Do you have passion for musical or performing arts, or entertainment related careers? If YES, here are 50 high paying career ideas in the entertainment industry.
In the previous years, entertainment might have been easy to define, but due to the growth of communication technology, the field of entertainment has broadened and is not so easy to define anymore. While this might seem like bad news, it isn’t as it has opened up more jobs in the entertainment industry for career focused individuals.
This industry flourishes regardless of economic depressions, as people see it as an escape avenue from the reality of life. The celebrities in the entertainment industry also give people a glimmer of hope, and the fact that dreams can be realized, because even though they offer an illusion, it is a soothing illusion.
If you want to start out with this industry, it is important to note that you are headed for wealth and great success. This is because with the passion and dedication, you can a great height within a short period of time. Below are ideas that are intended as a guide for those who want a career in the entertainment industry:
50 High Paying Career ideas in the Entertainment Industry
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Entertainment Attorney
Entertainment attorneys are responsible for the legal needs of those in the entertainment industry. The service opportunity for attorneys in this industry includes drawing up contracts, carrying out negotiations, writing out agreements, and sorting out copyrights, trademarks, endorsements, and sponsorships. Entertainment attorneys also represent celebrities in lawsuits for or against them, as well as protecting their rights.
Like any attorney, an entertainment attorney has to graduate from law school and pass the bar exam, and then have a thorough understanding of the entertainment industry, the issues that impact it, and the field of entertainment they might like to specialize in. Entertainment attorneys might work for entertainment companies or independently
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Music Publisher
Music publishers are music industry professionals who deal majorly with acquiring finances for artists and copyright laws.
They work in collaboration with musicians and songwriters to promote songs in various financial contexts such as the commercial use of a song, or getting the songwriter or musician signed to a record label. There is no dedicated route to becoming a music publisher as a songwriter can become one.
Also music publishers can be individuals, or companies. Although having an education isn’t a prerequisite to becoming a music publisher, but music publishers need a good grasp of business accounting, and music law. Those who wish to have degrees would need a bachelor’s degree in music and a Master of Business Administration (MBA)
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Licensing Representatives
Licensing representatives are professionals who creatively pitch music in their catalog for use in commercials, films, video games, movie trailers, and on television. Licensing representatives work with a number of people such as artists, music supervisor, artist managers, producers, music publishers, label representatives, film editors, music editors, and directors.
Most licensing representatives start off their career from being interns or licensing assistants. The least entry requirement for being a licensing representative is a hands-on experience, although those that have a college education have easier access to internships than those without.
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Music Therapist
A music therapist is one who works with clients so as to improve or help with any issues that have to do with their emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being through the use of music, musical performance, musical lessons, or songwriting.
The clients a music therapist deals with ranges from children to elderly patients with Alzheimer, from those with substance abuse problems to those with physical disabilities, from those with brain injuries to those with developmental disabilities.
Music Therapists can work in hospices, addiction recovery centers, and in special education programs. They work with Doctors, Nurses, Physical therapists, Counselors, Speech Therapists, and Client Service Directors. Music Therapists need at least a bachelor’s degree in Arts, but must have a doctorate degree in music therapy.
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Music Journalist
Music journalists are reporters who specialize in writing about music. They may cover local music event, nationally, or international events or scenes. Music journalists gather music news for news organizations. They observe and record newsworthy events, as well as get interviews, and carry out background research.
They also review musical concerts, albums, and analyze the trends in the music industry. Most organizations prefer a degree in journalism, which is broader than a degree in music journalism. In addition to a degree, aspiring music journalists can enroll for specialized music courses.
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Cinematographer
A cinematographer is also referred to as Director of Photography (DOP), and is in charge of shooting a film. A cinematographer is responsible for all the shots in a movie, and has a very important role in movie making. Due to the rigorous process of film making, a cinematographer can specialize in areas like animations or special effects, or manage the multi-camera rigs that are required to shoot an entire motion picture.
A post secondary education is required for anyone who wants to become a cinematographer, such as a Bachelor of Fine Art in Film or take a program course at a vocational art school or technical school.
