20196 - Multimedia and Video Production Officer

Overview of the job

The multimedia and video production office role is responsible for video production, photography and using animation and motion graphics to creative alternative visual content.

The post holder is also responsible for maintaining a library of all assets for future use. Working as part of the wider creative team, the multimedia production officer will deliver professional standard products on behalf of HMPPS Communications and will help develop AV skills across the communications team.

Summary

The role works as part of the Production Team which is responsible for the delivery of communications channels and supports overall capacity across the HMPPS communication team to create content as commissioned from

The post reports to the Creative Hub Manager.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

Multimedia Production

• Devises production to deliver all aspects of video production from filming, sound, lighting, directing and management, graphics creation, to editing within timescales and budgets
• Creation of animated collateral
• Responsible for DVD production and mastering to enable delivery of strategic communication plans including events and awards, online channels and corporate branding
• Secures and manages external supply for delivery of product if production cannot be developed in house (e.g. graphics titles)
• Arranges and chairs production meetings to ensure appropriate development and sign off of product
• Works across the team to provide presentation scripts
• Agrees scripts, storyboards and shot lists
• From raw video material, produce completed videos using digital editing and associated production systems.
• Responsible for ensuring consistency, coherence and professional standards to all visual media
• Responsible for implementing the corporate style and branding guidance across all video and photographic output
• Creates and maintains the HMPPS corporate picture library Provision of stills photography, utilising lighting on location and studio environment
• Secure locations and interview subjects in line with product brief and production schedule
• Ensures equality, race and diversity representation assurance in all communication products
• Responsible for editing and proofing all video materials
• Supports the Business Delivery Manager to deliver conferences including technical set up of audio visual requirements
• Develops network of key contacts across the organisation in order to build own knowledge and information about the business, seek feedback for ongoing development and provide the ability to produce swift, accurate and rounded work
• Actively promotes and protects HMPPS’ corporate reputation through the clear planning, development and management of content and materials.
• Ensures accuracy and relevance of all communications materials and takes responsibility for obtaining appropriate sign off prior to publication
• Supports corporate events, including recording and editing of event content for onward communications
• Ensures all corporate security policies and protocols are followed in filming in prisons and community offender management work
• Ensures correct copyright and permissions are gained and recorded for all filming and photography subjects
• Liaises with internal and external suppliers and locations to enable a smooth filming schedule

Generic Production/Support

• Supports the team in delivering creative communications materials through a range of graphic and visual effects
• Advises clients about best practice in design and the requirements of the corporate brand and the need to translate complex issues into plain English
•  
• In line with the corporate channel and digital strategies creates appropriate solutions to client needs (as determined through the national communications manager’s brief)
• Delivers product against agreed description to timescale and agreed budget
• Provides quality assurance of product to agreed specification and national style and branding guidance.
• Maintains client satisfaction through regular updates and assurance checks during product development process
• Applies audience insight to develop appropriate and segmented communications and advises clients on the rationale for following best practice
• Provides clear and concise creative briefs to external providers (e.g. designers, photographers) to ensure quality products delivered to agreed specification, timescale and costs
• Ensures value for money of all products through clear planning, development and execution
• Supports the Creative Hub Manager in delivering products to schedule and budget
• Works collaboratively across HMPPS and MoJ communications team to reduce unnecessary duplication of effort
• Manages communications propriety issues in product development, publication and distribution

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder

Competencies

Setting Direction:

Seeing the Big Picture; Changing & Improving: Making Effective Decisions

Delivering Results:

Achieving Commercial Outcomes; Delivering Value for Money; Managing a Quality Service: Delivering at Pace

Engaging People:

Leading and Communicating; Collaborating and Partnering; Building Capability for All

HMPPSS Specific Skills and Behaviours:

Achieving a Safe, Decent and Secure Environment; Showing Drive and Resilience; Caring; Persuading and Influencing; Acts with Integrity

Essential Skills/ Qualifications/ Accreditation/ Registration

Extensive skills and use of photographic and filming equipment (including Panasonic P2, Canon 7D, Sony Z7, DSR 550) graphics and digital editing and associated post-production systems and animation (e.g. Premier Pro, Photoshop, Encore, Media Encoder, After Effects, Adobe Animate, Adobe Illustrator and Audition)

