Aufnahmeleiter/Aufnahmeleiterin in der Film- und Fernsehproduktion

Media related to this profession include crew united - The Network for Film and Television Professionals, DIGITAL PRODUCTION, Film & TV Kamera, Film & TV Kameramann, filmportal.de - Internet Platform for German Film, and the Initiative for Cultural and Creative Industries of the Federal Government.

Virtual real-time film sets use high-resolution LED displays to create a digital film environment during studio shoots. Film crews no longer work with a greenscreen. Instead, a scenery previously recorded in an outdoor shoot is projected onto the displays. In this film set, backgrounds change perspectively correctly to match camera movement. Actors and actresses have the scene directly in front of them and can actively interact within the environment. This technology reduces shooting costs, as, among other things, elaborate outdoor shoots with the entire crew are reduced. Professionals in the film business will have to deal with this development.

Unit managers in film and television production usually work in office and meeting rooms, in recording studios, and outdoors (for location shoots). They may also work from a home office or remotely.

Core competencies generally required in this profession include: recording technology, supervision and management, equipment (film, television, stage), scenography, filming, financing, financial planning, calculation, conception (theater, film, television, exhibition), production (stage, film, television, video, audiovisual), scheduling and monitoring. Further competencies that may be significant for practicing this profession include: work preparation, image technology, controlling, dramaturgy, television technology, investment planning, camera technology, cost and performance accounting, lighting technology, media technology, human resources, directing, sound technology, copyright, contract law, acquiring and managing exploitation rights and licenses.

Unit managers in film and television production work in a team with all those involved in a production. They have contact with administrative staff from authorities, the police, location scouts, caterers, as well as employees of vehicle rental companies and hotels. This requires strong social and communication skills. They demonstrate their organizational talent in planning and executing shoots. They consistently ensure that the shooting schedule is adhered to, to guarantee the smooth running of the production. They carefully and responsibly monitor compliance with legal regulations, the budget, and time and deadline specifications. In the office, unit managers in film and television production carry out preparatory work. For example, they book stuntmen and stuntwomen or create shooting schedules on the computer. They also accompany shoots in recording studios as well as at various locations.

Unit managers in film and television production can become self-employed, for example, by establishing a service company in the field of film and sound technology. Information on starting a business can be obtained from organizations such as the Bundesverband Produktion Film und Fernsehen e.V. (BVP) (Federal Association for Film and Television Production).

Example gross monthly basic salary ranges from €3,176 to €3,404. These figures are for orientation only and no claims can be derived from them. Please check BERUFENET for current information.

They work in film, video, and audio production, the production of other video films, films, and television programs (e.g., film, television, and video production companies), as well as in radio, television, and other media distribution (e.g., public or private television broadcasters).

Employers often expect further training in film and television production and relevant professional experience.

Unit managers in film and television production are employed by companies in the film industry, for example, television production companies.

Unit managers in film and television production manage studio and outdoor productions, organizing all temporal, spatial, dramaturgical, and personnel aspects.

Job and applicant exchanges: Blickpunkt Filmcrew united, dasauge, DWDL.de, mandy.com, medienjobs.ch, StagePool.

Relevant associations and organizations for this profession include Bundesverband Musikindustrie e.V., Bundesverband Produktion Film und Fernsehen e.V. (BVP), Künstlervermittlung der Zentralen Auslands- und Fachvermittlung (ZAV), and ver.di - Vereinte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft.

In this profession, responsibilities for people (e.g., instructing and leading employees), group and teamwork (e.g., collaborating with other specialists during filming) are important. Screen work (e.g., creating shooting schedules), office work (e.g., booking stuntmen and stuntwomen), studio work (accompanying film shoots), and outdoor work (e.g., at outdoor filming locations) are common. Irregular working hours (e.g., outdoor shoots depending on weather conditions) may occur.

Work tools include documents such as shooting, time, budget, personnel deployment plans, daily dispositions, filming permits, production contracts, cost and material consumption records, occupational safety and health regulations, and checklists. Office equipment such as PCs, internet access, and telephones are used, along with communication tools like smartphones, walkie-talkies, and headsets.

Production managers in film and television production ensure the planned execution of productions. For example, they create shooting schedules, monitor the given cost framework, and procure personnel. They coordinate the various departments and work steps and solve problems. As second assistant directors, they are responsible for tasks that arise shortly before and during filming. For instance, they check whether all team members and equipment are on site on time, coordinate the crew, and keep an eye on the planned times.

Access professions include Geprüfter Meister für Medienproduktion Bild und Ton/Geprüfte Meisterin für Medienproduktion Bild und Ton - Bachelor Professional in Medienproduktion Bild und Ton, Producer/Producerin, and Produktionsleiter/Produktionsleiterin - Film und Fernsehen.

Continuing education for professional adaptation helps to keep professional knowledge current and adapt to new developments (e.g., in the fields of production management, film, television and video production, image, sound and camera technology, cost management).

A Studium (university degree program) opens up further professional and career opportunities (e.g., through a Bachelor's degree in Film, Television Production, or Directing). With their Weiterbildung (professional advanced training) qualification, Aufnahmeleiter (Production Coordinators) can gain access to a Studium even without a general higher education entrance qualification. For more information: Access to higher education in the individual Bundesländer (federal states) of Germany.

Ensure the planned flow of a film or television production. Participate in conceptual discussions with the director and production management, for example, regarding the type, costs, and personnel of the production. Create the shooting schedule in consultation with the director, production management, and, if necessary, technical staff, distribute it to all involved parties (e.g., actors, make-up, lighting), and ensure compliance. Create daily schedules, for example, for the temporal allocation of actors in their respective costumes or for the correct broadcast of contributions in live programs. Ensure the safety and adherence to working and break times for actors. Control costs and expenses to stay within the given financial framework. Organize filming, arrange for technical equipment such as cameras and spotlights to be provided. Organize tasks such as the setup and dismantling of sets/scenery and the production or procurement of costumes. Engage and coordinate extras (Komparsen) and stuntmen/stuntwomen. Find filming locations for outdoor shoots.

The following lists professions or activities that show similarities to the initial profession. These professions represent a possible alternative for applicants. Furthermore, employers can consider individuals from these professions as alternatives for filling a position in the initial profession. Some alternative professions only encompass partial activities of the initial profession, while others require an induction period, which can vary in length in individual cases. The following immediate employment and staffing alternatives are available for the profession of Aufnahmeleiter (Production Coordinator) in film and television production: Job and staffing alternatives for the overall activity (usually short induction): Certified Master for Media Production Picture and Sound (Geprüfter Meister für Medienproduktion Bild und Ton / Geprüfte Meisterin für Medienproduktion Bild und Ton - Bachelor Professional in Medienproduktion Bild und Ton), Producer, Production Manager - Film and Television (Produktionsleiter/Produktionsleiterin - Film und Fernsehen). In related professions: Technical Director (Technischer Leiter/Technische Leit).