Directing Assistant Producer
(Temporary freelance contract - approx 3 months initially)

We require a freelance Directing Assistant Producer with self-shooting and editing skills to become an integral part of a small, dedicated production team, working under the supervision of the Series Producer.

Our company is committed to presenting opera of the highest quality, commissioning new work, developing new talent and reaching new audiences.
The Festival and Tour present about 120 performances a year to an audience of around 150,000. We have a widely respected Education programme, established in 1986, hosting over 230 community and outreach events a year. And we have pioneered using recordings to bring our work to a worldwide audience through broadcasts, cinema screenings, DVDs and web streaming. We produce our own short form films and podcasts for use on our website, cinema broadcasts & web streaming activities and as Extra Features in production of our DVDs. This role will play an important part in supporting this activity.

AIM OF JOB
1. To assist senior production staff in all stages of production, with direct accountability for the execution of a specific programme brief within the company's Audio Visual (AV) requirements.

2. To ensure the visual integrity of AV output by directing, self-shooting and editing material for broadcast.

MAIN DUTIES
1. To interpret ideas/stories in a way which demonstrates an understanding of the artistic potential of the online/DVD/cinema medium and effectively conveys the intention, style and mood of the company's AV requirements.

2. To produce exciting and effective visual images, sounds and words which capture and convey the intention, style and mood of our AV requirements in a logical, coherent, objective and entertaining fashion.

3. To demonstrate balanced and objective judgment and editorial decisions based on a thorough understanding of the company's strategic objectives, the target audience, the broadcast medium and series requirements (as outlined by the Series Producer).

4. To obtain accurate and interesting content by identifying and gathering relevant information from a range of sources, demonstrating a full understanding of the requirement, and knowledge of sources and research methodology.

5. To make judgments and selections appropriate to our AV requirements, whilst identifying key facts and trends and assessing accuracy and sensitivity.

6. To think clearly and decisively, particularly when faced with unexpected problems and to make rational decisions based on logical evaluation of the relevant factors, referring to a more senior level when necessary.

7. To manage, control and monitor budgets effectively, using knowledge of internal and external market costs of production resources to ensure cost-effective productions.

8. To plan and organise ahead in order to establish an efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others, communicating effectively both orally and in writing, whilst building and developing effective working relationships with a wide range of personalities and across a number of different in-house and external teams.

9. To establish clear objectives for implementing effective and economic production schedules, working systematically and efficiently within fixed broadcast deadlines and paying attention to detail at all stages of the production.

10. To lead and motivate production teams, crews and contributors, by providing clear instructions, support, direction and feedback. To communicate and build strong relationships with in-house stakeholders including the Press, Marketing and Communications teams.

11. To capture broadcast standard material using Sony EX1 R cameras and their accompanying sound recording equipment.

12. To save, store and edit captured material using Final Cut Pro or Premier editing software, on time and to budget.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
The AP must be able to demonstrate prior knowledge and experience of:
1. Research techniques and sources (written, visual, audio). Having a current in-depth knowledge of opera, and is familiar with the company's target online, cinema and DVD audience, its profile and needs.

2. Keeping up-to-date with production and post-production processes, techniques and technology, and has an awareness of different styles/approaches to programme making.

3. Self shooting, using a range of broadcast standard cameras.

4. Editing using a range of popular editing packages. The AP must have previously done this for broadcast.

5. The differing roles and requirements of each party involved in the gathering and delivery of content, ie production team, crews, artists, in-house stakeholders and external broadcast partners and contributors.

6. Equal Opportunities guidelines and an awareness of statutory policies and regulations relevant to film making ie artists' rights, copyright, music copyright, insurance requirements, working with children etc.

7. Keeping up-to-date with the relevant editorial guidelines and familiar with Health and Safety guidelines - procedures and responsibilities.


Application process
Please send a copy of your CV (noting your daily rate and availability) along with some examples of films you have most recently self shot and edited for broadcast.