor for a book, yet it is still an editing job. It is important that editing is smooth and does not break continuity, as this is one of the first things a viewer/audience will pick up on. If there is spelling or grammar mistakes in a magazine or newspaper, they will stick out obviously. Editing in the media could include a range of different types of jobs; a smaller job could include editing websites or a podcast for a radio station, however the bigger, more experienced jobs would include film editing or editing music videos and television shows, which reach a wider audience. Editing is a highly skilled job, and will often pay very well depending on experience and qualifications. A production editor could earn £22,000 - £24,500.
There are many jobs in the media that are freelance, or give the opportunity to be. Companies and businesses such as website designers, animators, editors, researchers etc. offer these opportunities. Advantages of working freelance is that you can choose your own workload and working hours, and you make 100% profit rather than paying wages. In the media, you will find a lot of self employed workers, who own successful businesses that have strong links with bigger companies. The bigger companies may want to give their work to small self owned businesses because it could be done quicker, and there is a large chance that it will be cheaper for them too. Building up trust and relations in the media industry is vital, as this is where the work comes from.
Shift work means working in hourly sections, with breaks in between. Jobs with shift work could include Operations Administrators, for example, who would work on a 12 hour shift basis, 4 days a week. As well as the wage, you are paid shift allowance. A typical working day if you are employed in an office is from 9am/930am until 5pm. On average, an employee will work 40 hours a week. These office hours will include breaks and lunch breaks.
Fixed term contracts are fairly easy to find in the industry. Most employers will want to employ you permanently, so they have fixed staff. But, in the media, some have fixed term contracts so that it will end when a certain project is completed, such as filmmakers will have fixed term contracts, so once they have directed/filmed the movie, then their contract with the film studio may terminate. Having a definite start/end date means that the company uses you only for what t hey need you to do and they are not contractually obliged to keep you employed after. This is a good way for employers to use the best staff out there, who are suited for the right jobs. This ties in with piece work – employees are paid only until the project is completed.
A management role in the media industry could include jobs in any field (music, televisions, radio etc) as all areas of work need managers. Manager’s roles would include liaising with company partners, ensuring all business deals are in place and there are no problems. It is also up to the manager to ensure that all employees are happy and being treated fairly. As a manager, you are considered to be a role model to the rest of the workforce, and you should be trustworthy and approachable, to ensure that any queries or problems that arise can be easily sorted. A manager role could also include dealing with clients and client’s requests. The manager of a web design company, for example, will have many clients that they will have to meet expectations for, and it is up to the manager to ensure quality of work is high. A manager for an advertising agency could earn between £35,000 - £65,000 p.a.
Creative roles in the industry could include anything such as a music video producer, script writer, video game creator, magazine designer or web designer. These roles include thinking of ideas and presenting them to a team who are ready to produce and move forward with these ideas. Often, the creative side will not only include the pre production, but also overseeing or participating in the production and post production of a media product, depending on the job title. An example would be a creative media producer for a digital agency, who could earn £35,000 - £40,000 p.a.
A technical role could involve camera operation, special effects work, sound/lighting experts or setting up web pages. These jobs could mean working on a set, working as a business, such as a web based business, or working behind the scenes. Working on the DJ decks at a radio station is a technical job, as there are many controls that have to be carefully worked. Some of these jobs may just be part time, or an employee may be needed for a few days work. For example, a small company wants to employ a professional camera operator for 3 days, and they are paying £300 per day.
Research is vital in all areas of the industry, because without it, producers and creators would not know what the target audience want. Market research could be carried out to find out new information about a new product, by collecting qualitative and quantitative data to use in future developments. Researching what products are on the market is also important, because in the media, you cannot afford to create the same product that has already been made, so it is important to make changes and improvements to what is already out there. For example, there are hundreds of radio stations out there, but to make sure yours stands out, it is important to research what the target audience want to listen to, and Radio 1 do this by taking requests and looking into new artists. For example, a research executive could earn £23,000 – £26,000.
