What Do Technical Directors and Managers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Technical Directors and Managers coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs. They also direct technical aspects of newscasts and other productions, checking and switching between video sources and taking responsibility for the on-air product, including camera shots and graphics.

Other tasks include:

• Switch between video sources in a studio or on multi-camera remotes, using equipment such as switchers, video slide projectors, and video effects generators.
• Observe pictures through monitors and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.
• Follow instructions from production managers and directors during productions, such as commands for camera cuts, effects, graphics, and takes.
• Supervise and assign duties to workers engaged in technical control and production of radio and television programs.
• Set up and execute video transitions and special effects, such as fades, dissolves, cuts, keys, and supers, using computers to manipulate pictures as necessary.
• Monitor broadcasts to ensure that programs conform to station or network policies and regulations.

We asked Technical Directors and Managers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

---

68% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 49% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Technical Directors and Managers switch between video sources in a studio or on multi-camera remotes, using equipment such as switchers, video slide projectors, and video effects generators. They supervise and assign duties to workers engaged in technical control and production of radio and television programs.

A typical day for a Technical Director and Manager will also include:

• Test equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Act as liaisons between engineering and production departments.
• Direct technical aspects of newscasts and other productions, checking and switching between video sources and taking responsibility for the on-air product, including camera shots and graphics.
• Observe pictures through monitors and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.
• Set up and execute video transitions and special effects, such as fades, dissolves, cuts, keys, and supers, using computers to manipulate pictures as necessary.

We asked some Technical Directors and Managers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	73% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	76% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	78% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	38% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	5% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	49% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Technical Directors and Managers also train workers in use of equipment, such as switchers, cameras, monitors, microphones, and lights. They may also confer with operations directors to formulate and maintain fair and attainable technical policies for programs.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Technical Directors and Managers Act as liaisons between engineering and production departments. They might also Schedule use of studio and editing facilities for producers and engineering and maintenance staff.

In addition, they Discuss filter options, lens choices, and the visual effects of objects being filmed with photography directors and video operators.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Operate equipment to produce programs or broadcast live programs from remote locations.

To some Technical Directors and Managers, it is also their responsibility to Collaborate with promotions directors to produce on-air station promotions.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Technical Director and Manager, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/entertainment-and-sports/producers-and-directors.htm

http://www.dga.org/

http://www.producersguild.org/

http://nast.arts-accredit.org/