Job title: Media Researcher
Salary: £19,000+
Company or freelance: Usually freelance
Job description:
A media researcher only typically works on historical films or programmes or ones that need real factual information in them such as Sci-fi's. However a researcher could be employed to work on sports, soaps and dramas, children's and situation comedies. Documentaries are the main common area for a media researcher to work in. They are usually hired on a freelance bases however some companies, mainly ones that only produce one type of films such as documentaries will hire some researchers on a permanent bases.
A researchers job starts in the early stages of pre-production. They will either be given a script to add to or an idea that they have to develop. Once they have received the topic they are instructed to find reliable and correct information. To do this they will search the internet, look through archives, photographs, video and any other films or programmes that are about the same topic that have already been produced. As some information or footage that may be incorporate into the film or programme might be protected by copyright licences you will need to find out how to get permission and correct clearances for them to be included. If there is a location that might be private or off-bounds due to historical reason the researcher will be in charge of finding out how to gain access to them. As well as these responsibilities the researcher will most likely be in charge of the financial aspects of the copyright clearances, information and location. Once all the information is collected it will then be put into a production booklet.
When it comes to the production stage a researcher's job doesn't finish there. Regularly a researcher will be held on so they can work with the set designers to make sure any visual aspects line up with the information they collected. A researcher is also in charge of the transport to the location/s. As well as arranging transport they will also be on set throughout the production stage to make sure nothing gets damaged if it's a historical building as well as showing directors and camera operators the best places to go and confirming any information that was put into the script. After the production stage the researcher's job is to make sure the location is left in the exact way before the crew arrived and transports everyone from the location.
Requirements:
To become a media researcher you don't need any specific educational qualifications. However most companies prefer that you do. A degree in Art history, film, media or general history are some popular degrees researchers hold. As well as a degree it's good to have some experience in either research, film or TV or media. Many media researchers start as art assistance, working in libraries or collecting archives. Another way to become a researcher is by picking a specialism for example if you want to work or nature documentaries getting a degree and/or experience in natural history, biology or geology would be an advantage.
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