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GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS
The VIDEOGRAPHER 1 employs both technical and aesthetic knowledge and experience to operate broadcast quality
field and studio video cameras, related audio equipment, lights, and still cameras to obtain recorded or live broadcast
quality images and sound. Employees are also responsible for the operation of broadcast quality audio and video
editing equipment to produce final products for airing by the Oregon Public Broadcasting Network and the nationwide
Public Broadcasting System.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the first of a two-level series of classes. The Videographer 1 is expected to be fully proficient in
technical videographic duties, and is distinguished from the higher level by the absence of responsibility for
the coordination of major, ongoing production projects.
- Production Analysis and Planning. Typical tasks: meets with producers, directors, or newspersons to
evaluate production needs for planned shoots; reviews script or assignment information to estimate equipment requirements
(video, photo, audio, lighting); advises producer, director, or newsperson of potential problems and recommends
strategy/techniques to overcome problems; visits (when possible) shoot locations to refine needs assessments, determine
areas for equipment setup; provides producer/director/newsperson with staff needs, probable production time involved,
equipment requirements, and technical or aesthetic problems that may be encountered; provides technical advice
and options to overcome problems.
- Logistics Coordination. Typical tasks: for each shoot project assigned, inventories all equipment required;
tests cameras, microphones, lights, and related equipment to assure proper operation; makes technical system adjustments
(gen lock, sync, electronic, and manual zoom, focus, white and black balance, color separation, registration, and
pedestal controls) to video cameras to accommodate lighting or other environmental conditions that may be encountered;
assembles, packs, and prepares for loading/moving of cameras, lenses, multipin, BNC, coaxial and other video cables,
AC/DC power supplies and extensions, battery packs, tripods, dollies, cranes, track and/or support stands; gathers,
checks, and prepares to load/move required video recording and playback equipment, audio recorders, mono or stereo
mixers, microphones, pre-amps, distribution amplifiers, equalizers, booms, cable, and related equipment; gathers,
checks, and has ready to load/move lighting equipment such as: spots, scoop lights, flood lights, broad lights,
HMI lights, inky spots, sun gun portable lights, Parr lights, Fresnel lights, control consoles, patching bays,
grids and associated "barn doors", mesh and opaque full, half and graduated
scrims, colored and special
effect gels, reflector boards, umbrellas, stands, trees, clamps, ballasts, breakers, high voltage electrical supply
and distribution equipment, light meters, cables, cases, covers and mounts; independently or in cooperation with
engineering staff oversees packing, moving, loading, transport, and set up of equipment at production site; consults
with engineering staff on technical or operational problems as needed.
- Videotaping and Photojournalism. Typical tasks: operates field or studio cameras and related equipment
to effectively record or capture live, variety of program material; adapts to director/producer/newsperson style
and technique as necessary; independently adjusts image/sound capture to enhance mood, theme, or thrust of shooting
project; recommends minor or major shooting changes to producer/director/newsperson to obtain most appropriate
and effective materials; on news, human interest, or other live productions must be alert to and accommodate constantly
changing and sometimes hazardous conditions; performs on-site technical adjustments or trouble shooting to equipment
to assure continuous, quality operations; learns (through experience) to understand, anticipate, and accommodate
differing artistic and aesthetic techniques and approaches of variety of producers, directors, and newspersons;
exercises patience, understanding, and judgment in working with variety of performing artists, public figures,
and general public involved in or affected by productions, sometimes under stressful conditions; takes high-quality
still photos as required for use in promotions, productions, and publications; operates a variety of broadcast
quality audio equipment to obtain individual soundtracks or related materials used in productions; independently,
or through production staff, or in cooperation with engineering staff, operates, adjusts, and maintains complex,
interrelated video, audio, and lighting systems in studio and on-location productions.
- Editing. Typical tasks: independently, or in conjunction with producer/director/newsperson, edits recorded
video and audio materials to meet time, aesthetic, ethical, and broadcast quality standards; operates variety of
editing equipment ranging from small audio and/or video editing machines to complex console and studio installations;
may be required to time, mix, and balance multiple format video images, motion pictures, still images, along with
multi source and track sound materials for a single final product; adjusts to and effectively integrates foreign
produced/transmitted materials (differing formats); modifies, blends, enhances audio materials to specific time
guides to obtain broadcast quality products; combines technical knowledge and artistic/aesthetic sense to meet
high broadcast standards and producer/director/newsperson requirements.
- Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: maintains accurate and timely records and logs of all operations, program
edits, and equipment usage/breakdowns; provides technical advice related to videography to production and engineering
staff; maintains current knowledge and understanding of developments in equipment, techniques, and standards through
reading trade and professional materials, consultations with senior-level videographers, engineering and production
staff; reviews and critiques work of peers; employs technical, artistic, and organizational skills to perform occasional
directing duties, including planning, real time coordination of multiple cameras, microphones in live or taped
productions; uses technical, artistic, and organizational skills to perform occasional producer duties, including
program conception, planning, task assignments, talent choice, and content authority; provides production personnel
with technical and artistic training related to videography; researches and reviews equipment developments; develops
procurement specifications and cost estimates to make written and/or oral purchase recommendations to management;
participates in ongoing skills enhancement activities such as workshops, seminars, practicums, and classes; oversees
and coordinates work of production staff (grips, production assistants, etc.); attends vendor or manufacturer training
as well as industry seminars when available; works to enhance own artistic and aesthetic abilities and skills through
consultations with others and critical evaluations of other's productions.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS
Employees in this class are in daily telephone or in-person contact with other production staff, writers, producers,
directors, reporters, talent, dignitaries, and the general public to exchange production related information. There
is occasional telephone, in-person or written communication with vendors or technical specialists to exchange information
relating to production and equipment technicalities and arrangements. Employees are expected to maintain courteous,
patient, pleasant, and diplomatic relations with public contacts, other production staff and peers.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Employees in this class receive general supervision and guidance from a supervisor or manager who normally reviews
work during and on completion of projects for satisfaction of project goals. During production creative direction
is provided by a producer/director/newsperson. Formal review is provided by a supervisor or manager through an
annual written appraisal. Guidelines used are artistic, technical, and performance standards of broadcast television
as well as rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, the agency, and the State.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Employees in this class work a flexible schedule including long days, odd hours, and overnights as dictated
by production needs. There is frequent travel to local and remote locations. There is work under adverse conditions
including extremes of temperature and weather as well as physical challenges including steep climbs, rough terrain,
long walks carrying heavy equipment, or transport or production in unusual vehicles including boats, ships, powered
or unpowered aircraft, ATVs, etc.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Three years of television production videography experience.
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