Film crew roles Who is in charge of what an film set?

Mar 9, 2024

If you run only a single-person production firm or have a team of co-workers, you need to know what people actually do on a film crew. Apart from the film's budget and timeline The type of film that you're working on will determine the size of the crew you need. If you're shooting a documentary that is intimate like this one, you'll like the crew less than for a big commercial shoot.

We've assembled a glossary that lists the most important team members for any video production. Keep in mind how small your team, the more hats each member will wear.

Find out more about them in the following article.

 Executive Producer

Executive Producers are the cash people. They've lined up the cash to finance the project. In most cases, the amount of executives in the film will directly correlate with how much cash is backed by the movie. More money means more executives. If you have a lower budget, you might have only one. In some cases, clients or brands provide the funding on projects as well and act in lieu of an Executive Producer.

 Director

The Director is responsible of all things. From overseeing all creative elements of the movie to instructing the actors, to deciding the music The Director is the primary person and the director who is responsible for bringing the project to life.

 Producers

Producers are the primary person in charge of any aspect of filmmaking and for that reason, producers come in a myriad of forms. They include financial producers, creating producers, marketing producers, and and on and on. Decide the most essential execution points of your project and begin filling the roles. With a limited set of resources of producers, a couple can get the job done.

 Production Assistant (PA)

The Production Assistant is perhaps the most vital role of the team since they are able to aid in a multitude different ways, including sharing the call sheet to helping load props and making that crucial coffee runs.

 Line Producer

The Line Producer is responsible for the budget for the film and manages all day-today requirements on the film. They keep the ship running and financed, and they are one of the most crucial people you include on your crew.

 Production Manager (PM)

The Production Manager is responsible for daily production issues, including budget, scheduling, and the staffing. The PM generally reports to the Line Producer, who supervises the coordinator of production.

 Production Coordinator

The Production Coordinator is responsible for the management of the cast and crew logistics. Their main responsibility is ensuring well as the timely delivery and set-up of equipment and gear.

1st Assistant Director (AD)

1. 1st AD is just what it sounds like as an assistant to the Director. This person prepares the shooting schedule, organizes the cast, and makes sure that the film runs on-schedule.

 2nd AD

2nd AD 2nd AD helps the 1st AD oversee the setting. They oversee and distribute crucial documents such as updated scripts or call sheets. In large-scale productions, a 3rd AD is sometimes necessary.

 Script Supervisor

The Script Supervisor keeps track of the footage shot as well as what changes have been made to the script. In addition to making notes of each scene as well as camera angles, they also keep track of props, lighting, blocking, and even costumes in order to guarantee the script's integrity (as as continuity throughout the film).

Director of Photography (DP)

The DP is in close contact with the Director to decide the style 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 decisions on lighting and framing.

 Location Manager

Your location manager has the responsibility of finding sites for your production and also obtaining the necessary permits. When filming, they'll also be the representative for the crew if local officials inquire about your film's permitting.

 Camera Operator

Camera Operators shoot under the supervision of the Director of Photography or the DP.

 1st Assistant Camera

The camera that you are the 1st assistant will often be the focus puller, ensuring 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 an aspect of film that is more logistics-related of shooting. The camera's assistants record all details of the shot on the slate and place it in front of the camera in each shooting. You know: A and action!

 Production Sound Mixer

The Production Sound Mixer is responsible for making sure the sound is properly recorded and mastered on the an appropriate basis. Production sound mixers is also able to select microphones, operate audio recording equipment as well as mixes signals.

 Boom Operator

Your Boom Operator is the person who holds the boom microphone and is responsible for mic placement and movement when the filming. They're the ones to make sure the mic doesn't show up in the shot. In smaller studios, the Production Sound Mixer might do the job.

 Key Grip

Key Grip handles all things related to gear. They are closely associated together with DP and supervise camera cranes, dollies, platforms, lighting, and all on-set equipment. If you're unsure of what a 'Best Boy can do and what they do, they're the primary support to the main grip or the gaffer.

 Chief Lighting Technologist or Gaffer

Your Gaffer creates and executes the lighting plan on set. Much like the Key Grip, they too are in close contact together with the DP.

 Special Effects Supervisor

The Supervisor for Special Effects is concerned 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 conjunction with the Director to decide on the music that will be used to accompany the film. They're in charge of finding the right composers, music for different scenes as well as handling any music licensing.

 Art Director

Art Directors are a standard expression in every creative field, but on film they have a distinct supervision role for the duration of the project. The Art Director's role is to help determine how the film will look overall film's production design, and the film's overall aesthetic.

 Production Designer

A Production Designer collaborates with the DP as well as the Director to create the visual appearance of the film, including every prop, set and costumes, as well as makeup and so on.

 Stylist, Props Master and Props

The Props Master in your film is responsible for finding, transporting and archiving all props appearing on the screen. They usually work with Props Stylists to ensure that the look is flawless on the camera. In a small crew The stylist and the director role may be handled with one individual.

 Painter

The Makeup Artist is responsible for a range of responsibilities depending upon the kind of film. If it's a simple commercial or realistic film, they apply appropriate makeup so the actors appear 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 sets.

 Hairdresser

Hairdressers on set style all the actors' hair at the right time and make sure it's appropriate to the location of the film and its setting. Through the course of production the hairdressers will apply a touch-up to hairstyles and ensure that every hairstyle is clean and clean, even following a day of filming.

 Costume Designer

The Costume Designer creates wondrous costumes that are in line with the setting and characters. Based on the complexity of their designs You may need an seamstress to create some of these designs.