# Tasks & work activities — technical director

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 27-2012.05 (Media Technical Directors/Managers).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Test equipment to ensure proper operation.
- **[Core]** Monitor broadcasts to ensure that programs conform to station or network policies and regulations.
- **[Core]** Observe pictures through monitors and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.
- **[Core]** Act as liaisons between engineering and production departments.
- **[Core]** Supervise and assign duties to workers engaged in technical control and production of radio and television programs.
- **[Core]** Schedule use of studio and editing facilities for producers and engineering and maintenance staff.
- **[Core]** Confer with operations directors to formulate and maintain fair and attainable technical policies for programs.
- **[Core]** Operate equipment to produce programs or broadcast live programs from remote locations.
- **[Core]** Train workers in use of equipment, such as switchers, cameras, monitors, microphones, and lights.
- **[Core]** Switch between video sources in a studio or on multi-camera remotes, using equipment such as switchers, video slide projectors, and video effects generators.
- **[Core]** Collaborate with promotions directors to produce on-air station promotions.
- **[Supplemental]** Direct technical aspects of newscasts and other productions, checking and switching between video sources and taking responsibility for the on-air product, including camera shots and graphics.
- **[Supplemental]** Set up and execute video transitions and special effects, such as fades, dissolves, cuts, keys, and supers, using computers to manipulate pictures as necessary.
- **[Supplemental]** Discuss filter options, lens choices, and the visual effects of objects being filmed with photography directors and video operators.
- **[Supplemental]** Follow instructions from production managers and directors during productions, such as commands for camera cuts, effects, graphics, and takes.

## Detailed work activities

- Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions.
- Collaborate with others to prepare or perform artistic productions.
- Coordinate activities of production personnel.
- Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
- Create computer-generated graphics or animation.
- Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.
- Direct productions or performances.
- Inspect communications or broadcasting equipment.
- Manage content of broadcasts or presentations.
- Monitor broadcasting operations to ensure proper functioning.
- Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment.
- Operate control consoles for sound, lighting or video.
- Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.
- Train others on work processes.