Overview of the role
Researchers can wear many hats and are a vital member of the team. As the name suggests their core responsibility is to research and fact check, after all they’re working in unscripted or factual television that has to be, well, factually accurate.
shooting researcher is usually the first level where someone junior in the industry will have a chance to be regularly involved with the camera kit. They will likely learn on the job and while they’re not expected to know everything about broadcast cameras or shooting at this stage, they will be expected to come with boundless enthusiasm to learn and help wherever they can.
In some productions the shooting researcher may based both in the office setting up shoots and then going on location, while at other times they will be based purely on location. As such, a shooting researcher will be expected to be able to have all the core skills of a researcher, like researching and setting up locations and contributors, but they will also be required to have some technical skills and be able to shoot simple set ups.
While a shooting researcher shouldn’t be expected to be on location on their own, they should understand what is expected of them so that senior members trust that they achieve all of their responsibilities independently, particularly when it comes to making sure all of correct paperwork is completed and the rushes for the day are secured. They should always however, feel like they have the support of the senior team and have the ability to ask for help and support when they need it. This is not a senior position on a production and should come with the expectation that they’re still learning and gaining experience in the industry.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities in a particular job will vary depending on the scale / budget band / genre of the production.
- Being able to set the camera up according to the shooting specs given on the call sheet.
- They may be responsible for looking after the kit and getting it ready for a shoot, and look after it while on location. This means making sure the kit contains all the parts needed both to function and that the senior shooting PD has asked for, including lenses and any other accessories on the kit list and most importantly having all the batteries charged for both the camera and microphones.
- They also should be able to test all parts of the kit to ensure that they work as expected.
- While by no means is a shooting researcher expected to be able to shoot the primary story from start to finish, they may be expected to shoot casting tapes, b-roll, GVs, and cutaways, possibly simple cross shooting, or operate a locked off shot for a master interview.
- Knowledge of basic sound equipment, being able to put radio mics on contributors or hold a boom while the scene is being filmed.
- Responsible for coordinating with the location and contributors or participants that they have set up beforehand, making sure everyone turns up on time and to the right place.
- Making sure paperwork is completed and signed correctly including but not limited to location, contributor and material releases, and any permits required.
- On shoots where there is no runner or production assistant, the shooting researcher may also be responsible for providing snacks and lunch for the crew and contributors, and drive to and from locations if appropriate.
- They might also have other duties assigned on shoots, such as managing small props, or keeping an eye on continuity.
- If not actively shooting the shooting researcher might also be expected to keep detailed notes with timecode of what is being shot, including any consent or technical issues.
- They might coordinate with the shooting PDs to write up a detailed story notes document for the edit.
- On shoots where the is no dedicated DIT person, the shooting researcher may also be responsible for wrangling the rushes, which is arguably the most important job on location- if the rushes aren’t wrangled properly, the whole shoot could be lost! This often means backing up onto two different drives using software like Shotput Pro and then filling in a Rushes Log for the edit with vital information of what is on each card. Once the rushes are triple checked and everyone has agreed they have been backed up correctly can the cards be put back in the camera to format and use again.
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of shooting researcher.
- Researching and setting up shoots with appropriate locations and contributors.
- Organising, checking kit and setting up the camera, charging batteries and having cards ready.
- Technical knowledge of the camera and ability to shoot simple casting tapes, GVs, b-groll, cutaways and cross shooting.
- Basic understanding of how sound and microphones work, how to attach a radio mic and boom if needed.
- Organising release forms including but not limited to location, material and contributor releases and having the right permits if appropriate.
- Wrangling material at the end of the shoot day using ShotPut Pro or other approved method, keeping Rushes Log up to date.
- Possibly logging and writing story notes of the day, keeping note of any contributors that were filmed and any non consent or other compliance issues.
- Organisation skills: in being to keep camera kit and paperwork in order.
- Ability to multitask: dealing with various issues at once and prioritising the most important ones.
- Working under pressure, often on last minute deadlines to have kit and paperwork ready for an unexpected shoot.
- Communication skills: to be able to talk to contributors about the shoot or inform superiors of any issues that arise.
- People skills: to talk to anyone including members of the public who may not understand the filming process.
- Resilience: being able to cope in a high pressure, unpredictable environment and adapt to any evolving situation within reason.
- Ethics and integrity: being honest with both contributors and senior team members to flag any concerns.
- Team player: working well within a team, understanding others rely on the Researcher’s work to complete theirs.
- Time management: staying on top of how long each task might take in order to stick to schedule or deadline set out by the senior team.
- Flexibility: adapting to changing deadlines, briefs, and situations on location.
- Enthusiasm and positive mindset: a flexible and can-do attitude to any task at hand.
- Engagement: ability to stay grounded in the aims and objectives of the shoot; active and confident in making editorial suggestions where appropriate.