Producers
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.
- 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.
- 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 oversee all aspects of the budget. They may also be called in to troubleshoot logistical issues on set if they are concerned about the film’s budget. Line producers 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 of a movie set. The actors are the ones who bring the characters in the film to life. The cast 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 reflected in 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 with wardrobe and 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 set temporarily so that the rest of the 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 first assistant camera (or focus puller) operates the camera’s focusing ring to keep the subject sharp.
- The second assistant camera (or clapper loader) 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.