ESM4120 - Particular occupations: entertainment industry: TV and radio workers - behind camera workers roles normally treated as self-employed (appendix 1)

Background

Earlier guidance has been withdrawn. The only guidance relating to Appendix 1 is contained within ESM4120.

Appendix 1 contains a list of roles that HMRC regards as normally self-employed for tax purposes where the specified conditions are met. Individuals who meet these criteria can be treated as self-employed. This applies to new contracts, and extensions of existing contracts.

Roles not included on the appendix

This appendix is not exhaustive. If the individual is not on this list it does not necessarily mean they are an employee. HMRC and engagers in the industry should use the full range of employment status indicators to decide the status of people not on this list - see ESM0500.

Roles not included on this list should be checked by engagers using general employment status principles.

HMRC recommends using the Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) tool. Based on the information you enter, which should be agreed by both parties, CEST will provide HMRC’s view of a worker’s employment status. HMRC will stand by the determinations given by the tool, providing the information input remains accurate.

CEST should be used again if there is a change to an existing contract or agreement, or the information you originally input is no longer accurate.

Using this appendix 1 list

Self-employed status is appropriate for roles on this list provided the criteria in either Column A or Column B, or both, are met.

Column A lists criteria applicable to the role, along with guidance links specific to each role. Guidance on 'Premises provided by the engager', 'Substantial provision of materials/equipment', 'Tools of the trade', and 'Management and coordination' can be found in ESM4117.

Column B lists the requirement for the worker to be:

on a specific production for a finite period; and
in the case of re-engagements where an engager rehires an individual in respect of further engagements relating to any specific production, it qualifies as a discrete engagement.

Guidance defining 'Specific production’, 'Finite period' and 'Discrete engagement' can be found in ESM4115.

Appendix 1 production areas

Audio
Camera department
Costume
Design
Editorial
Electrical and lighting
Makeup
Music and composition
Post-production
Production management
Rigging
Special effects
Story
Other roles

Audio

Dubbing editors

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Dialogue editor	Responsible for recording voiceover in studio where location recording proves to be unusable.	Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks - see guidance at ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Grams (Gramophone) operator	Responsible for playback equipment, usually in an outside broadcast.	Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks - see guidance at ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Re-recording mixer (also known as dubbing mixer)	Ensures the sound for each sequence is audible, consistent across edit cuts, adds music and effects. Ensures technical standards for broadcaster's sound requirements are met.	Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks - see guidance at ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Sound effects editor	Creates and edits sound effects to enhance audio.	Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks - see guidance at ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.

Sound

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Boom operator	Dialogue recording, particularly on drama and comedy programmes.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service or the conditions in Hall v Lorimer are met. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM7160.	Refer to ESM4115.
Sound designer	Work on soundscapes, build narratives, mixing and editing.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service or the conditions in Hall v Lorimer are met. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM7160.	Refer to ESM4115.
Sound maintenance engineer	Maintains sound recording and playout equipment.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service or the conditions in Hall v Lorimer are met. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM7160.	Refer to ESM4115.
Sound mixer	Recording and mixing actuality, effects, voiceover and music.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service or the conditions in Hall v Lorimer are met. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM7160.	Refer to ESM4115.
Sound recordist	Recording of actuality and effects.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service or the conditions in Hall v Lorimer are met. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM7160.	Refer to ESM4115.
Sound supervisor	Responsible for all sound recordings on multicamera shoot both location and studio. Manages sound team.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service or the conditions in Hall v Lorimer are met. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM7160.	Refer to ESM4115.

Other audio roles

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Audio describer	Writes and/or performs descriptions of TV and film productions to assist visually-impaired people.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple clients. See guidance for actors at ESM4121.	Refer to ESM4115.
Digital audio workstation (DAW) operators (such as music/sound playback operator and playback editor)	Builds and operates music and other playback equipment to realise director's and producer’s vision.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service or the conditions in Hall v Lorimer are met. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM7160.	Refer to ESM4115.
Foley artist	Physically creates sound effects in post-production.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service - see ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Microwave technician	Responsible for communications systems.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service or the conditions in Hall v Lorimer are met. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM7160.	Refer to ESM4115.

Camera department

Camera operators

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Camera assistant	Rig and line up cameras and monitors. Ensure extra cameras are ready for use, cover for camera operators.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service without increased fee or other payment. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM0542.	Refer to ESM4115.
Camera operator	Provides and operates camera equipment, may work to a director of photography or camera supervisor. Responsible for technical operation of camera equipment.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service without increased fee or other payment. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM0542.	Refer to ESM4115.
Camera supervisor	Studio or outdoor broadcasting based, senior camera person. Responsible for the look of the production and management of camera team.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service without increased fee or other payment. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM0542.	Refer to ESM4115.
Clapper loader (also known as second assistant cameras)	Responsible for the rushes, equipment and running of the camera team. Liaising between camera team, production, post-production, camera rental houses.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service without increased fee or other payment. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM0542.	Refer to ESM4115.
Data manager (also known as DIT data manager)	Manage digital data, colour information and metadata. Liaison between on-set and post-production.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service without increased fee or other payment. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM0542.	Refer to ESM4115.
Data wrangler	Back up and transfer digital data to lab.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service without increased fee or other payment. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM0542.	Refer to ESM4115.
Digital image technician	Liaison between camera department and post-production - advising how to get the best from the camera to enable required changes in post. Manages camera cards, digitises into post-production system.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service without increased fee or other payment. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM0542.	Refer to ESM4115.
Focus puller (also known as 1st assistant camera person)	Responsible for adjusting the camera lens to follow the action.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service without increased fee or other payment. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM0542.	Refer to ESM4115.
Hot head operator (also known as jib operator/technician)	Camera person operates remote camera attached to jib or boom. Provides own kit. Known in UK as jib operator.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service without increased fee or other payment. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM0542.	Refer to ESM4115.
Model, drone or aerial camera person	Operator of drone-type camera used for aerial filming. A person who operates a remotely operated aircraft to provide aerial cinematography and photography.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service without increased fee or other payment. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM0542.	Refer to ESM4115.
Steadicam operator	Person who operates a mobile camera kit strapped to their body allowing for shots other cameras could not achieve. Usually provides own gear and booked on a day/week basis.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service without increased fee or other payment. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM0542.	Refer to ESM4115.
Stills photographer	Takes still images of cast, crew, set, location for publicity and marketing purposes.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service without increased fee or other payment. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM0542.	Refer to ESM4115.

