A professional who directs activities of motion picture or television production research department, and conducts research on various subjects to ensure historical authenticity of productions. Responsibilities include:

• Researches specific period, locality or historical event to obtain authentic background for production, such as customs, speech characteristics, or dress, and architectural style of era.
• Advises members of production staff on matters relating to historical details of subject being photographed or recorded.
• Reviews and collects data, such as books, pamphlets, periodicals, and rare newspapers, to provide source material for research.
• Approves or recommends purchase of library reference materials for department, and coordinates activities of workers engaged in cataloging and filing materials.
• May translate or request translation of reference materials.