Production crew members and their duties
Working on a film set can seem like walking through a labyrinth – a film production jungle! Full of different crews, departments and roles, each with their own jargon and responsibilities. From the person calling “Action!” behind the camera to those juggling lighting rigs, sound gear and logistics. Every production relies on a complex ecosystem of specialists.
This post will give you a clear overview of the many film crew positions, what they do and how they all work together to create the final result.
You’re looking to hire a director, a camera operator or any of the crew members mentioned? Get in touch with us at CCG so we can bring your vision to screen!
Film crew positions and breakdown of film crew duties:
1. Director
Within the film crew hierarchy it is the director who tops the list. They are in charge of the film set and they are the person who has a complete overview of the whole creative content of any film, they are responsible for its artistic implementation.
Pre production & post production:
During the pre production stage the director is responsible for the choice of
- script,
- format,
- shooting style,
- mis en scène,
- locations,
- talent, etc.
During the post production stage he is responsible for the final edit.
2. Assistant director
This person is responsible for making sure the directors wishes are implemented and is mainly concerned with on set logistics, like who should be where and when and which scenes are being shot where and when.
3. Line producer
The line producer is responsible for logistics and coordination ahead of and during the shoot. They make sure all necessary permits and formalities are in place, movement of talent, catering, contact with authorities, timing.
4. Director of Photography (DOP/DP or Cinematographer)
This person is responsible for the visual style and works very closely with the director to achieve the right look. They need to interpret the director’s wishes and provide the right framework and style to reflect the mood that has to be created.
They have a complete grasp of the technical requirements and needs of the camera department and is the main person along with the director on every film set. They manage the following
- camera department,
- lighting department,
- electrical,
- and grips.
They also instruct the gaffers and electricians as to the placement and choice of lights.
They work closely with the camera operator (some DOPs prefer to operate the camera themselves) to determine framing and camera movement.
What’s a cinematographer?
The Cinematographer and director of photography are used interchangeably and the DOP is listed as the chief cinematographer in the credits.
5. Camera operator, cameraman/camerawoman
The definition of camera operator is the person who works closely with the DOP and who physically operates the camera. They must ensure that all camera movements are smooth and that the framing and focus are in line with the general requirements.
6. First Assistant cameraman/woman / 1st AC / B camera
This person is responsible for all things camera and needs to ensure all lenses are calibrated and is responsible for camera tests prior to the shoot. They make sure that the camera functions properly, they change lenses according to the camera operator’s wishes and needs to ensure that camera operation runs smoothly.
7. Focus puller
The focus puller works closely with the camera operator to make sure that the camera image is always in focus. They do this either manually by adjusting the lens by hand or remotely using wireless controls.
8. Second Assistant Cameraman/woman (2nd AC, Camera Loader, Clapper Loader)
Working closely with the 1st AC the second assistant camera is the crew member who operates the clapperboard at the beginning of each take. Their task is also to load film stock into camera magazines if there is no film loader on set. Together with the fist AC they are in charge of camera transport.
9. Sound recordist / audio technician
They are in charge of the sound recording and works closely with the camera operator and DOP in respect of placement of microphones to attain the best possible sound recording. Their tasks are also to identify and eliminate any interference from any ambient sounds or wind noises. Their tools are a wide variety of microphones and sound mixers/recorders. He is often assisted by a boomer who operates the boom pole.
10. Gaffer
Responsible for all things lighting, working closely with the DOP to create the atmosphere needed for each individual scene. They will have a wide variety of lights and fixtures at their disposal and have a very practical but creative approach to their installation.
11. Electrician
Answering directly to the gaffer they will be setting up the lights according to the gaffers instructions and manage all things electrical connected with that.
12. Grip
Working together with the gaffer and DOP they will be a general aid at getting things moved around on set or making changes to any fixtures. They will also be in charge of any camera tracking shots and will lay tracks and operate the dolly.
13. PA/Runner
On hand to run errands, pick up lunch or snacks, helping the grip or production team in general. They are often the driver too. Usually manned by a younger crew member who has just entered the industry.
14. Fixer/Production coordinator
This person has similar duties to the Line Producer, organising and coordinating shoot logistics. Our people are all bilingual which makes communications much easier and facilitates a smooth and efficient workflow.
Clients often request such a person, who can not only translate but has other hands on skills which keep the production moving along.
15. Make up artist
One of the major problems we encounter filming people is shiny faces, caused by heat from studio or location lighting units. This is where the make up artist enters and powders faces so the face still looks natural and the shine is eliminated. In addition the make up artist attends to hair and wardrobe making sure the talent is well presented.
16. DIT / Media Wrangler
The Digital Imaging Technician is a relatively new film crew job brought on by the need to secure and manage the digital files and data produced by digital cameras. Their responsibility may also be to perform color correction during the shoot and manage the production’s workflow. They take the camera memory cards and using secure software backs up the files on hard drives. They need to command an in depth knowledge of all things codecs and formats and since they’re the one entrusted with all the footage there’s a whole lot of responsibility resting on their shoulders.
17. Steadicam and Gimbal operator
Moving images is what film-making is all about and freeing the camera from a static tripod is an essential requirement.
The Steadicam operator is a highly skilled camera operator that uses a Steadicam rig. Basically it’s a sophisticated harness which is worn on the body.
Steadicam rigs can be equipped with a wide variety of cameras too and they deliver dynamic imagery which can be seen in almost every film around.
Apart from having unique technical and creative skills the Steadicam operator needs to be top fit physically because a fully rigged Steadicam is heavy. They will often be required to run or climb stairs, and sometimes these scenes have to repeated.
There are other types of stabilization devices like the MoVI and Ronin. which operate differently from the Steadicam and are extremely popular.
18. Drone and FPV drone operators
Capturing additional footage from a drone’s or an FPV (“first person view”) perspective can immensely enhance the visuals of a film. Drones come in a shapes and sizes – from small quad-copter for simple shots, to larger and heavier octo-copter and FPV drones that need to be operated by a two person crew.
There’s the spotter – who makes sure that there’s a clear view and an unobstructed passage for the drone. The operator itself manages the visuals and flies the drone. Stunning imagery guaranteed!
At Camera Crew Germany we pride ourselves with a vast network of skilled professionals. Our crews are hand selected and located all over Europe. Whether you need a camera operator in Frankfurt, a drone operator in Munich or a fixer in Paris – we’ve got them and more!
Get in touch with us for your next project!
