Film Terms
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ABOVE-THE-LINE -Executive
Producer -Writer - Assistance -Talent |
BELOW-THE-LINE-Production -Art Department./Set
Dressing -Construction -Prop Department -Camera -Sound -Electrical |
-Grip -Wardrobe -Makeup & Hairdressing -Special
Effects/Pyrotechnics (FX) -Food -Transportation -Locations -Editorial |
Post ProductionPost Production SupervisorPost Production Coordinator -Music
-Sound
MISCELLANEOUS-Publicity |
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1st AD -The highest-ranking AD, called the first AD, has several duties. He or she creates the overall shooting schedule, which lists the days for filming each scene, and manages many of the day-to-day problems that arise on the set. Each day the first AD also submits the following day's call sheet (schedule for cast and crew) to the UPM and the director for approval. And the first AD works with the director during shooting, assisting in the preparation for each shot. |
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2nd AD -The second AD assists the first AD by getting the cast and crew to the right places at the right times, looking after extras (people who appear in the background to lend reality to the film), and taking care of many of the details involved in preparing for the next day's filming. |
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AAAA Associated Actors and Artistes of America. An AFL-CIO affiliated organization that was established in 1919 and incorporates major unions and guilds which represent actors and entertainers in the US, such as the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), Actors' Equity Association (AEA), the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA), the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), and the Screen Extras Guild (SEG). |
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Animal Performers. Animal appeal has been used by the film industry to attract audiences since the early days of film. In Hollywood, animals are rented from nearby ranches or from trainers who specialize in particular species or breeds. Animal "acting" is achieved only after exhaustive training (animals are customarily tricked into performing by the instant gratification of a morsel of food), patience (easily frightened animals are sometimes given tranquilizers), clever cutting (shots of an animal's aimless movements are later edited to appear as logical to the film's action), and a variety of other special techniques (several look-alike animals are frequently used for the same role). |
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Animal Trainer Someone who conditions animals to perform various behaviors on cue. |
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Art Department The section of a production's crew concerned with visual artistry. Working under the supervision of the production designer and/or art director, the art department is responsible for arranging the overall "look" of the film (i.e. modern/high-tech, rustic, futuristic, etc.) as desired by the director. Individual positions within in this department include: production designer, production buyer, special effects supervisor, draftsman, art director, assistant art director, set decorator, set dresser, property master, lead person, swing gang, and property assistant. |
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Art Swing Gang AKA: Carpenter A group within the art department that construct and take down a set. The head of the swing gang is a lead person. Contrast with grips. |
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Art Director The designer of a film set, who has a major role in the overall look and presentation of a film. |
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Assistant
Art Director An assistant to the art director. |
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Asst. Film Editor Assistant editors do more than splice film. They are responsible for preparing the work for editors, ordering whatever is needed, maintaining schedules, arranging screenings for the directors and producers, supervising apprentices, and providing all necessary general support for Film Editors. |
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Author / Producer - |
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Best Boy (Electric and Grip). Also known as Assistant Chief Lighting Technician, this is the the chief assistant, often of the gaffer, but sometimes used as a general term for the second in command of a group. They are sometimes responsible for the menial lighting tasks such as placing reflectors and flags at their proper place for filming, but their job often consists of ordering parts and expendables. They work closely with gaffers. |
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Body Double For some shots, a director may consider that a particular actor's body may not be suitable for the impression desired. In these situations, the actor is "doubled" (replaced) by a person whose body is more suitable. Typically, body doubles are used for shots requiring nudity or depictions of physical fitness. Contrast with stunt double and stand-in. |
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Boom Operator The individual responsible for operating the boom on which a microphone is placed. On the boom, the microphone can dangle above the actor's picking up any dialog while still remaining out of the cameras view. |