Factor, Examples

Skills & Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge in both the project management and technical aspects of audio visual productions from the pre-production (researching, planning, scheduling and managing), production (securing locations, filming, sound, lighting, directing, risk management) and post production (editing, graphic design, encoding and DVD design/build) is required for this role.
• Familiarity with animation software including knowledge of the best formats for different platforms
• Skills in Adobe post production software including Premier Pro, Photoshop, Encore, Media Encoder, After Effects and Audition is required to create, edit and manipulate video, photos, audio, graphics and special effects.   Knowledge in different video formats, interlaced and progressive projects and different frame rates is required,
• Skills in production equipment such as Panasonic P2, Canon 7D, Sony Z7, DSR 550, various lights and stands, audio equipment including radio mics, boom mics and external audio recording devices.
• Extensive knowledge on all video styles, offering advice to clients, National Communication Managers and other team members on the most suitable and effective style of filming and editing for individual projects.
• Good knowledge of photography as well as setting up and running national events behind the scenes, through live vision mixing, directing camera operators and ensuring PowerPoint’s and videos are on cue. Such events include the Prison Officer of the Year Awards, Probation Awards and senior leaders’ conferences which has an audience reaching senior management, SCS and Ministerial level.
• Extensive knowledge in the digital industry keeping up to date with equipment and current trends for filming/photography to ensure HMPPS are operating alongside industry standards.
• Knowledge of managing risk assessments when filming on location such as cable management, not overloading power sockets, securing equipment, clothing and footwear, people management and use of appropriate signs.  
• The ability to gain knowledge on various areas/projects within HMPPS, managing content effectively by working closely with clients to turn complicated information into simple terms through the use of audio visual productions.
• Good knowledge on various script/interview styles and has strong editing abilities, giving advice and guidance on both content and style to ensure key messages reach the intended audience. Ability to adapt script styles to suite various audiences, whether it is for offenders, staff, members of the public or senior managers for example.
• Knowledge of working within a secure environment and the ability to identify and minimise risks quickly. This includes being accountable for all equipment entering and leaving prisons
• Ability to work alongside various people on projects from offenders, staff, senior management, CEO and Ministers, directing where necessary to ensure standard of delivery is high. Filming projects have included piece to cameras from Secretary of State for Justice, Permanent Secretary and NOMS CEO as well as interviews with offenders.
• Ability to work on multiple projects at one time, ensuring clear and precise plans are put in place and prioritising work load according to the HMPPS business plan.

Accountability & Decision Making

• Responsible for all Audio Visual Productions produced on behalf of NOMS Communications.
• Ensures the delivery of creative and strategic communication plans such as events, awards, online channels and corporate branding.   Examples include ‘How I help Change Lives’ for conference and intranet, ‘ONE3ONE solutions launch’ to assist in the Secretary of State for Justice’s presentation to potential investors (shown at 10 Downing Street), NOMS annual conference consisting of four videos produced including an ex-offender interview and Justice Re-investment video.
• Responsible for arranging and chairing production meetings, gathering information and evidence to make decisions on the projects, offering creative solutions and ensuring the appropriate AV channel is used to reach its audience and get the intended message across.
• Produces production briefs, providing clear and concise information to ensure quality products are delivered to agreed specification, timescales and cost.   (e.g. Fair and sustainable video diary brief agreed with the early adopter site to get senior management and staff buy in and involvement in the project)
• Responsible for script development, giving guidelines and advice then agreeing final versions with National Communication Managers or clients direct, producing storyboards and shot lists ready for production.
• Accountable for consistency, coherences and professional standards to all visual material, including implementing corporate style and branding and ensuring equality, race and diversity representations.
• Responsible for editing and proofing visual communication material, making decisions on relevance and accuracy of content. When conducting interviews, responsibility lies in gaining the relevant content, ensuring good understanding on the topic, listening to the interview and using effective questioning to get relevant information. (Fair and sustainable video diaries, sex workers in custody/community video)
• Responsible for making quick decisions without precedent when filming on location in unpredictable circumstances to ensure professional standards and safety of those involved.
• For example – filming in a busy prison environment with limited control over locations or people.
• Responsible for risk management on shoots, completing risk assessments where appropriate, ensuring the health and safety of all involved.
• Ensures the corporate security policies and protocols are followed when working in prisons or community offender management projects.   This also applies to handling sensitive information such as victim interviews and redacting CCTV footage of incidents.
• Accountable for ensuring copyright and permissions are gained and recorded, such as disclaimers and music license. Where it is not possible to gain permissions, it is the post holder’s responsibility to destroy the footage appropriately or pixilate the faces before the production is released.
• Creates and maintains the NOMS corporate visual library for use in online and offline media, ensuring accurate metadata is recorded and kept up-to-date.
• Responsible for obtaining appropriate sign off of product prior to publication.
• When urgent visual projects are needed, there is a requirement to reprioritise work load to ensure professional delivery to a tight deadline.  
• For example, when the CEO makes an urgent announcement, other projects have to be re-organised around this.
• Responsible for delivering essential visual communications material which has visibility at various levels including CEO, MOJ board level and Ministerial level on behalf of NOMS business (National conference videos, ONE3ONE solutions, Civil Service Live video for Cabinet Office).

