technical-director/references/tasks.md

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.