KDUX TV Job Descriptions

Student Manager

The KDUX-TV Student Manager is in charge of all administrative and organizational functions including-but not limited to-personnel, editorial, marketing, promotional, distribution and equipment-related issues. The manager is supervised by the television advisor, and is expected to delegate authority when appropriate.

Faculty TV Advisor

The Faculty TV Advisor advises on KDUX-TV administration, distribution, staff training and equipment matters in addition to providing counsel on editorial and programming concerns; provides overall leadership, direction, management, instruction, mentoring and coordination for the station; provides organizational and journalistic advisement to TV group; serves as the advisor for the Student Broadcasting Club.

Producers (Executive, Associate, Line)

Program producers operate under the supervision of the KDUX-TV student manager and advice of the KDUX-TV faculty adviser. Producers are responsible for the accuracy, newsworthiness and pace of all elements in the program. Prior to production, it is the producer's responsibility to coordinate program content with the assignment editor or assistant program producers. This includes developing a rundown detailing all of the elements of the program. The producer is responsible for having a script and rundown printed and ready for distribution at a specified time. It is the producer's responsibility to work with the director during production to ensure that the program is the exact length prescribed. See Section on Set Up and Striking for more details.

Assignment Editor

The Assignment Editor operates under supervision of program producers and is responsible for generating news story ideas, assigning reporter/photographer/editor teams to cover those stories and maintaining contact between producers and news teams. Must stay up to date on campus, local and national news.

Anchors

Anchors, who may or may not have additional responsibilities in the form of other positions, operate under the supervision of the show producer. They are responsible for writing scripts, voicing promotional announcements and performing as on-camera talent for the program. Each anchor is responsible for contributing at least one complete story or show segment each week.

Photojournalists, Reporters and Editors

Photojournalists, Reporters and Editors are those charged with gathering pictures and sound, then producing finished segments for air. These individuals are supervised by producers and assignment editors, and are responsible for accurately gathering information, pictures and sounds, then writing scripts and editing stories under prescribed deadlines. These individuals produce stories and segments according to parameters prescribed by producers, also entering scripts into the teleprompter computer and submitting editing cut sheets, which include exact times for CG (titling) information. Reporters must be familiar with and follow accepted journalistic and legal standards for news operations.

Chief Photographer

Because all reporters and photographers are expected to know how to use and take care of equipment, the Chief Photographer is charged with conducting training sessions, instructing new staff members on proper use of cameras, lighting, microphones, tripods and edit machines.

Chief Editor

In some cases a Chief Editor is appointed to make sure that all videotape segments are ready for a particular program or programs. The chief editor also trains staff on editing equipment operation and care, as well as developing and communicating procedures for videotape organization, care and storage.

Operations Manager/ Engineer

The Operations Manager is in charge of checking out equipment and making sure that staff members who use this equipment know rules and regulations associated with this privilege. The Equipment Manager will inventory the camera kits and batteries daily and report any problems to the Engineer. They will make sure all batteries are charged, lights are working, and cables in working order.

Director

The director, working with program producers, is responsible for the technical execution of the program production. The director follows rundowns and scripts provided by the producer. This includes planning camera shots, assigning tape and digital playback decks and providing verbal commands to the studio crew during taping. Prior to production, it is the director's responsibility to coordinate production elements with the program producer. This includes coordination of graphics production. It is the director's responsibility to work with the producer during production to ensure that the program is of the exact length prescribed. The director also is responsible for assigning studio crew members to specific positions during production. See section on Set Up and striking for more details.

Floor Director

The studio Floor Director operates under the director's supervision and is responsible for overall condition of the set, maintaining proper lighting and giving visible cues to talent during program production. In short, the floor director is the crew member in charge of the studio during all productions, with specific duties listed below:

The floor director should take full responsibility for all actions that take place in the studio during the show. Report to Producer / Director.
The floor director is the direct link between the director, the floor crew and studio talent and guests. Must be on headset at all times.
Prior to production, the floor director is responsible for duplication and distribution of the program rundown to all crew members.
The floor director is responsible for striking the set following production. The floor director also is charged with guest relations, making sure that studio guests are briefed on studio procedures such as where and how to sit or stand, how to address talent or cameras and what kind of time restraints to expect. In addition, before a program begins, the floor directors helps the audio director fit guests with microphones, keeping these microphones as close to mid-chest as possible and hiding the microphone cord as thoroughly as possible.
The floor director also is to relay time cues to talent during production, including hand signals for "wrapping up," "stretching out" a program, etc. During spots, breaks or pre-produced segments, the floor director makes sure talent and guests know when to be ready to return to air. When cueing talent, the floor director stands next to the camera the talent will be talking to, and the cue should be given with an aggressive, obvious pointing motion.
The floor director also is responsible for the overall set "look." This means removing extraneous material from the set, straightening chairs, pictures on the walls,etc.