Problem Solving

• Resolves issues around various media formats, researching the digital channels available and the formats required for platforms in order for visual productions to be viewed by its intended audience. For example, encoding flash files for videos to be viewed through social media (graduate programme), producing DVD’s to be played in establishments (Conditioning video) or encoding various mpeg files for PowerPoint presentations (SEED training video).
• For CCTV redactions, formats are usually embedded into software to prevent people from editing them. Responsible for resolving issues around retracting this footage in order to mask faces so the evidence can be used in court.
• Practical problems are faced on a daily basis when filming in a prison environment and working with offenders. These include offenders refusing to be filmed, walking in the background during filming, noise management and irate attitudes towards cameras. The role involves using initiative to ensure problems are identified and minimised at the earliest opportunity.
• Immediate practical problems also include having no control over the weather or equipment failure on location shoots. These issues need to be resolved with quick thinking.   Where possible back up plans are put in place by the post holder such as securing inside locations, additional cables/mics for equipment problems, back up card reader incase of failure.
• Finds long term solutions to technical issues around AV equipment failure and software systems crashing. A recent example includes having researched and implemented new edit suites across NOMS Communications, providing documented evidence and producing a business case to change platforms for stability and staff efficiency.
• In line with corporate channel and digital strategies, create appropriate solutions to client’s needs, whether that is negotiating deadlines or sourcing external suppliers.

Resource Management & Financial Impact

• No direct budget responsibility
• The role has a financial impact on NOMS visual projects, responsible for identifying costs, then securing and managing external supply for delivery of products that cannot be developed in house. For example, graphics, voice over’s, freelancers, hiring additional equipment, DVD duplications 500+
• Reduces financial impact on individual projects where budgets are limited. This includes using contacts to source volunteer actors such as staff or students then holding auditions to ensure their suitability. Identify and securing suitable filming locations again using contacts to ensure little or no cost incurred. Such locations include various accommodations (run down flats, detached houses), job centers, courts and offices for example.
• This role is responsible for researching new audio visual technologies to ensure NOMS continue to produce professional products which are in line with industry standards. Responsible for providing evidence and producing business cases to justify financial spend. This includes attending events, researching forums and social network sites for reviews and using industry contacts.
• Responsible for redacting CCTV footage so it can be used as evidence in court, liaising with TSol and establishments direct to obtain footage. Many cases have been dropped once CCTV footage had been released, saving staff time and court fees.

Organising & Planning

• Manages audio visual productions from start to finish, devising a production schedule to identifying the different stages in a project and the resources required in order to meet agreed timescales and budget.  
• Maintains effective communication with the client and staff throughout the project, chairing production meetings and providing updates/ assurance checks during product development process. Also ensures crew are kept informed on the progress.
• Manages multiple projects at once, ensuring clear and precise plans are put in place to keep up to date with each production.   Required to prioritise workload according to the NOMS Communications strategy and have an adaptable approach in reprioritising if urgent products are needed. (CEO announcements for example).
• Liaises with internal and external suppliers to ensure a smooth filming schedule, whether this is producing shot lists or an interview schedule or organising the delivery of voice over’s to timescales.
• Planning logistics of location filming including staff availability, scheduling, overnight stays, hire cars and parking for example whilst ensuring cost effectiveness at all times.