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Dialect Coach
A dialect coach trains actors and individuals to speak in international accents for film, television productions, and theater. Most dialect coach specializes in historical dialects, such as Olden English or Shakespearean English. While some are full time dialect coaches, others are actors and actresses and take up dialect coaching as a part time job.
A dialect coach often carries out research, provide instructions, and prepare training materials, which will be used for the actor.
Dialect coaches also work with singers, comedians, or corporate employees. In the united kingdom, dialect coaches are instead called accent coaches. Dialect coaches are often hired by the production coordinator, or a production supervisor or executive.
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Sound Effects Editor
A sound effects editor ensures that sounds in films and videos are interjected at the right time. They work on a film, video game, video, or any other project during production, and post-production to enhance or change sound effects. They work in collaboration with other professionals to ensure the realization of the project’s vision and plan.
A sound effects editor usually works in a studio where there is access to computers, and computer based editing equipment. There are no formal educational requirements but those with an associate or a bachelor’s degree have more prospects than those without, especially as there are new technical skills that can be learnt from a formal education.
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Song Plugger
A song plugger is also referred to as a professional manager, and is responsible for pitching musical compositions owned by a publishing company to artists and labels for recording and performance. A song plugger works for a musical publisher and performs a number of administrative functions for the publishing office.
The song plugger also has to locate songs that can be added to the catalog of the music publisher, which means a good ear for music and an intuition for what will become popular. A formal education isn’t amongst the requirement needed for a song plugger, since a song plugger can be a former musician. A formal degree in business music or broadcasting will enable a song plugger be more versatile.
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Concert Promoter
A concert promoter can also be called a promoter or a talent promoter. A concert promoter is usually in charge of putting together concerts and looks for the money needed for the concert, by either raising money by involving others, or using his or her money. Before throwing a concert, the promoter must have a plan of action, which must include the budget for the concert.
The promoter has to work with artistes, or their labels, and also with press agents to generate publicity and excitement for the concert. There is no need for a formal education before one can become a concert promoter, although an educational background in music business can help.
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Booking Agent
A booking agent is also referred to as a booking representative. A booking agent handles engagements for artists or the groups they represent.
If the act is unknown to the general public, it is the duty of booking agent to work for engagements, but if the artist is well known, promoters and clubs then contact the booking agent to request for performances at the venue of their choice.
The booking agent handles the performance contracts for his or her acts, and gets his or her percentage upfront once the contract is signed. Agents in large agencies may be given specific categories to handle. An agent is usually responsible to the artist and his or her manager.
Booking agents do not need a formal educational requirement before they can start working but a degree in music business, as well as seminars or workshops on booking entertainment will be of an advantage.
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Illustrator
An illustrator creates pictures for magazines, books, blogs, videos, films, cartoons and such other medium. An illustrator can work across many industries, in the law and justice field or the medical field. Illustrators not only draw sketches or illustrate, but also have to communicate with customers to determine their requirement, work with printers to ensure the quality of the final product.
An illustrator must be artistic, have the technical ability, and be able to solve problems. A bachelor degree in computer arts and design will be highly beneficial to an aspiring illustrator.
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Radio Announcer
Radio Announcers is a broad name for many broadcasting positions such as news announcer, talk show hosts, or disc jockeys.
The nature of the job depends on the format of the show and the primary focus. For example a news announcer will read scripted major news stories, a sports announcer will provide a play-by-play commentary, talk show hosts work without scripts, and disc jockeys follow a playlist.
Associate and Bachelor’s degrees are required for radio announcers, and most employers prefer those who have a working experience. Also, depending on the position, a specialized experience may be required from such an announcer. For example, disc jockeys will need to have a strong background in music.
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Recording Engineer
A recording engineer records, edits and mixes sound. This is usually done through their choice of microphone, sound manipulation techniques, and setting levels.
In most studios, the recording engineer is also referred to as the producer, and oversees the artistic and technical elements in a recording section. Recording engineers have to work with recording artists, assistant engineers, runners, and session musicians.