Assistant Director

This is the second set of eyes and ears for the director. The Assistant Director is responsible for all timing concerns for shows in production. In the control room, the assistant director is responsible for giving verbal time cues during tape playback and giving verbal cues for keying and changing of graphics and titles (CGs). The assistant director is also responsible for helping the director with other facets of production on an as-needed basis. It is important that the AD become familiar with the operation of the countdown clock & stopwatch.

Technical Director

The Technical Director, operating under supervision of the director, is responsible for assuring consistent, acceptable technical quality and operating the video switcher during program production. The technical director is responsible for control room set-up prior to production. Before the first run through, take time to familiarize yourself with the switcher and the transitions you will be expected to execute. During the run through you will switch while taking direction over the PL (intercom). During rehearsals you will follow the director's requests while seated next to him/her in the control room. In addition to knowing the switcher, it is important that you know the monitor layout and preview shots and/or effects before taking them on-line. If there is a technical or aesthetic problem with a shot, video source or effect, bring it to the director's attention before switching to it on-line.

Lighting Director

The Lighting Director (LD) designs the lighting plan, arranges for the lighting equipment needed, and sets up and checks the lighting. The LD is responsible for the creation of the lighting design for a given production. Working in concert with Artistic Staff and Production Personnel, the Lighting Designer becomes part of a collaborative team. This team is led by the Director and strives to create a unified production product.

Responsibilities:

Design Phase

Meet with the director and other members of the production team throughout the design process
Attend rehearsals
Attend all design meetings
Create the following documents in order to communicate the design to all members of the production team:

Visual research: emotional, color, period and lighting
Design concept
Scene analysis
Ground Plan with acting areas marked
Working cross section
1/2" scale drafted light plot
Cue synopsis
Channel hook up and instrument schedule

Create a production notebook containing:

Contact information
Schedules
Notes from meetings
Research
Sketches
All lighting documentation

Be in communication with all members of the production team about any issues that might affect others such as:

Color
Texture
Floor surface
Set mounts
Fog
Safety issues
Special Effects

In preparation for the first meeting with the Director, the Lighting Designer will have:

Read the script at least three times
Created a break-down of all scenes and what the lighting requirements are
Completed basic research regarding time period and anything else that might be needed
Prepared a list of questions for the director

The Lighting Designer will collaborate with the other designers to create a unified production concept working closely with the director.
In the initial meeting, the following will be addressed:

Discuss all deadlines
Lighting inventory and budget
Discuss working procedures in the studio
Discuss responsibilities for the Assistant Lighting designer and the Assistant Master Electrician
The preliminary lighting design deadline is established at a point in the rehearsal process where the lighting designer has been able to see the flow of the show. The Designer will present to the TV Advisor and Director the following:
Lighting designer's approach and how it supports the director's concept and the other design areas
Scene analysis
Visual research
Ground Plan with acting areas marked
Working cross section
Set up color key in the light lab and demonstrate major visual concepts

During the preliminary design stage the Lighting Designer should meet with the Master Electrician to discuss any special lighting requirements for the show.
After seeing a run through of the production, the Lighting Designer will present the final lighting design to the Faculty Lighting Design Advisor, Staff Master Electrician, Master Electrician and Assistant Lighting Designer. Following is what is required at this meeting:

Design concept statement
Ground Plan of the set with acting areas marked
Final cross section showing all lighting angles, masking and trim heights
1/2" scale drafted light plot
Channel hook up and instrument schedule

The Lighting Designer needs to provide the Master Electrician:

copies of the light plot
Access to a soft copy of the paperwork
Details of practicals and any necessary drawings

Budgeting Phase

The Lighting Designer should discuss any special lighting requirements for the show such as practicals, moving lights, color scrollers, etc. to aid the Master Electrician in assembling a production estimate.

