National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.3

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5 - Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport

This category includes occupations in art and culture, including the performing arts, film and video, broadcasting, journalism, writing, creative design, libraries and museums. It also includes occupations in recreation and sports.

These occupations are linked by subject matter to formal post-secondary educational programs but have, for the most part, a range of acceptable qualifications. Occupations in this category are also characterized by a requirement for creative talent, such as for designers and performers, and for athletic ability in the area of sport.

52 - Technical occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport

This major group comprises technical occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport. It includes technical occupations in libraries, public archives, museums and art galleries; in motion picture production, graphic arts, broadcasting and the performing arts; and as photographers, announcers, creative designers, craftspersons, athletes, coaches, sports officials, sport and fitness instructors and some performers.

522 - Photographers, graphic arts technicians and technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts

This minor group includes photographers, graphic arts technicians and technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts. They are employed by photographic and sound recording studios; museums; government; television and radio networks and stations; television, motion picture, video and concert production companies; communications providers; newspapers and magazines; publishing, advertising, marketing, printing and multimedia companies; broadcast equipment companies; theatre, stage and dance companies; clubs, hotels, bands and movie theatres; concert promoters; and educational establishments; or they may be self-employed.

5221 - Photographers

Photographers operate still cameras to photograph people, events, scenes, materials, products and other subjects. They are employed by photographic studios, newspapers, magazines, museums and government, or they may be self-employed.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • aerial photographer
    • commercial photographer
    • forensic photographer
    • industrial photographer
    • photographer
    • portrait photographer
    • scientific photographer

    All examples

  • Inclusion(s)

    • multimedia picture illustrator
    • photojournalist
    • police photographer
  • Exclusion(s)

    • Film and video camera operators (See 5222 Film and video camera operators)
  • Main duties

    This group performs some or all of the following duties:

    • Study requirements of a particular assignment and decide on type of camera, film, lighting and background accessories to be used
    • Determine picture composition, make technical adjustments to equipment and photograph subject
    • May operate scanners to transfer photographic images to computers
    • May operate computers to manipulate photographic images
    • May adapt existing photographic images and create new digitized images to be included in multimedia/new media products
    • May use delicate instruments, such as optical microscopes attached to cameras
    • May process exposed film
    • May use airbrush, computer or other techniques to retouch negatives
    • Medical photographers may work closely with medical illustrators.

    Photographers may specialize in areas such as portrait photography, commercial photography, scientific photography, forensic photography, medical photography, digitized photography, multimedia photography or photojournalism.

  • Employment requirements

    • A bachelor's degree in visual arts with specialization in photography
      or
      Completion of specialized training in photography in high school, college or specialized training schools
      or
      Extensive on-the-job training under the supervision of a photographer is required.
    • Experience in, or knowledge of computerized photography or digital imaging may be required.
    • Creative and technical ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required.
5222 - Film and video camera operators

Film and video camera operators operate motion picture and video cameras and related equipment to record news, live events, films, videos and television broadcasts. They are employed by television networks and stations, motion picture and video production companies and in-house communications facilities of large corporations.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • assistant camera operator
    • camera operator
    • electronic news gathering (ENG) camera operator
    • film camera operator
    • motion picture camera operator
    • studio camera operator
    • television camera operator
    • video camera operator

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Audio and video recording technicians (See 5225 Audio and video recording technicians)
    • AV (audiovisual) assistants (See 5227 Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts)
    • Filmmakers and directors of photography (See 5131 Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations)
    • Photographers (See 5221 Photographers)
    • Video artists (See 5136 Painters, sculptors and other visual artists)
    • Video transmission operators (See 5224 Broadcast technicians)
  • Main duties

    This group performs some or all of the following duties:

    • Meet with director and senior members of camera crew to discuss assignment and determine filming sequences, camera movements and picture composition
    • Select and set up camera equipment to be used and attach lens, filters and film magazine to camera
    • Adjust focus, exposure, lighting and other camera settings
    • Operate film or video camera to record news, live events, films, videos and television broadcasts
    • Label and record contents of exposed film, and complete report sheets
    • Test, maintain and store equipment.
  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of a college or technical program in broadcasting, audio-visual technology or a related field
      and
      Experience as an assistant camera operator are usually required.
    • Creative and technical ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work and experience, may be required.
  • Additional information

    • Progression to supervisory or director of photography positions is possible with additional training and experience.
5223 - Graphic arts technicians

Graphic arts technicians assist in conceptualizing a project, interpreting design specifications or sketches, preparing the page make-up, lay-out and lettering, and preparing production materials for press, electronic or multimedia publishing. They are employed by publishing, communications, advertising, marketing, printing and multimedia establishments, and by television and film production companies. They may also be self-employed.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • animated cartoon technician
    • animation painter
    • computer graphics technician
    • graphics technician
    • multimedia graphic design technician

