Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Video Production Trainer

🎯 Role Definition

A Video Production Trainer is a pivotal creative and educational leader responsible for elevating the video creation skills across an organization. This individual acts as a subject matter expert and mentor, designing and delivering comprehensive training programs that cover the entire production lifecycle—from initial concept and storyboarding to advanced editing and final delivery. More than just a technical instructor, the Video Production Trainer is a strategic partner who empowers colleagues in marketing, communications, HR, and other departments to create high-quality, on-brand video content. This role is a force multiplier, scaling the organization's ability to communicate effectively and engagingly through the powerful medium of video.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Video Producer / Videographer
Senior Video Editor
Media Specialist or Manager

Advancement To:

Senior Trainer or Learning & Development Manager
Media Production Manager or Director of Production
Creative Director

Lateral Moves:

Instructional Designer
Corporate Communications Manager
Content Strategist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, develop, and deliver comprehensive, hands-on video production training programs for employees with varying skill levels, from novice to advanced.
Conduct engaging in-person workshops and virtual training sessions covering the full production spectrum: pre-production (scripting, storyboarding), production (cinematography, lighting, audio), and post-production (editing, color correction, motion graphics).
Create, update, and maintain a robust library of training materials, including detailed curricula, instructional guides, e-learning modules, video tutorials, and quick-reference job aids.
Assess company-wide and department-specific training needs through surveys, interviews with stakeholders, and skills analysis to ensure training content is relevant and impactful.
Provide direct, one-on-one coaching and constructive feedback to trainees, guiding them through their video projects to foster skill development and creative confidence.
Stay at the forefront of the video production industry, continuously researching and integrating the latest technologies, software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud updates), equipment, and best practices into the training curriculum.
Manage and maintain the organization's production studio, training labs, and all associated video, audio, and lighting equipment, ensuring it is organized and in optimal working condition.
Develop and implement clear evaluation methodologies, such as practical assessments and project reviews, to measure training effectiveness and learner competency.
Collaborate closely with internal teams like Marketing, Internal Communications, and Sales to understand their content needs and train them to produce videos that meet brand standards and strategic goals.
Establish and champion standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for video production to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency across all user-generated content.
Serve as the primary technical resource for troubleshooting issues with video hardware (cameras, microphones) and software (Premiere Pro, After Effects) for all trained staff.
Guide employees on the principles of effective storytelling, ensuring they can craft compelling narratives that resonate with the target audience and achieve communication objectives.
Train staff on legal and ethical best practices, including copyright law, talent releases, and proper use of licensed music and stock assets.
Advise leadership and IT on strategic equipment and software purchasing decisions to enhance the organization's long-term video production capabilities.
Manage the logistics and scheduling of all training classes, workshops, and open lab hours, ensuring a smooth and accessible learning experience for all participants.
Cultivate a creative, collaborative, and supportive learning community that encourages experimentation and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
Assist in the production of high-priority corporate video projects, serving as both a contributor and a real-world example of professional standards.
Develop and manage a centralized digital asset management (DAM) system or media library for video projects, b-roll, and templates.
Report on key training metrics to leadership, including participation rates, learner satisfaction, skill improvement, and the overall impact of the program on business outcomes.
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Teach efficient media management and post-production workflows to help employees manage large projects and collaborate effectively.

Secondary Functions

Support internal teams with ad-hoc production guidance and creative consultation on their video projects.
Contribute to the organization's broader content and training strategy, identifying new opportunities for using video in learning and communication.
Collaborate with business units to translate their communication goals into tangible video concepts and production plans that they can execute.
Participate in departmental planning and agile ceremonies to align training initiatives with larger company projects and campaigns.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Video Editing: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro and a strong understanding of Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve.
Motion Graphics: Solid skills in Adobe After Effects for creating titles, lower thirds, and simple animations.
Audio Engineering: Proficiency in capturing clean audio using various microphones (lavalier, shotgun, boom) and editing/mixing audio in Adobe Audition or equivalent software.
Cinematography: Deep understanding of camera operation (DSLR, mirrorless, cinema cameras), lens selection, composition, and camera movement.
Lighting: Expertise in studio and field lighting techniques, including 3-point lighting, to create professional and mood-appropriate scenes.
Color Correction & Grading: Ability to use Lumetri Color or DaVinci Resolve to correct footage and apply creative color grades.
Curriculum Development: Proven ability to design and structure effective, learner-centric training programs and materials from scratch.
Live Streaming Technology: Familiarity with live streaming platforms (e.g., vMix, OBS) and workflows for virtual events and webinars.
Video Compression & Formats: Strong knowledge of codecs, containers, and best practices for exporting video for web, social media, and internal platforms.
Instructional Technology: Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and creating e-learning content (e.g., using Articulate or Camtasia).

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication: Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly and concisely to non-technical audiences.
Coaching & Mentoring: A passion for teaching and helping others grow their skills, providing patient and encouraging guidance.
Public Speaking & Presentation: Charismatic and confident presenter who can engage and hold the attention of a group.
Constructive Feedback: Skill in delivering specific, actionable, and tactful feedback to foster improvement without discouraging learners.
Adaptability: Flexible and able to adjust teaching style and content to meet the needs of different learners and changing priorities.
Patience: The ability to remain calm and supportive when working with beginners who are facing technical challenges.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to quickly diagnose and resolve technical and creative hurdles.
Organizational Skills: Excellent at managing schedules, resources, and multiple ongoing projects simultaneously.
Creativity: A strong creative vision and a passion for storytelling through visual media.
Interpersonal Skills: Builds rapport and trust easily, fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in a relevant field. Certifications in specific software (e.g., Adobe Certified Expert) or training methodologies are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Film / Media Production
Communications
Education / Instructional Design
Broadcasting

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-7 years of hands-on experience in a professional video production environment, with a portfolio showcasing strong technical and creative skills.
2+ years of experience in a training, teaching, or mentorship capacity, whether formal or informal.

Preferred:

Direct experience in a corporate training role, specifically developing and delivering a video production curriculum.
A strong portfolio that includes both personal/professional production work and examples of training materials or instructional videos created.