Other camera department roles

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Aerial/underwater director	Designs lighting and photography. Responsible for the overall look of the production. Decides on what cameras, lighting, and technical equipment to use. Often autonomous in decision making in relation to look, feel and technical equipment and advises the director. Responsible to the director.	Has control over execution of tasks and conducts preparatory work away from engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0520 and ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Aerial coordinator	Specialises in aerial or underwater sequences. Designs lighting and photography. Responsible for the overall look of the production. Decides on what cameras, lighting, and technical equipment to use. Often autonomous in decision making in relation to look, feel and technical equipment, advises the director.	Has control over execution of tasks and conducts preparatory work away from engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0520 and ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Aerial mount technician/operator	Responsible for installing, operating and maintaining camera systems mounted on airborne platforms like helicopters, airplanes, drones (UAVs) and specialised cable rigs.	Has control over execution of tasks and conducts preparatory work away from engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0520 and ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Director of photography	Head of the camera and lighting crews who makes all artistic and technical decisions regarding the image on a film set.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, worker exercises rare skill and judgement and client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See guidance at ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Ground safety coordinator	Provides advisory services and specialist guidance to help set up health and safety management systems, procedures and policies within aerial production.	Has control over execution of tasks and conducts preparatory work away from engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0520 and ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Lights camera person	Single camera shoots. Responsible for the look of the production including lighting.	Where responsible for designing lighting or photography.	Refer to ESM4115.

Costume

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Assistant costume designer	Designs, creates, acquires, or hires costumes for actors and extras.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information, see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Assistant costume supervisor	Work with the costume designer to ensure costumes or outfits are prepared and ready.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information, see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Breakdown and textile artist	Designs and creates costumes.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information, see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Costume coordinator (formerly costume design office supervisor)	Designs and creates costumes. Will be a budget holder and manages junior staff.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information, see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Costume designer	Designs, creates, acquires, or hires costumes for actors and extras. Responsible for budget and members of the costume/wardrobe team.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information, see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Costume illustrator (formerly costume artist)	Produces hand-drawn or computer illustrated pictures of costumes.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information, see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Costumer makers (including customer cutter, customer maker, dressmaker, seamstress and tailor)	Designs and creates costumes.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information, see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Costumer maker specialists (including corset maker, embellisher, embroiderer, leather maker and milliner)	Specialist versions of the roles of costume makers, with creative autonomy over their niche areas.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information, see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Costume supervisor	Work to the costume designer to ensure costumes or outfits are correct and ready.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information, see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Crowd costume supervisor	Responsible for background cast and supporting artists costumes. Arrange staff as required, layout crowd area.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information, see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Key/head breakdown and textile artist	Designs and creates costumes.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information, see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Key/principal standby (also known as costumer and costume standby)	Works to the costume designer and supervisor as the on-set representative of the costume department during shooting.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information, see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Wardrobe stylist (including principal/key costumer, principal costumier, principal costume standby and senior dresser)	Dresses people with pre-existing clothes or props/accessories.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises or where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Wardrobe supervisor (formerly master/mistress) also known as assistant supervisor	Supervises costume manufacture, liaises with hair and makeup departments, responsible for departmental budget.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises or where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.

Design

Designers

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Animatronic model designers	Designs and produces the working models, props, and/or puppets for stop motion animation.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises and the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Concept artist	Create design concepts for props, sets, characters, other creative purposes.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises and the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Creature designer	Designs and makes masks/body parts/actual creatures to be used in a film.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises and the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Digital set designer	Creates physical look and feel of the production including the set, props, visual effects. Manages art department and responsible for design budget.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises and the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Graphic artist	Creates designs for maximum visual impact on screen.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises and the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Graphic designer	Creates designs for maximum visual impact on screen.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises and the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Lettering artist	Creates designs for maximum visual impact on screen.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises and the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Lettering designer	Creates designs for maximum visual impact on screen.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises and the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Production designer	Creates physical look and feel of the production including the set, props, visual effects. Manages art department and responsible for design budget.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises and the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Scenic artist	Paints backdrops and murals on sets.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises and the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Scenic designer	Designs the look and feel of the film set.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises and the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Set designer	Designs the look and feel of studio sets.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises and the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
3D set designer	Creates physical 3D models to inform look and feel of the production including the set, props, visual effects.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises and the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.

