The Film Production Team

It takes a huge number of people to put together a feature or documentary film or a television show. From the director down to the best boy, everyone has an important role to play. Let's take a look at the film production team.

Pre-Production

The Writer writes the script, commentary and dialogue.

The Producer raises the money and is responsible for the overall production.

Production

The Director interprets the script or proposal into film, and directs actors and production crew through the production manager and assistant director.

The Cinematographer (or Director of Photography) sets up shots according to the wishes of the director.

The Production Manager draws up the budgets and schedules, and manages them for the duration of the shoot.

The Assistant Director maintains order on the set, and makes sure actors are present when needed.

The Line Producer coordinates all financial and scheduling aspects of the shooting phase of the production.

The Composer composes the theme and music for the film.

The Narrator is the off-camera voice of the film.

The Assistant Camera sets up the camera, keeps it clean, loads film, operates the clapper board and keeps the camera report sheet.

The Gaffer places the lights where directed.

The Best Boy assists the Gaffer and positions the cables.

The Grip moves equipment, builds scaffold, lays track.

The Boom Operator manoeuvers microphones.

The Sound Recorder records sounds and directs the boom operator.

Post-Production

The Sound Editor synchronizes the sound track with the visuals, and cuts in sound effects, music and narration.

The Sound Mixer brings together all the individual sound tracks, combining them into one cohesive master track.

The Picture Editor arranges the shots together into the final form, according to the director's vision of the film.

Other people not listed here are equally important:

The Art Director creates the look of the film through the use of sets, lighting, costumes and props; and works with the Set Designer to achieve the final look.

The Special Effects Designer creates the spectacular stunts and effects that look so real onscreen.

The Makeup Artist can completely change the way an actor looks.

The Costume Designer creates the clothing the actors wear.

Next time you watch a movie, pay close attention to the closing credits and see if we've left anyone out.