Before one can become a recording engineer, one first has to be a runner, and an assistant engineer. Even though anyone can become a recording engineer by going online, and working around recording engineering experts, getting a certificate or degree, is highly beneficial.
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A&R Coordinators
An A&R Coordinator performs various functions such as; overseeing the completion of a musical project, finding artists and new talents in production, writing, and any other act that is for the good of the music album or label. A&R Coordinators usually work with musicians, artists, Producers, recording Engineers, Personal Managers, and A&R Administrators, Managers and Directors.
Apart from having a degree in music, business, communications, or marketing; an A&R coordinator has to be actively involved in the music industry.
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Music Teacher
Music teachers are providers of instruction on music performance. They can teach in any setting, either individually or to a group of students. They also help refine the technique for those who can play, and teach other theoretical subjects like music fundamentals, scales and chords, and more advanced music theories.
Music teachers can work in schools such as elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as teach choir, band or orchestra. Music Teachers must hold a Bachelor of Arts in Music or Music Education.
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Studio Chief
A studio chief is regarded as the chief executive of the film industry that is responsible for the operation and staffing of a studio. He or she is usually among one of the several top management in the film studio.
Studio chiefs usually receive pitches from agents who are selling their film scripts, and so this means that they make the decision about what films should be produced, and also oversee the financing, distribution, production, and promotion of the film.
The studio chief works with the financial manager, business manager, lawyer, accountants, and other personnel, and reports to a board of directors or stakeholders. Even though one can become a studio chief after years of experience in music videos, documentaries, industrial films, educational films and so on; one must also possess a bachelor’s degree in either business administration or liberal arts.
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Voice Actor
A voice actor lends his or her voice to video games, animation, commercials, documentaries, movie trailers, and dubbed films. A voice actor depending on the type of project might work alone or in a group. Most of the work is usually done in a recording studio, while a sound engineer observes from the control room.
Voice actors can either be working actors or actresses and there is no formal education requirement for this field. A voice actor can attend courses in voice acting as a professional development.
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Animation Director
Animation directors are in charge of staffing and coordinating animation teams. They oversee and are in charge of leading each team from the beginning to the end of an animated production. They usually have a vast amount of experience in the animation and art industry.
Animation directors work with the project’s overall director, the production department as regards schedule, output, and budget.
The animation director ensures they meet the creative requirements of the project. Animation Directors can work in animation studios, film production studios, television production studios, advertising agencies, and gaming companies. A bachelor or most preferably master’s in animation and/or film and at least 5 years experience in the industry.
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Television Producer
Television producers perform a wide range of financial and operational responsibilities, from raising productions funds and establishing budgets, to choosing directors and crew members. They also ensure the completion time of projects according to schedule. A shows output purely rests on the shoulders of the television producer.
One requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree – depending on the employer – in television and film, communications, or journalism, and a significant experience in the industry.
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Television Editor
A television editor is responsible for the transformation of raw footage into a final polished product fit for broadcast. Television editors use computer technology to mix video footage with music, audio, special effects, and sound effects, and are largely responsible for the post production process.
Television editors can work with footage for advertisements, news programs, documentaries, and scripted television shows.
Most television editors work for national networks, large cable networks, independent television stations, and advertising agencies. A television editor might hold a degree in film, media, information technology, or even art degrees; although no formal educational entry is required as most work their way up from camera operators.
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Location Manager
A location manager identifies and finds ideal locations to be used for a film shoot. They work directly and report to the Producer, Director, and Production Designer. They also take into responsibility the location’s accessibility, the budget, and the shooting schedule, and negotiate the cost and terms of hire for crew, vehicle access, power sources, and catering requirements.
There is no formal qualification needed to become a location manager, but most have a certificate in a health and safety course. Other routes into becoming a location manager are first becoming a runner, and then an assistant location manager.
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Actor/Actress
Actors depict characters in stories through the use of their bodies, gestures, voice, and appearances. They perform for entertainment as well as informational purposes, and can work in television, movies, commercials, theme parks, and theatres.
