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. 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.
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
$12.95
Minimum$19.80
Median$34.00
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
Southern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Information and cultural industries
Educational services
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Public administration
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
15-24
55-64
25-34
45-54
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/AApprenticeship
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
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Communications technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that generally prepares individuals to function as workers and managers within communications industries. These programs 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
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
Organizational communication - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on general communication processes and dynamics within organizations. These programs include courses in the development and maintenance of interpersonal group relations within organizations; decision-making and conflict management; the use of 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
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Radio and television
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the theories, methods, and techniques used to plan, produce, and distribute audio and video programs and messages, and that prepares individuals to function as staff, producers, directors, and managers of radio and television shows and media organizations. These programs 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
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Recording arts technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the production of sound recordings as finished products or as components of film/video, broadcast, live, or mixed media productions. These programs 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
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Employment requirements & contacts
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