Audio and Video Recording Technicians (NOC 5225)
Description
Audio and video recording technicians operate equipment to record, mix and edit sound, music and videotape, for motion pictures, television and radio programs, videos, recordings and live events. They are employed by film, video and concert production companies, sound recording firms, theatre and dance companies, clubs, bands, multimedia companies, radio stations, television networks and video production and editing companies.
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Example Titles
- audiovisual (AV) technician
- multimedia sound technician
- post production technician
- radio technician
- recording engineer
- recording studio technician
- sound effects editor
- sound engineer
- sound mixer
- sound technician
- video and sound recorder
- video recording technician
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Classified Elsewhere
- Broadcast Technicians (5224)
- Film and Video Camera Operators (5222)
- Film editors (in 5131 Producers, Directors, Choreographers and Related Occupations)
- Other Technical and Coordinating Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts (5226)
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Duties
Audio and video recording technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Set up, prepare, operate and adjust audio, recording, editing and reproducing equipment to record, edit and reproduce sound input or feed of pre-recorded material from tapes, records, compact discs, digital audio devices, and input from live microphones, satellites or microwave trucks for films, videos, radio and television programs and recordings
- Prepare and operate videotape recording and playback equipment to record videos, television programs, concerts and live events, and edit video tapes after production
- Operate electronic equipment to generate program titles, credits, sub-titles, graphic backgrounds or animation for television programs
- Operate audio consoles or computers, tape machines, microphones and sound processing equipment to mix, combine and edit music and sound at concerts and live events
- Operate dubbing machines to play back edited dialogue, music and sound effect tracks from different sources, in synchronization with motion picture film
- May supervise and co-ordinate the work of other audio and video recording technicians.
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Skills
Audio and video recording technicians need the following skills and abilities:
Essential Skills:
- physical fitness with good motor co-ordination and manual dexterity, good vision and hearing
- the ability to remain alert and focused while performing routine, repetitive tasks
- good teamwork skills
Technical Skills:
- an interest in music, theatre and film
- an interest in the technical aspects of recording images and sound
- an aptitude for working with electronic equipment
- creative and artistic ability
- the ability to maintain technical equipment and trouble-shoot problems, and an interest in remaining up-to-date regarding new products, equipment and technologies
- good computer skills
- the ability to work with other creative people in a team, or independently
- clerical skills may be needed for keeping records
- must develop general and career management competencies, these include the ability to understand and negotiate contracts, to network with others in the field to assess one's progress and review one's goals.
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Employment Requirements
- Work experience is the critical factor in obtaining employment. Completion of a college or other program in audiovisual technology, recording engineering, or a related field may be required to obtain an entry level position.
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Terms & Conditions
Audio and video recording technicians commonly work indoors, but they may also work outdoors in any type of weather. As well, they may be required to lift and move heavy equipment. Working hours are often irregular when working outside of a studio setting, evening work may be required. Moreover, travel is required when work is on location.
Most audio and video recording technicians work full-time (87%). When working in the film industry there may be periods of unemployment between projects. Self employment in this type of occupation is fairly common (22%).
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Earnings
$27,500 per annum - starting
$43,300 per annum - average
$57,700 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- Assiniboine Community College offers a two-year program in Media Production.
- Red River College offers a Creative Communications - Broadcast Arts diploma program.
- Red River College also offers a program in Media Production through the Continuing Education Division.
- MOSMA | Mid-Ocean School of Media Arts, a private vocational institution, offers programs in this field.
- Film Training Manitoba offers courses and workshops on writing, directing and producing for film and television.
- Some high schools offer programs in Media Production.
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Career Paths
Technicians often work in school or amateur productions and freelance to gain experience and reputation. Experience at small broadcasting stations or in smaller theatrical productions often leads to employment at larger stations or productions.
In the film industry technicians are usually hired on a picture-by picture basis.
With more experience and training, technicians may advance to supervisory positions or become directors or producers.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for audio and video recording technicians are expected to be good in the period 2010 - 2014. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 265.
Today, audiovisual systems are an integral part of most businesses, academic institutions, and entertainment venues. Audio and video recording technicians support the tools used in medical operating theatres, videoconferencing, business seminars, courts, corporate and academic training, performing arts events, as well as radio and television broadcasting.
The performing arts industry in Manitoba has seen an increase in the absolute number of people attending live events in recent years. The MTS Centre in Winnipeg continues to be one of the busiest entertainment venues in the world and was the third-busiest venue in Canada in 2008. While some performers bring their own crews, many of these events rely on the services of local technicians.
Employment in the music and sound recording sector has remained fairly stable. Manitoba produces recordings in all genres including folk, classical, rock, jazz, roots, country and aboriginal. Movie production in Manitoba creates periodic employment opportunities for audio and video recording technicians.
Employment in television and radio broadcasting is expected to moderate as radio and television stations consolidate, deliver more computer-controlled programming, and centralize broadcasting from fewer locations. Many recording and editing functions can now be done using computers and mass data storage devices instead of videotapes and audiotapes. This transition has changed to work of audio and video recording technicians who now require computer software and networking skills.
A proportionally larger share of jobs are located in Winnipeg. Across industries, the majority are employed in Information and Cultural Industries (57%), followed by Public Administration (8%), Other Services (except Public Administration) (8%), Educational Services (6%), Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (6%) and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (6%).
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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