Film Production Assistant / AV Technician (Part Time Over Hire)
Description
AMDA College of the Performing Arts, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the foremost post-secondary performing arts colleges in the country. AMDA offers various pathways for students to receive unparalleled performing arts education taught by world-class industry professionals, including Professional Conservatory Certificates as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees (Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Occupational Studies, Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts).
AMDA’s AV Technicians are part of a cross-functional, interdisciplinary team whose responsibilities span the operation of audio and video equipment, set up of AV facilities, maintenance of AV and camera equipment, equipment checkout, assistant editing, camera operating, and coordination of classroom film projects.
Primary Responsibilities:
The primary component of this position will be ON-SET, WEEKEND WORK with our film team, helping to facilitate the smooth, professional, and efficient capture of high-quality audio and video elements for all on-campus productions (short films, reels, outside of class exercises, etc).
The primary component of this position will be ON-SET, WEEKEND WORK with our film team, helping to facilitate the smooth, professional, and efficient capture of high-quality audio and video elements for all on-campus productions (short films, reels, outside of class exercises, etc).
· Arrive on campus in advance of call time to open and prep locations;
· Circulate COVID tests to all cast and crew before admitting them to set;
· Assist with movement of pertinent production equipment to set;
· Remain in close contact with director and cinematographer, available to retrieve outstanding gear or to transfer equipment or materials between sets (in the case of multiple shoots happening simultaneously).
· Remain in close contact with AC and sound mixer to facilitate receipt of audio and video cards between setups, between scenes, at lunch, at wrap, etc;
· Function in a constant “DIT” capacity–either on set or in the AV office (while remaining on-call to set personnel)–to facilitate the efficient transfer, backup, and archival of all audio and video materials captured throughout the day;
· Be prepared to collect, populate, and return external hard drives to students who come to set expecting to walk away with their footage at the end of their shoot;
· Supervise “fire watch” during meal breaks and company move periods;
· Dependent on comfort level and experience- assist camera team as 2nd AC, Grip, playback tech, etc (slating takes, running cable, wrapping gear, etc.);
· Arrive on campus in advance of call time to open and prep locations; Supervise and facilitate wrap-out at the end of day (collecting cards, finishing DIT work, wrapping out and locking locations, etc.)
· Assist film production coordinator with contacting cast and crew and populating call sheets (as necessary);
· Assist film supervisor with inventory and maintenance of gear as well as walkable errands (as necessary).
The secondary component of this position will be as an AV TECH. AMDA’s AV Technicians are part of a highly trained team, working together to:
· Set up, operate, and maintain audio and video equipment, including microphones, speakers, video screens, projectors, monitors, and recording equipment;
· Connect accessories, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment in classroom environments;
· Provide customer service during reservation and checkout of camera, sound, and computer equipment, tv carts, laptops, and/or hand props;
· Field and troubleshoot issues in the student editing lab;
· Support instructors with media management and organization;
· Assist camera instructors with basic video or sound editing on specific projects;
· Provide basic editing and filmmaking mentorship for students;
· Record video of live events or classroom exercises;
· Provide on-set assistance for classroom-related film shoots.
AV Technicians are expected to work harmoniously with students, faculty, and AMDA staff to ensure smooth operation of the AV Classroom Media office.
Team Responsibilities:
· Maintain Film Production Equipment; including: lighting equipment, film production cameras, sound recording kits, tripods, grip equipment (tape, clamps, flags, C-Stands), speakers, cleanliness, et cetera;
· Accurately inventory, reserve, distribute, and coordinate deployment of audiovisual equipment and other classroom tools as needed by Education, Film Production, and Marketing departments;
· Provide technical support as needed for in-class activities, campus events, and course-related projects;
· Diagnose, log, and report equipment issues discovered during support calls, prep, and check-in; notify supervisors of need for commissioned repair or cleaning;
· Test equipment and room functionality (TVs, speakers, microphones, projectors) regularly;
· Operate camera and record performances during regularly scheduled classes on campus; this may include picking up camera and lighting equipment, setting up the equipment, operating camera, breaking down equipment, and archiving footage;
· Moderate student use of equipment and media lab facilities;
· Basic editing and filmmaking mentorship for students;
· Assist with video editing or other post-production elements;
· Manage media, label files, and facilitate archiving of material;
· Act as Key Production Assistant or 2nd AD for classroom-related film shoots, as assigned;
· Inform students, staff, and instructors of AV Classroom Media policies;
Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in A/V, film production, design, or related fields.
· 1 – 3 years of previous experience in a similar position
· Ability to think, work independently & meet necessary deadlines
· Strong attention to detail, highly organized
· Problem solving and troubleshooting skills
· Excellent communication skills, (written, and verbal)
· Friendly customer service skills and professional demeanor
· A strong work ethic and positive team attitude
· Ability to operate video cameras, tripods, and microphones
· Familiarity with smartphone filmmaking
· Basic proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Word, and Excel
· Mac proficient (desktop, laptop, and smartphone)
· Ability to troubleshoot connectivity issues, as related to projectors, AV receivers, Smart TVs, and DVD players
· Working knowledge of Zoom software
· Access to a reliable internet connection
· Familiarity and/or professional experience with film set environments is preferred
· Working knowledge of iMovie, FCP X, Davinci Resolve, and/or Adobe CC is preferred
Preferred Qualifications:
· Extensive knowledge of a variety of cameras and lighting equipment, including RED, Blackmagic, Panasonic HMC-150, Panasonic DVX-200, Sony A7s, DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, lenses, LED lights, ARRI tungsten units, etc.
· Extensive knowledge of various microphone types and Zoom recorders
· Extensive knowledge of amplification systems, including JBL speakers, guitar and keyboard amplifiers, subwoofers, mixing boards, and AV receivers
· Extensive knowledge of projectors, including Sony, Benq, Sharp, and Sanyo products
· On-set experience as a Camera Assistant and/or Production Dept. Assistant (e.g. 2nd AD)
· A valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Schedule:
Position(s) will rotate schedules and can include a mix of weekdays, nights, and/or weekends, on the Hollywood campus. Applicants are encouraged to indicate their availability or shift-types sought. The position will range from minimal on-campus hours between semesters, up to 29 hours per week at the height of the semester. Highest priority scheduling will include weekend work.
Diversity and Qualifications:
-AMDA is fully committed to diversity, inclusivity, and equity throughout the teaching and learning process. We encourage applications from individuals who have extensive experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.
-Successful candidates will have a sensitivity to, and understanding of, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of our students, including disabilities that may affect students' development and learning styles.
-Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
AMDA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in which no person is subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, supervision, promotion, working conditions, termination, layoff, demotion, transfer, compensation, and training.
This position is subject to a background check upon a conditional offer of employment and a reference check.
The pay range for this position is $20 – $30 per hour.