Focusing Phase

Before the focus calls begin the Lighting Designer will meet to discuss preparation and strategy.
The Lighting Designer will attend all focus calls.
The Lighting Designer is responsible for being prepared and organized to ensure that focus calls proceed as efficiently as possible. This includes:

Training the Assistant Lighting Designer in how to call a focus
Accurately marking out center line and acting area points
Discussing with the crew the focus communication to be used
Planning in advance the order of focus and what scenic elements will be necessary

Cue Writing

Before the cue writing sessions the Lighting Designer will present to the Faculty Lighting Design Advisor:

Cue synopsis
Cues marked in the script
Magic sheet

During the cue writing phase the Lighting Designer is responsible for the following:

Meet with the Director to talk through the cues of the show
Meet with the Stage Manager to place all cues in the prompt book
All cues written and programmed into the light board
Follow spot cue sheets, if applicable

Tech/Dress

Work on perfecting visual content and timing of cues
Take focus and cue notes to be worked on in production calls outside of tech
Help problem solve with issues that arise during tech that involve lighting

Production Run

Give Stage Management a list of lighting shots for photo-call

Post Production/Strike

Return all necessary keys
Meet with the Faculty Lighting Design Advisor to discuss the process and final product. The Lighting Designer will hand in a final production notebook for grading which will include:

Design concept
Visual research
Scene analysis
Working cross section
1/2" scale drafted light plot including all updates
Channel hook up and instrument schedule including all updates
Magic sheet
Cue synopsis
Script with cues marked
Follow spot cues if applicable

Attend any departmental post production critiques

Video Operators

Video/DVD operators, working under the supervision of the director, are responsible for cueing, loading and unloading video/DVDs in the playback decks, recorders and computers during production as prescribed by the rundown and as instructed by the director. Videotape/DVD operators also are responsible for returning tapes/DVD to boxes and storing them where appropriate. Once you have been given the playback videotape (if there is one), cue it up and familiarize yourself with the video to be played back into the program. Note video levels and color accuracy. Adjust the video tracking if necessary for optimum playback. Also note the audio and whether it is recorded on channels 1 and/or 2, normal or Hi-Fi. Adjust your audio playback levels if necessary and coordinate with the audio operator so that he/she can set levels at the audio board.

Regarding setting cue in/out points for videotape you have two options. Either make note of the TC (time code) numbers of the in and out points, or set the readout to CT (control track) and zero the counter at the in cue point.

Confirm the position of the record tape and cue it up for recording. Again, set the readout to control track and zero it at the proper record-in point. (This should be approximately 10 seconds past the last audio/video recorded on the tape.) Confirm the proper setting of switches and patches so that you are in fact recording program video as output from the Vista switcher and program audio from the Howell audio board on channel 1 (normal and Hi-Fi) and director's PL on audio channel 2 (normal and Hi-Fi). This can be confirmed by monitoring the video and audio monitors connected to the record VTRs output.

When recording the new program, be sure to record at least 10 seconds of black video and silent audio after the program fades to black.

NOTE: If the Director chooses to record a second take of his/her production, rewind the record tape to the previous in-point and record over the previous recording. Only one recording will be saved for each student project.

Audio Operator

The Audio Operator works under supervision of the director and is responsible for operating the audio mixer during production. Prior to production, the audio operator is responsible for set-up and testing of studio microphones and accessories used by anchors, guests and other studio talent. After production is complete, the audio operator is responsible for striking the microphones and storing them in the proper place. Must make sure that batteries are charged and in the microphones.

Graphics Operator

The Graphics Operator also works under supervision of the director and is responsible for working with the show producer and reporters to create graphics for use during program production. The graphics operator also is responsible for playback of graphics at the proper time during program production.

Character Generator Operator

The character generator operator, supervised by the director, is responsible for inputting titles prior to production and for playback of those titles during production. This includes saving titles (CGs) for the program onto a disk for back up. Must work closely with show producers on graphics needed and correct spelling. As the CG (character generator) operator it is important that you pay attention to detail and accuracy. If graphic pages are stored to disk, review them for content and accuracy. If you are composing or correcting pages, make sure that spelling, drop-shadow, and other details are correct. Review all pages and note position in script. Review credits for accuracy or last-minute changes/additions. Coordinate with TD to review pages while keyed over video to ensure proper key settings (clip) on switcher.

Teleprompter Operator

The teleprompter operator, under director supervision, is responsible for checking scripts prior to production, and for operating the teleprompting computer during production.

Camera Operators

Camera operators, under supervision of the director, are responsible for establishing and maintaining proper camera shots during production. Following production, camera operators are responsible for striking cameras for proper storage. Camera operators also are to assist the floor director with any and all studio responsibilities as necessary. Get your shot sheets (if they are being used) from the director and attach them to the back of the camera. Make sure that you have sufficient cable to reach the furthermost position you will occupy. Uncap the lens (after you have obtained permission from the video operator) and set your filter wheel to the proper setting. For studio work it should be set to 3200 K to match the studio lights. Adjust the viewfinders (VF) brightness and contrast controls for optimum picture on your monitor. Unlock the pan and tilt locks and adjust the pan and tilt friction (drag) adjustments to suit your preference.