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Cable Operator This crew member is responsible for the handling of all sound-related cables. The Cable Operator has to lay the cables, tape the cables, and drag the cables to follow the camera. |
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Camera Operator The person who is responsible for translating the instructions on the exposure sheet into camera moves and photographing the artwork. |
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Casting Associate Individual in charge of the casting process where actors are reviewed to see if they match the character description of a particular character in a motion picture's script. |
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Casting Director AKA: Extras Casting, Casting Assistant, Casting Associate The person who auditions and helps to select all of the speaking role actors in film, television shows or plays. The CD must possess a vast knowledge of the actor pool and be able to match a variety of actors with just the right role. Directors and producers rely on the Casting Director to assist them with assembling the perfect cast for their production. Casting Directors are also responsible for serving as the liaison between the director, and the actors and their agents. CDs negotiate the deals with agents once the actors have been cast and are also responsible for the contracts and SAG of each actor. |
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Caterer AKA: Catering A person or company who provides the main meals for cast and crew either on set or on location. See also craft service. |
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Composer Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras, choirs, and glee clubs. Include arrangers, composers, choral directors, and orchestrator. |
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Concept Artist Individual responsible for creating conceptual drawings and/or paintings based on ideas or the script of a film. These drawings help the director, producer, and other members of the creative aspects of the film conceptualize the film and decide what looks best. |
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Construction Coordinator AKA: Construction Foreman, Constructions Manager Financial responsibilities include budgeting, tracking coasts, generating reports, etc. Though drawings, a construction coordinator is directed artistically by the Production Designer and Art Director to produce their "vision" in three dimensions. Also responsible for the physical integrity of the structures built by the construction department. |
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Consultant An expert in any particular field who is hired as a consultant on a motion picture set to ensure the accuracy of details in his specialized area. A former naval officer may be asked to give advice on the workings of a submarine, or a native of Nepal to authenticate background details concerning his country from customs to costumes. |
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Co-Producer A producer who performs a substantial portion of a creative producing function, or who is primarily responsible for one or more managerial producing functions. A co-producer has less responsibility than a producer for the completion of a project. Note that if a project has more than one producer, it doesn't mean that these individuals are "co-producers" in the technical sense of that term. |
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Costume Designer The person who conceives and draws designs for the costumes to be worn by the actors in the movie. The sketches are most often done in color after a careful study of the script. Approval must be received from the producer, director, and the art director. |
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Costumer AKA: Wardrobe, Assistant Wardrobe, Wardrobe Assistant A person responsible for handling the costumes worn by actors. |
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Craft Services Responsible for maintaining a table of snacks between meal periods; sometimes they feed the crew or extras. See also catering. |
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Director - are responsible for the creative decisions of a production. They interpret scripts, express concepts to set and costume designers, audition and select cast members, conduct rehearsals, and direct the work of cast and crew. Directors approve the design elements of a production, including sets, costumes, choreography, and music. |
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Director of
Photography This is the person in charge of lighting a set and photographing a film. Also known as "first cameraman," he is expected to transform the screenwriter's and director's concepts into visual images. Often referred to as the "DP" by the film crew. |
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Driver AKA: Transportation Captain A person who drives either equipment or passenger trucks, typically between location shootings, sets, and the studio. The chief driver is called the transportation captain. |
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Editor The individual who decides what scenes and takes are to be used, how, when, and in what sequence, and for how long they will appear. |
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Executive Producer AKA: Executive in Charge of Production A producer who is not involved in any technical aspects of the filmmaking process, but who is still responsible for the overall production. Typically an executive producer handles business and legal issues. |
