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:

This information comes from https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/newspaper-or-magazine-editor

What does the Editor do in a production?
Editors are one of the key Heads of Department on feature films, responsible for First Assistant Editors, and on bigger productions, Second Assistants and Trainees.

The Editor works closely with the Director, crafting the daily rushes into a coherent whole. To ensure that the story flows effortlessly from beginning to end, each shot is carefully chosen and edited into a series of scenes, which are in turn assembled to create the finished film.

Editors work long, unsociable hours, often under pressure, in an edit suite. They are employed on a freelance basis by the Producer (sometimes with the approval of the film's financiers), based on their reputation and experience. Editors often work on television drama, as well as on feature films.

The Editor works closely with the Director before shooting begins, deciding how to maximise the potential of the screenplay. Editors check the technical standards, as well as the emerging sense of story, and the actors' performances.

Because scenes are shot and edited out of sequence, Editors may work on scenes from the end of the film before those at the beginning, and must therefore be able to maintain a good sense of how the story is unfolding.

Editors select the best takes and edit them together to create scenes. In some cases, an improvised line or an actor's interpretation of their role may create some on-screen magic that can be developed into a new and exciting scene.

During the post production period, the Editor and the Director work closely together, refining the assembly edit into the Director's Cut, which must be approved by the Producers, until they achieve picture lock or Fine Cut (when the Director and/or Executive Producer give final approval of the picture edit).

Editors usually work in a supervisory role during the subsequent music and track laying, and sound mix.
This information comes from http://creativeskillset.org/creative_industries/film/job_roles/2940_editor

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.
You don’t need a specific qualification. But if you are considering taking a film production course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the film 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 career in film.

What’s the best route in to the role?

What skills do you need to do this role?

I got this information from here https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/television-camera-operator

What does the Camera Operator do in a production?
Camera Operators carry out the Director of Photography’s (DoP) and Director’s instructions for shot composition and development. They are usually the first people to use the camera's eyepiece to assess how all the elements of performance, art direction, lighting, composition and camera movement come together to create the cinematic experience.

Camera Operators usually start at the end of pre-production and attend technical recces with other Heads of Department. They work closely with the Director of Photography, Director and Grip, and are responsible for the First Assistant Camera (1st AC), Second Assistant Camera (2nd AC) and the Camera Trainee.

After the Director and DoP have rehearsed and blocked the shots, the Camera Operator and DoP decide where to position the camera and what lenses and supporting equipment to use. Camera Operators liaise with the Grip and other Heads of Department, and keep them informed about how the position and movement of the camera might impact on their workload.

During shooting, Operators are responsible for all aspects of camera operation, enabling the DoP to concentrate intensively on lighting and overall visual style.

Camera Operators make sure the camera and equipment are prepared for the required set-ups and ready for any last-minute changes. They must be able to multi-task and to watch, listen and think on their feet while carrying out complex technical tasks.

I took this information from here http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/3073_camera_operator

Will I need a qualification?
Like many Camera Operators, you can study for higher level qualifications, although no specific qualifications are required to work in this role.

Film schools and training courses offer a good basic grounding in the skills and knowledge required and the most useful courses offer practical experience and may also include work experience placements.

You could take a City & Guilds course, BTEC HNC/HND, foundation degree, first degree and/or postgraduate qualification in media, film and TV production or cinematography.

If you are considering taking a film production course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the film 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 career in film.

You will also find basic stills photography, which develops visual and composition skills, a useful starting point for this role.

You can expect to learn most of your practical skills through hands-on experience on the job. However, continual professional development is vital, especially as technology changes rapidly.

I got this information on the same website as the lowdown and what camera operator does.

What’s the best route in to the role?

What does the Producer do in a production?
I got this information from http://creativeskillset.org/creative_industries/film/job_roles/757_producer

Producers have overall control on every aspect of a film's production. They bring together and approve the whole production team. Their key responsibility is to create an environment where the talents of the cast and crew can flourish. Producers are accountable for the success of the finished film. They steer the film from beginning to completion and beyond.

The Producer is often the first person to get involved in a project. Or they may be the agent-style Producer who focuses on the deal. The many responsibilities of the Producer span all four phases of production. In the Development stage, Producers are often responsible for coming up with the idea for a production, or selecting a screenplay. Producers secure the rights, choose the screenwriter and story editing team. They raise the development financing and supervise the development process.

In pre-production, Producers bring together the key members of the creative team. This includes the Director, Cinematographer and Production Designer and key cast members. They help the Executive Producers to raise money for the production. Once the initial finance is in place, they select other key production office personnel and Heads of Departments. 

Producers also approve locations, studio hire, the final shooting script, production schedule and budget. More time and money spent in pre-production can reduce time and money wasting when the production gets underway.

Once the film is in production, Producers are responsible for the day-to-day smooth operation of the team. Producers are also in constant communication and consultation with the Director and other key creatives, on and off set. Producers approve all script changes and cost reports. They are the first point of contact for all production partners, investors and distributors. 

During post production, Producers are expected to liaise with the Director and post production department. The Producer will deal with the finance and distribution companies in planning the marketing and distribution of the finished film.

It is rare to find one Producer who has the expertise and vision to exercise personal decision-making authority across all four phases of production, but 

The Producer is usually supported by a hand-picked production office team. Many of the key people will have worked with the Producer on several film projects. Producers have a legal responsibility, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, to prepare health and safety procedures for the workplace. The Producer's ultimate responsibility is to the production company and the Executive Producers.

Will I need a qualification?
You don’t need a specific qualification. If you are considering taking a film production course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the film 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 career in film.

What’s the best route in to the role?
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 location. spitching 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.

What does the director do in production?
Directors are responsible for creatively translating the film's written script into actual images and sounds on the screen. They are ultimately responsible for a film's artistic and commercial success or failure.

Directors may write the film's script or commission it to be written, or they may be hired after an early draft of the script is complete. They must then develop a vision for the finished film and work out how to achieve it.

During pre-production, Directors make crucial decisions, such as selecting the right cast, crew and locations for the film. They then direct rehearsals and the performances of the actors once the film is in production.

They also manage the technical aspects of filming including the camera, sound, lighting, design and special effects departments.

During post production, Directors work closely with Editors through the many technical processes of editing, to reach the final cut or version of the film.

At all stages, Directors are responsible for motivating the team to produce the best possible results. Directors must also always be aware of the constraints of the film's budget and schedule and manage the expectations of the film's financiers.
I got this information from http://creativeskillset.org/creative_industries/film/job_roles/758_director

Qualifications:
Degree field: Journalism, film, communication, acting, arts management, or a comparable discipline.
You don’t need a formal qualification to become a Director.

There are numerous training courses and reference books on directing and studying the art and craft of directing is important.

If you are considering taking a film production course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the film 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 career in film: 

However, the role can only really be mastered through in-depth practical experience. You will find writing a screenplay, directing your own short film or an amateur play are all good starting places. 

You will also need extensive industry experience; up-to-date knowledge of film making techniques and equipment is vital, as is learning how to work with actors to create a performance.
This information comes from the same website as the skill section.

What's the best route in to the role?
Get a head start and start directing short movies for YouTube, while also focusing on another job. Then once earning money, buy better equipment and start promoting yourself a making yourself popular. Also helps to have a few degrees in this job's sector.
You can expect to start your career by getting work experience as a Runner on a film set or in a production office before working your way up through entry-level positions over many years.

Observing successful Directors at work, whilst immersing yourself in the practical process of film making is a vital first step on this fiercely competitive and highly challenging career path.
I got this information from http://creativeskillset.org/creative_industries/film/job_roles/758_director