"The entertainment industry today holds tremendous appeal for the young. TV is one such fast growing favourite choice of careers with youngsters"
Casting agent Anita Asher shares, “I meet at least 10 aspiring actors everyday who want to get into TV: they just want to be seen on TV.’’ However, even behind-the-camera jobs are not easy to get. Thus, many people are willing to work for free, or for low wages at low-level positions. Naturally, these people get a position relatively quickly. Such free jobs often lead to full time careers.
WRITING BASICS
The basic behind-the-scene jobs which are hard to break into are writing, directing and producing. Many have opted for postgraduate diplomas or certificate courses in writing which help polish their writing skills.
However, a single show will have multiple writers: scriptwriters, screenplay writers, dialogue writers, working together. So, versatility and flexibility is imperative. Additionally, deadlines are often near impossible. Affirms Tejas Vaidya, scriptwriter, “Writers are expected to deliver quality work in very short time spans. Especially those who work with daily shows. To be a TV writer, one must think fast and deliver faster.’’
PRODUCTION PURVIEW
Producers work under production houses or independently. Independent producers either finance their work themselves or find a financier. A TV producer is the ‘big boss’ of a programme. His responsibilities range from budget and creative control to post production. A single show credits multiple producers.
A coordinating producer coordinates the efforts of two or more producers with other departments, while a segment producer is responsible for one segment of a larger programme; whereas, a line producer runs the practical aspects of a show, like logistics.
DIRECTION DECODED
Direction requires a lot of experience. Very few courses are available which train specifically in direction. Amit Varma, 29-year-old aspiring director says, “The only way to get into direction is to assist an established director. Most upcoming directors have no professional training in the field. They learn hands on from their seniors.’’
Another TV career is that of Director of Photography (DOP). One can start off as a camera operator; a camera operator must have technical knowledge and work in sync with the director and editor. Also, in live TV or news shows, one must work on the field to collect footage.
Video editing of the footage is a principal part of TV production. An editor’s role depends on the situation, and he needs to work according to the show and the director’s requirement. Good editing requires flair plus technical competence. This can be achieved through the various editing courses available and practice. But an editor must develop an understanding of the medium and a style of his own. Experience and proof of ability are key factors. Keep ready a demo reel of your work along with formal qualifications while applying.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
- Those with a flair for designing can consider set designing and costume designing. Both work along with the production crew to meet the demands of the show as to setting, characters and location. There is much scope for creativity and demand for efficiency in both.
- A recent option is special effects. Right from horror shows, to cartoons, to news broadcasts, all require a team to meet their special effects needs.
- There is also casting, hair and make-up, music production, location scouting and many other careers if one is to really explore. But opportunities are few; one must be ready to work hard for long hours. There could be many people fighting for a single position. Also, the tough deadlines and long working hours make it a stressful job.
- A career in TV can be stressful, but also very satisfying. A passion for the medium and zeal to work hard, along with the right break, can lead to assured success.
