On a low-budget independent film with a scaled back crew, there are not too many film crew positions to keep track of. When we start looking at larger productions, however, the amount of distinct film crew positions can balloon to massive numbers. Gaining an understanding of the function of each movie crew member’s role can be a confusing and lengthy endeavor without a proper guide, so we put together the ultimate guide to film crew positions to make this task as simple and intuitive as possible.
1
Camera & Lighting Department
Film set crew
1st Assistant Camera
The 1st AC is vital to the film camera crew
A 1st Assistant Camera, aka 1st AC, aka Focus Puller, is responsible for controlling the focus of a shot in progress. This can entail keeping a subject in focus for a shot’s duration or racking focus mid-shot.
The 1st AC is part of the camera team and also shares the responsibilities of loading/unloading gear and assisting the camera operator and DP when necessary. The first AC works as part of the film camera crew.
What does a film crew do
2nd Assistant Camera
Short film crew positions include 2nd AC
A 2nd Assistant Camera, aka 2nd AC, is a part of the camera team and is responsible for tracking and maintaining camera gear and accessories such as camera lenses, building camera rigs, and operating the clapboard.
The 2nd AC is a part of the film camera crew and they keep a log of the technical details for every shot recorded. They also set the marks used by actors and the 1st AC for focus.
Film crew positions
Best Boy
The best boy is a part of the lighting film crew
The Best Boy is the name given to the Key Grip’s right hand person. Best Boys are members of the Grip and Electric (G&E) department with more responsibility than the other Grips as they directly assist the Key Grip and delegate responsibilities. The Best Boy is a key member in the lighting film crew. Continue learning with our full best boy job description.
Film Crew Job Titles
Best Boy Grip
Film 101: What's a Best Boy?
A Best Boy is the assistant to either the Gaffer or Key Grip on set. This means that there are two types of Best Boys: one for electric (Gaffer) and one for lighting/rigging (Key Grip). As the assistants, they are effectively the foreman for their respective departments. The best boy is responsible for helping the Gaffer with electric equipment on the set, assisting the Key Grip with lighting arrangements, and ordering and maintaining inventory.
The etymology surrounding the term is not very concrete. It’s one of those things that would be said on various sets and the name eventually stuck. One popular theory is that the term was used as a short way of describing the Gaffer’s first lighting assistant, which would mean getting someone’s “best boy” on the set.
Crew in film production
Camera Operator
Camera crew positions • Insights from a Hollywood Cam Op
A Camera Operator, often shortened to “Cam Op,” is one of the most important of all camera crew roles. The Cam Op responsible for operating the camera during the shoot. This includes locked-off static shots as well as hand-held shots or with the use of a variety of camera rigs.
Steadicams are typically used by specialized operators.
What does a film crew do
Dolly Grip
Tips from a Dolly Grip • List of jobs on a film set
The Dolly Grip is the member of the Grip and Electric department who specializes in camera dollies. They operate the dolly during dolly shots and are responsible for ensuring that dolly track is laid correctly beforehand.
Film crew members
Director of Photography
Cinematographers discuss their roles in film production
A director of photography, aka DP, aka cinematographer, oversees both the camera team and the grip and electric department, and is responsible for everything having to do with the camera and lighting techniques. The best cinematographers use their technical expertise to light and shoot scenes in accordance with the Director’s vision.
Be sure to read our dedicated article on the role of the director of photography.
People Involved in Film Making
Generator Operator
Film roles explained • What is a Generator Operator
Oftentimes, film productions have set days on locations where electricity and power might be difficult to access. During these on location shoots, generators are necessary. The generator operator is responsible for transporting, setting up and operating the generators on set. The generator operator is a part of the lighting department
Generator operators are responsible for knowing what generators can handle given the lights and tools running from them. They also are responsible for maintaining the generators so they run smoothly throughout production.
Film crew positions
Electrician
A set electrician explains his main roles in film production
An electrician in film works in the grip and electric department and answers directly to the Gaffer. The electrician’s job can be in Pre-Production when wiring up sets and conducting tech rehearsals in advance of the shoot.