Modellers and sculptors

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Assistant prop modeller	Design and creation of models.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service, the associated facilities and materials. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Creature fabricator	Physical manufacture of creature designer's vision.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service, the associated facilities and materials. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Model designer	Creates look of any models required.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service, the associated facilities and materials. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Model maker	Manufacture of model designer's vision.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service, the associated facilities and materials. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Modeller	Design and creation of models.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service, the associated facilities and materials. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Prop modeller	Design and creation of models.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service, the associated facilities and materials. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Prop modeller head of dept	Design and creation of models.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service, the associated facilities and materials. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Sculptor	Physical manufacture of production designer's/art director's vision.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service, the associated facilities and materials. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Senior prop modeller	Design and creation of models.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service, the associated facilities and materials. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.

Property supplier and property hand

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Armourer	Designs/builds/sources and handles all weapons (armoury).	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service, the associated facilities and materials. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Blacksmith	Physical manufacture of props or equipment.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service, the associated facilities and materials. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Property hand	Handles the movement of props when in studio or on location.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service, the associated facilities and materials. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Property supplier (formerly property master/mistress)	Sources and negotiates price of props.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service, the associated facilities and materials. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Standby props	Responsible for dealing with changes, improvements, repairs and refits to props during the shoot.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service, the associated facilities and materials. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Store person	Move props in studio or location with autonomy in moving, storing, and managing props.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service, the associated facilities and materials. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.

Set design

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Assistant set decorator (also known as set dresser)	Dressing sets according to relevant themes and with certain products.	Where the contract requires set design performed other than on premises provided by the engager. Maintains own premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Construction manager	Builds the set to realise the designer's creative vision.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Drapes master	Makes or sources set decorating materials.	Where the contract requires set design performed other than on premises provided by the engager. Maintains own premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Drapesperson	Makes or sources set decorating materials.	Where the contract requires set design performed other than on premises provided by the engager. Maintains own premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Draughtsperson (set design)	Designs the look and feel of sets.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information, see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Set construction or other dept (including carpenter, metalworker, plasterer, painter or similar craft role)	Builds the set to realise the designer's creative vision. Highly skilled craftsperson engaged to build the sets and who has itinerant pattern of work – constructing sets for a number of clients/ using their craft skills in their construction business.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Set decorator	Makes or sources props.	Where the contract requires set design performed other than on premises provided by the engager. Maintains own premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Supervising drapes person/assistant drapes master	Makes or sources set decorating materials.	Where the contract requires set design performed other than on premises provided by the engager. Maintains own premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.

Special effects

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Senior SFX technician	Realises the SFX designers’ vision. Responsible for budget and staff.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. Provides equipment. See ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
SFX chargehand	Realises the SFX design and oversees safe exercise of SFX. Responsible for budget and staff.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. Provides equipment. See ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
SFX floor supervisor	Realises the SFX design and oversees safe exercise of SFX. Responsible for budget and staff.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. Provides equipment. See ESM0553, ESM0520, and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
SFX technicians and coordinators	Realises the SFX designer’s vision.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. Provides equipment. See ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
SFX workshop co-supervisor	Realises the SFX design and oversees safe exercise of SFX. Responsible for budget and staff.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. Provides equipment. See ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.

Other design roles

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Animation director	Interpret the brief from the director. Guide, supervise and review the work of the animators and assistant animators.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. Provides equipment, See guidance at ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Animation production coordinator	Responsible for logistics of production process.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. Provides equipment, See guidance at ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Animator	Animate models or puppets one frame at a time to provide the action outlined in the storyboard. Stop frame/motion animation. Includes 'stop-frame' and use of animation software 3D/CGI and 2D animation.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises and the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Art coordinator	Provide operational support to the production designer and art director. Manage junior members of the team, assist with procurement and tracking the departmental budget.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM7160 regarding Hall v Lorimer.	Refer to ESM4115.
Art director	Ensuring designer's vision is achieved. Plans, organises and controls the visual aspects of a set.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, worker exercises rare skill and judgement and client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See guidance at ESM0553, ESM0520, ESM0528 and ESM7160 regarding Hall v Lorimer.	Refer to ESM4115.
Assistant art director	Turns any initial sketches into worked up drawings or 3D models. Surveys locations, works with construction manager on set construction. Helps the art director source props and research viewing locations. Designs and supervises smaller sets.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, worker exercises rare skill and judgement and client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See guidance at ESM0553, ESM0520, ESM0528 and ESM7160 regarding Hall v Lorimer.	Refer to ESM4115.
Chargehand stagehand	Responsible for supervising at least one other stagehand.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM7160 regarding Hall v Lorimer.	Refer to ESM4115.
Gardeners (including greens advisor, greens master (formerly greensman, HoD greensman and key greensman) and head of dept gardener)	Provides horticultural skills on sets.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Head of art department (also known as production designer)	Ensures designer's vision is achieved. Responsible for art department and makes sure that the script is authenticity realised.	Has control over execution of tasks, conducts preparatory work away from engager's premises and payment by fixed fee on presentation of invoice. See ESM0520, ESM0522 and ESM0542.	Refer to ESM4115.
Head of department stagehand	Co-ordinates supervisor and chargehand stagehands. Works in with construction manager and production designer.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM7160 regarding Hall v Lorimer.	Refer to ESM4115.
Illustrator	Produces art-work related to the production, usually relating to the story.	Where the majority of the worker is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Jewellery maker	Makes jewellery.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Live graphics operator	Build graphics for live TV programmes (for example, sports matches, news channels and so on) and manage the technical aspect of the live information flow.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service or meets the conditions in Hall v Lorimer. See ESM0540 and ESM7160.	Refer to ESM4115.
Production buyer/greens buyer (including costume buyer, construction buyer, plants buyer, production buyer and SFX buyer)	Makes or sources props, costumes, plants, or equipment.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. For more information, see ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Scenic/background artist	Paints backdrops and murals on sets.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises and the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See guidance at ESM0522 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Standby art director	Responsible for dealing with changes, improvements, repairs and refits to set during the shoot.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, worker exercises rare skill and judgement and client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See guidance at ESM0553, ESM0520, ESM0528 and ESM7160 regarding Hall v Lorimer.	Refer to ESM4115.
Standby stagehand	Arranges set and standby for changes needed during shoot.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM7160 regarding Hall v Lorimer.	Refer to ESM4115.
Storyboard artist	Draws a series of illustrations to visualise how certain scenes will work.	Where the majority of the work is performed other than on premises provided by the engager. See ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Stylists (including costume stylist, film stylist and photographic stylist)	Dresses people or sets with pre-existing clothes or props.	Has control over execution of tasks. Conducts preparatory work away from engager's premises. Payment by fixed fee on presentation of invoice. See ESM0520, ESM0522 and ESM0542.	Refer to ESM4115.
Supervisor stagehand	Supervises chargehand stagehand and other stagehands.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM7160 regarding Hall v Lorimer.	Refer to ESM4115.
VFX artist or technician	Executes VFX shots/tasks.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
VFX specialist art director	Ensuring VFX vision is achieved. Plans, organises and controls the visual aspects of VFX sequences from work of VFX artists. Art director for visual effects specific sets, locations, and scenes.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, worker exercises rare skill and judgement and client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See guidance at ESM0553, ESM0520, ESM0528 and ESM7160 regarding Hall v Lorimer.	Refer to ESM4115.