People Management

• No direct line management responsibilities.
• The role requires management of various people during filming including actors, offenders, NOMS staff, senior managers, directors and external suppliers.

Information Management

• This role gives clients information, advice and guidance in all aspects of visual productions, having a direct impact on the information management of individual projects.
• Promotes NOMS policy through clear planning, development and management of content and materials, producing and agreeing presentation scripts either alone or with clients which have an impact on the key messages.   Examples are NOMS annual conference videos including ex-offender interview, Justice reinvestment video.
• Applies audience insight to develop appropriate communications and advises clients on best practice including the need to translate complex information into plain English. This includes advice on various video styles (dramas, interviews, and training tools), script styles depending on audience (is it for offenders, staff, senior managers?) and visual shots.
• Manages communications propriety issues in production development, publication and distribution to ensure accuracy of information.
• Ensures equality, race and diversity representation in communication projects.
• Liaises with clients to seek feedback on projects for ongoing development either through direct contact, feedback forums or survey monkey.
• Handles sensitive information in the form of CCTV footage from prisons and is responsible for redacting this footage so it can be used as evidence in court. Postholder is responsible for liaising with TSol and establishments direct to obtain footage.

Influencing & Interaction

• Influences and negotiates how best to deliver audio visual communications effectively. This often involves challenging requests and using persuasive skills to ensure projects are delivered in the most effective way to get key messages across to the intended audience.   A recent example is the graduate programme video for a social networking website where the client was using an external supplier at a cost of tens of thousands of pounds to the Service. Through discussion and influence, the postholder successfully challenged this, providing evidence and as a result, the entire project will now be produced in-house.
• Develops network of key contacts across the organisation in order to build knowledge and information about business so visual communication projects are accurate. Such contacts include NOMS business units, MOJ communications, Probation communication managers and senior management.
• Develops network of external contacts in order to negotiate, secure and manage external supply. For example, the voice over gallery and external designers.
• Has close working relationships with National communication managers and wider NOMS Communications team in order to produce creative communication materials whilst taking into account corporate brand guidance.
• Works collaboratively across NOMS and MOJ communications to exploit natural synergies, promote work and products effectively and reduce unnecessary duplication (for example one induction video instead of multiple for different establishments).
• Has direct contact up to Ministerial level, gathering content and ensuring professional delivery whilst representing the Service as a whole. (Filming Permanent Secretary and Secretary of State for example)
• Provides regular updates to clients, account managers or stakeholders on product development.

Emotional Demand & Risk

• There is an element of risk to this role as it involves working in all category establishments, directly with offenders on productions in areas such as on the wing, in cells, in segregation units, workshops and visits rooms. The role also involves working with offenders in the community, whether it is filming an interview with probation or community payback projects.
• There is a level of emotional demand associated with this job.   Previous projects have included interviewing offenders, ex offenders and members of the public who have talked openly about their life experiences including violent attacks (both perpetrator and victim), rapes, being sexual abused as a child, drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence and self harming. Example projects include interviewing ex-offenders on how they broke the cycle, sex workers in Community/Custody awareness DVD and sex offender treatment programme DVD. There is a requirement to ensure a professional approach when gathering such information, adapting interview styles accordingly to ensure the relevant content is gained out of an interview, and the interviewee is comfortable in giving personal information.
• The post holder is responsible for redacting CCTV footage of real life incidents in establishments on behalf of MOJ and TSol, which can then be used as evidence in court. Such incidents involve violent attacks by offenders on other offenders or staff. A recent request involved the redaction of CCTV footage on a wing where there was a death in custody, showing the body being taken out of the cell.

Closing: 7th September 2018 at 23:55 hours

If you require any assistance please call 0845 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or email moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@sscl.gse.gov.uk Please quote job ref 20196

If you have any questions related to this role, please contact Suzy Talbot at suzy.talbot@noms.gsi.gov.uk