    All examples

  • Inclusion(s)

    • animation camera operator
    • poster painter
  • Exclusion(s)

    • Camera, platemaking and other prepress occupations (See 9472 Camera, platemaking and other prepress occupations)
    • Correspondence, publication and regulatory clerks (See 1452 Correspondence, publication and regulatory clerks)
    • Desktop publishing specialists (See 1423 Desktop publishing operators and related occupations)
    • Graphic designers and illustrators (See 5241 Graphic designers and illustrators)
  • Main duties

    This group performs some or all of the following duties:

    • Review the graphic designer's instructions
    • Produce or assist in developing and producing design concepts
    • Capture elements such as titles, text, drawings, illustrations, graphics, lettering and colour harmonization, using a computer
    • Produce computerized images and drawings
    • Digitize images using peripherals and transform them using retouching systems, graphic palettes or specialized software
    • Perform the layout, page make-up and placement using the conceptual mock-ups provided
    • Produce proofs and camera-ready materials and prepare film and any other prepress materials
    • Paint or ink individual cells of 2-D or 3-D animated drawings according to animator's specifications using an electronic palette
    • Lay out, draw or paint letters, figures, logos and designs for windows, advertisements, billboards, vehicles, books and publications using specialized software or painting equipment
    • Work in an interdisciplinary environment.
  • Employment requirements

    • A college diploma in commercial or graphic arts, computer graphics or animated design is required.
    • Experience or training in multimedia design at a post-secondary, college or technical institution may be required.
    • Creative ability and artistic talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required.
  • Additional information

    • Progression to graphic designer positions is possible with experience or supplementary training.
5224 - Broadcast technicians

Broadcast technicians install, set up, test, operate and repair electronic equipment used to record and transmit live and taped radio and television programs and to produce audio and video streaming broadcasts for the Internet. They are employed by radio and television broadcasting networks and stations, by broadcast equipment companies and by Internet-based communication providers.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • broadcast technician
    • broadcast transmitter operator
    • broadcasting switcher
    • master control room (MCR) equipment operator - broadcasting
    • master control room (MCR) technician - broadcasting
    • mobile broadcasting equipment operator
    • regional transmitter technician
    • short-wave receiving station technician
    • video transmission operator

    All examples

  • Inclusion(s)

    • broadcast engineer
  • Exclusion(s)

    • Audio and video recording technicians (See 5225 Audio and video recording technicians)
    • Film and video camera operators (See 5222 Film and video camera operators)
    • Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts (See 5226 Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts)
  • Main duties

    This group performs some or all of the following duties:

    • Monitor broadcast quality of live and taped radio and television programs
    • Operate and monitor radio and television broadcasting systems to broadcast, receive signals and to regulate clarity and range of sounds and colours of recordings or broadcasts
    • Operate broadcast equipment to produce audio and video streaming broadcasts for the Internet
    • Make emergency repairs to equipment and substitute programs in case of signal failure
    • Maintain, install and troubleshoot a wide variety of broadcast hardware and software
    • Set up and operate consoles to pick up and select feed sources from different locations and to air radio or television programs and commercials
    • May supervise other broadcast technicians.
  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of a college program in broadcast technology or electronics is usually required.
    • Senior and supervisory positions in this unit group require experience.
5225 - Audio and video recording technicians

Audio and video recording technicians operate equipment to record, mix and edit sound, music and videotape, for motion pictures, television and radio programs, videos, recordings and live events. They are employed by multimedia companies, film, video and concert production companies, sound recording firms, theatre and dance companies, educational establishments, clubs, hotels, bands, radio stations, television networks and video production and editing companies.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • audiovisual (AV) technician
    • multimedia sound technician
    • postproduction technician
    • recording engineer
    • recording studio technician
    • sound effects editor
    • sound mixer
    • sound technician
    • video and sound recorder
    • video recording technician

    All examples

  • Inclusion(s)

    • audio engineer - recording studio
    • electronic news gathering (ENG) editor
    • public address (P.A.) system operator
    • radio technician
    • sound engineer
  • Exclusion(s)

    • Broadcast technicians (See 5224 Broadcast technicians)
    • Film and video camera operators (See 5222 Film and video camera operators)
    • Film editors (See 5131 Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations)
    • Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts (See 5226 Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts)
    • Recording studio assistants (See 5227 Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts)
  • Main duties

    This group performs some or all of the following duties:

    • Set up, prepare, operate and adjust audio, recording, editing and reproducing equipment to record, edit and reproduce sound input or feed of pre-recorded material from tapes, records, compact discs, digital audio devices, and input from live microphones, satellites or microwave trucks for films, videos, radio and television programs and recordings
    • Prepare and operate videotape recording and playback equipment to record videos, television programs, concerts and live events, and to edit video tape after production
    • Operate electronic equipment to generate program titles, credits, sub-titles, graphic backgrounds or animation for television programs
    • Operate audio consoles or computers, tape machines, microphones and sound processing equipment to mix, combine and edit music and sound at concerts and live events
    • Operate dubbing machines to play back edited dialogue, music and sound effect tracks from different sources, in synchronization with motion picture film
    • May supervise and co-ordinate the work of other audio and video recording technicians.
  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of a college or other program in recording engineering, audiovisual technology or a related field
      or
      Experience as a recording studio assistant is usually required.
    • Senior occupations in this unit group, such as recording and sound engineers, require experience.
5226 - Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts

Workers in other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts co-ordinate 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.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • costumier
    • gaffer
    • key grip
    • lighting technician
    • make-up artist - motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
    • program co-ordinator - broadcasting
    • property master - broadcasting
    • settings shop foreman/woman
    • special effects technician
    • stage manager
    • stunt co-ordinator
    • theatre technician

    All examples

  • Inclusion(s)

    • machinist-electrician
    • stage electrician
  • Exclusion(s)

    • Audio and video recording technicians (See 5225 Audio and video recording technicians)
    • Broadcast technicians (See 5224 Broadcast technicians)
    • Film and video camera operators (See 5222 Film and video camera operators)
    • Lighting designers (See 5243 Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers)
    • Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts (See 5227 Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts)
  • Main duties

    This group performs some or all of the following duties:

    Floor managers

    • Co-ordinate 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 co-ordinators and special effects technicians

    • Design and co-ordinate special effects such as fires, explosions and crashes.

    Make-up artists

    • Apply cosmetic and special effects make-up on actors and other performers.

    Costumiers

    • Study scripts to determine the necessary costumes and oversee the acquisition, fitting and maintenance of costumes.

    Settings shop foreman/woman

    • Assist in preparing the construction specifications for sets.

    Property masters

    • Identify and list the necessary props and place them during rehearsals and performances.
  • Employment requirements

    • 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.
  • Additional information

    • There may be an overlap in duties among occupations in this unit group, depending on the size of the production or broadcasting studio.
5227 - Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts

Workers in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts perform support duties related to these fields. They are employed by television and radio stations and networks, recording studios, motion picture and video production companies and by theatre and stage companies.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • boom grip
    • camera crane operator
    • dresser - motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
    • lighting assistant
    • production assistant
    • prompter
    • props person
    • script assistant
    • set builder
    • special effects assistant
    • spotlight operator
    • stagehand

    All examples

  • Inclusion(s)

    • motion picture projectionist
    • projectionist
  • Exclusion(s)

    • Audio and video recording technicians (See 5225 Audio and video recording technicians)
    • Broadcast technicians (See 5224 Broadcast technicians)
    • Film and video camera operators (See 5222 Film and video camera operators)
    • Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts (See 5226 Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts)
  • Main duties

    This group performs some or all of the following duties:

    Camera crane operators

    • Set up, assemble, adjust, maintain and replace reels and projector equipment; detect and repair mechanical and electrical problems; and change and install an electronic control panel using automated equipment.

    Motion picture projectionists

    • Check the condition of the copy; set up and load film reels on movie theatre projection systems, adjust focus, sound levels and other projector and theatre settings; and maintain projection equipment.

    Props persons and set builders

    • Assemble, repair, place, build and oversee props.

    Script assistants

    • Distribute scripts to actors; keep detailed notes of all actions, positions and camera angles; and photograph and date scenes.

    Grips and riggers

    • Rig, place, move and dismantle sets, backdrops, scenery and other stage equipment.

    Dressers

    • Clean, maintain, transport and store costumes, and assist performers to dress in costumes.

    Production assistants

    • Provide support to the director and producer, and are responsible for various aspects of production such as preparing schedules, setting up equipment, and making travel arrangements to various shooting locations.
  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Most occupations in this unit group require completion of college courses in broadcasting, theatre arts or a related field
      or
      A period of on-the-job training.
    • Certification for projectionists is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick. In Quebec, projectionists are regulated under operators of electrical machines, cinema equipment.
    • Projectionists are required to be licensed by their province of employment.
  • Additional information

    • There may be an overlap in duties among occupations in this unit group, depending on the size of the production or broadcasting studio.
    • Progression to related technical occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting or the performing arts is possible with additional training or experience.
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