TELEVISION/VIDEO PRODUCER/DIRECTOR SENIOR 35024

07/01/74 A

This is the first supervisory level in the Television/Video Production series for positions that develop, produce and direct television, film, and video programming for an agency or educational institution. Positions in this class function as the primary project production manager and/or may serve as the chief supervisor in a medium television, video, film or multimedia production unit. Positions make assignments to staff, determine and control budget for projects, establish and ensure adherence to production schedules. Positions in this class also perform functions including executing the writing, producing and directing the agency's most technically complex television, video, film and multimedia programming. Programs and projects may be created and produced for statewide, national and international on-line and recorded distribution via live satellite broadcasts for contracted audiences, or interactive on-line, audio, and analog or digital video formats. Programs include informational, educational, and promotional themes. Productions require a wide range of artistic and technical abilities. The Television Video Producer/Director Senior class is distinguished from the Television Video Producer/Director class by the responsibility to supervise a unit rather than the performance of creative production and direction activities. The Television/Video Producer/Director Senior class is distinguished from the Television/Video Production Manager class by supervising and performing production and direction activities rather than the full range of management and administrative responsibilities in support of the most complex activities and supervision of staff to include the Television/Video Producer/Director Senior.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty by assigning, managing, and evaluating work during production and at completion of multiple dissimilar projects; devising project budget; and setting project deadlines. Positions in this class provide primary project leadership or supervision to staff; monitor performance for timely completion, level of aesthetic quality and meeting client needs. Positions also review incoming television and multimedia requests to plan and carry out activities for the utilization of production facilities and purchase graphics, musical rights, talent and other services contracted for production, program sale or licensing purposes. Positions consult with clients on project objectives, resources and audience characteristics; analyze and select the style, format and presentation modes; develop innovative and comprehensive plans for writing, shooting, and editing scripts; initiate pilot programs with target audiences; evaluate reaction and reviews; assure project meets client needs, objectives and budget; direct the technical aspects of scheduling, shooting, special effects, talent utilization in productions and programming; and make editorial decisions based on script requirements, artistic, technical and Federal Communication Commission (FCC) broadcast standards. Conceive and recommend innovative visual styles, program formats and presentation modes in the conceptualization, design and implementation of the presentation of complex ideas. May market or coordinate marketing of live broadcasts, video, film or multimedia for distant learning, conferences, and promotional products. Serve as the department chief with overall administrative functions in support of a medium sized unit. Positions supervise and evaluate the performance of staff and perform the full range of employee relations functions, including hiring, disciplining and establishing performance standards.

Supervision Given: Positions supervise Television/Video Producer/Director(s), Specialist(s), Technicians and/or student assistants in a medium sized unit. Positions provide staff supervision on projects and programs.

Supervision Received: Receives general directions from a Television/Video Production Manager, faculty member or other agency administrator in areas such as budget control and overall project quality and creative approach meets standards.

Scope: Positions in this class affect the quality and design of programs produced by the unit, which may be distributed and/or broadcast for local, state, or national audiences, or for agency and non-agency clients.

Impact of Actions: Effective job performance positively impacts the quality of the department's production; ability to meet clients' needs, objectives and budget; viewing audiences' image of the agency; and the final product, and the effective and efficient performance of project or subordinate staff. Production errors can result in lost productivity and increased costs, due to the need for remakes of programs and scheduling problems. Inefficiencies promote a negative agency image with increased potential for loss of future clients and revenue.

Personal Contacts: Positions have frequent internal contacts with department managers, administrators and clients to interpret production needs; and external contact with television production companies, talent companies, agents, and individuals; and suppliers of services and equipment to obtain them or discuss issues. Positions may have frequent internal contacts with agency administrators in the supervision of the unit.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of television, video, or film production; and related equipment; the principles, theories and technical aspects of script writing, videography directing, editing, and cinematography; production budgeting; project management techniques; distant learning principles; marketing and supervision/leadership principles. Some knowledge of production engineering.

Skills: Considerable skill in the operation of broadcast-level studio and remote electronic video equipment, editing systems, and related equipment.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and evaluate level of aesthetic quality; creatively design and produce television video or film programs in a variety of formats; write scripts based on client-supplied information and research; maintain effective working relationships; manage a project within the client's production budget; create program material under critical deadlines for scheduled broadcasts; communicate effectively orally and in writing; integrate television, audio and other multimedia into instructional media; provide leadership or supervision to staff; and solve and resolve problems under critical time constraints.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major studies in broadcasting, theatre, film, media, television, communications, photography, graphic arts, or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Considerable experience in producing and directing television and video productions or related work, and some experience in leadership of production work.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This is a new class established as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program. This class replaces the Motion Picture Supervisor class and includes some positions in the Television Production Specialist B class, effective July 1, 1994.