Who Is Who On Set

So, you finally got your first role. You know how to behave. Now you need to learn about all those people running around you for most of the day. Well, all of those mentioned below want to make sure that you look the best and that you can present your best acting. Meet the crew.

Production

Executive Producer (EP)

The executive producer is the person with the money or who managed to get the money for the production. 

Producer

This person manages the production. The producer would hire the director and essential crew members. Producers report to Executive Producers they can hire and fire any person involved in the movie's production. 

Co-Producer

The producer hires the co-producer the help produce the movie. 

Line Producer / Showrunner

The line producer is the person that is looking after all the details of the movie production, from its pre-production, through location selection. The Line Producer would look after the budget allocation and ensure the movie's production goes smoothly - like a production line. All department heads report to him.

Production Manager / Unit Production Manager

The Production Manager ensures the project stays on budget and has to consider all the details. He hires the crew members and approves time cards and spending.

Unit Manager

The Unit Manager is responsible for setting up the base unit on the location. The Unit manager looks after meals, utilities, trailers etc. and oversees all Production Assistants.

Associate Producer (AP)

The associate producer helps Producers and Co-Producers in making the film. They're very involved in the specific project and contribute much of their energy and time to make it successful. 

Production Caterer

Ensures that all of the crew is adequately fed and does not starve on the set

Directors 

Director

The director uses his/her/their vision to turn a script into a movie. 

First Assistant Director (1st AD)

Keeps the shot on schedule and works closely with the Unit Production Manager. Ensures that all departments are in sync with each other.

Second Assistant Director (2nd AD)

The second assistant director ensures each shot's wardrobe, location, props, and actors are ready when required. He would need to know where you are from the moment you arrive.

Third Assistant Director (3rd AD / 2nd-2nd AD)

Third Assistance Director looks after background performers and oversees Production Assistants

Script Supervisor (Continuity Person)

The script supervisor is responsible for ensuring continuity. Makes sure that dialogue, props, costume, and the blocking of the scene match between the takes. If you google around, you'll find lots of funny discontinuities around, donuts changing into croissants, and coffee cups appearing here and there. Without a script supervisor on set, you would see many more of those.

Production Assistant (PA)

Production assistants are members of the film crew working on different aspects of the production, sometimes assisting specific actors or other filmmakers. Many people start work within the industry from this position. There are multiple types of Production Assistants.

• Office PA

• Set PA

• Post-production PA

• Truck PA

• Locations PA

• Set runner PA

Camera and Lighting

Director of Photography (DP)

The Director of Photography works with the director to set up how each scene should be recorded, including the type of take, camera movement, lenses, the lighting of the location and so on. He tells gaffers, camera assistants and grips what needs to get done. 

Camera Operator

The camera operator works with the director of photography to take precisely the type of shot he wants.

Focus Puller

With film cameras, the focus of the lens is controlled manually by the focus puller. Focus puller ensures that the person in the shot is always sharp or that the focus changes to the object of interest. 

Camera Assistant (AC) 

The Camera Assistants push the camera across the tracks and change the tape, batteries, memory cards etc. 

Gaffer

Gaffers are responsible for the lighting on set. All the gaffers report to the Head Gaffer.

Sound Crew

Production Sound Mixer (Sound Recordist)

The production sound mixer makes sure that the dialogue that is recorded on set is clear.

Sound Assistant (Cablesperson)

The sound assistant provides help to both the production sound mixer and the boom operator. They make sure that the headphones and receivers are working and that their batteries are fully charged. The sound assistant will also attach lavaliers.

Boom Operator (Boom Swinger)

The boom operator makes sure that the microphone is where it should be and does not get into the shoot. They coordinate how the microphones need to move with the Director Of Photography.

Art Department

Set Designer

The set designer fulfills the vision that the director has for each location.

Set Decorator

The set decorator works with the set designer and the prop master to add details to the location. The set decorator would use lighting, furniture, art, carpets and any required props to complete the scene and fulfill the overall vision. 

Property Master

Any object you interact with in a scene was selected by a prop master. The prop master has found an appropriate prop and ensures that the prop is used correctly. 

Property Maker

The person that makes props

Muscle

Key Grip

The Key Grip is the head of all the grips on the set. Grips would move camera cranes, platforms and dollies. They would also move parts of the scenography if necessary.

Dolly Grip

The Dolly Grip is a specialized person responsible for moving the dolly track (the small cart that the camera and operator sit on). 

Grip Best Boy

The Grip Best Boy is in charge of all the grips on the set and their equipment.

Electric Best Boy 

The Electric Best Boy overseas all the electricians and electrical equipment on the set.

Makeup, Hair and Costume

Special Effects Makeup (SFX Artist)

Special effects makeup artists make sure you look your worst. They Specialize in scars, bruises, blood and anything gore. They'll happily turn you into a zombie or place a bullet straight through your forehead.

Makeup

Markup artists make sure you look your best.

Hairdresser

The hair department makes sure that your hair looks best. They'll also look into setting up wigs, extensions and anything else you need for the take.

Costumer (Wardrobe)

The wardrobe person is responsible for all of the costumes on the set. Ensures they are clean and does ad-hoc alterations if necessary.