Editorial

Directors

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Director	Responsible for visualisation of the script, the shaping of creative content and editorial narrative. Plots camera movements and shot composition and directs the editing of the creative content to form it into a cohesive final product.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, worker exercises rare skill and judgement and client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See guidance at ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Director - DV	Junior directing role. Shapes the creative content/editorial narrative by directing performers, presenters and contributors while also operating camera. May take responsibility for shaping the edit.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Director – gallery	As above. Gallery directors often work on reality or fixed-rig programmes directing several cameras at once as they follow a story unfolding in real time.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Director – outside broadcast	As above. OB directors often cover major live events including sport, entertainment and national/political events directing several cameras at once.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, worker exercises rare skill and judgement and client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See guidance at ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Director - series	As above. Responsible for directing a significant portion of the episode/series and establishing the overall visual signature of a work.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, worker exercises rare skill and judgement and client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See guidance at ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Director - shooting P/D	As above. Shooting PDs direct while also operating camera.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Director - studio	As above. Studio directors often direct in a multi-camera environment, directing several cameras at once, usually in TV studios or outside broadcast trucks, working on live or pre-recorded programmes, giving direction to the crew, cast, contributors and presenters.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, worker exercises rare skill and judgement and client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See guidance at ESM0553, ESM0520, and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Director - VT	Makes short films for inserts into studio, entertainment or factual programmes.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
First (1st) assistant director	Responsible in pre-production for all organisational aspects of the shoot, breaking the script down into a filming schedule and adjustments as necessary. Does not go into post-production.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Second (2nd) assistant director	Co-ordinates off-set activities, including movements of cast and crew, creates call sheets.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.

Producers

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Associate producer	As producer but may also have raised some of the finance for the script/production. May also have input into the script.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Content editor	Choice of stories, editorial angle, duration of story and running order.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Co-producer	Has input into the editorial storyline and rough cuts to fulfil co-producer's requirements.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Culinary producer/culinary associate producer	A culinary producer manages all food, kitchen movements and recipe accuracy. A culinary associate producer assists them with daily prep, ingredients, and on-set coordination.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Executive producer	Ultimate guarantor of the quality of the production and the fulfilment the commissioner's expectations. Responsible for all aspects of production; for example, quality, content, financial, health & safety, and so on.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Field producer	Coordinates activities and story while on location.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
News editor	Choice of stories, editorial angle, duration of story and running order.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Producer	Can be the creator of story idea, responsible for delivering the vision, tone, content and look of the production. Hiring manager, financial, creative and health & safety responsibility.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Producer - archive	Researching, sourcing, negotiation of price and rights for film, TV and stills clips that enhance/illustrate narrative.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Producer - casting	Sources suitable candidates to participate in the programme; for example, reality programmes.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Producer - celebrity	Sourcing suitable celebrity candidates to participate in the programme; for example, reality programmes.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Producer - challenges or games	Creates and delivers the vision and tone of any format challenges with a programme.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Producer - live	Responsible for look, feel and tone of live events.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Producer - online	Responsible for look, feel content and tone of online content.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Producer - questions	Sets questions appropriate to programme, verifies them and attends recording.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Producer - script or story	Responsible for the creation and delivery of story ideas within strands/series; for example, a regular magazine show.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Producer - VT input	Responsible for look, feel and tone of inserts into the programme.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Producer director	Work to series producer and crew during filming. Manage presenters, contributors, asst producers and liaise with production management on scheduling, locations and health and safety.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Producer/director - development	As producer, also creates story/programme ideas or progresses others’ ideas .	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Segment producer	Produces one or more segments of a multi-segment production.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Senior producer	Works on major series or strands and may have specific responsibility for key editorial area.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Senior producer or producer - edit	Responsible for assembling the feel and tone of a programme/series in the edit suite after it has been filmed.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Series editor (editorial)	Usually works on long running strands or returning series (check ESM4115 guidance on specific production and discrete engagement). Responsible for the budget, look and feel of the series/strand. Hiring manager and health and safety responsible.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Series producer	Responsible for the look and feel of the series/strand and budget. Hiring manager and health & safety responsible. Usually applies to discrete series.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Speciality producer/speciality associate producer	Producers or associate producers who have specialised technical, creative or niche expertise required for a specific type of production.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Supervising producer	Oversees other producers and members of the production team.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Tradeout producer/tradeout associate producer	Marketing partnerships and product placement.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
VFX data wrangler	Captures VFX data during a shoot.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
VFX editor	Manages, tracks and integrates visual effects into the main edit.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
VFX line producer	Manages budgets, financial tracking, and operational schedules for visual effects on large-scale film and television productions.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
VFX pre VIS/post VIS editor	Manages and integrates VFX elements- including pre-visualisation and post-visualisation assets into the main edit.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
VFX producer	Manages the financial, logistical and administrative operations of creating digital effects.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.