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Extras In addition to the actors with speaking parts, "extras," who have small parts with no lines to deliver, are used throughout the industry. |
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Film Loader Keep reports of film checked out of the loading room. Upload and download all film magazines. Help store all camera equipment in the camera department or in the loading room. |
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First
Assistant Camera Unpack, assemble, and adjust the camera. Ensure that the camera is mechanically fit for photography. Clean lenses and other camera parts. Make sure the equipment is in perfect working order. Move the camera and tripod to a new set-up and assure that the camera is level. Thread the camera and measure the distances. Set the lens focus, and follow the focus during photography. Operate the zoom lens, making changes as rehearsed. |
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Focus
Puller AKA: B Cameraman A member of the camera crew who adjusts the focus of the camera during filming. See also assistant cameraman. |
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Foam
Technician AKA: Foam Runner A person responsible for creating foam latex prosthetic appliances from a sculpture created by a makeup artist. |
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Foley Artist The individual responsible for creating sound effects to be used in a film in a controlled environment. A foley artist can get very creative in his/her search for what makes the perfect sound to achieve a particular effect. For example, most punching sounds heard in movies are often a few stalks of celery wrapped in a wet cloth which is placed on a leather cushion and smacked with a stick. |
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Gaffer The boss grip or Chief Lighting Technician. Works directly with the Director of Photography and is in charge of all of the electricians (the people who place the lights). |
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Grip and Lighting -The Grip crew within the company is made up of the Key Grip, Second Company Grip, the Crane or Dolly Grip, and any number of Company Grips. The Key Grip, the gaffer (head of the set lighting department within the company) and the cameraman are the core of the technical crew which implement the director's vision. The Dolly Grips prepare for a moving camera shot by constructing the track upon which the dolly or crane will roll, carrying the camera. Dolly Grips are also responsible for moving the crane or dolly during this shot. Grips also contribute to the lighting process; after the set lighting technicians have placed, aimed, and adjusted the lights, Grips set up the equipment used to cast shadows necessary to achieve desired effects. If placement of the camera requires moving the walls of the set, the Grips perform the work. |
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Greensman A member of the crew who procures, places, and maintains any vegetation on a set. |
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Hair and Make-up -provide beauty services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair. They may advise clients on how to care for their hair, straighten or permanent wave hair, or lighten or darken hair color. Additionally, cosmetologists may train to give manicures, pedicures, and scalp and facial treatments; provide makeup analysis; and clean and style wigs and hairpieces. |
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Hair Supervisor Individual in charge of any hair styling applied to an actor. |
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Lead Person Member of the art department who is in charge of swing gangs and/or set dressers and reports to the set decorator. |
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Lighting Technician A member of the electrical department that is responsible for operating lights and lighting equipment on a set. |
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Line Producer A producer who is responsible for managing every person and issue during the making of a film. Line producers only work on one film at a time. |
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Loader The individual responsible for loading a camera with a new roll of film as needed or requested. |
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Location Manager The person who scouts for the location to shoot at. |
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Make-up Supervisor Individual in charge of any make-up applied to either an actor's face or to a puppet. The actor or puppet is generally made-up before filming, but during filming, sometimes the make-up wears off and new make-up must applied on location. |
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Personal Assistant
to Star A Personal Assistant is required to take on numerous duties and must be ready to help out with any request the employer may have. Being "one step ahead" is a requirement. Predicting what the individual may need, want, say, do or feel is what an assistant strives for. This person is its employer's greatest asset because they are the one and only resource needed and have the ability to handle anything that may come up at any given time. A Personal Assistant can handle it all.