Actors often have to audition for their roles, and can be called to play the main character or any of its supporting roles. There are no formal requirements into being an actor but a degree in any of the relevant field is of an advantage.
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Prop maker
A prop maker plans and creates the required props that will be used for a production, and often gets instructions, and rough ideas from the production designer, art director, or the property master. On films that go back in periods, a prop maker would need to find out how the objects would have been created and liaise with production to get the right tools and materials.
To ensure that a project goes without any hitches, they usually produce a minimum of two of every item. A qualification in art and design or model making is needed to become a prop master. Training in stage and set design, graphics design, furniture making or stage management, would be of a huge advantage.
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Production Designer
A production designer is responsible for the art department, and help directors in defining how a film should look or feel. Production designers are usually needed during pre-production as they can assess the spending estimate for a script.
The production designer decides the kind of design elements to be used, and if a Computer Generated Image (CGI) will be used. To be a production designer, one would need a degree in art, architect
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Development Executive
A development executive is responsible for locating and developing screenplays and stories that will make for successful films. A development executive needs to understand what the audience would like. In order to succeed, they need to cultivate relationships with screenwriters, agents, sales agents, actors, directors, financiers, and broadcasters.
A development executive spends most time at film festivals and other industry events. There is no formal entry educational requirement; most development executives start from being script readers, and script editors.
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Boom Operator
A boom operator is responsible for positioning the microphones so that the sound mixers can capture the sound effects and best quality dialogue. The boom microphone is either hand-held on a long arm or mounted on a moving position. The microphones have to be correctly positioned around the set, actors’ clothing or location.
A boom operator is also responsible for all the sound equipment and can carry out minor repairs where necessary. There is no formal educational requirement for those aspiring to be boom operators, although there are different courses in sound production one can take.
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Driver of Facilities Vehicles
The drivers of such vehicles are responsible for the mobility of costumes, make-ups, mobile production offices, mobile toilet units, and the artists’ caravans. The drivers work for a facilities company usually hired by the production or transportation coordinator.
The drivers ensure that vehicles arrive on schedule at a specified location. There is no formal requirement necessary to become a driver of facilities vehicle, but a HGV1 driving license and experience is necessary.
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Set Decorator
A set decorator is responsible for putting together a detailed prop breakdown by using the script to list the different props. A set decorator has to work with graphic artists, and production buyers, to ensure that all items necessary are in sync.
Before any shoot, set decorators photographs all items, take careful measurements and ensure that the right props are allotted to each set. Degrees in art, interior or 3D designs are required, and take a specialist course in film and/or theatre production design.
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Movie Theater Projectionists
Movie theater projectionists are responsible for setting up and operating movie projection equipment, and also related sound reproduction machines in movie or film houses. Most movie projectionists work in motion picture companies and video industries, while others work in museums, and historical sites. No formal education is required for this job, as most learn from more experienced workers.
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Grip
Grips are rigging and lighting technicians that are used in video production and filmmaking. Grips work with the camera department so as to provide support especially if the camera is mounted on a dolly or in an unusual position, they also work closely with the electrical departments to create lighting set-ups that will be used for a shot by the director of photography.
There is no formal educational requirement for working as a grip, but a technical and electrical know-how is required.
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Mixing Engineer
A mixing engineer can also be called an audio, a sound, or recording engineers. They usually mix and record audio by using recording and sound editing equipment. A mixing engineer uses computers and audio electronics to get the job done.
There is no specific educational requirement for those that want to become mixing engineers, but a certificate, or an associate or bachelor’s degree in recording technology or a relevant field might be required. Qualified mixing engineers might also obtain professional certification.
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Make-up artist
Make-up artists transform people visually using paint, make-ups, wigs and other accessories to prepare these people either for filming, live performances, special events, or photo shoots. A make-up artist can work on film and theatre sets, in television studios, in spas, fashion shows, and resorts.