Other editorial roles

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Auditioner	Suggests actors for appropriate roles and auditions them alone and with other potential cast members.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Casting director	Organises and facilitates the casting of actors for appropriate roles and auditions them alone and/or with other potential cast members.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Celebrity executive	Uses established list of contacts and initiative based on current entertainment, sporting and general news events to book exciting and interesting guests.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Extras casting director	Casts extras.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Vision mixer	Person who operates kit which switches between cameras or sources during live or recorded studio or OB recordings. Works to the director. Usually booked by the week.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service or meets the conditions in Hall v Lorimer. See ESM0540 and ESM7160.	Refer to ESM4115.

Electrical and lighting

Electrical

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Electrician	Sets lighting equipment to realise designer's and director's vision.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Gaffer	Sets lighting equipment to realise designer's and director's vision.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Lighting electrician	Sets lighting equipment to realise designer's and director's vision.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Lighting hand (also known as best boy/girl)	Sets lighting equipment to realise designer's and director's vision.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.

Operators

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Console operator	Operates console.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Lighting desk operator	Operates lighting desk.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Rigging desk operator	Operates rigging desk.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Shooting dimmer operator	Operates shooting dimmer.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See E SM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.

Specialist lighting and camera

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Balloon operator/technician	Operates type of lighting.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Crane technician or crane head technician	Operates lighting.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Head technician	Sets lighting.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Libra head operator/technician	Operates type of camera crane.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.

Other electrical and lighting roles

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Grip (including best boy/girl grip)	Responsible for the building and maintaining of kit which supports the camera and operator - for example, dollies or cranes.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Key grip	Responsible for the grip department, building and maintaining of kit which supports the camera and operator - for example, dollies or cranes.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Lighting designer	Creates the lighting design for a production.	Where responsible for designing lighting or photography. For lighting designer where work performed other than on premises provided by the engager. See ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Lighting director	Ensures the designer's vision is achieved.	Where responsible for designing lighting or photography. For lighting designer where work performed other than on premises provided by the engager. See ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Vision controller/vision engineer	Person responsible for the exposure and quality of the television picture during live or recorded studio or outside broadcast recordings. Works to the lighting director.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service or meets the conditions in Hall v Lorimer. See ESM0540 and ESM7160.	Refer to ESM4115.
Vision supervisor	Team leader. Responsible for the exposure and quality of the television picture during live or recorded studio or outside broadcast recordings. Works to the lighting director.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service or meets the conditions in Hall v Lorimer. See ESM0540 and ESM7160.	Refer to ESM4115.

Makeup

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Chief hairdresser	Responsible for the overall design, application and care of hair during production. Responsible for management of staff and department budget.	Where the contract requires the provision of necessary, substantial equipment (includes wigs) and/or the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See ESM0540 and ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Hairdresser	Responsible for the overall design, application and care of hair during production.	Where the contract requires the provision of necessary, substantial equipment (includes wigs) and/or the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See ESM0540 and ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Makeup artist (including hair and makeup)	Responsible for the overall design, application, and care of make up during production.	Where the contract requires the provision of a standard makeup kit or the majority of the work of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See ESM0540 and ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Makeup designer	Responsible for the overall design, application, and care of make up during production.	Where the contract requires the provision of a standard makeup kit or the majority of the work of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See ESM0540 and ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Makeup supervisor	Responsible for the overall design, application, and care of make up during production. Manages staff and department budget.	Where the contract requires the provision of a standard makeup kit or the majority of the work of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See ESM0540 and ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Prosthetics designer and supervisor	Responsible for the design and realisation of the any special prosthetics that need to be created for the production.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Wigmaker	Responsible for the overall design, application and care of wigs during production.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.

Music and composition

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Composer	Creates or supervises recording of original musical tracks to accompany production.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Conducting coach	Coaches orchestral and other conductors.	Most musicians are self-employed. See ESM4121.	Refer to ESM4115.
Lyricist	Writes the words to accompany the music.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Music editor	Liaise with the editor and composer to edit or recut music to fit within a given cut.	Worker exercises rare skill and judgement. See ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Musical arranger	Arranges pre-existing music to suit the feel of the production.	Where the majority of the work is performed other than on premises provided by the engager. See ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Musical associate/supervisor	Suggests music to be included in a production, according to relevant theme.	Substantial work away from engager's premises. Payment by fixed fee on presentation of invoice. See ESM0522 and ESM0542.	Refer to ESM4115.
Musical copyist	Copies musical scores and individual instrument pieces for different musical arrangements.	Where the majority of the work is performed other than on premises provided by the engager. See ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Musical director	Discusses musical interpretations with director, suggests music to be used in production, and adapts compositions to suit the style of production.	Worker exercises rare skill and judgement. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. Preparatory work done away from engager's premises. See ESM0528, ESM0520 and ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Musical score reader	Transcribes scores into individual musical instrument adaptations.	Worker exercises rare skill and judgement. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Rehearsal pianist	Pianist for rehearsals.	Most musicians are self-employed. See ESM4121.	Refer to ESM4115.

