An audio visual director is responsible for the setup, operation, and teardown of equipment including cameras, slide and film projectors, and recording devices. Directors typically work on location for movie production, business conferences, and other events, such as seminars and classes. To become an audio visual director, you should learn to operate equipment, intern for a company, and network with industry professionals.
Your duties as an audio visual director will be varied. You must possess the ability to multitask and be self-motivated. in many cases, you will work unsupervised, and the crew and staff must depend on you to maintain the equipment, keep lenses spotless, and be ready to step in if the equipment fails. To become an audio visual director, you should fine-tune your skills in equipment operations and maintenance.
Once you become an audio visual director, you may be expected to supervise equipment assistants. You can get such skills in college by working at the campus media club. Running the audio equipment, supervising other students, and adhering to scheduled events will give your resume a boost when it comes time to seek employment.
While an audio visual degree is not necessary to become an audio visual director, it will help ensure you have the proper training for the position. With or without the degree, you will need to possess skills in computers, electronics, communications, media, editing, and customer service. You can obtain these skills through university coursework, employment, or internships. The more experience and education you obtain, the stronger your resume will look to potential project managers.
Many audio visual directors work independently as self-employed freelancers. Should you choose this path, you should take some classes on small business and self-employment. Learn how to budget, bid on jobs, file taxes, and set up your office. If your plan is to always work as an employee, these courses are not necessary.
Volunteer your services for nonprofit, school, and civic events. This experience will give you the needed practice to become a professional. It will also help you build a network of professional contacts that can recommend your services to others. Signing up as an intern at a small production company will also give you the experience to become a professional. In applying for internships, include all completed audio visual courses to date.
Design a brochure advertising your skills, experience, and knowledge. Send the brochure to various companies, event planners, and production studios. Follow up with a phone call and ask to meet the decision maker in person. Bring samples of your work to the interview.
