Technical, Coordinating and Support workers in Film, Broadcasting & the Performing Arts
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Workers in other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts co-ordinate and perform specific activities for television, radio and motion picture productions, news broadcasts, theatre and stage productions, and other live or recorded productions. They are employed by television and radio stations and networks, recording studios, motion picture and video production companies, concert promoters and theatre, stage and dance companies. (National Occupational Classification)
This profile includes information about Camera Crane Operator, Costumier, Lighting Technician, Make-up Artist, Set Builder, Special Effect Technician, Stage Electrician, Stage hand, Stage Manager, Stunt co-ordinator and more.
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S resource for occupational descriptions and information.
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- Sokanu - career info & videos:
- A Day in the Life of a Stage Technician - The Princeton Review (U.S)
- Job Descriptions - International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees 856 (IATSE)
- A Typical Day on Set – Film Training Manitoba
- Careers in Culture: Film and Broadcasting – Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC)
- Your Role (occupations and their qualifications) – Get on Set Manitoba
- Discover your Future in Film and Theatre (see Arts 2021 Information sessions) - University of Manitoba
Education
Most occupations in these unit group require completion of college courses in broadcasting, theatre arts or a related field or a period of on-the-job training. Some occupations may require completion of a college or university program in broadcasting, theatre arts or a related field and several years of experience in a related support or assisting occupation in motion pictures, broadcasting or the performing arts are required. (National Occupational Classification).
Beyond universities and colleges, several other educational options exist. Post-graduate schools and private companies offer specific training. National professional training institutions offer intense programs of varying lengths, usually for performers. Film and broadcasting unions, such as IATSE and AQTIS, offer training programs. Studios allow performers to create their own training "programs" by mixing and matching courses from different instructors. (Cultural Human Resources Council)
Students wishing to receive support may wish to seek consultation with local associations such as Film Training Manitoba. If you are a University of Manitoba student who would like assistance determining an education plan that suits your unique goals, speak with a Career Consultant.
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit U of M's faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision-making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts (note that the job title is applicable to all occupations in the 5226 category)
- Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts (note that the job title is applicable to all occupations in the 5227 category)
- Occupational Outlook Handbook (Motion Picture and Video Industries) - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Collective Agreements & Rates – IATSE 856
- DGC/CMPA Standard Agreement (see rates in Schedule 4)
- Film Training Manitoba - FAQ
- Labour Market Information for Canada’s Cultural Sector 2019 - CHRC
- Statistical Insights on the Arts – Hill Strategies Research Inc.
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
- Directors Guild of Canada: Manitoba District Council (GDC)
- Creative Manitoba
- Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology (CITT/ICTS)
- Canadian Actors’ Equity Association
- Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Manitoba Arts Network (Member Directory)
- On Screen Manitoba
- Broadcasters Association of Manitoba (BAM)
- Association of Community Theatres of Manitoba Inc
- Canadian Association of Broadcasters (Members)
- Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (members)
- North American Broadcasters Association
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
External resources that will provide you with additional information about the occupation, areas of work and opportunities to build experience:
- The Black Hole Theatre (BHTC) and English, Film, and Theatre Students’ Association (EFTSA) – University of Manitoba student groups for those involved in studying and performing theatre
- Winnipeg Film Group - Artist-run education, production, exhibition and distribution centre committed to promoting the art of cinema
- UWpg Film Festival - Film Festival that showcases the work of post-secondary filmmakers from across Canada
- Film Training Manitoba – Manitoba organization providing education and free consultation for those interested in entering the film industry
- Get on Set Manitoba – Website aimed at engaging Manitobans to support screenings of local films, informing them of opportunities in the industry and explaining what the industry does for our province
- Freeze Frame - Not-for-profit organization offering workshops and programs throughout the year for young People
- Indigenous Filmmakers Association
- Respectful workplaces in the Arts – Government of Canada