Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Video Production Technician

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a technical wizard with a creative eye, passionate about bringing stories to life through video? This role requires a highly motivated and detail-oriented Video Production Technician to join our dynamic in-house creative team. This is a hands-on role at the heart of our content creation engine, responsible for the setup, operation, and maintenance of all video, audio, and lighting equipment. You will be the go-to expert for ensuring our productions—from live-streamed events to polished marketing videos—are executed flawlessly from a technical standpoint. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, is a proactive problem-solver, and is committed to achieving the highest standards in visual and audio quality. If you're ready to make a significant impact and grow with a forward-thinking company, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Assistant (PA)
Camera Operator Trainee
Media Management Assistant
AV Technician

Advancement To:

Lead Video Production Technician
Director of Photography
Post-Production Supervisor
Video Producer / Producer-Director

Lateral Moves:

Broadcast Technician
Live Events AV Specialist
Motion Graphics Artist
Audio Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Set up, configure, and operate a wide range of professional video equipment, including cinema cameras (e.g., Sony FX series, Canon C-line, Blackmagic), DSLRs, and PTZ cameras for studio and field productions.
Design and execute multi-point lighting schemes for various scenarios, including interviews, product shoots, and live events, utilizing LED panels, softboxes, and other lighting modifiers to shape and control light.
Manage all aspects of audio recording, including setting up and monitoring lavalier, shotgun, and boom microphones, as well as operating audio mixers to ensure clean, high-quality sound capture.
Act as the primary camera operator during shoots, demonstrating a strong understanding of framing, composition, focus, and camera movement to capture compelling footage.
Oversee the technical execution of live-streamed events and webinars across platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and enterprise solutions (e.g., WebEx, Zoom), managing switching, encoding, and stream health monitoring.
Perform technical directing duties for multi-camera productions, operating video switchers (e.g., Blackmagic ATEM, Tricaster) to call and switch camera angles in real-time.
Prepare and manage teleprompter systems for on-camera talent, ensuring scripts are loaded correctly and operated smoothly during recordings.
Conduct pre-production technical scouts of locations to assess power, lighting, sound, and logistical requirements to ensure production readiness.
Assemble and break down all production gear efficiently and safely, ensuring all equipment is handled with care and stored properly.
Ingest, organize, and manage digital assets and raw footage using established media management protocols, including creating backups and preparing files for post-production.
Perform basic video editing tasks, including assembling rough cuts, syncing audio and video, and preparing sequences for senior editors.

Secondary Functions

Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and firmware updates on all video, audio, and lighting equipment to ensure it remains in optimal working condition.
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with equipment and software in high-pressure situations during live productions and shoots.
Maintain an accurate inventory of all production equipment, tracking usage, repairs, and new acquisitions.
Collaborate closely with producers, directors, and clients to understand the creative vision and translate it into technical requirements and execution plans.
Stay current with emerging video production technologies, industry trends, and new techniques to continually improve our production quality and workflow efficiency.
Assist in the design and continuous improvement of our studio space, including set design, cable management, and technical infrastructure.
Prepare and export final video files according to specific platform and network delivery specifications, ensuring proper codecs, bitrates, and aspect ratios.
Provide technical support and guidance to other team members or departments on best practices for video and audio recording.
Manage the studio calendar, coordinating bookings and ensuring the space is prepared for upcoming productions.
Create and maintain technical documentation, workflow guides, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the production team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Camera Operation: Deep knowledge of professional digital cameras, lens types, and settings (ISO, shutter speed, aperture, white balance).
Lighting: Expertise in studio and field lighting principles, including 3-point lighting, and hands-on experience with various lighting fixtures and modifiers.
Audio Recording: Proficiency in using professional audio equipment, including mixers, various microphone types, and recorders, to capture broadcast-quality sound.
Live Streaming & Switching: Experience with live production switchers (e.g., Blackmagic ATEM), encoding software (e.g., OBS), and streaming platforms.
Video Editing Software: High proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro, with working knowledge of DaVinci Resolve and/or Final Cut Pro.
Post-Production Workflow: Understanding of color correction/grading, audio mixing, and motion graphics (Adobe After Effects is a plus).
Media Management: Strong organizational skills for handling large volumes of digital files, including knowledge of codecs, containers, and data wrangling best practices.
Computer & IT Proficiency: Comfortable with both Mac and PC operating systems and basic network troubleshooting.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly diagnose and resolve technical issues under pressure.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in every aspect of production, from checking focus to monitoring audio levels and organizing files.
Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse team of creatives, clients, and on-air talent.
Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to pivot quickly when production plans change unexpectedly.
Proactive & Self-Motivated: Takes initiative to prepare for shoots, maintain gear, and learn new skills without constant supervision.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by significant hands-on experience or a technical certificate.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Film & Television Production
Communications
Broadcast Journalism
Media Arts & Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of hands-on experience in a professional video production environment, such as a creative agency, corporate in-house team, or broadcast station.

Preferred:

A strong online portfolio or demo reel that showcases a variety of technical and creative video production skills is highly preferred. Experience with both studio-based and on-location shoots is a significant asset.