Post 1d - Job Roles

JOB ROLES RESEARCH

What does each job/department do?

• Direction - Director is responsible for the creative vision, style and choices of the film. Is backed up by the Assistant Director to make decisions. Script Supervisor keeps an eye on continuity and the how the film will need to be edited. Runners are general supporters and having basic duties for all production departments.
• Camera - The Director of Photography is the 'photographic heart' of the film, they provide the input on the style and look of the film and tell the Director what can and can't be done. The Script Supervisor will also work with the camera department to ensure that continuity editing is being performed correctly and there is no breaking of the rules within film [rule of thirds, 180 degree etc]. The main camera operator will have an assistant to help move and set up the camera, multiple cameras will require multiple cameras. All the camera operators shoot the film. All of the technical aspects of camera-work are given specific jobs, such as crane and steadycam operator if required.
• Lighting - The Director of Photography again is the head of this department, as they have the say in how lighting is placed to give a tone to a shot. Technicians for all types of lighting are on hand to move and set up lights for each shot and a Gaffer leads these technicians, along with a Best-Boy (Assistant Chief Lighting Technician).
• Production Sound - Records all the sound on set and ensures all dialogue is recorded. Sound mixers ensure that all the recorded sound is clear and will have assistants to help out. Boom mic operators will be the ones who hold the microphones for each shot and ensure that the sound is recorded.
• Art Department - Contains the largest number of people in a department. This department is the one which creates the sets and will consist of a Production Designer, Art Director [along with assistant and stand-by art directors], Researchers, Graphic Designers, Concept Artists etc to ensure that the set is made precisely to the film and is thoroughly researched before making.