Essential TV Production Roles & Responsibilities

Posted on Nov 30, 2024 in Arts and Humanities

Camera Crew

Camera Operator: Operates cameras in studio and outdoors under the director’s guidance. Checks camera status, accessories, and functionality. May operate complex equipment (hot head, camera crane, Steadicam) and handle recording.

First Camera Operator: Operates, checks, and handles all camera types, with or without complex mechanisms. Composes shots artistically. Mounts and operates Steadicam and ENG cameras for sound and image capture, managing lighting and setup.

Assistant Camera Operator: Assists the camera operator with recording, possibly operating under supervision. Installs equipment, films, and ensures equipment conservation.

Control Operator: Under the director and illuminator’s command, adjusts camera controls for technical and artistic quality. Manages phased video signals (subcarrier, line phase, luminance, chrominance).

Technical & Operations

Controls and operates equipment for optimal broadcast quality.

Video Operator: Controls and corrects signals for quality. Sets up lines and equipment, assembles programs without post-production, supports live transmissions (recording, duplication, quality control), and monitors broadcasts.

Post Operator: Develops assembly and post-production. Controls and corrects signals, providing aesthetic and technical solutions to enhance the assembly.

On-Screen Talent

Participates in script interpretation, divided into dramatic and non-dramatic roles.

Dramatic Productions:

  • Leading Actor: Central to the script, carries the weight of the scene.
  • First Role Actor: Plays a secondary core role.
  • Supporting Actor: Minor role, provides reference to main actors.
  • Supporting Actor (Relationship): Interacts with principal or first role actors.
  • Specialist: Performs in dangerous scenes.
  • Special Contributor: Renowned actor in a small role.
  • Double: Replaces the protagonist in difficult scenes.
  • Extras: Non-speaking roles, create credible scenarios.

Non-Dramatic Programs:

  • Announcer/Presenter: Presents on camera, with or without script support. Reads texts, phrases, and progresses live. Requires perfect diction and expressive sense. Conducts interviews and reviews.
  • Announcer (Voice-over): Reads texts, trailers, and audio off-screen. Requires perfect diction and expressive sense. Works with prepared texts.
  • Collaborating Television Host: Assists the main presenter.
  • Guest/Participant: Involved as per script demands.
  • Public: Anonymous individuals in contests, shows, debates, and interviews. Creates atmosphere and sometimes participates.


Production Management

Responsible for audiovisual project origination and development. Plans, manages, and monitors budgets according to programming schedules.

Executive Producer: Proposes and develops program ideas, manages budgets, and controls product quality and quantity.

Producer: Designs, gathers, and organizes resources, locations, and work plans to optimize TV program performance. Prepares and supervises budgets, analyzes projects, and coordinates professionals.

Production Assistant: Supports and assists in production tasks. Requests technical equipment, filming permits, archival materials, studio rentals, and transport. Coordinates artistic and technical personnel, processes payments, image rights, and manages guests.

Production Manager: Manages program props, tracks needs, maintains inventory, and processes payments.

Production Secretary: Classifies, records, and distributes correspondence. Controls and updates the production schedule.

Directing & Technical Coordination

Responsible for a TV program’s image and sound.

Director: Develops and plans the shooting script. Coordinates testing, staging, filming, editing, sound, and camera. Selects presenters and actors, monitors dubbing and mixing, and ensures work plan adherence.

Assistant Director: Assists in TV program development. Coordinates actor movements, works on editing and location scouting, and provides data for payments.

Stage Manager/Set Assistant: Assists the Assistant Director. Manages recording (with a script recording technician) and instructs actors, presenters, the public, and staff.

Video Mixer: Executes mixing and signal handling under the director’s guidance. Operates video machines, generates cash and securities for entry/exit points, and logs each event with a computer.

Continuity Supervisor: Assesses shot validity. Primarily works on programs not recorded in a single day. Uses time codes to track scene shooting by script.

Editorial Staff

Creates and adapts content for TV, ensuring proper documentation of events.

Content Manager: Oversees program content, deciding on information release. Establishes order, addresses issues, and directs the writing team.

Writer: Generates and develops screenplays. Researches assigned projects and ensures script accuracy.

ENG Editor: Gathers, analyzes, and evaluates information. Records on-site footage, creates news reports (literary or audiovisual), and oversees creative project development.

Editorial Assistant: Collaborates with editors on program preparation, compiling and editing information. Records on-site footage, attends press conferences, manages news agency material, and supports information processing services.