EPK Director / Producer
EPKs (Electronic Press Kits) are press kits produced in Broadcast Video Tape, CD, DVD or VHS formats and are vital components of the unit publicity generated during film shoots. The most basic EPKs consist of a collection of interviews with key cast and crew members, and some behind the scenes footage, plus in some cases a selection of final film clips, and possibly the theatrical trailer.
EPK Producers are also responsible for other publicity materials such as "making-of" documentaries for the domestic and international market, "extras" for the DVD release, and promotional material for the film's website. There are usually three practitioners on EPK Crews: Director/Producer, Camera Operator and Sound Mixer.
However, as the quality of smaller DV cameras improves they can be used as a less intrusive and more economical means of shooting the behind the scenes shots (b rolls), thereby reducing the crew to one or two practitioners. EPKs are produced and edited by a small number of highly specialist companies who employ Director/Producers (D/Ps) to write and edit each production. Camera and Sound Operators are hired on a film by film basis, and are usually highly experienced film industry practitioners. EPK D/Ps often work on three or four films simultaneously.
What is the job?
EPK Directors/Producers may be asked to pitch (make a proposal) for a job after reading the script and considering how the EPK and "making-of" films will fit in with the overall press and marketing campaign. Once they have been selected, EPK D/Ps work directly with the film company's publicity department, and with the on-set Unit Publicist, to determine the EPK shooting schedule.
For filming the b-roll (general behind the scenes footage of the film's production) EPK D/Ps select days during the main shoot when major cast members are on set and available for interviews, and when exciting location and action sequences are planned. Once on set, EPK Crews work closely with Assistant Directors and the rest of the crew to find the best position from which to film. Their shot ideally includes a good view of the scene, and also of the crew filming it.
EPK Crews must also ensure that they do not position the camera in actors' eye-lines during takes, so that they are not distracted. Interviews are usually conducted as close to the set as possible; however, if special lighting is required, or if the set is too noisy, other suitable areas around the studio or location must be found. As last minute changes to the main shooting schedule may result in a planned interview with a lead actor being postponed or cancelled, EPK Crews must be flexible and patient.
At the end of each day's shoot, EPK D/Ps review their rushes to check the sound and picture quality of any interviews recorded, to ensure that they are well lit, and to check that any scenes shot are covered to their satisfaction. EPKs are often prepared up to two months before the film's release to allow for all approvals to be given, and for any changes that need to be made.
'Making Of' programmes must also be delivered to television stations up to a month before they are broadcast. They should therefore be completed well in advance to allow for any required approvals and re-cuts. Once the final cut is approved, the picture is graded and the sound mixed to broadcast standards. DVD material requires even longer lead times, often up to six months, to allow for DVD authoring and to dub (translate) or subtitle the various programme extras.
Typical career routes
Although there are no typical career routes for this role, EPK Directors/Producers must be skilled in a number of areas, including writing, directing, interviewing, and, crucially, editing. Some individuals join EPK companies after a career in post production or as successful broadcast journalists. They should be extremely proficient in all the required skills, and it is crucial that they have a wide experience of being on film sets, and of video editing techniques. Companies specialising in EPK sometimes offer traineeships which are advertised in the national media or on-line. It is important to keep up to date by reading the Trade Press, in order to take advantage of these opportunities.
Essential knowledge and skills
The role of EPK D/P is all encompassing, and knowledge of the following areas is required: film production, film publicity, lighting techniques, broadcast video camera operation, sound recording, programme making, journalism, and digital video editing. EPK D/Ps must also be completely computer literate.
Key skills include:
Ability to work to a brief
Ability to multi-task
Good communication skills
Sensitivity and tact
Ability to work alone and as part of a team
Ability to work well under pressure
Ability to give direction
Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures
Training and qualifications
Although no specific qualifications are required for this role, EPK Directors/Producers may be graduates of Photography, Graphics, Film, Communications or Media Studies. Extensive editing experience provides the best training for EPK D/Ps. There are a number of editing courses available, from short courses in Non-linear (Digital) Editing techniques, to specialist Master of Arts courses.
Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film. For more information, please log onto the Skillset website.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. For information about training, links to the Skillset network of training partners, and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database, visit the website www.skillset.org. Skillset Careers is the UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit the website www.skillset.org/careers
Websites
Information on digital post-production: American Cinematographer and Cinefax
For a forum on filmmaking, including editing: Shooting People
Publications
The Conversations: Walter Murch and the Art of Film editing (Alfred A. Knopf, 2004)
BKSTS (The Moving Image Society) publishes two industry related journals: Cinema Technology, quarterly, and Image Technology, six times a year. The Moving Image Society (BKSTS)
Screen International - a weekly publication for the film industry also offering a daily on-line news service. Screen Daily
Variety - a weekly publication for the film, television, music and interactive entertainment industries. Variety
Sight and Sound - a monthly magazine featuring articles, reviews and full credit lists for international cinema. British Film Institute
EPK Producers are also responsible for other publicity materials such as "making-of" documentaries for the domestic and international market, "extras" for the DVD release, and promotional material for the film's website. There are usually three practitioners on EPK Crews: Director/Producer, Camera Operator and Sound Mixer.