During production, an electrician will rig lights, run cables, and ensure a steady flow of power for lights and equipment either on set or on location.
DP Film Crew Positions
Key Grip
What A Key Grip Does On Set: Crew Breakdown
A Key Grip is responsible for, and in charge of, all the non-electrical gear on set as well as supervising the Grips working in the department. They are also responsible for on set safety.
A key grip works alongside the Gaffer to execute the Director of Photography’s plan for camera and lighting. The key grip also takes inventories and keeps track of all grip equipment before, during, and after the shoot. When given tasks, typically from the gaffer or DP, the key grip supervises and assigns grips to needed tasks. Key grips also build and rig whatever is needed to support the lighting and shooting of a scene. This requires creativity as well as solid mathematical and physics knowledge.
Film crew positions
Film Loader
Film positions descriptions: Film Loader
The role of the Film Loader is to, you guessed it, load film. A Film Loader will first load camera magazines in a dark room ahead of the shoot. On set, the film loader is responsible for switching between the magazines in a timely manner.
The film loader can be its own position or, as is frequently the case, it's rolled into the 2nd AC's duties.
Grip film crew
Gaffer
Film roles explained: Gaffer
The Gaffer is the head of lighting and power and works within the grip and electric department. Gaffers answers directly to the Cinematographer and collaborates with the Key Grip to ensure the desired look of the film comes to fruition. To learn more, read through our dedicated article the duties and responsibilities of a gaffer.
Grip film crew
Grip
Grip film crew tips from Film Riot
A Grip is the main position within the grip and electric department. The head of the Grips is called the “Key Grip.” Any given production is likely to use multiple grips.
The larger the production, the more Grips needed. The primary responsibilities of a Grip include moving and setting up equipment, constructing rigs, and performing any handiwork necessary to enable the other departments to do their jobs.
Grips are also responsible for the Grip truck(s) which is a large vehicle(s) loaded with all of the tools and equipment that may or may not prove necessary throughout the shoot.
2
Directorial Department
Film crew members
1st Assistant Director
Film production crew • Life as a 1st AD from Film Courage
A 1st Assistant Director, aka 1st AD, has many responsibilities both on set during production and off set during the Pre-Production process. The 1st AD participates in creating the shooting schedule with regard to on-set time and efficiency. The 1st AD can work with the 2nd AD to prep call sheets and plan out the logistical side of principal photography.
During production, the 1st AD is in charge of running the set and keeping things on schedule, as well as helping to solve scheduling and logistical issues as they arise. The 1st AD must always be mindful of time while on set.
You can learn more about the duties and responsibilities of the 1st AD in our full position breakdown post.
Crew in film production
2nd Assistant Director
A 2nd AD is important for both union and non-union film crews
A 2nd Assistant Director, aka 2nd AD, has two primary responsibilities during principal photography. The first is the making and distribution of daily call sheets. The second is to take care of the talent, keep them informed, and shepherd them to and from set as needed.
A 2nd AD may also be in charge of coordinating, arranging extras on set, as well as any other 2nd AD hacks that keep the production running.
Film crew jobs
2nd 2nd Assistant Director
One of the more complicated filmmaking job titles
A 2nd 2nd AD helps to share the responsibilities of the directorial department on large-scale film shoots. If the workload and/or the number of cast members or extras is too high for a 2nd AD to bear on their own, a 2nd 2nd AD helps to divide up the responsibilities to keep anyone from being overwhelmed.
If a 2nd 2nd AD is present for a shoot, it is typically their responsibility to handle the coordination of extras. On extremely large films there may be additional 2nd ADs added as necessary.
You may find 3rd ADs, 4th ADs, and so on. Each of these positions shares the same workload to meet the demands of the largest film projects. When it comes time to find and hire a movie crew, there are a number of different approaches and decisions to make along the way.
Being familiar with the intricacies of each role can help in the hiring process.