Post-production

Editorial

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Additional editor	Has skillset to operate as the named editor, assists with volume and workload.	Has control over execution of task. Worker exercises rare skill and judgement. See ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Editor	Crafts assembled raw footage into coherent editorial story.	Has control over execution of task. Worker exercises rare skill and judgement. See ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
First (1st) assistant editor	Manage co-ordination with different teams, manage the editorial team.	Has control over execution of task. Worker exercises rare skill and judgement. See ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Offline editor	Crafts/copies raw footage and assembles into coherent editorial story leaving original material intact.	Has control over execution of task. Worker exercises rare skill and judgement. See ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Online editor	Responsible for the technical aspects of a final, finished programme. Ensures it meets all broadcaster technical standards.	Has control over execution of task. Worker exercises rare skill and judgement. See ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
VT editor	Crafts assembled raw footage into coherent editorial story. May edit only inserts into programmes, but not the full programme.	Has control over execution of task. Worker exercises rare skill and judgement. See ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Aerial DIT	Liaison between camera department and post-production - advising how to get the best from the camera to enable required changes in post. Manages camera cards, digitises into post-production system.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Digital audio workstation (DAW) operators (including video/music playback operator, playback editor, playback operator or sound playback mixer)	Responsible for the building and operating specialized video/music/sound playback equipment to realise director's and producer's vision.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
EVS operator	Operates the kit which enables replays of goals or tennis rallies within seconds. Booked by the day/week.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Post-production supervisor	Responsible for the overall post-production and delivery process.	Has control over execution of task. Worker exercises rare skill and judgement. See ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Video technician	Responsible for maintenance of video equipment.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.

Production management

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Accountancy - first (1st) assistant accountant	Provide accounting services and fulfil managerial role.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Accountancy - key accountant	Provide accounting services and fulfil managerial role.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Dive coordinator (safety role)	Coordinates underwater sequences and responsible for logistics of underwater shots and safe execution of stunts.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, worker exercises rare skill and judgement and client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See guidance at ESM0553, ESM0520, ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Driver of action vehicle	Driver of vehicles used on screen.	Where the individual provides vehicles. See ESM0540 and ESM0541.	Refer to ESM4115.
Drivers (and variants including SFX driver, props driver, costume driver, shooting driver, grip driver, camera driver, MU driver and rushes driver)	Various driving roles.	Where the individual provides vehicles. See ESM0540 and ESM0541.	Refer to ESM4115.
Floor manager	Responsible for communication between director/producer and relevant parties on the studio floor/set including cast and crew. Ensuring technical equipment is safe and ready to use. This role only applies where there is no senior floor manager.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Line producer	Responsible for all aspects of production including budget and schedule, working with editorial colleagues to achieve editorial ambition within timescale and financial constraints.	Has control over execution of tasks. Conducts preparatory work away from engager's premises. See ESM0520 and ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Location coordinator	Oversee permissions, clearances, equipment lists and so on. Coordinate purchases and payments, liaise with suppliers, location owners and accounts.	Where the role includes preliminary planning, arranging accommodation, setting the stage and restoring the site to its original condition. This should include providing a complete office service which may involve hiring staff and equipment. See ESM0545.	Refer to ESM4115.
Location manager and assistant location manager	Finds and negotiates access to appropriate locations. Manages all logistics with the site. Can manage others - for example, transport or catering managers and location assistant.	Where the role includes preliminary planning, arranging accommodation, setting the stage and restoring the site to its original condition. This should include providing a complete office service which may involve hiring staff and equipment. See ESM0545.	Refer to ESM4115.
Location scout	Works autonomously away from a production's main premises to identify locations.	Where the role includes preliminary planning, arranging accommodation, setting the stage and restoring the site to its original condition. This should include providing a complete office service which may involve hiring staff and equipment. See ESM0545.	Refer to ESM4115.
Marine coordinator	Responsible for coordination of marine sequences, logistics of marine unit, for camera shots or action with picture vehicles and marine unit budget and staff.	Multiple and/over overlapping clients, worker exercises rare skill and judgement and client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See guidance at ESM0553, ESM0520, ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Master control room (MRC) operator	Ensures continuous broadcast for TV stations and networks. Troubleshoots equipment issues, prepares programming for play, monitors the quality and accuracy of on-air products.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Outside broadcast manager (also known as technical manager)	Responsible for all engineering considerations for outside broadcasts.	Where the contract requires the individual to provide facilities. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM0541.	Refer to ESM4115.
Payroll accountant	Responsible for paying crew and supervising team, pensions, taxation and employment law.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Payroll supervisor	Responsible for paying crew and supervising team, pensions, taxation and employment law.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Picture vehicle coordinator	Ensures supply and continued running of vehicles used in filming.	Where the contract requires the provision of the vehicles or other necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Production accountant	Responsible for financial control of the production budget, cost reports, and financial planning of spend, highlighting over and underspends.	Where the contract requires provision of relevant facilities by the worker. See ESM0540 and ESM0541.	Refer to ESM4115.
Production coordinator	Manage production office on set, location and studio. Coordinate production team.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Production executive	Responsible for all aspects of production including budget and schedule, working closely with production colleagues to achieve production ambition within timescale and financial constraints.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Production financial controller	Oversees the team that ensures the production is legally and financially managed and completed within budget.	Where the contract requires provision of relevant facilities by the worker. See ESM0540 and ESM0541.	Refer to ESM4115.
Production IT & networking coordination	Works with production IT & networking supervisor.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Production IT & networking head of department	Responsible for the overall production technology process through pre-production, and post. Responsible for production technology budget and staff.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Production IT & networking supervisor	Responsible for the overall production technology process.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Production IT & networking technician/support	Technical support for production IT & networking team.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Production manager	Responsible for managing all aspects of production, works closely with editorial colleagues to achieve editorial ambition within timescale and financial constraints.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Production supervisor	Responsible for sourcing, negotiating hire of film crew. Works together closely with production manager.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Safety diver	Responsible for safe execution of all underwater filming.	Divers are always statutorily deemed “self-employed” for income tax purposes only but are usually employed under a contract of service and subject to Class 1 NICs. To check their status for NICs use NIM74050.	Not applicable
Satellite operator	Provides satellite operator skills and operates specialist equipment to ensure broadcast signals to ensure transmissions.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Senior floor manager	Responsible for communication between director/producer and relevant parties on the studio floor/set including cast and crew. Ensure technical equipment is safe and ready to use.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Stage/studio manager	Responsible for communication between director/producer and relevant parties on the studio floor/set including cast and crew. Ensuring technical equipment is safe and ready to use.	See the general guidance for this role at ESM4121.	Refer to ESM4115.
Transcript typist (also known as transcriber)	Types up interviews and final post-production script to broadcaster's specifications.	Where the majority of the work is performed other than on premises provided by the engager. See ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Transport manager	Responsible for all transport arrangements on programmes or film.	Where the individual provides vehicles. See ESM0540 and ESM0541.	Refer to ESM4115.
Travel and accommodation coordinator	Arranges travel, finds and negotiates access to appropriate accommodation.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out on the engager's premises. See ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Unit manager	Responsible for the smooth running of the unit base. Works with location manager and first assistant director.	Where the contract requires the individual to provide facilities. See guidance at ESM0540 and ESM0541.	Refer to ESM4115.
VFX production manager	Variant on Production Manager. Responsible for managing VFX production, works closely with editorial colleagues to achieve editorial ambition within timescale and financial constraints.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
VFX supervisor	Production supervisor variant. Responsible for sourcing, negotiating and hiring film crew. Works with production manager.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.

