Overview
This lecture covers the structure and roles of a film crew, explains how film productions scale, and introduces the main departments and key crew members involved in making a movie.
Film Crew Structure & Scalability
- Film crews can be large or small depending on the needs and scale of the movie.
- Every successful film has similar types of jobs, but the number of crew varies.
- Film crew roles are divided into “above the line” (creative leads) and “below the line” (technical/support staff).
Key Production Roles
- The Unit Production Manager (UPM) is responsible for hiring crew, managing logistics, and overseeing pre-production.
- The 1st Assistant Director (1st AD) runs the set, schedules daily shoots, coordinates departments, and ensures safety.
- The 2nd Assistant Director (2nd AD) manages logistics at base camp, call sheets, and communicates with actors and PAs.
- Production Assistants (PAs) support all departments by anticipating needs and relaying information.
Main Departments on Set
- Camera Department: Led by the Director of Photography (DP), responsible for visual storytelling and camera crew management.
- Electric Department: Gaffer (chief lighting technician) manages lighting, assisted by the Best Boy Electric.
- Grip Department: Handles rigging and lighting control, led by the Key Grip and Best Boy Grip.
- Script Supervisor: Ensures script accuracy and continuity for editing.
- Sound Department: Sound Mixer oversees on-set audio, with a Boom Operator capturing dialogue.
Supporting Departments
- Art Department: Led by the Production Designer, creates and dresses sets and props.
- Wardrobe: Costume Designer and Costume Supervisor manage outfits and continuity.
- Hair & Makeup (HMU): Prepares actors’ appearance, sometimes using Special Effects Makeup for complex scenes.
- Special Effects: Supervisor manages physical effects and safety, aided by the Stunt Coordinator and Set Medic as needed.
- Locations Department: Scouts, secures, and manages filming locations.
- Transportation: Moves equipment and crew, managed by the Transportation Manager.
- Catering and Craft Services: Provide meals and snacks; essential for crew morale and safety.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Above the Line — Creative roles like writers, directors, producers, and principal actors.
- Below the Line — Technical/support roles like crew members paid by the day.
- Unit Production Manager (UPM) — Manages logistics, hiring, and production coordination.
- 1st Assistant Director (1st AD) — Runs the set, manages schedule, and ensures safety.
- Director of Photography (DP) — Also called cinematographer; shapes the film’s visual style.
- Gaffer — Chief lighting technician, head of the Electric Department.
- Key Grip — Head of the Grip Department, in charge of rigging and non-electrical equipment.
- Script Supervisor — Tracks dialogue accuracy and continuity.
- Production Designer — Designs the look and environments of the film.
- Best Boy — Second-in-command in Grip/Electric departments.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare for the next lecture, which will focus on the camera and its central role on set.