Job Roles in the
Film Industry
Director – the director is responsible for
overseeing the creative aspects of a film, including controlling the content
and flow of the films plot, directing the performances of actors, organising
and selecting the locations in which the film will be shot, and managing
technical details such as the positioning of cameras, the use of lighting, and
the timing and content of the films soundtrack. Though the director wields a
great deal of power, they are ultimately subordinate to the film’s producer or
producers. Some directors, especially more established ones, take on many of
the roles of a producer.
Assistant director -
The role of an assistant director on a film includes tracking daily
progress against the filming production schedule, arranging logistics,
preparing daily call sheets, checking cast and crew, and maintaining order on
the set. They also have to take care of the health and safety of the crew.
Producer – a film producer creates the
conditions for making movies. The producer initiates, coordinates, supervises,
and controls matters such as raising funding, hiring key people, and arranging
for distributors. The producer is involved throughout all phases of the
film making process from development to completion of a project.
Executive Producer – an executive producer is usually
an investor in the project. There may be multiple executive producers on a
project, depending on the financing arrangements.
Production manager – the production manager supervises
the physical aspects of the production including the actors, technology,
budget, and scheduling. It is the production managers responsibility to make
sure the filming stays on schedule and on budget. The PM also helps manage the
day-to-day budget by managing operating costs such as salaries, production
costs, and everyday equipment rental costs. The PM often works under the
supervision of a line producer and directly supervises the production
co-ordinator.
Unit manager – the unit manager fulfills the same
role as the production manager but for secondary “unity” shooting.
Production co-ordinator – the production co-ordinator is
responsible for organizing all the logistics from hiring crew, renting
equipment, and booking talent. The PC is an integral part of a film production.
Post-production supervisor – these are responsible for the post
production process, during which they maintain clarity of information and good
channels of communication between the producer, editor, supervising sound
editor, the facilities companies (such as film labs, CGI studios and negative
cutters) and the production accountant. Although this is not a creative role,
it is pivotal in ensuring that the films post production budget is manageable
and achievable, and that all deadlines are met. Because large amounts of money
are involved, and most of a films budget is spent during production, the post
production period can often be difficult and challenging.
First assistant director – The role of an assistant director on
a film includes tracking daily progress against the filming production schedule,
arranging logistics, preparing daily call sheets, checking cast and crew, and
maintaining order on the set. They also have to take care of the health and
safety of the crew.
Second assistant director - t he role of an assistant director on
a film includes tracking daily progress against the filming production
schedule, arranging logistics, preparing daily call sheets, checking cast and
crew, and maintaining order on the set.
Production assistant - A production assistant, also known as a
PA, is a member of the film crew and is a job title used in film making and
television for a person responsible for various aspects of a production.
Script supervisor - A script supervisor (also called continuity
supervisor) is a member of a film crew and oversees the continuity of the
motion picture including wardrobe, props, set dressing, hair, makeup and the
actions of the actors during a scene. ... They are also responsible to keep
track of the film production unit's daily progress.
Stunt coordinator - A stunt coordinator, usually an
experienced stunt performer, is hired by a TV, film or theatre director or Production
Company for stunt casting that is to arrange the casting (stunt players and
stunt doubles) and performance of stunts for a film, television programme or a
live audience.
Casting director - the person responsible for assigning
roles in a film or play.
Production designer - Production
designers are
responsible for the visual concept of a film, television or theatre production. They identify a design style for sets, locations, graphics,
props, lighting, camera angles and costumes, while working closely with the
director and producer.
Cast director - A casting director is sometimes assisted by a casting associate;
productions with large numbers of extras may have their own extras casting director. The "CD" remains as a liaison between director, actors and their agents/managers and the
studio/network to get the characters in the script cast.
Location manager - The location manager is a member of the film crew
responsible for the finding and securing locations to be used, obtaining all needed fire,
police and other governmental permits, and coordinating the logistics involved
for the production to successfully complete its necessary work.