Movie Job Titles and Descriptions
Cast
'Avengers: Endgame' Cast Full Roundtable Interview
The cast of a film is the group of actors that perform within the film or television show — that is anyone who appears on screen. A cast primarily consists of the lead and supporting roles. This can be a few actors to an ensemble. The cast also extends to everyone else acting in the film — extras, bit parts, small roles, etc. The cast of a film is selected by the casting director. This is typically done through a casting and audition process.
Film set crew
Casting Director
Casting Director • Know who’s who on a movie crew
The Casting Director organizes and manages the casting process for a film. This can involve holding casting calls and auditions, orchestrating and receiving taped auditions, or coordinating with talent who may not be required to audition. The Director and Producers review the talent put forth by the Casting Director for hiring consideration.
If you are interested in casting, we have a guide on how to become a Casting Director that can get you started in the right direction.
Film set crew
Intimacy Coordinator
Intimacy Coordinator
An Intimacy Coordinator is a professional who works with actors and film production teams to ensure that intimate scenes are carried out safely, respectfully, and consensually.
They help choreograph intimate scenes, advocate for performers' rights, and facilitate open communication between all parties involved.
Film crew set
Director
Tarantino Explains His Process • Subscribe on YouTube
The Director is the creative head of the film. They are involved in every stage of the production process and have the final say on the vast majority of creative decisions, though the studio or Producer can sometimes veto certain choices.
It is the Director’s vision for the film that everyone is trying to achieve by working on the production. If you’re interested in directing, then be sure to read our guide on how to be a Director.
Crew Film Positions
Set PA
What Is a Production Assistant and What to Expect
On a film set, a set PA is a production assistant. The set PA, also called PA, set assistant or production assistant, is an entry level position. They are responsible for a diverse range of tasks from transporting talent, making coffee, copying script pages, or executing other small tasks needed on set.
As an entry level position, the set PA is not given any bigger responsibilities. The position is a great way to break into the industry, however, and work your way up to other positions with more responsibilities.
3
Hair & Makeup Department
Film crew hierarchy
Makeup Artist
Insights from a Hollywood film crew Makeup Artist
A Makeup Artist is responsible for putting on and maintaining the makeup of the talent throughout the day. Makeup must match continuity between shots which may be filmed on different days. Makeup for film can differ greatly from makeup worn in casual life and in theater performances.
What is a film crew
Costume Designer
There are many different departments in film production
The Costume Designer is the head of the wardrobe department and is responsible for matching costumes to characters that appear on screen. This includes the wardrobe for principal talent and can include the wardrobe worn by extras as well. Many costumes can be purchased or rented, but custom-made wardrobes are very common.
The film crew
Hair Stylist
Interview with a movie crew Hair Stylist
A Hair Stylist for film is responsible for achieving the desired look for the hair of the talent and maintaining that look throughout the shoot. Film shoots will likely have multiple Hair Stylists to accommodate larger casts.
A Hair Stylist in film will likely find themself working with wigs, extensions, and dyes in addition to natural hair.
Movie personnel
SPFX Makeup Designer
CBC showcases the work of Hollywood film crew SPFX Makeup Designers
A SPFX Makeup Designer is a specialized member of the makeup department. SPFX Makeup Designers may double as Prosthetic Designers or work alongside them. The work done by a SPFX makeup designer can include a wide range of designs from gore effects to alien and monster components.
Film crew list
Prosthetics Designer
A Prosthetics Designer discusses transforming Charlize Theron
A Prosthetics Designer works in conjunction with the Hair and Makeup department and the Special Effects department in the design and application of prosthetics worn by talent. These prosthetics can include things such as wounds, non-human features, or old-age makeup appliances.
4
Sound Department
Film crew members
Boom Operator
Job roles on a film set • Boom Op
A Boom Operator, often shortened to ‘Boom Op,’ is in charge of operating the boom microphone and capturing clean audio without dipping the microphone into the shot.