Rigging

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Advanced rigger	Constructs the framework from which lights are suspended.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Construction rigger	Constructs the framework from which scaffolding and set construction are suspended. Usually supplies specialist equipment.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Gaffer rigger	Constructs the framework from which lights are suspended.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Greens rigger	Constructs the framework from which greens are suspended. Usually supplies specialist equipment.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Rigger	Works to the gaffer in placing and securing lights in correct positions.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Rigger driver	Drives radio OB specialist technical and associated support vehicles to and from site. Responsible for ensuring vehicles are safely and compliantly loaded. Rigs infrastructure, cabling and equipment and provides support to engineering team.	Provides vehicle and must hold an HGV Class 1 (C+E) licence, a current EU Digital Driver Tachograph Card and a current EU Driver Qualification Card obtained by undergoing Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training. See ESM0528 and ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Senior or head of department rigger	Responsible for managing lifting operations, lifting equipment and temporary structures to support people, sets and equipment in relevant places. Ensures that qualified designs are made when necessary. Manages the team of riggers.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Stunts rigger	Constructs the framework from which stunt wirework are suspended. Usually provides own equipment.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Wire-person	Specialist arranger of wire rigging to 'fly' a person/thing across the set.	Where the contract requires the provision of substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.

Special effects

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Creature effects (CFX) artist	Creates the look of the creature.	Specialized equipment provided - see ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Creature effects (CFX) co-ordinator	Sets up and maintains creature design department, responsible for logistics of creature effects process.	Specialized equipment provided - see ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Creature effects (CFX) electrician	Builds and maintains the model, responsible for electrical aspects of CFX.	Specialized equipment provided - see ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Creature effects (CFX) modeller	Design and creation of creature models.	Specialized equipment provided - see ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Creature effects (CFX) sculptor	Builds the creature model to the creature designer's vision.	Specialized equipment provided - see ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Creature effects (CFX) supervisor	Responsible for creature effects.	Specialized equipment provided - see ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Creature effects (CFX) technician	Builds the creature model/electronics.	Specialized equipment provided - see ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Fight arranger	Choreographs fights scenes.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See guidance at ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Special effects supervisor	Realises the SFX designer's vision. Responsible for budget and staff.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Special effects wireperson	Responsible for SFX where specialist rigging is required.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment to provide the service. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Stunt arranger/coordinator	Responsible for safe execution of all stunts.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See guidance at ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Stunt person - front of camera	Undertakes stunts.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See guidance at ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.

Story

Researchers and contributors (of information)

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Archive researcher	Research archived material (such as video and stills) which supports editorial thrust of story. Contributes ideas for programmes, sources contacts and contributors, collects, verifies, and prepares archive material.	Where the majority of the work is performed other than on premises provided by the engager. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Provider of occasional information	Expert in relevant field offering contributions to the narrative arc of the story. Can be on and off-screen.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Researcher (formerly leg-man)	Provides factual information.	Where the majority of the work is not carried out at the engager's premises. See guidance at ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Specialist researcher	Experts in their chosen field - for example, architecture, costume, history and so on. Provides rich, accurate, authentic detail.	Where the individual has an existing profession, specialist knowledge and is engaged for a specific project. See ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.

