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.