A description of crew roles in a TV Drama.

1. Crew Roles
Sabrina Bugnath

2. Director
The Director is responsible for overseeing the creative, visual and sound aspects
of the drama and is involved in all three parts of production - pre production,
production and post production. In the pre production, the director is responsible
for selecting the correct cast, crew and locations. Although there are job roles for
these departments, the director is advised to be there to make the final decision.
During production the director then directs the actors and their performances as
well as the camera, sound, lighting, design and special effects. Afterwards in the
post production, the director works with the editor in order to reach the final cut.
Besides this, directors are also responsible for motivating the team and to be
aware of the budget, schedule and the expectations.

3. Assistant Director
There are many Assistant Directors however the First Assistant Director is the one
with the most responsibility and assists the director the most. They are usually
present for pre production and production. In pre production, the assistant director
is in charge of creating a film schedule. Whilst doing so, they must oversee the
budget, cast availability, script coverage, location hire, props, equipment and
weather reports. During production, they ensure that everyone is ready for the
director’s cue for action and track the progress of filming against the schedule they
prepared. The assistant director is also in charge of everyone’s health and safety
on set and must try their best to minimise the occurrence of accidents.

4. Editor
The Editor works with the director and is responsible for the final story to flow
effortlessly. In pre production the Editor must work with the director to decide on
how to further the potential of the content. As the footage is not shot in order, the
Editors should have a good amount of knowledge of the story and how it unfolds
in order for the final cut to look clean. During post production they again work with
the Director in order to reach the Director’s Cut and the Fine Cut. Both can only be
approved by Producers and in some cases Directors as well.

5. Production Manager
The Production Manager is in charge of the costs relating to the crew and the
practicalities of running a production. In pre production, the Production Manager
works with the Producer, Line Producer and the Assistant Director to prepare a
provisional schedule. They also sign location leases. During production they make
sure all bills are paid. Afterwards they ensure all final invoices are dealt with,
locations are signed off, rental agreements are terminated and equipment is
returned.

6. Location Manager
The Location Manager is in charge of finding ideal locations to shoot footage and
report back to the producer and the director, whilst also checking the compatibility
of the location with the budget and shooting schedule. They also make sure all
crew and cast are able to arrive to the location. This happens in pre production. A
Location Manager is the first person to arrive on set and during the production
they oversee everyone’s health and safety. After - in post production - the
Location Manager must ensure that the location is cleaned and locked up (if the
location is a building.

7. Screenwriter
A Screenwriter writes screenplays of the film for the producer, director and the rest
of the crew. They must write creatively and meet strict deadlines as they work with
the director in pre production. In some cases, producers may bring in an additional
screenwriter or replace the original who may or may not receive credit.

8. Production Designer
A Production Designer are responsible for the entire art department. Their
responsibility is to help the Director to define and achieve the look and feel of the
film. They work in the early stages of pre production by first reading the script and
then meeting the director to discuss the best way to make the film look. They must
take into consideration the budget, whether CGI will be used and if sets and/or
locations to be used. A Production designer delivers their design through
sketches, detailed drawings and pitches.

9. Continuity
Also known as Script Supervisor, they are responsible for making the finished
product makes continuous verbal and visual sense. They work as part of the
camera department. In pre production they proofread the script to ensure there
are no inconsistencies and prepare estimated running time. During the shoot they
work with the director to minimise the occurrence of a continuity error. To do so
they keep detailed records of dialogue, action, costumes, props, set design and all
camera and lens details.

10. Producer
Producers have overall control over the content. In pre production, the Producer
bring together the Director, Cinematographer, Production Designer and key cast
members. This is so the initial is in place. Producers also approve of locations,
studio hire, the final shooting script, the production schedule and the budget.
During production, the Producer makes sure that the team is running smoothly.
They have constant communication with the Director and other key creatives on
and off set. They approve of all script changes and cost reports. In post
production, the Producer cooperates with the Director and post production
department and deals with the finance and distribution and marketing and plan the
distribution of the finished film.

11. Runner
Runners work during production and is considered an entry-level position within
the Film and TV industry. The role of a runner is to run errands. Their
responsibilities vary but usually involve conveying messages, organising props,
looking after cast and crew (making tea and coffee) and follow specific requests
from the Producer, Director and Assistant Directors. They must work quickly and
as efficiently as possible.