Motion Picture, Broadcasting, Photography, and Performing Arts Support Workers
(NOC 5227)
in All Arts, 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 are employed by television and radio stations and networks, recording studios, motion picture and video production companies and by theatre and stage companies.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Motion Picture, Broadcasting, Photography, and Performing Arts Support Workers 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.
The median employment income for 30% of Motion Picture, Broadcasting, Photography, and Performing Arts Support Workers 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
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,618
Minimum$22,927
Median$59,224
MaximumCompared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$16.00
Median$31.00
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 are employed by television and radio stations and networks, recording studios, motion picture and video production companies and by theatre and stage companies.
Job duties
- The following is a summary of main duties for some jobs in this group:
- Camera crane operators set up, assemble, adjust, maintain and replace reels and projector equipment; detect and repair mechanical and electrical problems; and change and install an electronic control panel using automated equipment.
- Production assistants provide support to the director and producer, and are responsible for various aspects of production such as preparing schedules, setting up equipment, and making travel arrangements to various shooting locations.
- 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; and 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; and 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.
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
- Completion of 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 Arts, 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, Culture & Recreation
Paper Manufacturing
Public Administration
Wholesale Trade
Other Professional Services
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
15-24
45-54
65+
25-34
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
65+
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$39,131 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$30,401 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ALess than high school
N/ATrades certificate
$44,046 median annual incomeCompared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor's degree
$19,705 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,127 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$20,158 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,298 median annual incomeMaster's degree
N/AEducation & 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 550, 1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3737
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
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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