What kind of training do you need for media jobs? It's not the kind of career that you can just apply for as a walk-in. Most organizations require that you have appropriate training, which includes a Bachelor's degree in fine arts from an accredited college or university.
But for some jobs in media, you can substitute past experience in lieu of a college degree. For example, if you've worked in graphic design or photography, or been employed as a broadcast or sound technician or even a radio operator, you might qualify for one of the media jobs that lead up to video production coordinator duties. There are some jobs in media that will consider an applicant who has worked his way up in a company and learned multiple skills. Most employers, however, want to see at least 30-45 hours of college credits. Many trade schools offer associate degrees in media jobs.
To qualify for this type of work, you must be completely comfortable with all equipment involved. That ranges from setting up advance cameras and audio equipment to being completely comfortable with video and lighting boards. If equipment breaks down, you've got to use your ingenuity and resourcefulness to patch it together. When multiple locations are involved, you have to break down your set quickly and know how to re-establish it without delay at the next set.
You can't just expect the electrical team to take care of hook-ups. Even though a video production coordinator functions at a higher artistic level, you have to know how to get right in there and take charge of wiring everything up.
Next, you must combine your technical skills with your creativity. You will need to assimilate function of various software applications and know how to use spreadsheets, word processing software, and video design presentations. You also need an innate sense of artistry plus good hand-eye coordination. Sometimes situations arise that require you to respond quickly! Patience and attention to detail are also important.
If you work in one of the media jobs that lead to production coordinator, you become responsible for making lots of decisions. It's up to you to decide what equipment to use and which shots work best. You arrange for backups-both people and equipment. And when it comes to people, you need to cross-train your staff so that if a gaffer falls sick, a best boy can fill in for him. Deciding on all the job's logistics falls to you. You keep people running to a schedule, and it's possible that you are the one who creates the schedule. You are also usually responsible for set security and safety.
After shooting is completed, you review footage and determine which can be used and which must be re-shot. Sometimes you have to put your own editing skills to work. And once again you're calling on your sense of detail to check that everything matches and that your team's work is seamless. At this last stage, you have to call on effective communication skills so that you motivate your team to finalize the project just as you want it.
Salaries vary for jobs in media, depending on your geographical area and the level of control you have over a finished product. Most media jobs are in large, metropolitan areas. Median pay is at $40,000 at this time. Most people earn somewhere between $29,000 and $59,000.
Competition is keen for these jobs, and the best ways to land jobs in media that lead to video production coordinator duties include networking within the industry, signing up for industry newsletters or publications, and working with an employment firm that can both educate and inform you about opportunities in your area.
