Manager, Camera Services

Reporting to the Head of Production, oversees all staff, operations, and planning in the camera department.

Overview:

The Production Administration Team (PAT) at the Loyola Marymount University (LMU) – School of Film and Television (SFTV) serves over 1200 students in Film Production, Screenwriting, Recording Arts, Animation, and Film Studies. The students in Film Production (approximately 350 undergraduates and 150 graduate students) produce around 800 films per year. Each project is overseen by a staff member in PAT. Projects are monitored for adherence to rules policies, and procedures codified in the SFTV Handbook, and most importantly, for the highest level of workplace safety.

PAT provides services, and maintains available facilities and equipment in 5 buildings across two campuses, including sound stages, scene and prop shop, professional cinema-quality camera packages, grip/electric equipment, and production sound equipment for both project and classroom use. 

The Camera Services Department within PAT, maintains and provides all camera equipment for classes and student projects.  For a list of equipment and facilities, please see the SFTV website.

Position Specific Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Nurture a supportive, collaborative, professional and enjoyable workspace

Supervise camera equipment check-out and check-in, ensuring compliance and a seamless process.

Manage up to 20 student workers (part-time) as direct reports, ensuring compliance with related university policies and best practices. 

Interview, hire and schedule student workers.

Approve student time sheets.

Leads staff training and student support, including: development of tutorials, documentation, and video tutorials to facilitate understanding of equipment.

Training for graduate students, teaching, and lab assistants.

Advise students on best practices and procedures related to camera equipment. 

Maintain communication with faculty and their teaching assistants to provide effective classroom support to all production classes, primarily cinematography classes.

Build and maintain relationships with outside vendors, negotiate quotes, process payments and track deliveries. 

Oversee gear maintenance.

Make minor repairs to cameras and camera accessories.

Drop off and pick up gear for repair.

Drop off and pick up film to be processed, printed, or transferred for cinematography classes.

Restock camera expendables.

Organize and run workshops on camera best practices and procedures.

Available by phone on weekends to troubleshoot camera problems that may occur on student sets.

Attend tech staff meeting and/or related committees, providing reports and recommendations to promote ongoing services and addressing current and future needs.

Responsible for managing use, maintenance, storage, and inventory of equipment.

Responsible for managing the department sub-budget budget.

Responsible for managing student worker budget.

Transport needed camera gear to other facilities for advanced cinematography class field trips.

Provide camera tech support and maintain cameras and camera accessories for specific Production courses.

Budget, prioritize, advise, and recommend camera equipment for purchase.

Advise on and purchase new academic equipment.

Supervise the updating and accounting of camera services’ inventory.

Sell and/or donate antiquated cameras and accessories.

Attend Industry workshops to stay current on new tools and technology.

Assist with safety workshops and continued training.

Revise camera reservation forms to reflect changing inventory, curriculum and needs.

Visit classes to advise on camera check out/in policies and procedures.

Pick up / return camera tools that are on loan from various vendors each semester.

Adhere to the highest standards of discretion, understanding that in the academic environment, most information is confidential.

Participate in the planning and execution of both internal and outward-facing events, including screenings, showcases, festivals, and panel discussions. Support the event  during planning stages and day-of support related to audio and multi-cam capture and streaming.

Assist in cross-functional work with the Dean’s Office, Administration and Operations, Industry Relations and/or SFTV departments, including public events and other use of SFTV facilities or resources.

As directed, represent LMU and the School of Film & TV within the community and/or externally, including internal or external events.

Host visits and tours by external and intra-campus persons or groups, collaborating with SFTV Student Services staff as needed.

Attend Trade Shows and conferences (travel may be required).

Assist in coordination and organization of a department with 12+ full-time staff and 100+ student workers, supporting 800+ student film productions per year.

Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Loyola Marymount University Expectations

Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the LMU.  Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.  Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Typically, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of university and federal regulations/policy changes.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and simultaneously on multiple projects at a high caliber.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on shared projects and/or tasks related to camera services, purchasing and university processes.

Five years of related job experience in film and/or television production is required.

Experience in feature films and/or major television preferred.

Experience in the camera department is required.

Experience as 1st AC, 2nd AC and/or in a senior position at a camera rental house is highly preferred.

Demonstrable (roster qualification, references, credits) professional experience required.

Hands-on experience with camera, grip and electric gear as well as in post-production expected.

Experience with emerging methods, including virtual production, desired.

Experience in high-volume, high-pace environment (agency, new media, TV) a plus.

Experience in educational environment a plus.

Experience in project management strongly desired.

Keen understanding of the role of academic support staff in interaction with students is required.

Ability to work flexible schedule to allow some weekend work during production periods (~10 weeks/semester).

Ability to travel at short notice, including but not limited to out-of-town set visits or trade shows.

Demonstrated ability to supervise multiple reports expected.

Direct working knowledge of all aspects of film and television production including production workflow, scheduling, budgeting, risk management and insurance, guild and union contracts, equipment, facilities and accounts.

Comprehensive knowledge of the entertainment industry and practical experience in all aspects of the production process.

Ability to assist students in the development of professional attitudes and disciplines while performing work on class projects or working as TAs or Graduate Assistants.

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be organized, detail-oriented and demonstrate initiative, quick problem solving, thinking ahead and follow-through.

Proven ability to work calmly and efficiently in a high-pace, high-volume environment.

Ability to work both independently and follow direction.

Highly developed crisis management skills required, specifically de-escalation.

High degree of empathy, respect for and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, ages and cultures required.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Understanding of and ability to follow organizational structure and defined processes

Ability to write and edit narratives, prepare memos, reports, handbooks and other documents independently and efficiently .

Excellent computer skills knowledge of industry standard software expected including required MS365 suite, Word, Excel, Outlook, Slack, MM Budgeting, MM Scheduling, HotSheets, Premiere, After Effects, ProTools, Avid Media Composer