Oct 21, 2008
Casting Director Q&A: What is a Tech Advisor?
Categories: Acting Tips, Casting Directors
Q: I love crime shows like Law & Order and CSI. In the credits, I often see people called “Tech Advisors.” What are tech advisors and how do they help a TV show?
A: Tech Advisors are people who specialize in areas that are useful for both television and film. Writers don’t know everything about the occupations they write about. So every cop drama, medical series, and forensic team show have tech advisors who work in these fields to advise the production.
Want to get on set as a tech advisor? Click here to find out how!
By Casting Director Renee Godbout
I’ve watched a lot of “Law and Order” and “CSI” but I never noticed people referred to as Tech Advisors. Thanks for the Q&A portion of this article which has helped me to understand the terminology behind what a Tech Advisor is and what a Tech Advisor does.
Thanks for that information. I’m sure there are several terms used in this industry that I don’t know. Keep the information coming.
I never thought I’d wear as many hats as I have this year, with writing, producing, editing, acting, blah, blah, but one of the interesting hats was a technical advisor. I had auditioned for a role as a U.S. Marine who was the lead character in “Can’t Stand The Heat” and after not getting the lead, I was approached by the Producers if I’d be a technical advisor on hand to hand combat and choreography of fit scenes. So, throw another ball cap on and FYI, Your real world experience from the daytime 8-5 or third shift drag if you will, can equip you with the smarts necessary to be a technical advisor to a production. Remember these sklls on your resume when shooting it for specific opportunities.
This just gave me even more information about tech. support besides what is needed by coaches & producers.
Derek
Great Info.. I did’nt know they were called that but i knew they had to get people who knew specific terms of forensics and medical terms.
I could see myself being a tech advisor. You’re still part of creating that emotion.
Dillon
Oh okay. I always thought that the writers themselves had a broad knowledge of what they write about so they themselves would write the how tos and such. Tech Advisors are a much needed necessity.
Tech advisors are essential in order that a show be realistic. I always enjoy the small references on “Law and Order” that are very technical to the legal profession. ~ Janet