Boom Operators may find themselves in constant motion within shots containing a great deal of movement from the cast and/or camera.
Recording audio is a massively important task so make sure you hire the best person for the job.
Film set hierarchy
Sound Assistant
A crash course in sound production
A Sound Assistant helps the rest of the sound team perform their roles better. The Sound Assistant’s job can be more varied than the other positions within the production sound department.
They may find themselves changing batteries, attaching lav mics to talent, wrangling cables, or straightening up the audio cart.
Film positions
Sound Mixer
A quick lesson from Sweetwater
The on-set Sound Mixer, sometimes called the Audio Mixer, is responsible for setting and balancing audio levels during principal photography. This can frequently require mixing multiple microphones at once and adjusting levels within shots as actor volumes fluctuate up or down. The Sound Mixer is the head of the sound team on set.
Production Crew Job Description
Production Sound Mixer
What Sound Mixers REALLY Do On Set
Sound mixing is the process of matching audio levels of all of the sound in a film ⏤ from dialogue, to Foley, to the musical score. A sound mixer must tweak every single audio file in the movie in order to make it sound clear, crisp, and seamless. This isn’t easy, even for professionals.
It can be an arduous and tedious process, not to mention extraordinarily difficult when there are a ton of sounds happening at once. Sound mixers add their touch to the story. Movies that require a ton of sounds in a single scene, (music, explosions, even unique ways to capture silence), demand a kind of precision and artistry not always appreciated by the typical movie-goer.
5
stunts Department
Film production crew
Choreographer
The RocketJump Film School interviews an action choreographer
A Choreographer designs, plans, and instructs talent for specialized movements. The Choreographer role is a specialized position, most commonly focusing on either dance choreography or action choreography.
Choreographers will either work independently, work with the Director, or work with a Second Unit Director, to design the choreography.
Film positions
Stunt Coordinator
Insights from the Stunt Coordinator of Mission:Impossible
The Stunt Coordinator is the head of the stunt team for a film shoot. Many Stunt Coordinators have a dedicated team of stunt performers that they bring with them from project to project. Stunt Coordinators plan out each stunt in a film and ensure that it is done safely.
They also help in securing well-fit Stunt Doubles and train Stunt Performers as well as talent if they are doing any of their own stunts.
Hollywood film crew
Stunt Performer
What it takes to be a Stunt Performer for a union or non-union film crew
A Stunt Performer works directly under the Stunt Coordinator and performs physical feats on camera. Stunt Performers may serve as a Stunt Double to a particular actor or may appear on screen utilizing acting talents of their own. Some performers specialize in particular types of stunts such as high falls, pyrotechnic stunts, or stunt driving.
What Does a Film Crew Consist Of
Set Medic
Job roles on a film set • Set Medic
A set medic is an on set paramedic or EMT. They are available to provide any medical services and assistance to either talent or crew on set. This is incredibly important on any set to ensure the safety of everyone involved in a production. Set medics must be prepared for a range of issues that can come up.
This is especially true on more physically demanding shoots such as action films. Other times, set medics are crucial for medical issues caused by the environment such as extreme heat, cold, altitude, etc.
6
special effects Department
Film crew 101
Special Effects Coordinator
Tales from a real-life SPFX Supervisor • Subscribe on YouTube
The Special Effects Coordinator is in charge of the special effects taking place on set; this does not include additional special effects done in post-production. Special Effects Coordinators may work with a team of technicians or specialists in certain SPFX fields such as pyrotechnics or puppetry.
Filmmaking job titles
VFX Supervisor
People involved in filmmaking VFX Supervisor
The VFX Supervisor is a Post-Production VFX specialist who is present on set. They oversee filming and ensure that what is happening on set lines up with the Post-Production plan.
If an aspect of shooting will make the VFX done in Post considerably more difficult or impossible, they may offer guidance or an alternative to ensure that problems do not arise further down the production pipeline.
Our article on the intricacies of VFX is a must-read for anyone considering becoming a VFX supervisor.
