Crash Course Film Production

Introduction

• Filmmaking can be daunting after screenplay and pre-production.
• Orson Welles’ quote: “A writer needs a pen, an artist needs a brush, but a filmmaker needs an army.”
• Whether you need a large crew or a few disciplined artists depends on the movie.

Film Set and Crew

• Principal Photography: Main phase where most of the movie is filmed.
• Above the Line vs. Below the Line: A distinction from studio days based on budget allocations.
  • Above the Line: Writers, directors, producers, key actors.
  • Below the Line: Crew members paid a daily rate.

Key Roles and Departments

Production Team

• Unit Production Manager (UPM):
  • General of the filmmaker’s army.
  • Manages hiring, pre-production, and logistics.
  • Oversees pre-production activities like location scouting and shooting schedules.
• First Assistant Director (First AD):
  • Head of the production department.
  • Handles daily shoot schedules and safety.
• Second Assistant Director (Second AD):
  • Manages base camp activities and communication with actors.
  • Prepares daily call sheets.

Camera Department

• Director of Photography (DP)/Cinematographer: Responsible for the visual look, creates a shot list with the director.
• Camera Crew includes operators and assistants (ACs), the latter maintaining equipment and continuity notes.

Lighting and Grip Departments

• Gaffer: Chief lighting technician implementing scene lighting.
• Grip Department: Handles rigging of lights and camera equipment.

Art Department

• Production Designer: Works with the director for the visual setting of the film.
• Art Director: Executes the plans of the production designer.

Wardrobe and HMU

• Costume Designer: Manages costume creation and continuity.
• Hair and Makeup (HMU): Prepares actors’ appearances to match the scene requirements.

Special Effects

• Special Effects Supervisor: Manages on-set effects and stunts, ensuring safety.

Other Key Roles

• Sound Department: Sound recordist and boom operator collaborate for audio capture.
• Script Supervisor: Ensures dialogue accuracy and continuity.
• Locations Department: Scouts and manages filming locations.
• Transportation Department: Manages logistics of equipment and personnel movement.
• Catering & Craft Services: Provides meals and snacks, crucial for crew morale.

Conclusion

• Film crewing is demanding but attracts passionate individuals.
• Next episode will delve deeper into roles, starting with the camera.

Additional Resources

• Check out PBS Digital Studios for related content.

Podcast Credits

• Filmed at Dr. Cheryl C. Kinney Crash Course Studio with support from Thought Cafe graphics team.