Training for Television Production Jobs

Obtain training for television production jobs by learning and by doing
By Kelly Shetsky, Anchor/Reporter Television production jobs run the gamut from studio camera operator, audio technician or director to video editor or photographer. There are jobs available for all levels of expertise and motivation. Some are more technical than others. Technical directors run the production or newscast from the booth, responding to the direction of the director. TelePrompTer operators use a mouse or controller to keep the PrompTer moving in a fluid motion, so the talent can read from it.
 

Video production jobs require a varying amount of training, depending on the difficulty of the position. During local newscasts, interns or students can run the teleprompTer, for instance, because it requires little training. A little bit of show-and-tell is all that's needed. Shooting or editing video, creating graphics or directing a newscast are highly technical positions that require much more time and training.

1. Prepare for television production jobs through accredited college programs

2. Learn all about media production jobs through shadowing or internships

3. Search for video production jobs using free and subscription job banks

Use college training to become qualified for TV production jobs

Hundreds of colleges and universities offer courses and majors to prepare students for jobs in television production. Look for a learning institute with a solid program that's been around for at least several years and research the professors to make sure they have extensive TV production credentials. You want a program that allows students to produce newscasts or other segments.
Try: Use Education Portal to search for television production majors at colleges throughout the United States. EducationCenterOnline.org prepares you for TV production careers by listing featured schools with video production degrees. Click on the Request More Information tab. The Academy of Radio & Television Broadcasting offers state-of-the-art equipment and training.

Shadow professionals to obtain hands-on training for media production jobs

The best way to learn what TV production jobs are all about is to shadow real professionals. Whether you're in college for TV production or considering a career change, spend a few days or a few weeks interning or shadowing at a video production company or TV station. This will give you a true idea of what jobs in TV production really entail.
Try: Find a list of TV stations by state at Newslink and High-Tech Productions. Contact the stations closest to you to inquire about internship or shadowing opportunities.

Consider all your options for obtaining a television production job

Television production careers are available at production companies, affiliate TV stations, public television stations and networks. Truth be told, there are many more available at affiliate stations than the other options because of the high turnover rate for TV jobs. Use a TV job board to find current openings.
Try: Media-match and Mediabistro.com post jobs in television production for free. The jobs are located around the country and require varying amounts of experience. TVJobs.com requires you to register for a fee, but you can see the type of production jobs posted by logging in as a guest.

• Know that television production positions often don't pay well, at least to start. Many of the online job banks contain salary calculators to give you an idea of the pay.