Scripts and translation

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Continuity	Responsible for ensuring that when sequences are filmed in a non-linear way, the shots will match up in post-production.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to others tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Language assessor	Checks style and delivery of foreign language programmes. May include sign language interpreters and presenters.	Where used on an occasional basis. See ESM0548.	Refer to ESM4115.
Script editor	Edits original script offering alternative story developments.	Except reporting scripts.	Refer to ESM4115.
Script reader	Reads unsolicited scripts and decides which to take forwards for further consideration.	Where the majority of the work is performed other than on premises provided by the engager. See ESM0522.	Refer to ESM4115.
Script supervisor	Responsible for breakdown of scripts into filming blocks and ensures that if recorded out of sequence, they will coherently fit back together in post-production. Can also work on music and event/live programmes. Can be combined with continuity role.	Where script breakdown is an integral part of the contract.	Refer to ESM4115.
Scriptwriter/storywriter	Originator of script.	Except reporting scripts.	Refer to ESM4115.
Translator including sign language translators	Translates foreign interviews or full programmes/films. May include sign language translators.	Where used on an occasional basis. See ESM0548.	Refer to ESM4115.
Writer	Originator of script.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients, worker exercises rare skill and judgement and client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See guidance at ESM0553, ESM0520 and ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.

Other roles

Production role	Job description	Column A - criteria applicable to the role	Column B - apply the conditions in ESM4115
Access coordinator	Identifies and removes potential and actual barriers to access for all staff, cast and crew which prevents the representation of Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent (DDN) people in productions.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Animal handler	Trains, supplies, and handles animals.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Assistant choreographer	Supports choreographer in a creative collaboration and is often in control of areas such as warm up.	See ESM4126.	Refer to ESM4115.
Autocue prompting operator	Operation of prompting equipment, often provides own kit, booked by day/week.	Where the contract requires the provision of the necessary, substantial equipment. See ESM0540.	Refer to ESM4115.
Chaperone/tutor	Supervision and tutoring of children.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Choreographer	Uses experience to create dance routines and movement sequences for others to follow.	See ESM4126.	Refer to ESM4115.
Coaches (including dialogue coach, acting coach and movement coach)	A teacher who trains performers and gives them advice and mentoring to improve their speech, acting, or movements.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Covid location manager	Responsible for and manages Covid-19 specific logistics, facilities, and equipment at location site.	Where the role includes preliminary planning, arranging accommodation, setting the stage and restoring the site to its original condition. This should include providing a complete office service which may involve hiring staff and equipment. See ESM0545.	Refer to ESM4115.
Covid manager (also known as Covid unit manager)	Day to day manager for implementation and monitoring of Covid-19 health and safety management systems, procedures, policies and protocols, including ordering equipment and management of Covid-19 team.	Holds relevant qualification or accreditation in Health and Safety, or has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Covid supervisor	Head of department for Covid-19 advisory services and guidance, testing, security and health and safety. Includes implementing and monitoring Covid-19 management systems, procedures and policies within film and TV production.	Holds relevant qualification or accreditation in Health and Safety, or has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Cricket scorer	Provides factual information.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Fitness trainer to cast member	Provides personal training services	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Health and safety officer	Provides advisory services and to help set up health and safety management systems, procedures and policies within film and TV production.	Must hold relevant qualification or accreditation in Health and Safety. See ESM0528.	Refer to ESM4115.
Intimacy director (also known as intimacy coordinator)	Gives advice to the production about intimate scenes and ensures the wellbeing of actors who participate in such scenes.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Military advisor	Historian/ex-forces personnel who gives advice to the production about military matters/historical accuracy.	Multiple and/or overlapping clients. Client has no right to switch worker to other tasks. See ESM0553 and ESM0520.	Refer to ESM4115.
Nurse/paramedic	Supports cast and crew on set with medical assistance and advice.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Publicist	Responsible for publicity for the production.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Puppeteer	A person who manipulates an object to create the illusion that the puppet is alive.	See guidance for puppeteers at ESM4121.	Refer to ESM4115.
Sports statistician	Provides factual information.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Stand-in	Stand-in substitutes for the actor for technical purposes before filming such as lighting, camera setup, dialogue rehearsals and reading off-lines, also used for animated characters in a live-action film.	See guidance for actors at ESM4121.	Refer to ESM4115.
Tutor	Tutor’s school age children whilst on set/location.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.
Warm up	Responsible to the director to ensure the audience is in a suitable frame of mind to positively participate in the recording of a TV programme.	Has control over execution of task. Multiple and/or overlapping clients. See ESM0520 and ESM0553.	Refer to ESM4115.

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ESM4120 - Particular occupations: entertainment industry: TV and radio workers - behind camera workers roles normally treated as self-employed (appendix 1)

Background

Roles not included on the appendix

Using this appendix 1 list

Appendix 1 production areas

Audio

Dubbing editors

Sound

Other audio roles

Camera department

Camera operators

Other camera department roles

Costume

Design

Designers

Modellers and sculptors

Property supplier and property hand

Set design

Special effects

Other design roles

Editorial

Directors

Producers

Other editorial roles

Electrical and lighting

Electrical

Operators

Specialist lighting and camera

Other electrical and lighting roles

Makeup

Music and composition

Post-production

Editorial

Other post-production roles

Production management

Rigging

Special effects

Story

Researchers and contributors (of information)

Scripts and translation