Film Set Roles
VFX Coordinator
HOW TO BE VFX COORDINATOR?!
A VFX coordinator is a supportive role to the VFX producer and VFX supervisor. VFX coordinator responsibilities can vary slightly from company to company depending on the needs of a post-production team. However, generally they are responsible for taking session notes, delivering them to artists, tracking the progress of the artists and checking delivery of content for accurate artwork.
Essentially, VFX coordinators manage the pipeline of ongoing VFX work. They schedule and manage review sessions and the work that follows from those sessions until final deliveries.
7
locations Department
Film crew list
Location Scout
Life as a Location Scout
A Location Scout finds and secures the necessary locations present in the screenplay. Location Scouts may work alongside a Location Manager to handle logistics, permits, and the interactions with the surrounding community when applicable. If you are interested in becoming a Location Scout, be sure to check out our helpful guide and our Location Scout checklist and cheat sheet.
Film crew positions
COVID Compliance Officer
What is a Covid Compliance Officer?
A COVID Compliance Officer is an individual responsible for ensuring that an organization, event, or workplace adheres to the COVID-19 safety guidelines and protocols.
Their role involves implementing and overseeing measures to prevent the spread of the virus, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with local health regulations. COVID Compliance Officers play a crucial role in promoting a safe environment and minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
8
food Department
What does a film crew do
Caterer
Crafty and catering • Different positions in the film industry
Film sets typically have catered meals during the lunch break, and the Caterer, aka Head Caterer if they are running a team, is in charge of preparing and laying out the hot food for the cast and crew.
A caterer may prepare separate meals for cast or crew with allergies or dietary restrictions. The caterer is not in charge of crafty (craft services).
Film crew positions
Craft Services
Crafty is the favorite spot for movie production crew members
Craft services, aka crafty, is an arrangement of foods and drinks available throughout the day on a film set. Crafty is typically snack foods or simple food items and is separate from the hot meals provided by catering.
The craft services crew member is in charge of gathering and laying out the crafty table(s) early on the day of shooting and keeping it stocked.
If you are interested in becoming involved in craft services, check our tips and tricks for prepping the best crafty table possible. We've also got our favorite craft service companies in LA and the best crafty companies in NY.
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production Department
What is a film crew
Associate Producer
Roles in a film production • Interview with AP Justen Overlander
An Associate Producer, aka AP, has a wide range of constantly changing duties. Each day on set, an Associate Producer may find themself tasked with a completely different set of responsibilities. Put simply, an AP helps out wherever they are needed and wherever than can be of the most use. That might assisting the wardrobe department or in helping to arrange transportation. You can think of it like a technical, jack-of-trades position.
For more information, be sure to read through our article on the role of an Associate Producer.
Film crew 101
Producer
A crash course in Producers
A Producer is at the top of the food chain of a production. The Producer handles the business side of a film and is sometimes involved in the creative side as well. A Producer may have the initial concept for a film and bring a Screenwriter in to bring that idea to life.
Producers are involved in securing financing for the film, hiring cast and crew, and making all above the line decisions. Be sure to take a look at our expanded Producer explanation post if you are interested in becoming one yourself.
Film crew jobs
Executive Producer
CBC Arts discusses the roles of the film production team
An Executive Producer in film is involved in the financing of the production. In television production, the role of an Executive Producer is much different, so do not mistake them. In film, an EP’s involvement may end after their financial contribution but some Producers remain involved throughout the entire production process.
Learn more about the role of an executive producer in our dedicated article.
Film crew jobs
Financier
Film financiers discuss streaming platforms
A Financier supplies a partial or full budget for a film production. A film’s budget is often compromised of the financial backing of a number of different Financiers. The Financier’s involvement in the film typically ends at the investment stage; they do not often hold power over any creative decisions made within the film.
Roles in film production
Line Producer
Film Crew Positions • Line Producer
A Line Producer’s primary responsibility is to manage the budget. They serve as a go-between for above-the-line and below-the-line crew. A Producer will typically bring a Line Producer onto a project early on to have them devise a budget. This budget will then be raised through Financiers and Executive Producers afterwards.
