The last time you watched a movie, I bet you barely understood every title in the closing credits. If you’re trying to get into the film industry, or you just won yourself a spot after auditions, or even if you already work for one of the acting agencies, you need to know those people you will be working with.
When you’re done reading this, you will be viewing the closing credits with much more interest and understanding.
Below is a detailed list of cast and crew positions in the filming space:
- PRODUCER
The producer is the overseer of the film production process. He leads the entire team and ensures that processes run smoothly from start to finish. The producer initiates the idea of the film; performs the finishing touches on the script; sources for finance, and supervises the entire production team.
The producer also coordinates other members of the crew to perform in line with the schedule and budget of the film.
- SCREENWRITER
Have you ever wondered who decides what the actors say? The screenwriter does that and more. They write the script and also arrange scenes so that they progress in a way that is interesting and logical. The screenwriter is very important because there’s no movie without a script.
- PRODUCTION DESIGNER
The production designer works on creating the first visual draft of the movie. The first draft is a series of storyboards or sketches which serves as a blueprint for the movie. This ensures that there is a smooth transition from one scene to another.
The production designer is tasked with translating the script into visual form before the film is shot. He or she creates a series of storyboards that serve as the film’s first draft. This helps other members of the crew in understanding their roles.
- ART DIRECTOR
There are settings for every movie; and so it is the work of the art director to choose the locations, buildings, landscape, decorations, and props that best portray the setting. The art director oversees the building of the sets, as well as the provision of needed materials for set construction.
- COSTUME DESIGNER
What the actors wear contributes a lot to storytelling. Costume depicts the age in which the movie was set and the personality of the character. A costume designer puts together what costumes are most suitable for each character.
- EDITOR
When a film has been shot, an editor goes through the shots and determines which would make it into the final movie. The editor also arranges those shots into a continuous sequence.
- MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Different scenes in a movie have background music which augments the story. A music supervisor is in charge of music production and arrangement.
- ACTORS
Casting film is a process that occurs before production, which involves choosing what actors fill the roles in a movie. Actors take up the characters of a movie and portray it as convincingly as possible. Actors are usually picked from movie auditions or supplied by acting agencies.
When casting calls are made, acting agencies find jobs for actors and put them in for movie auditions. For instance, an actor may be invited by the NYC casting company, led by the NYC casting director. Below are other members of the crew that plays specific roles in the production of films and movies, based on their respective departments.
PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT
- DIRECTOR
The director is in control of the creative work on set. The director supervises the actors to ensure that they give their best creatively. The director is involved in casting films and casting calls. They also work on script revisions, shot composing and editing. In most cases, the producer employs the director.
- CASTING DIRECTOR
This is another important role that must be mentioned. A casting director is the first line of action in terms of finding the right actors for respective roles in a film or movie. They set up auditions where talents can show what they got. The casting directors, along with the producers and directors, then decide what faces and talents will best suit specific roles in the project.
- ASSISTANT DIRECTORS
There are usually two assistant directors. They ensure that shooting goes on as smoothly as possible. They work with the director and producer in fixing a shooting plan, managing crew members and equipment, and directing extras.
- LINE PRODUCER
The line producer acts as a financial secretary. The person supervises all expenses incurred during production such as actors salaries, equipment purchase and so on. The production manager consistently reports to the line producer on the needs of the production and their cost
LOCATION DEPARTMENT CREW
- LOCATION MANAGER
The location manager sorts the legal requirements needed to film in certain places. They also pay any fees required to film in that location.
- LOCATION SCOUT
The location scout searches for locations that suit the taste of the producer and director and is best for filming.
CAMERA DEPARTMENT CREW
- CAMERA OPERATORS
Camera operators work closely with the director of photography and art director in controlling camera movements and shots. There are aerial camera operators and crane camera operators.
- CAMERA ASSISTANTS
There are two camera assistants. The first assists the camera operator. The other is known as a loader. He loads and unloads rolls of film.
LIGHTING AND GRIP DEPARTMENT CREW
- BEST BOY
This is the chief electrician on the set. The best boy makes required electrical connections and distributes power to areas it is needed.
- ELECTRICIAN
Electrons are also known as juicers. They arrange and operate lighting equipment on set under the supervision of the best boy and gaffer.
- GAFFER
The gaffer is also called chief lighting technician. They design a lighting plan and guide the best boy in their job.
- GRIP
The grip creates lighting effects such as shadow, sparks, light refractions and diffraction
- KEY GRIP
The key grip is the supervisor of all grips. They work with the best boy, gaffer and director of photography to achieve the best shots.
MAKEUP AND WARDROBE DEPARTMENT
- HAIR STYLIST
The hairstylist styles and preserves actors’ hair throughout a production. The hairstylist works closely with the makeup artist to produce the desired look.
- MAKEUP ARTIST
The makeup artist creates looks for actors, based on the director’s instruction. The looks achieved by makeup artists contribute to the characterization of the actors.
- SPECIAL EFFECT MAKEUP
This makeup artist creates special appearances such as burns, ulcers, ageing and imaginary creatures,
- WARDROBE STYLIST
The wardrobe stylist works with the costume designer to provide clothing for the actors that help display the personality of the characters.