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AIM Assessment

Post-Production Technical Operator EPA

The Post-Production Technical Operator EPA is the end-point assessment for this level 4 standard.

This standard relates to technical aspects of post- production for film, TV and advertising. Post-production is effectively the final step in the making of a film or television programme and associated products, is the process of refinement and transition of raw materials into a finished product before distribution and release to the public. 

Post-Production Technical Operators are employed by audio and picture post-production companies, visual effects companies, broadcasters and by film and TV production companies who have their own facilities.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide support, assistance and delivery within the technical support operation of a post-production company. Core duties include (but are not limited to) first line technical and edit support for the workflow and lifecycle of the content in post-production, media backup, ingest and export. The core objective of the role is to ensure that the technical support operations are fulfilled effectively and efficiently to the technical specification provided.

Post-Production Technical Operators are often given high levels of responsibility with sensitive material, working to specific and varied technical standards within time-limited deadlines. 
Although it is a technical role, there is a need to have an eye for the creative processes such as editing, audio mixing and colour grading. The roles require an understanding of current digital file-based workflows as well as legacy media. Creative personnel in picture editing, grading and audio dubbing suites depend on the picture and audio files produced by technicians in this role. 

Typical job titles include:
Technical operator, MCR operator, grade/edit assistant, offline assistant, data wrangler, digital imaging technician (DIT), dailies operator, quality control operator, media operator, input/output operator.

Gateway requirements 

•   English and maths at Level 2
•   A portfolio of evidence to provide the basis for the discussion during the professional discussion element of the end-point assessment 

Assessment Methods 

  • Knowledge test: a one hour multiple choice test of 60 fact based questions designed to test the knowledge element of the standard 
  • Practical demonstration: a three part assessment (35-40 mins each) requiring the apprentice to demonstrate their skills in
  1. quality assessing finished content
  2. performing ingest and export of media
  3. conform of an edited sequence
  • Professional discussion: A 60 minute discussion with our assessor supported by the apprentice’s evidence portfolio.

Indicative duration of assessment 

Assessments will usually be completed within the allocated three month assessment period. Where possible, the practical demonstration and professional discussion will take place on the same day (subject to availability of facilities and assessor).

More information

Find out more on the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education website

We are members of the Association of Apprentices which unlocks access to a host of free resources and peer support aimed at helping apprentices maximise their apprenticeship.

If you would like to speak to our team about AIM end-point assessment services, please email assessment@aimgroup.org.uk.