The assignment of production roles is an integral process of film production. The film industry relies on a hierarchical arrangement of roles for organizational purposes. The roles outlined here represent the general structure of a production team as determined by the industry, providing a quick overview of how each member of the team relates to the others. These roles may be different for your team due to variables such as team size and individual skill sets. However you establish your structure, be sure you each understand how your position relates to all the others, with clear lines of responsibility.
Production Roles
Production Roles
The Producer of any student film serves as the key point-person for the production and is responsible for mobilizing resources.
Generally, the line producer manages the budget for a film and/or daily operations. For low budget student films, it may be possible for you to split the line producer’s tasks with those of the Producer and Production Assistant.
A Production Assistant must be competent to support all aspects of film production. They conduct various crucial tasks, from organizing sets to distributing scripts to crowd control. Typical tasks may include but are not limited to:
- Help with set preparation (lights, props, equipment etc.)
- Assist other crew members
- Administrative tasks such as printing and distributing paperwork (e.g. scripts, call sheets)
- Tackle other errands
The Director is responsible for visualizing the script. They direct the actors and all members of the crew in accordance with their vision. They are the primary decision makers on the creative aspects of the film including its dramatic set-up and sound/light choices. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Casting and working with actors
- Interpreting script
- Directing Director of Photography
- Assisting editors in the post-production process
The Assistant Director supports the Director in organizing and monitoring the crew. Their tasks are primarily managerial:
- Work with director to supervise daily operations
- Create and ensure schedules are maintained
- Ensure the health and safety of the crew
- Other duties assigned by Director
Typically, the Director of Photography (DP) and cinematographer are interchangeable terms to describe the individual handling the shooting of the film.
- Deciding on and organizing a film’s visual elements
- Ordering and testing camera and lighting equipment
- Deciding on camera angles and frames
The Camera Operator is responsible for assembling and operating technical equipment.
The Screenwriter is responsible for writing and developing the script, known as a screenplay, for a film. They create the story that all other members of the production are working to realize. The screenplay can originate from original ideas, or adaptations of existing stories.
A Script Supervisor oversees the continuity of the film. They are responsible for ensuring that each department adheres to the script and the details listed in it.
The chief Lighting Designer of the film is also known as a Gaffer. For small scale student productions, the Gaffer often operates the lights themselves. The Gaffer will typically work for the Director of Photography (DP). Their responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Speaking with the director and other designers to develop design concepts and establish a schedule for sharing design plans
- Beginning design work using research and observations made during location scouting or from location photographs
- Attending pre-production meetings and experimenting with lighting when useful
- Completing light plot showing instrument type and location within a ground plan of the shooting
A Sound Engineer prepares and operates the equipment necessary to capture sound. This includes editing and mixing of production and post-production location sound, foley and sound track media. They typically suggest appropriate equipment based on the needs of the production as well.
The Art Department is responsible for designing the various elements of a production. Below is a list of potential members that you may be interested in recruiting:
Costume Designer: Creates costumes/outfits for the characters in the film.
Properties Head: Selects and assigns props for scenes in the film.
Set Designer: Creates and decides on arrangements for the set(s) of the film.
The Editor is responsible for assembling the raw footage into the finished product. They may also be required to coordinate special effects, sound effects, and graphics into the film.
Craft Services is responsible for providing the cast and production team with meals, snacks, and beverages during the pre-production stages of the film.