# data[].attributes.body
TV and film directors lead the creative and technical production for cinema and television.

You'll need:

excellent organisational and planning skills

the ability to make decisions quickly

leadership and motivational skills

You'll lead a team of cast and crew making films, TV programmes, commercials, music videos or corporate videos.

Your day-to-day duties may include:

meeting producers to plan filming schedules and resources

developing scripts or ideas for programmes

developing storyboards

deciding how the production should look and where it should be filmed

hiring the cast and crew

explaining technical requirements to different teams

directing actors on set or location

supervising the editing

On smaller productions, you may be involved in production work.
You'll need experience of working in TV or film, and an in-depth understanding of the production process.

With experience you might develop your own projects and raise the money to put them into production.

# data[].attributes.body
TV and film producers look after the business side of productions.

You'll need:

creativity and vision

presentation and negotiation skills

leadership and management ability

planning and organisational skills

financial skills and the ability to work to a budget

You'll manage the production process from start to finish, organising people and resources.

Your day-to-day duties might include:

deciding which projects to produce, or creating programme ideas yourself

reading scripts

securing the rights for books or screenplays, or negotiating with writers to produce new screenplays

identifying sources of funding and raising finances

working out what resources are needed

checking and approving locations

pitching to television broadcasters to commission your programme

planning filming schedules

hiring staff, cast and crew

managing cash flow

making sure the production stays on schedule and within budget

working with marketing companies and distributors

There are no set requirements, but you’ll usually need:

experience in both the creative and business sides of film or programme making

an in-depth understanding of the production process

a network of contacts in the industry

With experience, you could become an executive producer, or set up your own production company.

# data[].attributes.body
Camera operators record images for film, television, commercials and online.

You'll need:

the ability to carry out instructions quickly and accurately

calmness under pressure

patience and concentration

good levels of stamina and physical fitness

You'll record moving images for film, television or online use. You could work on feature films, news programmes, commercials, music videos or corporate productions, usually under instruction from the director or director of photography.

Your day-to-day duties might include:

setting up camera equipment

choosing the most suitable lenses and camera angles

planning and rehearsing shots

following a camera script

working closely with other technical departments

With experience, you could become a camera supervisor, cinematographer or director of photography.

There are no set requirements. Employers are usually more interested in skills and experience than qualifications.

You could specialise in a particular field, like underwater filming, aerial photography or wildlife work.

# data[].attributes.body
Video editors bring together images and sound for use in film, TV and online.

You’ll need:

a good sense of timing and visual awareness

a mixture of practical and creative skills

a high level of attention to detail

the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

patience and concentration

IT skills

You’ll be part of a post-production team working with material recorded by camera and sound crews, and will add any extra effects.

You’ll work on projects like films, TV programmes, corporate videos, commercials and music videos.

There are no set entry requirements, but you’ll usually need experience of editing software like Final Cut Pro, Media Composer or Premiere Pro.

Once established, you might use an agent to find work and negotiate your fees.

# data[].attributes.body
Animating models or puppets one frame at a time to create a performance and provide the action outlined in the storyboard

have strong observational, acting and timing skills

be able to work in a range of stop motion animation techniques, including excellent sculpting skills (if working in clay)

have good communication skills, including in liaising with members of other departments, particularly model making

have good team-working skills

be able to clean up models or puppets and make replacement parts, if required

be able to operate relevant animation and camera equipment

have a good understanding of character development and storytelling

be flexible and adapt to the requirements of different types of production for a variety of media, such as television, films, commercials, etc.

be able to take direction and accept constructive feedback

be able to work without supervision and follow a brief

be able to deliver on schedule, working calmly and efficiently under pressure

show respect for the procedures and requirements of a particular studio or production

have knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures

Stop Motion Animators bring models or puppets to life, animating them one frame at a time to create a performance and provide the action outlined in the storyboard.

They follow a brief from a Director, Animation Director/Supervisor or Studio Director, and may also refer to established characterisation developed by a Director or Key/Senior Animator.

Stop Motion, also called Stop Frame, describes animation that is created by moving models, puppets or any three-dimensional objects frame-by-frame in front of a camera to create the illusion of movement. Other terms used are Model or Puppet Animation, Table Top or 3D, although nowadays 3D usually applies to computer animation.

In character animation, Animators could be ‘cast’ like actors, for their particular talents, such as comedy, dialogue, action, charm, simplicity; or their ability to animate certain types of character; or for their skill at animating inanimate objects. However, they should also be all-rounders with the ability to replicate the animation style that the Senior Animator has set for each particular character.

Depending on the size of the production, they may be involved with pre-production and are likely to collaborate with Model Makers and Riggers to ensure that the models or puppets are prepared for the action that is required.

On smaller productions, they may work alone. On larger projects they may be one of a team and supported by an Assistant Animator. They can be responsible for supervising the work of more junior animators.

To become a Stop Motion Animator, it will generally help you to have a degree in animation, fine art, sculpture, graphics, illustration, or another related subject.

If you are considering taking an animation or art and design/graphics course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the 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 creative career:

Animation courses awarded the Creative Skillset Tick

Art and design/CGI/graphics courses awarded the Creative Skillset Tick

Your showreel will need to demonstrate your talent in order to set you apart. The more experience you can gain in a range of stop motion techniques, the more employable you will be. Some studios also want to see evidence of good life drawing. Directors and Producers will be looking for you to have proven ability to develop characters and produce good performances.

To become a Stop Motion Animator, you will need to work your way up from the position of Assistant or Junior Animator. It is very rare that you would be able to gain a job as an Animator straight after graduating.

You could apply to be an Animation Trainee through Trainee Finder, which gives you hands-on experience in the industry and helps you build those all-important contacts that are essential when competing for a job:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Careers, jobs and skills training in film, TV, VFX, animation and games

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are investing in the future of the animation, film, TV, VFX and games industries in the United Kingdom. Find training, information, connections and advice on your career in screen.