However, as the quality of smaller DV cameras improves they can be used as a less intrusive and more economical means of shooting the behind the scenes shots (b rolls), thereby reducing the crew to one or two practitioners. EPKs are produced and edited by a small number of highly specialist companies who employ Director/Producers (D/Ps) to write and edit each production. Camera and Sound Operators are hired on a film by film basis, and are usually highly experienced film industry practitioners. EPK D/Ps often work on three or four films simultaneously.
What is the job?
EPK Directors/Producers may be asked to pitch (make a proposal) for a job after reading the script and considering how the EPK and "making-of" films will fit in with the overall press and marketing campaign. Once they have been selected, EPK D/Ps work directly with the film company's publicity department, and with the on-set Unit Publicist, to determine the EPK shooting schedule.
For filming the b-roll (general behind the scenes footage of the film's production) EPK D/Ps select days during the main shoot when major cast members are on set and available for interviews, and when exciting location and action sequences are planned. Once on set, EPK Crews work closely with Assistant Directors and the rest of the crew to find the best position from which to film. Their shot ideally includes a good view of the scene, and also of the crew filming it.
EPK Crews must also ensure that they do not position the camera in actors' eye-lines during takes, so that they are not distracted. Interviews are usually conducted as close to the set as possible; however, if special lighting is required, or if the set is too noisy, other suitable areas around the studio or location must be found. As last minute changes to the main shooting schedule may result in a planned interview with a lead actor being postponed or cancelled, EPK Crews must be flexible and patient.
At the end of each day's shoot, EPK D/Ps review their rushes to check the sound and picture quality of any interviews recorded, to ensure that they are well lit, and to check that any scenes shot are covered to their satisfaction. EPKs are often prepared up to two months before the film's release to allow for all approvals to be given, and for any changes that need to be made.
'Making Of' programmes must also be delivered to television stations up to a month before they are broadcast. They should therefore be completed well in advance to allow for any required approvals and re-cuts. Once the final cut is approved, the picture is graded and the sound mixed to broadcast standards. DVD material requires even longer lead times, often up to six months, to allow for DVD authoring and to dub (translate) or subtitle the various programme extras.
Typical career routes
Although there are no typical career routes for this role, EPK Directors/Producers must be skilled in a number of areas, including writing, directing, interviewing, and, crucially, editing. Some individuals join EPK companies after a career in post production or as successful broadcast journalists. They should be extremely proficient in all the required skills, and it is crucial that they have a wide experience of being on film sets, and of video editing techniques. Companies specialising in EPK sometimes offer traineeships which are advertised in the national media or on-line. It is important to keep up to date by reading the Trade Press, in order to take advantage of these opportunities.
Essential knowledge and skills
The role of EPK D/P is all encompassing, and knowledge of the following areas is required: film production, film publicity, lighting techniques, broadcast video camera operation, sound recording, programme making, journalism, and digital video editing. EPK D/Ps must also be completely computer literate.
Key skills include:
Ability to work to a brief
Ability to multi-task
Good communication skills
Sensitivity and tact
Ability to work alone and as part of a team
Ability to work well under pressure
Ability to give direction
Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures
Training and qualifications
Although no specific qualifications are required for this role, EPK Directors/Producers may be graduates of Photography, Graphics, Film, Communications or Media Studies. Extensive editing experience provides the best training for EPK D/Ps. There are a number of editing courses available, from short courses in Non-linear (Digital) Editing techniques, to specialist Master of Arts courses.
Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film. For more information, please log onto the Skillset website.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. For information about training, links to the Skillset network of training partners, and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database, visit the website www.skillset.org. Skillset Careers is the UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit the website www.skillset.org/careers
Websites
Information on digital post-production: American Cinematographer and Cinefax
For a forum on filmmaking, including editing: Shooting People
Publications
The Conversations: Walter Murch and the Art of Film editing (Alfred A. Knopf, 2004)
BKSTS (The Moving Image Society) publishes two industry related journals: Cinema Technology, quarterly, and Image Technology, six times a year. The Moving Image Society (BKSTS)
Screen International - a weekly publication for the film industry also offering a daily on-line news service. Screen Daily
Variety - a weekly publication for the film, television, music and interactive entertainment industries. Variety
Sight and Sound - a monthly magazine featuring articles, reviews and full credit lists for international cinema. British Film Institute
