Chapter 1. Exploring Careers in the Sounds and Images Industries: Sound Recording, Radio, Television, and Movies

Introduction

Featured Jobs

The jobs highlighted below show just a small sample of the many opportunities available in the sounds and images industries. The job descriptions below are just examples. Use career search sites or company job opportunity pages to search for current listings in these fields.

Radio Producer:

Major responsibilities include working with program director and executive producer to design overall sound and image of show consistent with platform goals; creating, coordinating, writing, and producing original programs; participating in creative meetings; booking celebrity, expert, and analyst guests; and coaching hosts, talent, and guests while providing relevant information to hosts for on-air interviews.

“Conceptualizes, develops and produces full-length or short form programs, and/or segments of larger programs, while maintaining the [company’s] creative vision. Makes decisions related to creative processes, content development, and production. Works independently on standard programs, and assists with larger, complex, and high-profile programs. Exercises a high-level of creativity and executes programming assignments with minimal oversight.”

TV News Writer:

Major responsibilities include producing high-volume, high-quality copy under deadline pressure; functioning successfully in the control room and newsroom environment; and communicating effectively and working with remote-based producers and the media operations department.

“The writer will be responsible for crafting various forms of news stories including voiceovers, package tosses, opens, and teases. **Important: Must be willing to work any shift including weekends and overnights.**”

Production Assistant for Video Production Company:

Major responsibilities include opening and closing of the building each day; various office assistant needs; running errands; helping maintain an inventory of supplies; helping keep kitchen stocked, cleaned, and organized; managing incoming deliveries; cleaning; simple repairs and maintenance; and emptying building garbage and recycling daily.

“A successful video production company is looking for a great Production Assistant to join the team. This person will provide day-to-day facilities support, ensuring that all areas of the building are safe, clean and functional. They will also have the opportunity to work on productions when time allows.”

Audio Engineer Assistant:

Major responsibilities include setting up/turning on equipment; testing all studio components; monitoring audio board; and assisting maintaining appropriate audio levels and production standards.

“The successful Assistant Audio Engineer (Audio 2) will assist the Production Department with audio support as directed by the Audio 1 Engineer and Event Producer, assist with setup and testing of the audio board, sound system and microphones. Oversee soundboard and all audio components and monitor all audio levels and audio sends during assigned events. Responsible for pre-event checklist including testing building light system and internet web broadcast A/V feeds. Assist in the execution of the event script, as assigned, assuring all event elements and corporate sponsorship obligations are fulfilled while enhancing the overall live sporting event atmosphere.”

Tips from Industry Professionals

When communications students imagine their dream media career, many might picture themselves working within the sounds and images industries of sound recording, radio, TV, or movies. Here are some tips from professionals working in sounds and images:

On Related Experience

• Sound Recording: “Any music-related experience is valuable, whether you’ve volunteered at a festival, done work experience for a small label, or worked on a blog or Web site on your own time. It’s always good to see work experience on candidates’ CVs. Volunteering to work not only shows that you are dedicated and proactive but also means that you have a better understanding of how things work in a practical sense. This will give you the edge over candidates who have purely theoretical knowledge.” —Morna Cook, Head of Human Resources, Universal Music UK

On Things to Do While You’re Still in College

• Radio: “My advice to undergraduates is ‘learn to pitch,’ which is a euphemism for public speaking. And if I could go back and do college again, . . . one thing that I would make as a mandatory course for all students all four years would be a public speaking course. Because there is just no substitute for learning how to communicate, and it applies to everything you do for the rest of your life.” —Tim Westergren, Founder and CEO, Pandora
• Internships: “The value of having an internship is key, not only for the experience but to help you know if you want to have a job in that field. Also, as you look for internships, don’t just take any opportunity. Do as much as you can to get into a place that offers you the practical experience that is related to your desired field of interest. More and more students are doing two or more internships to expand their knowledge base. This gives visual experience to the paper resume.” —Teresa Hein, Founder and CEO, My Media Jobs

On Failure and Rejection

• Film: “I think you learn from doing lots and lots of stuff, but also you have to be quite tough about rejection and not getting breaks. I mean, I had tons of stuff. I kept on sending scripts out and getting rejection letters, often probably from people who sometimes hadn’t even read them, I assume. I think that persistence and toughness are just so important. And I think everyone gets better; I don’t think it’s something you’re born with. I do think it’s something that hard work gets you further and further, and I think you improve.” —Hossein Amini, Screenwriter (Drive, The Wings of the Dove, Snow White and the Huntsman)
• Film: “When you are free from self-doubt, you fail better. You accept criticism and listen...If I learned one thing, it is that self-doubt is one of the most destructive forces. It makes you defensive instead of open, reactive instead of active...If you can learn to not take it personally, you’ll be able to listen to constructive criticism and find it inspiring. It might motivate you and show you that you are capable of far more than you ever imagined.” —Jennifer Lee, Filmmaker (Frozen), to the Graduating Class at the University of New Hampshire

Sounds and Images Resources

Reading about industries that interest you is a great way to learn more and to help narrow your career goals. The resources and event sites for the sounds and images industries listed below are a good place to start your research.

A Closer Look: Julianne Moore on Her Career

Watch the video, then use the text boxes below to answer the following questions.

Source: WireImage Video/Getty Images/BoClips

Question 1

Question 2