A financial role in the media includes jobs such as accounting, and sorting out funds for the company so they know how much expenditure they have. It is important that the funds are kept close track of, as the company could go into serious debt if they are wrong. Without employees qualified in the financial area, equipment, such as cameras and lighting may not be affordable. These employees may also be responsible for finding the cheapest equipment and taking note of prices and also the wages for the employees. They will sort out the wage packet and decipher how much each employee has earned by the pay day. A part qualified media accountant could earn £28,000 - £35,000.
Organisational roles in the industry could include jobs such as organising events, e.g. awards ceremonies, and organising tickets and entrance passes. This job could also entail the construction of sets and the allowing of staff on sets. For a live TV audience, it is important that there are staff to direct the audience to their seats, and an employee to organise where all the equipment will be places and ordered. This is important, as when it comes to filming, all staff must know where the cameras etc are, as for a smooth shooting and it will take less time. This is just a few examples of what an organisational role could entail. In all aspects of the industry, it is important to be on time and in the right place for the project. A media relations manager could earn £26,610 - £29,566.
An administrative job will include doing all the paperwork for the company, and filling out forms and contracts. For example, if you work for a newspaper company, there will be many legal forms that you must fill out to complete the publishing of certain articles. It may also include confirming the rights to use certain songs, if you work for a television show. Details on actors/staff/crew all must be gathered so there is contact information and contractual agreements printed. It is important that admin is completed before projects start. Admin is integral in the pre production and production stages of a production, as details on locations, equipment, actors etc can be gathered from this. For example, the wage for an Office Manager could range between £25,000 - £30,000 p.a.
Editorial jobs in the media industry are very important, and can vary within each field. This could include jobs such as editing newspapers, magazines, or films. Depending on the media text, the job requirements will be different. To edit a broadsheet newspaper, you must have degrees in English literature and language, but to edit a final cut for a TV show, you must have qualifications in TV production, and often advanced degrees. Editors are highly important in the media, because everything you will come across in the media is edited in some way. For example, a publicist will edit and reshape a story that has leaked into the press. This is not a job in the same field as an editor for a book, yet it is still an editing job. It is important that editing is smooth and does not break continuity, as this is one of the first things a viewer/audience will pick up on. If there is spelling or grammar mistakes in a magazine or newspaper, they will stick out obviously. Editing in the media could include a range of different types of jobs; a smaller job could include editing websites or a podcast for a radio station, however the bigger, more experienced jobs would include film editing or editing music videos and television shows, which reach a wider audience. Editing is a highly skilled job, and will often pay very well depending on experience and qualifications. A production editor could earn £22,000 - £24,500.
There are many jobs in the media that are freelance, or give the opportunity to be. Companies and businesses such as website designers, animators, editors, researchers etc. offer these opportunities. Advantages of working freelance is that you can choose your own workload and working hours, and you make 100% profit rather than paying wages. In the media, you will find a lot of self employed workers, who own successful businesses that have strong links with bigger companies. The bigger companies may want to give their work to small self owned businesses because it could be done quicker, and there is a large chance that it will be cheaper for them too. Building up trust and relations in the media industry is vital, as this is where the work comes from.
Shift work means working in hourly sections, with breaks in between. Jobs with shift work could include Operations Administrators, for example, who would work on a 12 hour shift basis, 4 days a week. As well as the wage, you are paid shift allowance. A typical working day if you are employed in an office is from 9am/930am until 5pm. On average, an employee will work 40 hours a week. These office hours will include breaks and lunch breaks.
Fixed term contracts are fairly easy to find in the industry. Most employers will want to employ you permanently, so they have fixed staff. But, in the media, some have fixed term contracts so that it will end when a certain project is completed, such as filmmakers will have fixed term contracts, so once they have directed/filmed the movie, then their contract with the film studio may terminate. Having a definite start/end date means that the company uses you only for what t hey need you to do and they are not contractually obliged to keep you employed after. This is a good way for employers to use the best staff out there, who are suited for the right jobs. This ties in with piece work – employees are paid only until the project is completed.
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