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.
Audio and video recording technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
Audio and video recording technicians need the following skills and abilities:
Essential Skills:
Technical Skills:
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%).
$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.
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.
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%).
Employment by Region |
This Occupation | All Occupations |
| North | 0% | 5% |
| Parklands | 0% | 3% |
| Interlake | 6% | 8% |
| Winnipeg | 80% | 58% |
| North Central | 0% | 4% |
| Southwest | 6% | 9% |
| South Central | 0% | 5% |
| Southeast | 4% | 8% |
Employment by Gender |
This Occupation | All Occupations |
| Males | 89% | 53% |
| Females | 15% | 47% |
| This Occupation | All Occupations | |
Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification |
0% | 10% |
| This Occupation | All Occupations | |
Employment by Visible Minority |
0% | 0% |
Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.