How to become a technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
Official title: Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
Also called: Broadcasting coordinator, Floor manager - broadcasting, Floor director - broadcasting, Studio manager - broadcasting, Property master - broadcasting, Remote broadcasting coordinator, Program coordinator - broadcasting, Motion picture facilities supervisor, Presentation coordinator - broadcasting, Sports program coordinator - broadcasting, Unit manager - motion pictures and broadcasting, Make-up artist and hairdresser - performing arts
Workers in other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts coordinate and perform specific activities for television, radio and motion picture productions, news broadcasts, theatre and stage productions, and other live or recorded productions. They are employed by television and radio stations and networks, recording studios, motion picture and video production companies, concert promoters and theatre, stage and dance companies.
Main tasks
- Floor managers
- Coordinate the work of camera operators and other technical staff, and cue announcers, actors and performers during news broadcasts and television program tapings
- Key grips
- Supervise grips, gaffers and stagehands who rig, place, move and dismantle lights, sets, backdrops, scenery and other stage equipment
- Gaffers and lighting technicians
- Set up, operate and make repairs to lights and other electrical equipment in studios and on sets and stages
- Stunt coordinators and special effects technicians
- Design and coordinate special effects such as fires, explosions and crashes
How to become one
For most occupations in this unit group, completion of a college or university program in broadcasting, theatre arts or a related field and several years of experience in a related support or assisting occupation in motion pictures, broadcasting or the performing arts are required. Floor managers require a portfolio of work. Make-up artists working in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts may require a training program. Creative ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, is required for make-up artists. For gaffers, lighting technicians, key grips and other stage technicians, completion of a college program or other specialized training program in technical production for theatre is required. Membership in a related union may be required.
Ways in
- University: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 18 universities in Canada
- University: Creative Arts & Design degrees, Offered by 18 universities in Canada
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 27% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Business administration, management and operations; Drama/theatre arts and stagecraft; Film/video and photographic arts.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $64,350 a year The middle half earn $51,461 to $74,100.
- About 14,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 16,200 are projected by 2033. (+10.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of surplus.
Related jobs
- Film and video camera operators
- Graphic arts technicians
- Broadcast technicians
- Audio and video recording technicians
- Announcers and other broadcasters
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts?
For most occupations in this unit group, completion of a college or university program in broadcasting, theatre arts or a related field and several years of experience in a related support or assisting occupation in motion pictures, broadcasting or the performing arts are required. Floor managers require a portfolio of work. Make-up artists working in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts may require a training program. Creative ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, is required for make-up artists. For gaffers, lighting technicians, key grips and other stage technicians, completion of a college program or other specialized training program in technical production for theatre is required. Membership in a related union may be required.
How much does a technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $64,350 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $51,461 to $74,100.
Is a technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2033, from about 14,700 to about 16,200 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts?
Not always. 54% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Arts & Humanities degrees; Creative Arts & Design degrees; College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03