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:

Production editors are responsible for the process of putting out a publication. The position includes many duties, from proofreading content to writing a budget. Candidates are usually required to have a bachelor's degree, experience as an editor and managerial skills.

Will I need a qualification?

A college education is required for most editing jobs. Although it's possible for someone who demonstrates strong writing and editorial skills to train on the job, a bachelor's degree in English, communications or journalism is often a prerequisite for one seeking to become an editor.

What’s the best route in to the role?

Step 1: Pursue Your Editing Interests

The first step to becoming an editor involves identifying and pursuing specific editorial work. Prospective editors should identify what type of editorial work they wish to do. For example, fashion magazine editors should have an interest in fashion, whereas book editors should enjoy literature. Other specialty areas include medical and legal publishing. Identifying the industry in which one wants to work may help prospective editors determine what training they need.

Understanding the differences between content editing, copyediting and proofreading can also influence the type of training a prospective editor might seek. For example, individuals who want to be content editors may focus on honing their writing skills, because a large part of their jobs would involve revising content, whereas aspiring copyeditors may seek out additional grammar courses because they will likely be responsible for proofreading manuscripts or other literature.

It may also be beneficial for prospective editors to work at their high school papers. Many high schools allow students to work on their newspaper as writers and editors. Those interested in editing as a career may try working at their high school newspaper before committing to a bachelor's degree program to see if it is something they really want to pursue.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The second step to becoming an editor centers around earning a bachelor's degree. A college education is required for most editing jobs. Although it's possible for someone who demonstrates strong writing and editorial skills to train on the job, a bachelor's degree in English, communications or journalism is often a prerequisite for one seeking to become an editor. Students in these programs generally receive instruction on composition, sentence structure and editing. Advanced courses may delve into more specialized topics, such as news or content editing.

Acquiring an internship can also be useful. Many undergraduate programs offer students an opportunity to work at an internship. These internships allow students to choose a field they wish to further explore, such as content editing or proofreading. Although editorial internships are often unpaid, interns gain writing, editing and researching skills and make connections that could help them secure a job.

Step 3: Acquire Supplemental Skills

The third step to becoming an editor involves acquiring supplemental skills. Since most editing is done on a computer, prospective editors also might take classes in computers, graphic design and Web content management, which can help them to better understand specific editing issues, such as layouts and character limits. Because more and more manuscripts are being submitting in electronic format, it's important for editors to have a working understanding of computers and editing software. Students considering a career in editing for television may also consider enrolling in courses, including mass communications and TV production.

Step 4: Gain Work Experience

The fourth step to becoming an editor consists of gaining work experience. Entry-level editorial positions in publishing houses or with news organisations can allow aspiring editors to gain professional experience. Recent graduates often start out as editorial assistants or may begin their careers as writers and then advance to work under, or as, an editor-in-chief. Advancement in the editing field is typically commensurate with experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for editors is $56,010 as of 2015.

Camera Operators carry out the Director of Photography's (DoP) and Director's instructions for shot composition and development. ... Camera Operators usually start at the end of pre-production and attend technical recces with other Heads of Department.

Will I need a qualification?

Associate or bachelor's degree in journalism, television, film or videography recommended but not required.

What’s the best route in to the role?

Camera operators record moving images for film, television, commercials, music videos or corporate productions. They operate film or digital video cameras, usually under instruction from the director or director of photography. On a typical job, you'll:

You may be the only camera operator and use a portable single camera, or you could be part of a TV studio camera team. On feature films and TV drama productions, you'll be part of a larger crew with a specific role. This might be:

You'll normally specialise in either film or television work, as the equipment and techniques can differ. However, with the growth in digital cameras and HD technology, it’s becoming easier for camera professionals to work across all formats.

What do I need to do to become a TV or film camera operator?

Employers will be more interested in your technical skills and practical experience than academic qualifications. In practice, many camera operators take a college or uni course to develop their camera skills before looking for work.

It may give you an advantage if you can find a course that offers practical experience and possibly a work placement. You can also get practical experience and build up your contacts through:

What does the Producer do in a production?
Either employed by a production company or independent, producers plan and coordinate various aspects of film production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing., They are in charge of selling the film or arranging distribution rights as well.

Will I need a qualification?
None required, but a bachelor's or master's degree may be helpful

What’s the best route in to the role?

