Motion Picture, Broadcasting, Photography, and Performing Arts Support Workers
(NOC 5227)
in All Art, Culture, Recreation and SportThis group includes workers who perform support duties related to broadcasting and to the production of motion pictures and the performing arts. They work for television and radio stations and networks, recording studios, motion picture and video production companies and by theatre and stage companies.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Support Workers in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting, Photography, and the Performing Arts most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers. Also, a average portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 30% of Support Workers in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting, Photography, and the Performing Arts who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $40,940. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$18.96
Median$32.13
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,618
Minimum$22,927
Median$59,224
MaximumCompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$24.73
Median$36.29
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
This group includes workers who perform support duties related to broadcasting and to the production of motion pictures and the performing arts. They work for television and radio stations and networks, recording studios, motion picture and video production companies and by theatre and stage companies.
Job duties
Camera crane operators:
- Set up, assemble, adjust, maintain, and replace reels and projector equipment
- Detect and repair mechanical and electrical problems.
- Change and install an electronic control panel using automated equipment.
Motion picture projectionists:
- Check the condition of the copy.
- Set up and load film reels on movie theatre projection systems, adjust focus, sound levels and other projector and theatre settings.
- Maintain projection equipment.
Props persons and set builders:
- Assemble, repair, place, build, and oversee props.
Script assistants:
- Distribute scripts to actors.
- Keep detailed notes of all actions, positions, and camera angles.
- Photograph and date scenes.
Grips and riggers:
- Rig, place, move and dismantle sets, backdrops, scenery, and other stage equipment.
Dressers:
- Clean, maintain, transport and store costumes, and assist performers to dress in costumes.
Production assistants:
- Provide support to the director and producer and are responsible for various aspects of production like preparing schedules, setting up equipment, and making travel arrangements to various shooting locations.
Sample job titles
- audiovisual (AV) assistant - motion pictures and broadcasting
- grip
- lighting assistant
- production assistant
- props person
- rigger - motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
- script assistant
- set builder
- stagehand
- wardrobe assistant
Skills
- These jobs all require a certain level of technical skill. Attention to detail and the ability to improvise with equipment and techniques are also important. You must be able to take direction, communicate your ideas clearly, and work well with others.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- Most jobs in this group require completion of college courses in broadcasting, theatre arts or a related field or a period of on-the-job training.
- Projectionists are required to be licensed by their province of employment.
Other considerations
- The majority of people in this group are employed full-time but for only part of the year. Many people in this group have a second source of income to support them during slow periods. There may be an overlap in duties among jobs in this group, depending on the size of the production or broadcasting studio. Progression to related technical occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting or the performing arts is possible with additional training or experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$25,035 median annual incomeSouthern
N/ACape Breton
N/ANorth Shore
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Information and cultural industries
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Public administration
Wholesale trade
Educational services
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
15-24
45-54
55-64
25-34
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
15-24
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$20,594 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ABachelor
$39,593 median annual incomeLess than high school
N/ATrade Certification
N/ACompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor
$17,829 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,552 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,120 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,922 median annual incomeMaster
$36,173 median annual incomeEducation & training
Communications Technology/Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare individuals to function as workers and managers within communications industries. They include courses in business economics, basic management, principles of interpersonal and mediated communications, radio, television, and digital media production, and related aspects of technology and communications systems.
Institutions providing this program
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Organizational Communication
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on general communication processes and dynamics within organizations. They include courses in developing and maintaining interpersonal group relations within organizations, decision-making and conflict management, using symbols to create and maintain organizational images, missions, and values, power and politics within organizations, human interaction with computer technology, and how communications socialize and support employees and team members.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Radio and Television
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the theories, methods, and techniques used to plan, produce, and distribute audio and video programs and messages and prepares students to function as staff, producers, directors, and managers of radio and television shows and media organizations. They include courses in media aesthetics, planning, scheduling, and production, writing and editing, performing and directing, personnel and facilities management, marketing and distribution, media regulations, law, and policy, and principles of broadcast technology.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Recording Arts Technology/Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs apply technical knowledge and skills to producing sound recordings as finished products or as parts of film/video, broadcast, live, or mixed media productions. They include courses in sound equipment operation and maintenance, music, dialogue, and sound effects recording, sound track editing, dubbing and mixing, sound engineering, tape, disk, and CD production, digital recording and transmission, amplification and modulation, and working with producers, editors, directors, artists, and production managers.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.