Floor Director | Torchora

🎯 Role Definition

The Floor Director (also known as Floor Manager or Stage Manager) is the on-set authority responsible for the seamless execution of live and pre-recorded television productions from the studio floor. This role serves as the direct conduit for instructions from the control room Director to the talent, camera operators, and all other studio personnel. The Floor Director manages cues, timing, set changes, and on-set personnel, ensuring the production adheres to the script and rundown while maintaining a safe, professional, and efficient studio environment. Success in this role requires a unique blend of leadership, technical knowledge, and grace under pressure.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Assistant
Camera Operator
Master Control Operator

Advancement To:

Associate Director
Director / Newscast Director
Production Manager

Lateral Moves:

Technical Director
Stage Manager (Theater/Corporate Events)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Serve as the primary liaison and communication link between the control room Director/Producer and the on-air talent, camera operators, and other studio floor personnel during live and pre-taped productions.
Accurately relay timing, verbal, and hand-signal cues to on-air talent for starting, wrapping, and transitioning between segments, ensuring the broadcast stays on schedule.
Oversee and manage all activity on the studio floor, maintaining a professional, safe, and efficient environment conducive to a high-quality broadcast.
Conduct comprehensive pre-show checks of all studio elements, including lighting, props, set pieces, teleprompter function, and microphone placements to ensure 100% readiness for air.
Direct the movement of on-air talent, guests, and studio audience members according to the Director's blocking and the show's rundown.
Coordinate with camera operators to ensure they are in position for scheduled shots and are aware of upcoming camera movements and subject blocking.
Manage the placement, movement, and striking of all scenic elements, furniture, graphics monitors, and props during the broadcast, often executing changes during short commercial breaks.
Act as the key problem-solver on the floor, immediately addressing and resolving any unforeseen technical, talent, or logistical issues that may arise during a live production.
Greet, brief, and mic on-air talent and guests, ensuring they are comfortable, informed of the show's format, and ready for their on-camera appearance.
Maintain constant awareness of the show's running time and communicate precise time cues to talent to ensure a smooth, on-time conclusion or segment wrap.
Supervise and direct the work of studio Production Assistants, grips, and other crew, delegating tasks to ensure efficient floor operations.
Enforce all studio safety protocols and procedures, proactively identifying and mitigating potential hazards to protect all personnel on set.
ar- Act as the eyes and ears of the Director on the studio floor, providing critical feedback on visual composition, talent performance, and set appearance.
Execute complex show formats involving multiple cameras, talent positions, and interactive segments with precision and unflappable composure.
Lead the post-show studio wrap, ensuring all equipment is properly stored, the set is reset or cleared, and the studio is secured for the next production.

Secondary Functions

Assist in the training, onboarding, and development of new Production Assistants and junior studio crew members.
Participate in pre-production and rundown meetings to understand show requirements, providing valuable input on blocking, props, and potential floor challenges.
Maintain and organize studio props, furniture, and set pieces, performing inventory and reporting needs for repair or replacement.
Provide detailed post-show feedback and written reports to the production team to improve future broadcasts and streamline workflows.
For pre-taped segments, meticulously log timecodes, take numbers, and important notes to assist the post-production editing process.
Manage studio audience logistics, including seating, pre-show warm-up, and providing cues for applause and other reactions.
Operate the studio teleprompter for talent when required, adjusting speed and making script edits on-the-fly as directed by the control room.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Broadcast Software Proficiency: Deep familiarity with television rundown software such as Ross Inception, iNews, or ENPS.
Communication Systems Expertise: Skilled in using professional intercom systems (e.g., RTS, Clear-Com) for clear, concise communication with the control room and crew.
Studio Equipment Knowledge: Solid understanding of studio camera operations (pedestals, jibs), basic lighting principles, and audio equipment (mics, IFBs).
Teleprompting: Ability to operate teleprompter systems and software, with the skill to pace reading speed for talent.
Timing and Rundown Interpretation: Ability to read, interpret, and execute complex production rundowns and timing sheets flawlessly.
Technical Troubleshooting: Basic knowledge of broadcast technology to quickly identify and articulate on-set technical problems.

Soft Skills

Commanding Leadership: A natural leader with a calm but authoritative presence, capable of directing a diverse crew and high-profile talent under pressure.
Exceptional Communication: Masterful verbal and non-verbal (hand signals) communication skills, delivering instructions with clarity and confidence.
Unwavering Composure: The ability to remain calm, professional, and decisive in the fast-paced, high-stress environment of live television.
Rapid Problem-Solving: Adept at thinking on your feet to improvise and adapt to last-minute changes, script errors, or technical failures.
Superior Attention to Detail: An eagle eye for detail, ensuring every visual element on set—from a prop's position to a lapel mic's placement—is perfect.
Time Management & Multitasking: Impeccable organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, cues, and personnel simultaneously against a strict broadcast clock.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent, coupled with significant hands-on experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

Communications
Broadcasting
Film & Television Production
Media Studies
Theater Arts

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of direct experience in a live broadcast or professional studio production environment.

Preferred:

Proven experience as a Floor Director, Stage Manager, or Assistant Director in a live news, sports, or talk show setting.
Experience working with professional on-air talent and high-profile guests.