Although some producers have a creative role, their main job is to find and provide funding. The most famous Hollywood producers today are often associated with major franchises.

• The executive producers sit at the top of the business pyramid. EPs are responsible for funding the film and sometimes assembling creative talent. This can include everything from securing major box office stars, to working with investors.
• The EP is responsible for the production. Producers are more involved in the actual production. The producer works with the line-producer to set budgets, give creative notes to directors, run business operations and make sure the production runs on time.
• Line Producers – They will oversee all aspects of the budget. The LPs may also be called in to troubleshoot logistical issues on the set, if they are concerned about the film’s budget. LPs are responsible to the executive producers.

Director

The creative vision of the director guides the film. They are the highest ranking members of the crew, along with the producers. They are in charge of the creative process and oversee production from beginning to end. The director’s role includes giving instructions to each department so that the final product matches their vision.

For safety, all film sets should also include Film Medics. Find out more at https://outdoormedicalsolutions.co.uk/tv-film-medical-services

Cast

The cast, while not technically part of the film crew hierarchy, is a vital component to a movie set. The actors are the ones who bring to life the characters in the film. Each has its own pecking-order. The main cast includes anyone who has a significant speaking role. The importance of each actor in the plot of the film is determined by the position they hold on the Call Sheet; The closer to the top the more integral the character is to the story.

• Background Actors, also known as Extras, work through wardrobe with the first and second assistant directors to complete a scene. They have few spoken lines.
• Stand-ins are not actors as we know them, but they replace the principal cast on the set temporarily so that the rest crew can focus and light a scene properly before shooting.

Camera Department

This is the department responsible for capturing the images. Cinematographers and directors need to have a good relationship.

Director of photography: Also known as a cinematographer, the director of photography is responsible for lighting, shot composition, and other aspects. The director gives them instructions on how to create the visual style for the film.

The cinematographer is responsible for these positions:

• The assistant camera (or the focus puller) operates the camera’s focusing ring to keep the subject sharp.
• The second camera (or clapper), loads the film and runs the slate, or clapperboard that marks the beginning of each take. They keep the footage organised and clearly labelled, and they help to sync audio and video during post production.