There is no outline of specifics as to what this
job entails. It is up to you and your employer to define what your role will
be. Some Personal Assistants handle business related matters only. Some
work out of the home. Some assist in planning activities (professional and
personal). There are assistants whose jobs encompass all areas of their
employer's. |
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Post Production
Coordinator A production assistant working for the post-production supervisor. |
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Post Production Supervisor A person overseeing the entire post-production of a project. They report directly to the producer and/or the studio in charge of the feature. Working side by side with the director and editor, the supervisor has the responsibility of finishing the film on time and on budget while satisfying the wants of the director. Post-production supervisors have authority over post-production coordinators. Typical duties include: Controlling all activities with vendors such as optical houses, sound facilities, inserts, ADR, re-shooting, CGI, score, delivery requirements to domestic and international distributors, legal clearances, preview screenings, color timing, video mastering and budgeting the movie through the completion and delivery. |
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Pre-production The first phase of manufacturing a motion picture where the screenplay is written, the film project is financed and budgeted, and the artistic conceptualization begins. |
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Production Buyer A person who purchases supplies, equipment, and property necessary for a production. |
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Production Coordinator Reporting to the film's producer, this person is responsible for the practical matters such as ordering equipment, getting near-location accommodations for the cast and crew, etc. |
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Producer - are entrepreneurs, overseeing the business and financial decisions of a production. They select scripts and approve development of script ideas, arrange financing, and determine the size and cost of stage, radio, television, video, or motion picture productions. Producers hire directors, principal cast members, and key production staff members. They also negotiate contracts with artistic and design personnel in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and guarantee payment of salaries, rent, and other expenses. Producers coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers, and agents to ensure that each project stays on schedule and within budget. |
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Production Accountant AKA: Accountant The person responsible for managing finances during the production. |
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Production Designer Responsible for designing the set for the production. |
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Production Coordinator/Manager AKA: Production Supervisor, Production Coordinator, PM Reporting to the film's producer, this person is responsible for the practical matters such as ordering equipment, getting near-location accommodations for the cast and crew, etc. |
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Production Secretary Secretary to the production manager. |
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Property Assistant AKA: Prop Assistant Responsible for the placement and maintenance of props on a set. |
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Property Master The person responsible for the availability, maintenance, and placement of all props on the set. In the studio vernacular, he is usually called "props." |
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Publicity
Director AKA: Publicity Executive Person employed by a studio to conceive and oversee the publicity campaign that opens a movie. In many cases, this person never even appears on the set -- especially if the movie is a pickup and didn't have a releasing studio at the time it was produced. In other cases, this person is frequently on the set and directly supervises the efforts of the unit publicist. |
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Re-Recording Mixer A member of the sound crew responsible for mixing the final sound elements (dialogue, music, sound effects and foley). In most feature films and some television shows there is a crew of three re-recording mixers (one for dialog, one for sound effects and foley and one for music.) Sometimes in television the music mixer mixes the foley for expediency. There are also two-person crews in which the dialog mixer (generally considered the lead mixer) mixes music as well, with the other person mixing sound effects and foley. |
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Second Assistant Camera Receive and keep inventory on raw film stock. Prepare the slate that describes the scene on which they are working. Download exposed film for shipment to the lab. Reload all magazines with fresh raw film stock. |
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Second Second Assistant Director AKA: 2nd 2nd Assistant Director, Third Assistant Director, 3rd Assistant Director An assistant to the second assistant director; responsible for (among other things) directing the movements of extras. |
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Second Unit AKA: 2nd Unit A small, subordinate crew responsible for filming shots of less importance, such as inserts, crowds, scenery, etc. |
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Set Medic The set medic provides for the medical needs and emergency medical logistics of the entire cast and crew and is the safety liaison between production/construction and various agencies. This person may be an emergency medical technician, paramedic, nurse, or physician. Most often the set medic is involved in the production from the beginning of pre-production or construction through filming or production through striking the set or post-production. |
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Screen Actors Guild A union established in 1933 that represents the interests of movie performers. It is affiliated with the AAAA (Associated Actors and Artistes of America). |
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Screenwriter The individual responsible for writing the actual screenplay for the motion picture. |
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Script Assistants distribute scripts to actors, keep detailed notes of all actions, positions and camera angles, and photograph and date scenes. |
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Script Supervisor This individual is responsible for making sure everything looks the same from one shot to the next. This is helpful especially when filming out of sequence. The script supervisor makes sure that actor's positions, the costumes/clothing, background, and much more is the same from one shot to the next to avoid inconsistencies. For example, if an actor is holding a cup with his left hand, the script supervisor makes sure that in the next shot, that actor is still holding the cup in his left hand. |
