Audiovisual and Broadcast Directors
Background
The services produce many motion pictures, videotapes, and TV and radio broadcasts. These productions are used for training, news, and entertainment. Audiovisual and broadcast directors may direct day-to-day filming or broadcasting or manage other directors. Audiovisual and broadcast directors manage audiovisual projects.
What They Do
Audiovisual and broadcast directors in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Determine the staff and equipment needed for productions
- Direct actors and technical staff during performances
- Direct the preparation of scripts and determine camera-shooting schedules
- Plan and organize audiovisual projects, including films, videotapes, TV and radio broadcasts
- Set production controls and performance standards for audiovisual projects
Physical Demands
No information available.
Special Requirements
A four-year college degree is normally required to enter this career.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to transform ideas into visual images
- Interest in organizing and planning activities
- Interest in planning and directing the work of others
Helpful School Subjects
No information available.
Helpful Fields of Study
Helpful fields of study include:
- Audiovisual production
- Cinematography
- Communications
- Graphic arts
Work Environment
Audiovisual and broadcast directors usually work in studios or offices. They may direct film crews on location in military camps or combat zones.
Services offering this career:
- Marine Corps
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for officers.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
Training Provided
Job training consists of 15 to 99 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty.
Course content typically includes:
- Management of military broadcasting facilities
- Motion picture and television production management
- Public information management principles
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian audiovisual and broadcast directors work for television networks and stations, motion picture companies, public relations and advertising firms, and government agencies. They perform duties similar to those performed by military audiovisual and broadcast directors.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 1,000 audiovisual and broadcast directors. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new directors due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, audiovisual and broadcast directors work in production units directing the work of audiovisual technicians and specialists. In time, they may advance to management positions in the broadcasting and public affairs fields.