Vision Mixers work with the director to cut between camera feeds during live broadcasts, selecting and sequencing shots to deliver the final visual output.
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Working Life
Vision Mixers work with the director to cut between camera feeds during live broadcasts, selecting and sequencing shots to deliver the final visual output.
Role and Responsibilities
- Work closely with the director to deliver the visual experience as it appears on the broadcast.
- Choose which feeds to use from multiple cameras during live broadcasts.
- Cut from shot to shot, selecting the precise sequence of images to be transmitted or recorded. Within this, vision mixers also decide which transition methods or effects—such as wipes or mixes—to apply.
- In addition to selecting and switching between camera feeds, vision mixers also choose, sequence, and integrate all other elements that make up the final broadcast. This includes replay and slow-motion footage, graphics, digital effects, and captions.
- On Outside Broadcast (OB) projects, the vision mixer works from the production gallery inside the OB van, while for studio-based programs, they are located in the studio gallery.
- Essentially, the vision mixer acts as the director’s proxy and is crucial for delivering the programme’s visual content.
- This role is both technically and creatively demanding, requiring excellent multitasking abilities and precise communication.
- It demands a thorough understanding of the programme’s running order, as well as the skill to respond quickly and effectively to unexpected events during a live broadcast by adapting visuals accordingly.
Works with
- Unit Manager
- Director
- Camera Team
- OB Crew
- Broadcaster
Qualities - Vision Mixer Multi Camera
Is this role right for me?
To perform this role, you must:
Have a complete knowledge of all technology and systems used in mixing imagery in a multi-camera, live broadcast environment.
Be familiar with all elements of live TV production, its processes, inputs, and crewing.
Be conversant with the relevant operational and technical aspects of the multi-camera outside broadcast environment.
Be calm and editorially decisive in a pressurised environment.
Know how to direct camera operators and other crew members to achieve the best visual outcome for the programme.
Have a clear and concise communications style.
Be a well-prepared multi-tasker.
Interests - Vision Mixer Multi Camera
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Entry / Progression - Vision Mixer Multi Camera
Education Route: There is likely to be a high level of technical competency, possibly derived in an initial engineering-related role. Qualifications in TV production, broadcast operations, live events production and technical theatre (with video) may be beneficial.
Career Path to Vision Mixer - Multi Camera: Vision Mixers may have worked in a number of roles in live TV production, probably with a broadcaster. This includes camera or VT operator, graphics, and digital effects.
Career Path from Vision Mixer - Multi Camera: Senior Vision Mixer/Lead Vision Mixer, Multi Camera Director, Technical Director, Studio or OB Production Manager.
