1. Skip to navigation
  2. Skip to content
  3. Skip to sidebar

Military Career: Audiovisual and Broadcast Directors

 

Overview

The services produce many motion pictures, videotapes, and TV and radio broadcasts. These productions are used for training, news, and entertainment. Audiovisual and broadcast directors manage audiovisual projects. They may direct day-to-day filming or broadcasting or manage other directors.

What They Do

Audiovisual and broadcast directors in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Plan and organize audiovisual projects, including films, videotapes, TV and radio broadcasts
  • Determine the staff and equipment needed for productions
  • Set production controls and performance standards for audiovisual projects
  • Direct the preparation of scripts and determine camera-shooting schedules
  • Direct actors and technical staff during performances

Branches of the Military

Army
Navy
Air Force
Marine Corps

Helpful Attributes

Helpful fields of study include audiovisual production, cinematography, communications, and graphic arts. Helpful attributes include:

  • Ability to transform ideas into visual images
  • Interest in organizing and planning activities
  • Interest in planning and directing the work of others

Training Provided

Job training consists of 15 to 99 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

  • Public information management principles
  • Management of military broadcasting facilities
  • Motion picture and television production management

Work Environment

Audiovisual and broadcast directors usually work in studios or offices. They may direct film crews on location in military camps or combat zones.

Special Requirements

A 4-year college degree is normally required to enter this occupation.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian audiovisual and broadcast directors work for television networks and stations, motion picture companies, public relations and advertising firms, and government agencies. They perform duties similar to those performed by military audiovisual and broadcast directors.

Below is a list of similar civilian occupations:

Audio-Visual Specialists
Broadcast Technicians

Opportunities

The services have about 1,000 audiovisual and broadcast directors. Each year, they need new directors due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, audiovisual and broadcast directors work in production units directing the work of audiovisual technicians and specialists. In time, they may advance to management positions in the broadcasting and public affairs fields.


Source: U.S. Department of Defense, Washington D.C.