Film crew members Who is in charge of what a movie set?
It doesn't matter if you're a one-person production house or work with a group of co-workers, you need to understand what the people do on a film crew. In addition to the timeframe and budget The type of film that you're working on will determine how big of a crew you need. In a small documentary such as this, you'd want the production team to be smaller than large commercial productions.
This glossary highlights the key people on any crew shoot. Keep in mind that, the smaller crew, the more hats each individual will be wearing.
Learn more about them here.
Executive Producer
Executive Producers are the money people. They've arranged the money to pay for the project. The number of executive involved is directly linked to how much cash is backed by the film. More money means more executives. With a smaller budget, you may only need one. Some brands and clients provide the funding on projects and also act as a substitute for an Executive Producer.
Director
The Director is in charge of everything. From overseeing all creative elements of the film to training the actors and deciding the score director is the point-person and visionary that is bringing this project to reality.
Producers
Producers are the primary coordinator for any level of filmmaking, which is why there countless types of producers. They include financial producers, marketing producers, creating producers, and the list goes on. Choose the key aspects of the execution and begin filling the roles. With a limited set of resources just two or three Producers are able to complete the task.
Production Assistant (PA)
Production Assistants may be the most vital role of the crew since they can aid in a multitude different ways, including sharing the call sheet to helping load props to making the ever-important coffee runs.
Line Producer
The Line Producer oversees the budget of the movie and also manages day-to-day demands on set. They keep the ship running and financed, and they is among the most important people to have on your team.
Production Manager (PM)
The Production Manager oversees daily production decisions, like the budget, scheduling, as well as the staffing. The Production Manager generally works with the Line Producer and supervises the production coordinator.
Production Coordinator
The Production Coordinator is in charge of the cast and crew logistical aspects. One of their major functions is ensuring well as the punctual delivery and setting-up of equipment and gear.
1st Assistant Director (AD)
1st AD: The 1st AD is just what it sounds like: an assistant to the Director. The AD is the person who creates the shooting schedule, coordinates the crew and assures that the film is completed in time.
2nd AD
2nd AD 2nd AD helps the 1st AD supervise the set. They handle and distribute critical documents such as updated scripts or calls sheets. For large-scale productions a 3rd AD is sometimes necessary.
Script Supervisor
The Script Supervisor is in charge of the footage shot as well as how many changes were implemented to the script. In addition to making notes of each scene or camera's angle, they also keep the track of lighting, props blocking, props, even costumes to ensure the script's quality (as well as continuity in the film).
Director of Photography (DP)
The DP works closely with the Director to decide the look of the film. In smaller films it is possible that the DP can serve as the camera Operator. It's the DP who, with the Director's guidance, makes the executive decisions regarding the lighting, framing and even.
Location Manager
Your Location Manager has the job of securing sites for your production and also obtaining the necessary permits. On set, they will represent the cast if local officials inquire about your film's permitting.
Camera Operator
A camera operator shoots under the guidance of the DP or director.
1st Assistant Camera
Your first Assistant Camera will often be the focus puller, ensuring every shot is clear and perfectly focused. On 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. The assistants write the details of the shot on the slate, and then place it up in the front of the camera prior to every shooting. That's right: A aand Action!
Production Sound Mixer
The Production Sound Mixer is responsible for making sure the sound is properly recorded and mixed on setting. Production sound mixers additionally selects microphones, runs sound recording devices as well as mixes signals.
Boom Operator
The Boom Operator holds the boom mic and is responsible for mic positioning and movements while filming. They're also the ones responsible for making sure that the microphone doesn't show through the frame. In smaller studios The Production Sound Mixer might do this job.
Key Grip
Key Grip handles all things related to gear. They are closely associated together with DP and monitor camera cranes, dollies, platforms, lighting, and all on-set equipment. If you're unsure of what a "Best Boy' is it is, they're the main support to the main grip or the gaffer.
Gaffer or Chief Lighting Technician
Your Gaffer designs and executes the lighting plan on set. Similar to the Key Grip They too are in close contact in conjunction with the DP.
Special Effects Supervisor
Special Effects Supervisors are tasked in executing the visual effects in your film. While on set, they'll handle all technical and creative issues related to your film's effects.
Music Supervisor
The Music Supervisor is in conjunction with the Director to select what music will be used to accompany the film. They're responsible for finding the right composers, tracks to be used in various scenes and will also handle music licensing.
Art Director
Art Directors are an incredibly common expression in every creative field however, on film they have a distinct supervision role for the duration of the film. The Art Director is there to determine the overall look of the project's design and also and overall design 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 film. This includes every prop, set clothing, makeup, etc.
Stylist, Props Master and Props
Your Props Master is responsible for sourcing, delivering, and keeping track of all props appearing on the screen. They usually work with Props Stylist to make sure that the look is flawless on the camera. In a small crew The stylist and the director role may be handled with one individual.
Make-up Artist
The Make-up Artist has a range of responsibilities depending upon the kind of film. In a typical commercial or realistic film, they apply appropriate makeup so that actors look appropriate to play their role. When you're making a film that features woodland fairies or werewolves: it's possible that you'll need different make-up artists on set.
Hairdresser
The Hairdresser on set styles the hair of the actors in a time-appropriate way, and ensure that it's in line with the location of the film and its setting. Through the course of production it is their job to style hairstyles to ensure every hairstyle is clean and fresh, even after a long working day.
Costume Designer
The Costume Designer creates wondrous costumes that reflect the characters and setting. Based on the complexity of their designs You may need the help of a seamstress for certain concepts.