Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Video Project Technician
💰 $45,000 - $75,000
Media ProductionAudio/VisualTechnologyEventsCommunications
🎯 Role Definition
A Video Project Technician is the technical backbone of video production, seamlessly blending creative understanding with deep technical expertise. This role is responsible for the setup, operation, and maintenance of all audio-visual equipment required for projects ranging from corporate communications and virtual events to creative film shoots. They are the hands-on problem-solvers who ensure that the technical execution of a creative vision is flawless. Success in this role means guaranteeing high-quality audio and video capture, smooth live productions, and polished final edits, making them an indispensable asset to any production, marketing, or communications team.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- AV Assistant / Technician's Assistant
- Production Assistant (PA)
- Media Operations Intern
Advancement To:
- Lead Video Technician / Senior AV Technician
- Video Producer or Director
- AV Systems Engineer or Designer
Lateral Moves:
- Live Sound Engineer
- Broadcast Technician
- Digital Media Specialist
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Manage the complete lifecycle of video projects, from pre-production planning and gear-prep to on-location shooting and post-production editing.
- Set up, configure, and operate a wide range of professional video production equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting, and audio gear for studio and field productions.
- Function as a technical director during live or recorded events, operating video switchers, managing multiple camera inputs, and integrating graphics and playback sources.
- Execute video editing, color correction, audio mixing, and motion graphics creation to produce polished, high-quality final video assets.
- Perform rigorous quality control checks on all video and audio content to ensure it meets technical specifications and brand standards before delivery.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues with AV equipment and software workflows in high-pressure live production environments.
- Maintain a detailed inventory of all video production equipment, performing regular maintenance, firmware updates, and coordinating repairs to ensure gear readiness.
- Collaborate closely with producers, directors, and clients to understand project goals and provide technical guidance on the best-practice execution.
- Engineer and implement AV setups for live, virtual, and hybrid events, including rigging, cabling, and configuring systems for optimal performance.
- Operate and manage live streaming and webcasting workflows, including encoder configuration, platform management, and monitoring stream health.
- Handle media management tasks, including ingesting footage, organizing project files, creating proxies, and archiving completed projects according to established protocols.
- Advise on and implement lighting schemes for various shooting scenarios, including interviews, green screen shoots, and multi-person panel discussions.
- Manage and operate audio systems, including mixing consoles, wireless microphones, and boom mics, to capture clean, professional-quality sound.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc video requests and provide technical assistance for internal communications, such as company-wide town halls and video-conferencing events.
- Contribute to the creative process by participating in brainstorming sessions and offering innovative technical solutions to achieve artistic goals.
- Collaborate with IT and other technical departments to ensure network stability and proper integration for streaming and video-over-IP workflows.
- Participate in project debriefs to identify areas for improvement in the production workflow and technical execution.
- Stay current with emerging video technologies, industry trends, and new software to recommend equipment and process upgrades.
- Assist in training junior technicians, freelancers, or internal team members on a piece of equipment and production best practices.
- Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, wiring diagrams, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for video systems.
- Coordinate the logistics for equipment transportation, setup, and breakdown for off-site productions, ensuring all gear is handled safely and securely.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Professional Camera Operation: Deep familiarity with a variety of camera systems (e.g., Sony FX series, Canon Cinema EOS, Blackmagic URSA) and principles of cinematic exposure and composition.
- Video Editing Software: High proficiency in non-linear editing (NLE) software, primarily Adobe Premiere Pro, with strong skills in DaVinci Resolve or Final Cut Pro.
- Live Production Systems: Hands-on experience with video switchers (e.g., Blackmagic ATEM, Tricaster), character generators, and playback systems.
- Audio for Video: Strong understanding of audio recording techniques, including microphone placement, gain staging, and operation of field recorders and digital mixers.
- Lighting Principles: Practical knowledge of 3-point lighting and more complex lighting setups for interviews, products, and narrative scenes.
- Streaming & Encoding: Expertise with streaming software (OBS, vMix, Wirecast) and a solid understanding of codecs, bitrates, and streaming protocols (RTMP, SRT).
- Motion Graphics: Foundational skills in Adobe After Effects for creating lower thirds, titles, and simple animated graphics.
- Signal Flow & Connectivity: Comprehensive knowledge of video/audio signal paths, formats, and connectors, including SDI, HDMI, NDI, and Dante.
Soft Skills
- Grace Under Pressure: Exceptional ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve in real-time during fast-paced live productions without losing composure.
- Meticulous Attention to Detail: A keen eye and ear for spotting technical imperfections and a commitment to delivering a flawless final product.
- Collaborative Spirit: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with creative teams, clients, and on-camera talent.
- Project Ownership: Strong organizational and time-management skills to juggle multiple projects and deadlines with a high degree of autonomy.
- Adaptability: The flexibility to pivot quickly when project requirements change or when faced with unexpected technical challenges.
- Proactive Mindset: A forward-thinking approach to anticipate potential issues, prepare contingency plans, and continuously improve workflows.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
Associate's Degree or a professional certificate in a relevant technical field. Equivalent, demonstrated professional experience is often accepted.
Preferred Education:
Bachelor's Degree
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Film/Video Production
- Broadcast Technology
- Communications or Media Studies
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
2-5 years of hands-on experience in a professional video production, corporate AV, or live event environment.
Preferred:
Demonstrable experience in managing technical aspects of virtual/hybrid events, corporate video shoots, and live webcasts. A strong portfolio or reel showcasing a variety of technical and editing skills is highly advantageous.