The Line Producer is involved in the hiring of crew and the managing of the schedule once principal photography has begun. Be sure to read our line producer guide if you are interested in becoming one yourself.
The film crew
Office PA
A guide to working as an Office PA
An Office PA holds a similar station and performs much the same role as a set PA but they perform their duties back at the production office. The job of an office PA typically begins in Pre-Production, long before set PAs are brought onto a project.
An office PA assists in any way necessary to aid in the smooth running of the production office. Office PAs primarily report to the Production Coordinator and help with tasks such as printing and copying, running errands, and answering phone calls.
Take a look at our detailed Production Assistant job description if you are interested in becoming one yourself
Film positions
Production Assistant
Film Crew Positions • Production Assistant
A PA, aka Production Assistant, also sometimes called a Producer’s Assistant, is an entry level film set job that performs a wide range of tasks depending on the needs of the film set at any given moment.
A film set is likely to make use of multiple PAs. PAs answer directly to the Key PA who will delegate responsibilities to answer the needs of the the department heads. Take a look at our detailed production assistant job description if you are interested in becoming one yourself.
Roles in film production
Production Accountant
Advice from a Production Accountant
A Production Accountant handles the financial side of a film shoot, likely working alongside other Production Accountants. They are responsible for tracking expenditure, issuing paychecks, and tracking the budget as it is spent in comparison to the total projected budget.
Film crew list
Production Coordinator
Insights from the Production Coordinator of Portlandia
A Production Coordinator works out of the production office and works to ensure that a production runs smoothly from all angles. The Production Coordinator often serves as a liaison between different departments and keeps everyone informed of changes and updates as they occur. Be sure to look through our Production Coordinator tips if you are interested in becoming one.
Video production crew positions
Unit Production Manager
Film production job titles • UPM
The Unit Production Manager, aka UPM, is in charge of all production reports, contracts, and crew deal memos. A UPM organizes all of these forms and is responsible for making sure that they are all properly signed. The UPM answers directly to the Line Producer.
Roles in film production
Entertainment Lawyer
Movie production positions • Entertainment lawyer
An entertainment lawyer is an important part of the film crew hierarchy. They are a specialized attorney who is versed in all of the legalities present within the film industry. Entertainment lawyers can find themself doing many different things throughout a production from negotiating contract deals to advising Producers on the best legal practices to follow, including actor release forms.
10
art Department
Film crew positions
Art Director
The CBC Arts channel explains film crew member jobs
An art director works alongside the production designer to oversee the construction and decoration of the film’s sets and locations. On a low-budget production, the duties of the art director and production designer may be combined into a single position.
Short film crew positions are also typically far more limited than a major feature-film. The art director is also responsible for visible signage on set and for breaking down a script for key props and decorations, oftentimes with the assistance of the 1st AD.
For more information on the job of an art director, read our extended article.
Film crew hierarchy
Production Designer
Our very own guide to production design • Subscribe on YouTube
The Production Designer is the head of the art department. They are responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of sets as well as ensuring that sets and locations are properly dressed for shooting. Production designers are often involved in the location scouting process as well.
If you interested in becoming a production designer, be sure to read our in depth article on the role.
Film production crew
Art PA
Film and TV crew roles • production assistant
An Art PA, aka Art Assistant, aka Art Runner, is an on-set assistant who works under the production designer and helps in decorating sets and arranging props/art pieces.
What is a film crew
Driver
A driver is key part of the production crew
A driver on a production crew is essentially the same role as a driver in any other business. Drivers on a movie crew will transport cast or crew, either to and from the set, or between different shooting locations throughout the day.
A driver may also be used for other purposes such as running equipment or props if basecamp is far away from the shoot location or if a trip back to the studio proves necessary.
What is a film crew
Leadman
What Does Leadman Do on A Movie Set?
A Leadman is responsible for managing and overseeing the work of the set decoration team on a film or television production.
