The Film Crew

Posted on November 5, 2013

The size of the film crew is dependent on what is the nature of your film and the budget. Low budget film making can consist of a crew of nine or fewer key positions.

The Crew – Director Responsible for the creative decisions and acting in the film.

Assistant Director – Manages the shooting schedule and logistics of production.

Location Manager – Finds and manages film locations.

Production Manager – Manages the production budget and production schedule. They also report to the studio executives or financiers of the film.

Director of photography (DOP) – Is the cinematographer who supervises the photography of the entire film.

1st Assistant Camera – Operates the camera 2nd Assistant Camera or Clapper Marks each take with a slate which has the scene, take and roll number. They also look after the film stock or tapes and make detailed reports on what lenses and film stock is used

Grip – In charge of laying track, setting up dollies and cranes that enables the camera to be moving instead of static.

Lighting – In charge of putting up lights and reflector boards

Continuity/Script Superviser – Responsible for monitoring the script during shooting and make sure that errors in continuity do not occur that would prevent the film from being able to be cut together in the editing room.

Production Sound Mixer – Is the head of the sound department during the production stage of film-making. They record and mix the audio on set.

Boom Operator – Works in the sound department holding the microphone on a pole so that the sound recordist can get a clear recording of the live audio.

Art Director – In charge of the design team and the look of the film.

Costume Designer – Designing the wardrobe of the cast

Make up and Hair Designer  – The personal appearance of the actors and also includes prosthetic make up, wounds, cuts etc.

Catering – A hungry crew is an unhappy crew. Provides all food for the cast and crew.