Film crew roles: Who does what on a movie set?
If you run only a single-person production firm or work with a group of collaborators, it's important to know what people actually do on a film crew. Apart from the film's budget and timeline, the type of project the project is based on the number of crew members that you require. If you're shooting a documentary that is intimate like this one, you'll like the crew to be smaller than an extensive commercial shoot.
The glossary highlights the key team members for any video shoot. Keep in mind that the smaller your team is, the greater number of hats each individual will be wearing.
Learn more about them here.
Executive Producer
Executive Producers are the money people. They've lined up the cash to finance the project. The number of executives involved is directly linked to the amount of money that is backing the film. If you have more money, there will be more executives. If you have a lower budget, you might have only one. In some cases, clients or brands finance projects and also act as an alternative to the Executive Producer.
Director
The Director is responsible of everything. The Director is responsible for overseeing every creative element of the movie to training the actors and deciding the score director is the point-person and visionary that is bringing this film to reality.
Producers
Producers serve as the main coordinator for any level of filmmaking and for that reason, there are a variety of types of producers. They include financial producers, creating producers, marketing producers the list goes on. Decide the most essential aspects of the execution and start filling in the gaps. On a small set of producers, a couple will be able to finish the work.
Production Assistant (PA)
The Production Assistant is perhaps the most important role on the crew since they can aid in a multitude of ways ranging from sharing the schedule sheet to loading in props and making that crucial coffee run.
Line Producer
The Line Producer manages the budget of the movie and also manages day-to-day demands on location. They make sure the vessel is operating and financed, and they are among the most important people to include on your crew.
Production Manager (PM)
The Production Manager oversees daily production issues, including the budget, scheduling, as well as staffing. The Production Manager is usually accountable to the Line Producer, who supervises the production coordinator.
Production Coordinator
The Production Coordinator is in charge of the cast and crew logistical aspects. One of their main responsibilities is to make sure that they are able to provide prompt delivery and setup of gear and equipment.
1st Assistant Director (AD)
1. 1st AD is just what it is An assistant to the director. This person prepares the shooting schedule, organizes the cast, and makes sure that the film is completed on-schedule.
2nd AD
The 2nd AD helps the 1st AD to supervise the set. They manage and distribute important documents like updated scripts and call sheets. On a large-scale production, the use of a 3rd AD is sometimes necessary.
Script Supervisor
The Script Supervisor tracks the film's production and the changes made on the script. Apart from taking note of each scene and camera angle, they also keep the track of lighting, props blocking, props, even costumes in order to guarantee the script's quality (as well as continuity in the movie).
Director of Photography (DP)
The DP is in close contact with the Director in determining the look of the film. In smaller films it is possible that the DP may also be the camera Operator. It's the DP who, with the Director's guidance, makes executive calls on lighting and framing.
Location Manager
The Location Manager is responsible for the job of securing sites for your production in addition to obtaining appropriate permits. While on set, they'll serve as the spokesperson for the crew if local officials are interested in your film's permits.
Camera Operator
Camera Operators shoot under the supervision of the Director or DP.
1st Assistant Camera
Your 1st Assistant Camera usually is the one who pulls focus making sure that every shot is clear and sharp. On smaller productions, the DP or Camera Operator can handle this job.
2nd Camera Assistant
The 2nd Assistant Camera is the film's more logistical side of shooting. The camera's assistants record all details of the shot on the slate and holds it in front of the camera in every shot. That's right: A aand action!
Production Sound Mixer
The production sound mixer will make sure the sound is properly recorded and mixed on setting. The production sound mixer is also able to select microphones, operate the recording device for sound, and sometimes mixes audio signals.
Boom Operator
Your Boom Operator controls the boom mic and is accountable for the mic's position and motion during the filming. They're the ones to make sure that the microphone doesn't show up in the shot. For smaller set sizes it's the Production Sound Mixer might do this job.
Key Grip
Key Grip handles all things gear. They are closely associated with the DP and oversee cameras, cranes, dollies lights, platforms, and any other equipment used on set. In case you're wondering what a "Best Boy can do and what they do, they're the primary support to the main grip or the gaffer.
Gaffer, Chief Lighting Technician
Your Gaffer creates and executes the lighting strategy on location. Similar to the Key Grip They too are in close contact together with the DP.
Special Effects Supervisor
The Supervisor for Special Effects is charged with the execution of all visual effects for your project. On set they'll run point the technical and creative problems related to your film's effects.
Music Supervisor
The Music Supervisor works together with the Director in order in deciding what music should be used to accompany the film. They're in charge of finding the right composers, tracks to be used in various scenes as well as handling any music licensing.
Art Director
Art Directors are a common term in any creative industry however, on film they have a distinct oversight role throughout the entirety of the film. The Art Director's role is to decide on the general look and feel of the film's production design, the overall style of the film.
Production Designer
The Production Designer is in close contact with Director and DP. DP as well as the Director to design the aesthetics of the film. This includes all sets, props clothing, makeup, and more.
Stylist and Props Master
Your Props Master is responsible for finding, transporting and archiving every prop that appears in the film. They usually work with Props Stylist to make sure that the look is flawless on the camera. On a smaller crew The stylist and the Master role could be performed with one individual.
Cosmetic Artist
The makeup artist has various responsibilities based upon the kind of film. In a typical commercial or realistic film, they use appropriate makeup in order that actors look appropriate for the role they're playing. When you're making a film that features werewolves or woodland fairies, you might need a few different make-up artists on set.
Hairdresser
Hairdressers on set style all the hair of the actors at the right time and makes sure that the hairstyle is on par with the film's location and setting. Throughout the production it is their job to style the actors' hair to ensure the hair of all actors is neat and clean, even following a working day.
Costume Designer
The Costume Designer designs stunning costumes that are in line with the characters and setting. Based on the complexity of their designs it is possible that you will need the help of a seamstress for some of these concepts.