Explore roles and departments in the media production industry
It takes many people with a wide range of skillsets to make a show — whether fiction, non-fiction, live action or animation. Below you can read about and explore the various types of positions in the media production industry.
If you are interested in a career working on set, in the production office, or in post-production, you can explore by department to see what suits your interests and learn what training and skills you will need to qualify. Within each department are links to a section on documentary and factual production.
Key positions such as writer, director and producer have been included as separate entries because their work spans all departments.
The Get On Set Manitoba website is dedicated to sharing information on the range of jobs available in media production industry — including some you may never have heard of — to help you find the media production career that is right for you.
The size, structure, and number of jobs available on any one production depends on the type of production and the size of its budget. You can browse job descriptions or take our quiz to find your role in the Manitoba media production industry.
Feature films and scripted series employ anywhere from 80 to over 200 people at any one time from a wide range of skilled professionals including carpenters, accountants, designers, performers, tailors and more. These types of productions are often unionized. Here is some information on the local IATSE 856, DGC MB, ICG 669 and ACTRA Manitoba unions.
Documentary and factual series tend to have smaller budgets and teams. These productions employ researchers, subject-area specialists, writers, directors, camera operators, sound technicians, editors, narrators and may incorporate scripted re-enactments or animated sequences. They also require accountants, business affairs specialist and producers. Here are some tips on working in the area of documentary and factual production.
Animation is another area of production that requires a range of skills and talent. Manitoba has a strong community of auteur animators who make their own animated films and work on productions by others — whether features, series, commercials, educational or short films. There are a growing number of opportunities to work in a studio setting, where artists and artisans specialize in certain aspects of the animation workflow, such as character design or colouring in 2D and 3D digital projects.
If you are interested in a career in media production in Manitoba, you are encouraged to connect with On Screen Manitoba to learn about the resources available to you and to connect to people, programs and organizations that will help advance your career.
Here are some helpful tips for beginners if you’re new to the industry.
The Get on Set Manitoba Facebook Group is a message board for people who support, create and engage with Manitoba films. The Group is used as a connector for those wanting to be involved in film, those who are working in the industry and for those who like watching good, locally made productions. Members of the group are encouraged to post festivals, film releases or screenings from local filmmakers. All Manitoba filmmakers, producers, writers, animators and media content creators may use this page to promote themselves and their work. The group has over 1,500 engaged members and is moderated by On Screen Manitoba.