You’ve finally landed a role in a movie. You’ve received your first call sheet and excitedly spotted your name. Now…who the heck are all those other people listed on there, and what exactly do they do?
While I hope this post will be useful to readers in all aspects of the film industry, I’m specifically directing it to my fellow actors. We don’t necessarily learn about the roles of a film crew in our college theater programs or ongoing scene study classes, but the truth is, production is “team sport”. Whether you’re an actor, a set costumer, a 2nd AD, a 2nd 2nd AD, or a dolly grip, it’s important to understand what all of the roles on a set are so you can be the best “team player” possible.
So, enough of this “cheesy sports analogy”. Here’s a simple breakdown of some key people you might come across on a set. You could fill a book…many books, actually…with all of the complexities of each of these jobs, so think of this as a very basic breakdown: “A Call Sheet Breakdown for Dummi- er- Actors”, if you will!
Production:
Director – This is the captain, the leader, the department head of all of the department heads.
1st AD – The conduit between the director and everyone else on set. This is the person that calls “last looks”, “picture is up”, “rolling”, etc.
2nd AD – Reports to the 1st AD. Responsibilities include everything from creating call sheets, leading the cast through hair/make-up/wardrobe, and making sure everyone is on set when they need to be.
2nd 2nd AD/3rd AD – This is the position below the 2nd AD on large productions where more help is needed. A 3rd AD (or 2nd 2nd) will often help wrangle and place background.
Script Supervisor – Watches for continuity and keeps a detailed log of filming. You will always find the script supervisor sitting next to the director and watching the monitor.
PA (Production Assistant) – This brave soul does all the stuff that no one else has time to do/wants to do.
Camera:
DP (Director of Photography) – Also known as the cinematographer. Works with the director to make artistic and technical decisions about the look of the film.
Camera Operator – Physically operates the camera under the DP’s direction.
1st AC (Assistant Camera) – Also known as the focus puller. The 1st AC measures and pulls focus for the camera operator. She/he also does the daily camera assembly and breakdown.
2nd AC (Assistant Camera) – Operates the clapboard, loads film, changes batteries and lenses, and manages logs and paperwork.
Sound:
Sound Mixer – The Sound Department head. Oversees the recording all sounds on set.
Boom Operator – Uses a boom pole with a microphone on the end to record dialogue and action.
Sound Utility – Assists the sound mixer and boom operator with multiple tasks including testing equipment, setting up microphones, and pulling cable.
Grip:
Grips are technicians who work with both the Camera Department and the Electrical Department to set up things like camera and lighting rigs, dolly tracks, cranes, etc. Remember Fraggle Rock? Well, Grips are like Doozers.
Key Grip – Head of the department.
Best Boy Grip – Main assistant to the key grip.
Dolly Grip – Specializes in setting up dolly tracks. Also, physically pushes the dolly with the camera (and camera operator) on it.
Lighting/Electrical
Gaffer – Head of the Electrical/Lighting Department. Works with the DP to execute the lighting of a set.
Best Boy Electric – The main assistant to the gaffer
Art Department
The Art Department runs deep. It’s helmed by a production designer and an art director and is made up of various smaller divisions like the Set, Construction, and Paint Departments. You may not see the production designer, set decorator and construction coordinator on set every day because there are times when they will be busy working on other sets for future shoot days on the movie. However, here are some of their representatives who cover the set daily:
On Set Dresser – Places and organizes decorative items on a set. For example, she might hang pictures and arrange furniture for an indoor scene or place leaves and debris on the ground for an outdoor scene.
Standby Painter – Watches the set and makes paint touch-ups and paint changes as requested by the director. He/she also handles any issues that may come up with wall hangings, signs, or finishes on different surfaces.
Props
The Props Department works within the Art Department in collaboration with the art director/production designer. This department supplies and arranges all objects handled by actors and portable property on a set.
Prop Master – The head of the Prop Department.
Assistant Prop Master – Assists the prop master (Even the assistants get to be call masters! This department wins.)
SFX (Special Effects)
SFX Department works with the Art Department. It is made up of a SFX supervisor and coordinator and supported by SFX techs. These are the people that help creates effects that physically happen and are filmed in real time. THE SFX department handles things like explosions, squibs, and prosthetic dummies.
VFX (Visual Effects)
Like the SFX team, the VFX team also works with the Art Department. Led by a VFX supervisor. The VFX Department is responsible for all effects that cannot be captured in a live action shot. This department handles things like matte paintings, miniatures, green screens, and CGI. While VFX completes their work in post, their jobs start on set. Department members are present during filming to do things like take pictures and set markers.
Wardrobe
On a large production, the Wardrobe Department might consist of a wardrobe supervisor and/or wardrobe designer (who may or may not be on set on a daily basis) and a team of set costumers.
The Wardrobe Department costumes the cast on a show, launders and maintains, costumes, and does on-set dressing of the costumes (e.g., adding dirt or sweat stains as needed).
Make-up and Hair
Large films generally have both hair and make-up department heads. They oversee design and lead their own teams of hair stylists and make-up artists.
This department designs actors’ looks, executes them on a daily basis, and then maintains them on set.
Both the Make-up/Hair Department and the Wardrobe of Department are super important for us actors because we work very intimately with them. They can truly help us bring our characters to life. Always remember to appreciate how these artists can help you with your craft!
Transportation
Transportation Coordinator – Manages and oversees all of the transportation needs of a production including to the transportation of people and equipment.
Transportation Captain – Works under the transportation coordinator and is responsible for transporting cast and crew to and from set.
Medic
Set medics stand by on set to help in the event of a medical emergency.
Catering
This lovely department provides meals!
Craft Service
AND this lovely department provides beverages and snacks between meals!
So there you have it. If you have other crew positions you want to add to this cheat sheet, please post them in the comment section below! See you at the craft service table!