Depending on the type of project they might use special effects or research on what was used during the period for the shoot in movie productions. Most make-up artists get a cosmetology formal training and also garner experience.
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Gaffer
Gaffers are responsible for the practical aspects of locations and lighting sets. They work with lighting directors so as to fulfill the director’s creative vision for lighting. They also work closely with the Director of Photography (DoP) and the lighting company of the production company.
They can work on all genres from of any television programming, and work in studios, on locations, and outside broadcasts. A gaffer is usually a fully qualified electrician and should have electrical engineering qualifications. You can also progress from being a lighting electrician to a best boy, and then a gaffer.
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Art Director
The art director works closely with the production designer to realize the creative vision for the locations and sets that would give the productions a unique visual identity. An art director can work on commercials, films, and certain television productions. The art director’s work starts once they receive the script and final schedule.
Apart from the production designer, the art director works across departments, with the location manager, transportation coordinator, and others.
They oversee the construction, dressing and dismantling of all sets. To become an art director, one would need a degree in architecture, art, theater, interior or 3D design. Also, training in film and theater production design, and experience is required.
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Publicist
A publicist is a press agent that writes press releases, creates press kits, coordinates with event photographers, pitches stories and contacts the media to secure coverage for artists and albums. Publicists have to work with editors, bloggers, music journalists, music critics, radio DJs, music photographers, recording artists, TV producers, booking agents, record label representatives, and personal managers.
Aspiring publicist would need a degree in public relations, marketing advertising, communications, or journalism. They would need to understand the music business. Most publicists begin as interns or publicity assistants.
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Booking Coordinator
Booking coordinators help in organizing the workflow of the technical and creative people, and monitors all the work at the facilities houses.
They liaise with clients, and deal with the administrative part of each project; this means that they prepare invoices, job sheets, and confirmation forms. They also help identify opportunities that will sell extra services for their clients, while working within the client’s budgets.
There is no formal entry educational requirement needed to become a booking coordinator. Booking coordinators are usually IT, literacy, and numeracy proficient, and most become one by starting out as runners in facilities houses before moving into bookings.
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Scriptwriters
Scriptwriters create characters, craft dialogue, and write an engaging plot that will be used by actors during film. A scriptwriter’s craft acts as a guide to a movie’s director creative vision. Scriptwriters can specialize in a particular genre, like comedy, sci-fi, drama, action, fantasy and horror.
While some might work for production companies, and some on a contract basis, majority are usually freelancers that sell their scripts ‘on spec’.
Freelance scriptwriters usually work with agents who help distribute the work through their extensive network of contacts. Most scriptwriters usually have a degree in journalism, English or creative writing but a formal degree isn’t vital in becoming successful as a scriptwriter.
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Session Singer
A session singer can also be referred to as a background singer, backing vocalist, studio vocalist or backup singer. A session singer provides helps a performer by providing vocal accompaniment either onstage or in the studio, by delivering the song closely to the composer or producer’s vision.
Depending on the project, a session singer can work with various people, such as the composer, producer, engineer, vocal contractor, and vocal arranger. Having a music degree isn’t a must but it can be helpful especially during sight singing. Private voice training is a must.
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Production Accountants
Production accountant pay bills provide financial advices, setup accounts, administer assets, bookkeeping, scheduling cash flow, insurance policy claims, union reporting, compliance reporting and complete taxes. They are responsible for the money spent during the preparation, shooting and post-production phases.
Some production accountants advise clients on contracts within the entertainment industry. To become a production accountant, one would need a basic bachelor degree or a master’s degree in accounting, and an internship specific to the entertainment industry.
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Stunt performer
A stunt performer stands in for an actor when the script calls for a dangerous or specialized act. A stunt performer needs to be physically fit so as to perform stunts, and ensure that the stunts are performed as naturally as possible. A stunt performer is usually specialized in specific fields such as martial arts or boxing, riding and driving, gymnastics or diving.
There is no formal entry educational requirement before one can become a stunt performer. In the UK, stunts performer have to be members of the Joint Industry Stunt Committee (JISC).