They work closely with the Production Designer to bring their vision to life and are responsible for organizing, coordinating and supervising the set decoration department.
The film crew
Prop Master
Insights directly from a specialized Prop Designer on a production crew
The Prop Master is in charge of acquiring, arranging, distributing, and tracking all of the props necessary to a film shoot, except for prop weapons as those are the responsibility of the Armorer or Weapons Wrangler.
The Prop Master is also in charge of maintaining, repairing or replacing props as need be. Duplicates are often required for props that may be damaged/destroyed in the course of filming.
Film crew positions
Scenic Artist
Behind the Scene with Scenic Artist
A Scenic Artist is a creative professional who crafts the visual elements of a performance space. They are the masterminds behind the detailed backdrops, intricate props, and immersive environments you see in theater productions, films, and television shows.
Their work is not merely about painting a picture—it's about creating a world that can envelop an audience and transport them into the narrative being unfolded.
Film crew positions
Set Decorator
Main roles in film production straight from the Oscars
The Set Decorator chooses and gathers all of the furniture and decorations that will appear on a film set. They provide directions to the Set Dresser who will assist in arranging everything on set and ensuring that the set is camera-ready. On smaller film shoots, the Set Dresser and Set Decorator may be combined into one position.
Different Roles in Movie Production
Set Dresser
How the set decorator helps tell the story
A set dresser is a position on set that is responsible for making a set feel realistic to the vision of the set decorator and production designer. The production designer creates the broader vision of the set’s design. A set decorator is responsible for curating props, furniture, and details according to the production designer’s vision.
The set dresser then executes by using the props, furniture and materials and arranging them throughout the set so the location matches the tone and realism of the project. This can be making a teenage boy’s bedroom a bit messier or arranging the tools in a mechanics garage to be more accurate.
Movie personnel
Transportation Coordinator
There are many options available for transportation
The Transportation Coordination for a film production is in charge of arranging transportation for cast and crew as necessary. Whether for travel to and from set, transportation between different filming locations, or travel for other production-related purposes.
Movie Production Job Titles
Wardrobe Supervisor
Episode 1 (Wardrobe Supervisor)
As the head of the wardrobe department on set, the wardrobe supervisor is responsible for the execution of the designer's vision. Wardrobe supervisor must ensure that the wardrobe and costumes are worn by the talent exactly how the designers intended them.
The wardrobe supervisor also oversees that the department is properly maintaining, organizing, and transporting wardrobe items. If any hiccups occur on set in the wardrobe department, the wardrobe supervisor must use creative problem solving to put out any potential fires.
List of Jobs on Movie Set
Set Costumer
Set Costumer Role
Just as a script supervisor pays attention to set details for continuity, a set costumer specifically pays attention to wardrobe from scene to scene or shot to shot. Set costumers pay attention to details. This can look like making sure the correct costumes are worn for specific scenes or shots since films or typically shot out of chronological order. They also pay attention to details shot to shot for continuity such as how many buttons are buttoned up, are sleeves rolled up, or are there any wardrobe malfunctions to fix.
Film Production Crew Roles
Costume Coordinator
Costume design • La La Land
A costume coordinator is often an unsung hero of the wardrobe department. Costume coordinators analyze and breakdown the script of a film to create a feasible budget for the wardrobe department, They also handle the requirements of the crew based on their own manufacturing and purchasing expectations given their analysis of the script.
Like an accountant, the costume coordinator manages the financial accounts of the Wardrobe Department. They are responsible for ensuring that the department stays reasonably within budget. They are key to a smoothly functioning pre-production phase in wardrobe.
Movie Jobs List
Tailor
Tailor • Film Production Roles
In a film production, a tailor is responsible for, you guessed it, alterations and clothing repairs during pre-production and on set. Most productions in television and film have at least one full time tailor to take on any alteration tasks.