Next, familiarize yourself with the program and your responsibilities. Visualize the shots that will be required of your camera and rehearse any complicated moves. Practice with the zoom and focus controls to ensure that you can operate them smoothly.

While operating the camera, the pan and tilt locks are to remain unlocked at all times. Locking down a camera shot during a rehearsal or production is unacceptable in most studio operations! On the other hand, never leave your camera without first locking the pan and tilts locks and capping the lens. Never sit down during a live show. Always a have a properly framed shot ready for the director.

Website Designer

Reporting to the KDUX-TV Faculty Advisor, he/she designs, produces and maintains the KDUX-TV website and contributes to the overall Web Communications strategy and special projects.

Primary responsibilities include:

Create design prototypes, including graphic design, site navigation, and layout of content, for the website.
Ensure that the layout of the content is accessible and logical; recommend improvements if necessary.
Create visual concepts that match the content and the image wanted but that fit in the college's global image; ensure that sites are easy to navigate.
Build websites using technologies that conform to international standards and make sure that they are universally accessible.
Perform maintenance and updates to existing websites when requested.
Provide training on maintenance and update procedures.
Contribute to the overall development of the website.

Set Designer

Integrates requirements including script, research, budget, and available locations to develop design.

• Presents drawings for approval and makes changes and corrections as directed.
• Selects furniture, draperies, pictures, lamps, and rugs for decorative quality and appearance.
• Confers with heads of production and direction to establish budget, schedules, and discuss design ideas.
• Directs and coordinates set construction, erection, or decoration activities to ensure conformance to design, budget, and schedule requirements.
• Complete design ideas and prepare sketches, illustrations, and detailed drawings of sets, or graphics and animation.
• Examines dressed set to ensure props and scenery do not interfere with movements of cast or view of camera.
• Reads script to determine location, set, or decoration requirements.
• Estimates costs of design materials and construction, or rental of location or props.
• Researches and consults experts to determine architectural and furnishing styles to depict given periods or locations.
• Designs and builds scale models of set design or miniature sets used in filming backgrounds or special effects.
• Prepares rough draft and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.

MakeUp / Wardrobe

The Makeup/Wardrobe Head person carries out the Director's vision. This may include simple makeup or more complex makeup and hair styles. Needs to be at all dress rehearsals and performances' arriving at least 30 minutes before the talent to get ready.

The Wardrobe Head makes sure that all costumes are taken care of during rehearsals and performances. The Wardrobe Head also makes repairs and alterations, as needed. The Wardrobe Head also makes sure rehearsal shoes and costumes are available, especially when dealing with specialty or difficult costumes (such as heels for ladies or period outfits). The Wardrobe Head organizes the costume area so that talent can easily find their costumes. Need to be at dress rehearsals and performances, arriving 30 minutes before the talent to prepare.

Production Assistant

A television production assistant (PA) is a vital link in the television production team. PAs assist the director or producer and are involved in all stages of the production process (from pre- production through to post-production and transmission) to help ensure production runs smoothly.

The role is technical, creative and administrative: PAs supervise setup and operation of production equipment, help plan program format and research scripts, maintain production records, and maintain equipment. Unlike other roles in the industry, PAs are more generalis than specialist. They are given responsibility for a wide variety of tasks, which may be both menial and complex.

Typical work activities include some or all of the following tasks:

• working closely with the producer, director and production team
• liaising with writers, artists' agents, members of the public, and publicity staff
• coordinating and communicating production resources and facility arrangements in tandem with the production managers
• attending and timing production rehearsals
• attending and coordinating planning meetings
• checking copyright and permission issues
• ensuring royalties are paid for additional images, music or footage used
• dealing with artists' payments and expenses
• producing budgets, monitoring costs and controlling expenses
• cueing pre-recorded material
• overseeing the timing during a shoot or show
• ensuring continuity, both on location and in the studio
• dealing with production enquiries from members of the public
• keeping accurate shot lists, especially for drama productions
• typing up camera scripts and shot cards
• producing timing schedules, shot lists and logs for post-production
• calling shots
• liaising with the camera and sound crew during studio recordings
• booking artists and performers
• organizing the production and distribution of scripts
• booking catering, accommodation, equipment and flights for performers and crew
• managing contracts with external organizations
• conducting research
• completing all necessary paperwork in relation to the above tasks

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Dallas County Community College District, Dallas, TX

KDUX TV

KDUX TV Job Descriptions