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Security Any individual who maintains security on a movie set or on location. A security official prevents unwanted persons from interrupting the filming process. Often, security is so tight for the filming of a motion picture that even a director like Steven Spielberg is not allowed onto the set without an official identification badge. |
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Set Construction A set is any scenery or environment built indoors or outdoors for use in a motion picture. Movie production companies usually have many large buildings where filmmakers can build their sets. Not all sets are built in a studio, however. Many sets are built outdoors. Where the set is built depends largely on what the script calls for and what is more practical. Building a set requires much brainpower and manpower. First, the set must be conceptualized and designed. It involves artists, architects, and many others to design a set. Once the artistic envisionment of a set is approved by the director and/or producer, the people responsible for constructing the set must decide the best way to build the set. They also have to build the set according to legal building standards. The sets must be as close to the conceptualization of them as well as be safe for cast and crew to work in and around. The actual physical construction of a set can take many weeks and many months, depending on the size and complexity of the required set. |
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Set Decorator The person responsible for placing furnishings such as furniture, rugs, lamps, draperies, wall paintings, books, and more around the movie set. This person takes commands from the set designer. |
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Set Designer A draftsman with architectural training, this person's duty is to sketch plans and list specifications for the building of sets from the verbal descriptions or rough sketches offered by the art director. |
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Set Dresser A person who physically decorates a set, placing elements such as curtains and paintings. Contrast with set decorator, property master. |
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Set Production Assistant AKA: PA, Gopher, Personal Assistant, Assistant To, Assistant To Producer A person responsible for various odd jobs, such as stopping traffic, acting as couriers, fetching items from craft service, etc. Production Assistants are often attached to individual actors or filmmakers.
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Sound Editor A member of the sound crew who performs editing on the soundtrack. See also dialog editor. |
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Sound Mixer -or re-recording mixers produce the sound track of a movie, television, or radio program. After filming or recording, they may use a process called dubbing to insert sounds. Field technicians set up and operate broadcasting portable field transmission equipment outside the studio. |
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Special Effects
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Special Effects Supervisor AKA: Special Effects Coordinator The chief of a production's special effects crew. |
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Stand-in Any individual who is similar in body structure and looks to a star actor in a film who can take that actor's place when it is not necessary to use the actual star actor. An example is when a script calls for a shot of the main character picking up a phone. If the director wants only a close-up shot of the hand and phone, then it is not necessary to call in the star actor just for his hand. Rather, the star actor can take a break while the stand-in appears on camera. |
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Star A famous actor. |
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Steadicam
Operators mount a harness and carry the camera on their shoulders to provide a more solid picture while they move about the action. |
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Studio
Teacher/welfare Worker Member of the production crew who is responsible for the schooling, health and safety of cast minors. Serves as a representative of the Labor Commissioner. |
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Stunt Coordinator The individual responsible for choreographing any stunts seen in a motion picture. It is this person's job to make sure the stunt is safe while still realistic. |
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Supporting Cast Only a few actors achieve recognition as stars on the stage, in motion pictures, or on television. A somewhat larger number are well-known, experienced performers, who frequently are cast in supporting roles. Most actors struggle for a toehold in the profession and pick up parts wherever they can. Many successful actors continue to accept small roles, including commercials and product endorsements. Some actors employed by theater companies teach acting courses to the public. |
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Swing Gang AKA: Carpenter A group within the art department that construct and take down a set. The head of the swing gang is a leadman. Contrast with grips. |
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Transportation
Coordinator AKA: Transportation Manager The person responsible for managing drivers and coordinating the transportation of a production's cast, crew, and equipment from the various locations and sets used for filming. |
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Production Manager -A producer's executive officer, who is responsible for balancing and supervising all the administrative and technical details of the production, from picking locations to budgeting and scheduling, and managing the activities of the entire crew. |
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Unit Publicist Member of the publicity department who works on location during the production of a movie. Duties includes working with the residents of the location where the film is being made, as well as setting up press visits and electronic press kit interviews. In addition, the unit publicist assembles the biographical materials and notes about the making of the movie that are later turned into the movie press kit. Unit publicists are itinerant -- they move from production to production and are on the production payroll. They report to the filmmakers and, if the film has a releasing studio, they also report to the publicity directors. Once principal photography is over, the unit publicist moves on to another job. |
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Wardrobe Supervisor -the person in charge of dispersion of costumes and clothing used on a motion picture production. |
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