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Circus Performer
A circus performer usually entertains the audience with skills such as clowning, acrobatics, juggling, and balancing on high wire.
A circus performer can perform as an individual or in groups. They usually work with circus companies; perform in street theaters, festivals, parties or corporate events. Aspiring circus performers can either get a degree in circus arts, or attend workshops, and part-time courses.
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Foley Artist
A foley artist is responsible for reproducing the everyday sound effects that are added to a film, video, and any other media to enhance audio quality in post production. A foley artist’s job is to create a sense of reality within a scene by using various props to create sounds, and to integrate it so well that the audience doesn’t notice.
A foley artist can also use foley to cover up unwanted sounds that occurred on the set of a movie during filming. Foley artists work in a Foley studio, using props, a viewing screen and recording equipment.
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Costume Designer
Costume designers combine color and fabric textures so that the audience can visually understand a character in terms of age, era, social status, and occupation. A costume designer usually reads the scripts so as to learn about the personalities of the character, thus deciding the costume that would be used.
The costume designer can either use a hand to sketch the initial design or the computer, and then shows it to the director for approval before proceeding to make the fabric and accompanying accessories. A costume designer needs an associate or a bachelor’s degree in fashion design.
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Teacher On-Set
Teacher on-set or studio teachers are often charged with the responsibility of educating and seeing to the welfare of young actors in films and televisions.
A studio teacher oversees at least 10 minor actors during production. The ages of the students range from infants to high school seniors. Studio teachers have to be certified teachers in single 9-12 subjects and in multiple K-12 subjects. Also, certification specific to studio teaching is also required.
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Dog Handlers
Dog handlers study the behavior of animals so as to be able to train, handle and care for the dogs. Dog handlers discipline the animals during teaching, and establish themselves as the dominant actor. They train the dogs to be obedient so as to be used during shows or events, and see to the dog’s welfare too. Dog handlers can get training programs that varies depending on the occupation from certain dog organizations.
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Lighting Technician
Lighting technicians set and operate the lighting equipment used in film, shows and television. They ensure that the lighting creates the right atmosphere that would set a scene and evoke a response from the audience. Lighting technicians have to carry out heavy lifting and also work at great heights to ensure that the light is in a correct position.
The job involves creativity and technicality while following instructions, to ensure that the desired production lighting is achieved. A degree isn’t necessary but experience and a specialist course in lighting technology, lighting design, theatre arts, lighting and sound operation is highly of great benefit.
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Film Hair Stylist
Hair stylists create hairstyles that suit production requirements. They work with hairpieces, wigs, and hair extensions, and most times have to use chemical solutions to treat hair and scalp where necessary. Hair stylists work closely with makeup and costume departments, as well as with actors, directors, and extras. Hair stylists work in feature films, commercials, and other such medium.
Most hair stylists work freelance and are usually recruited during pre-production process and production. Hair stylists usually accompany performers during their scenes, and ensure that continuity notes are maintained by taking shots and length measurements.
The starting point for a hair stylist is usually as a trainee, then upgrade to an assistant before becoming a full grade hair stylist.
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Television Floor Manager
Television floor managers are responsible for the safety of a set, prop, and technical equipment, and that they are in the right position before a filming starts. They work directly with the director and the production crew. They ensure that events go according to a set plan, and that everyone is aware of their particular role.
The job is mainly based in the studio, but may include occasional outside broadcast depending on the production. A degree in film/television, photography, media studies, or theater studies will give YOU leverage but there are no strict entry requirements for this job. Most television managers usually work their way up.
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Production Music Writer
A production music writer composes or writes music that is either sold or licensed to a production music library, where the earnings are then split between the writer and the library. The music can then be used in films, TV shows, commercials, websites, sales videos, and special productions.
A production music writer might work freelance or with a production music library who then through their network sells it to those that might need it in the industry.
There is no formal education for a production music writer, but one must have the ability to write, record, and mix music well. Attending a music production school, and owing a professional studio either at home or outside might be of great help.