Steps to Become a TV Producer

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

While there are no specific education requirements to become a TV producer, earning a bachelor's degree is recommended. Students who want to become producers have the option to enroll in a related bachelor's degree program, such as a Bachelor of Applied Science in Film, Television and Digital Production program. This curriculum will cover all areas of film and TV production, and students can take courses in camera operation, cinematography, screenwriting, lighting, sound and editing. Opportunities will also be available to learn the different aspects of producing, including budgeting, fundraising and how to audition actors.

During a bachelor's degree program, students may be given the opportunity to create a film. Not only will they get a chance to write and direct their own films, but working as part of the crew on other students' films can provide preparation for production assistant jobs upon graduation.

Step 2: Work as a Production Assistant

The first career step for producers is to obtain related employment, such as working as a production assistant. The duties for production assistants also vary widely and may not always involve direct work on a production. For example, production assistants may be responsible for getting coffee or making copies. However, as they gain more experience and develop contacts in the industry, their responsibilities can grow on the set.

Those who want to become TV producers will want to find work as production assistants on television shows. While opportunities may be available to work on independent or feature films, finding TV production assistant jobs will help aspiring producers jump-start their careers in the industry by familiarizing them with the inner workings of a TV studio.

Step 3: Build a Portfolio of Work

The work you produce is more important that your resume. Therefore, it is vital to produce as much quality work as possible. Look for opportunities to produce in smaller markets, or lower budget productions to build your portfolio. Archive your finished work, and keep it organized and presentable in clip form to show prospective employers.

Step 4: Network to Advance Your Career

Networking can help prospective producers develop contacts in the industry. Reading scripts and attending industry events, workshops and seminars are all ways for prospective producers to begin establishing a career. Many TV production companies also promote from within, so work as a production assistant may lead to a career as a line producer and eventually to an executive producer position.

To summarize, aspiring TV producers might consider earning a bachelor's degree in film and TV production, communications, or a related field and work samples and experience are critical to obtaining employment in the field.

What does the Director do in a production?
A film director controls a film's artistic and dramatic aspects and visualises the screenplay (or script) while guiding the technical crew and actors in the fulfilment of that vision. The director has a key role in choosing the cast members, production design, and the creative aspects of film making.

Will I need a qualification?
Yes you'll need a film degree.

What’s the best route in to the role?

Step 1: Get a Head Start in the Industry

Formal education and training as a director is not required for a career in the field. Many movie directors begin making movies, such as short films or home movies, before going to film school. Others learn basic skills creatively without ever earning a film degree. For example, some professionals develop an interest in directing by working in various aspects of film development or production, such as screenwriting, producing or acting; generally, these professionals begin as assistants and work their way up.

Step 2: Earn a Degree

Aspiring directors may pursue a bachelor's degree program in fine arts, film, or a related field. These programs typically last four years and offer directing concentrations, which help students develop skills such as casting, rehearsal procedures, text analysis, acting techniques, and camera application. Students also learn how to create and use storyboards, shoot scripts, and brackets. Common courses include film history, storytelling, screenwriting, and production. To gain directing experience, students are typically required to participate in a set number of collaborative student film projects as part of their coursework.

Success Tip:

Most film schools strongly encourage internships within the film industry in order to develop technical skills and understand the ins-and-outs of film production. Internships can also help students build a network of contacts, which can be essential to career growth in the film industry.

Step 3: Consider a Graduate Degree

Master's degree programs in fine arts are often three years in length and help filmmakers develop their own voices as directors. Directing programs often focus on management skills, helping directors to oversee people across many different areas of film production. Most master's degree programs require the development of a professional portfolio and a thesis, typically in the form of a short film. Coursework covers areas in theme conceptualization, movie development workshops, and screen directing.

Success Tip:

The National Association of Schools of Theater (NAST) accredits theater arts programs throughout the nation. Aspiring graduate students should look for master's programs accredited by the NAST to ensure that they are enrolled in a quality program that is nationally recognized.

Step 4: Continue Education

Due to the highly competitive nature of the film industry, many prospective directors seek additional education and training. The Directors Guild of America (DGA) offers an assistant director training program in which students receive hands-on training on the set of actual films. Graduates may become members of the DGA and are often hired as assistant directors on film productions, which may help launch a career as a movie director.