Film Roles and Responsibilities
Shopper
Shopper role • Film Production Roles
Given the vision of the designers and tasks of the wardrobe supervisor, the shopper is responsible for purchasing wardrobe items. This means visiting shops of all kinds such as vintage, thrift, boutique, etc. to find the specific items for a production.
This can be a demanding job when items that they are shopping for must be incredibly specific or niche such as for period piece films or even science fiction. Sometimes, shoppers are not given specific item specs but rather a direction. Thus, a shopper must have a creative eye and taste that understands story. Not to mention, they must do all of this within a given budget and deadline.
Short film crew positions
Weapons Wrangler
Roles in a film crew • Weapons Wrangler
A Weapons Wrangler, aka Armorer, is responsible for the tracking, handling, and distribution of weapons on set. This can entail non-firing prop weapons, blank-firing weapons, or, in rare instances, real, working firearms. While on set, a weapon will pass only from the hands of the Weapons Wrangler to the particular actor using it in the scene.
When not in use by an actor, the Weapons Wrangler will keep the weapons under their control at all times, typically in a secure carrying case.
11
script Department
Hollywood film crew
Screenwriter
Interstellar Beat Sheet • Subscribe on YouTube
A Screenwriter is responsible for the writing a script for a film, sometimes alongside a co-writer, or taking over as a replacement writer. The screenwriter’s duties do not end with Pre-Production. Re-writes may be necessary throughout a shoot and it is the screenwriter’s job to ensure the changes, additions, or cuts are made in a timely manner and stay true to the overall vision of the film. If you are a screenwriter or interested in becoming one, be sure to take a look at our tips for writing dialogue.
Film set hierarchy
Script Supervisor
The Filmmaker’s Den on the job role on a film set for the Script Supervisor
The primary responsibility of a Script Supervisor, aka Script Sup, is to watch for continuity between shots. They ensure that talent uses the same hand for subsequent takes of the same action, that set dressing and props do not move, and work to ensure that all continuity errors are avoided.
The Script Supervisor also lines the script for each shot and keeps track of coverage as shooting commences. Notes taken by the Script Supervisor may be used by the Editor later on. The Script Supervisor may also be called upon if an actor forgets a line and needs a quick reminder.
For additional insights into working as a script supervisor, download a free script supervisor template. And read our stand-alone article on the position.
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editorial Department
Film production crew
Digital Imaging Technician
DIT film crew job description
The digital imaging technician, often abbreviated as DIT, is only found on film crews shooting digitally, it is not a role that exists when shooting on film. The DIT works with the camera team to optimize settings, workflow, and signal inputs to ease the process of ingesting footage.
DIT film crew
On-Set Editor
Insights from a Hollywood film crew Editor
An On-set Editor edits a rough cut of the scene in progress as shots are captured. An On-set Editor can help the Director decide whether or not the captured footage will work in conjunction with the other shots and if additional takes are necessary. The job of an On-set Editor may be combined with the duties of a VTR Operator.
Production crew
Key PA
Life as a Key Production Assistant
The Key PA is in charge of the other PAs on set. A higher-level crew member may inform the Key PA of something that needs doing, the Key PA will then delegate responsibilities to the other PAs and ensure that everyone is working on the appropriate goals.
Take a look at our detailed production assistant job description if you are interested in becoming one yourself. PA is an entry level and the Key PA position can be worked up to.
Video production crew positions
Video Assist Operator
Film industry job titles • VTR operator
A Video Assist Operator is often shortened to ‘video assist’ or to the acronym ‘VTR’ which refers to the original machine they used to perform their duties, the ‘video tape recorder.’ The Video Assist Operator enables the Director to review instant playback of just-recorded takes on a monitor, allowing them to make decisions on the take.
UP NEXT
Ultimate Guide to Film Terms
Now that you have an understanding for each of the roles on a film crew, it’s a perfect time to begin familiarizing yourself with the various terminology and lingo that gets thrown around on a film set. Our Ultimate Guide to Film Terminology is a hand resource for looking up any unfamiliar terms and furthering your filmmaking education.
Up Next: Guide to Film Terms →
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