Film crew positions: Who does what on a movie set?
If you run an individual production company or work with a group of collaborators, it's essential to know what people actually do on a film crew. In addition to the timeframe and budget and the kind of project that you're working on will determine how big of a crew you need. If you're shooting a documentary that is intimate like this one, you'll like the crew not to exceed the size you would need large commercial productions.
We've assembled a glossary that identifies the essential people on any crew shoot. Be aware that, the smaller crew, the more hats each member will wear.
Find out more about them in the following article.
Executive Producer
Executive Producers are the money people. They've arranged the money to finance the project. The number of executives involved is directly linked to how much money is backing the movie. If you have more money, there will be more executives. If you have a lower budget, you might only need one. Sometimes brands or clients will finance projects, and they can also serve as a substitute for the Executive Producer.
Director
The Director is in charge of all things. From overseeing the creative aspects in the film, from instructing the actors, to deciding the score director is the point-person and creative director that brings this film to reality.
Producers
Producers are the key person in charge of any aspect of filmmaking, so, there are a variety of types of producers. They include financial producers, creating producers, marketing producers, and and on and on. Choose the key execution points of your project and then begin to fill in the roles. On a small set, one or two Producers will be able to finish the work.
Production Assistant (PA)
The Production Assistant is perhaps the most crucial position on the crew as they have the ability to aid in a multitude of ways -- including sharing the call sheet to helping load props, to making that ever-important coffee runs.
Line Producer
The Line Producer is responsible for the budget for the film and manages all day-today demands on set. They ensure that the film is running and funded, and is among the most important people to include on your crew.
Production Manager (PM)
The Production Manager is responsible for daily production issues, including budget, scheduling, and staffing. The PM generally reports to the Line Producer and supervises the production coordinator.
Production Coordinator
The Production Coordinator is in charge of crew and cast logistical aspects. Their main responsibility is to make sure that they are able to provide prompt delivery and setup of equipment and other gear.
1st Assistant Director (AD)
The 1st AD is just what it is as an assistant to the director. The AD is the person who creates the shooting schedule, organizes the crew, and ensures that the film comes together according to the schedule.
2nd AD
2. The 2nd AD helps the 1st AD oversee the setting. They handle and distribute critical documents, such as scripts that have been updated and call sheets. In large-scale productions, the use of a 3rd AD is sometimes necessary.
Script Supervisor
The Script Supervisor tracks the film's production and what changes have been added to the script. In addition to making notes of each scene as well as camera angles, they also keep an eye on lighting, props, blocking, and even costumes in order to guarantee the script's integrity (as as continuity throughout the movie).
Director of Photography (DP)
The DP works closely with the Director to determine how the film will look. In smaller films the DP can serve as the camera Operator. It's the DP who, under the direction of the Director, takes the executive decisions regarding lighting and framing.
Location Manager
The Location Manager is responsible for the responsibility of finding places for filming, as well as the appropriate permits. While on set, they'll serve as the spokesperson for the cast if local officials are interested in your film's permits.
Camera Operator
A Camera Operator shoots under the supervision of the Director or DP.
1st Assistant Camera
The camera that you are the 1st assistant is often the focus puller to ensure that each shot is clear and perfectly focused. For smaller productions, your DP or Camera Operator will handle this job.
2nd Assistant Camera
The second Assistant Camera (second assistant camera) is an aspect of film that is more logistics-related of shooting. They write all of the shooting information onto the slate and place it in front of the camera before each shooting. That's right: A And action!
Production Sound Mixer
The Production Sound Mixer will make certain that sound signals are properly recorded and mixed on an appropriate basis. The sound mixer for production is also able to select microphones, operate audio recording equipment as well as mixes signals.
Boom Operator
The Boom Operator controls the boom mic and is accountable for the mic's position and motion when filming. They're the ones who make sure the microphone isn't shown on the camera. On smaller sets it's the Production Sound Mixer might do the job.
Key Grip
Key Grip handles all things gear. They collaborate closely in conjunction with DP and supervise camera cranes, dollies platforms, lighting, and all on-set equipment. In case you're wondering what a 'Best Boy can do, they are the chief aid to the primary grip or the gaffer.
Gaffer or Chief Lighting Technician
Your Gaffer designs and executes the lighting plans on set. Similar to the Key Grip They too collaborate closely in conjunction with the DP.
Special Effects Supervisor
The Supervisor for Special Effects is tasked with executing all visual effects on your production. When filming, they'll be able to run points the technical and creative problems that relate to the effects of your film.
Music Supervisor
The Music Supervisor works in together with the Director in order to decide on the music that will accompany the project. They're in charge of sourcing composers, appropriate music for different scenes as well as handling any music licensing.
Art Director
Art Directors are a common phrase in all creative industries however, on film they play a particular control role over the entire course of the project. The Art Director's role is to determine how the film will look overall production design as well as the overall style of the film.
Production Designer
A Production Designer collaborates with Director and DP. DP as well as the Director to create the visual appearance of the movie, which includes every prop, set clothing, makeup, etc.
Stylist and Props Master
Your Props Master is responsible for procuring, shipping, and archiving all props appearing on the screen. They often collaborate with the Props Stylist to make sure that the look is flawless on camera. On a smaller crew, the stylist and master role can be filled with one individual.
Cosmetic Artist
The Makeup Artist is responsible for a range of responsibilities depending on the genre of video. For a straightforward real-life or commercial film they use appropriate makeup in order the actors appear appropriate for the role they're playing. If you're filming a movie that features woodland fairies or werewolves: you might need a few makeup artists in the set.
Hairdresser
The Hairdresser on set styles the hair of the actors at the right time and makes sure that the hairstyle is on par with the location of the film and its setting. Through the course of production it is their job to style the talent, making sure every hairstyle is clean and fresh after a long day of shooting.
Costume Designer
The Costume Designer makes stunning costumes that are in line with the characters and setting. Based on their level of complexity it is possible that you will need a Seamstress to execute the concepts.