2. Camera Operator
They are responsible for operating a variety of technical equipment used during filming this
can include setups of single or multiple cameras with or without rigs or mountings.
They are mostly used in Production as their job is to capture the action, in this time the
rehearse, plan, and prepare scenes. They also must follow the shooting script the director has
given them meaning they must be familiar with it and read it before production. Camera
operators are responsible for assembling and setting up their equipment and flagging any
issues to the suitable person.They must quickly respond to direction and are responsible for
creatively framing and capturing the shot with the director's intention.
3. Boom operator
They are responsible for controlling the long boom arm, either handheld or dolly-mounted
(on wheels) with the microphone attached, while getting it as close to the action as possible
without getting it in the shot, in order to achieve the best quality of sound.
They are mostly used in production as their job is to accurately capture the sound of the
action, in addition to this they may have to learn the script in order to anticipate lines and
move the boom accordingly as to not get in the shot. Furthermore, they also fit radio
microphones and place microphones appropriately for a required shot. Sometimes due to
budgets or scale of shoots Boom Operators may also have to make simple recordings and
undertake basic repairs of their equipment.
4. Makeup designer
They are responsible for directing the makeup department and creating each ‘look’ for the
characters in the show.
During pre-production, they meet with Directors and Costume Designers to ensure that the
overall design is consistent with the rest of the production and that their design suits the
show (time period, location colour palette etc.). They assess the make-up and hair
requirements, set up the department, recruit staff, and prepare the make-up and hair
budgets and schedules. As part of their job they must read the whole script and break it
down scene by scene to identify the required make-up and hairstyles, they then make
detailed notes for each character, taking into account the effect that story time may have on
each character's 'look’, whether location shoots will expose performers to extreme weather
conditions and also whether any doubles are required for stunts. These notes are also vital for
maintaining continuity throughout the production as the same episode may get shot on
different days.
5. Colourist
They make sure that all shots in each scene match one another.
They work closely with editors to create a sequence that looks like the directors original
vision.They do this by balancing colour saturation and luminance from shot to shot, to make
each shot look the same,this way they make sure that no one shot stands out in the
sequence They look out for and correct colour differences and ensure consistency
throughout the production This might be under or overexposure or day for night corrections,
for example.
6. Editor
They edit together all the raw footage of the shots into a cohesive and fluid storyline.
Editors work closely with the Director before shooting begins in pre-production, to decide
how to maximise the potential of the script.Editors select the best takes and edit them
together to create scenes.They will also make notes on small changes such as colour grading
but they may also find issues with the raw footage such as continuity errors, they then flag
these up to the director.During the post-production period, the Editor and the Director work
closely together, refining the assembly edit into the Director's Cut, which must be approved
by the Producers.
7. Sound Recordist
They record sound on location or in a studio, usually in synchronization with the camera, to
enable the highest quality diegetic sound to be recorded at the time of filming.
They monitor the quality of the sound recording through high-end headphones and work
with the Director, Boom Operator and Sound Editor. They are responsible for producing the
final sound mix, so they supervise the Sound Assistants and Boom Operators. On bigger sets,
they also manage the rest of the sound crew. They may also occasionally operate the boom
themselves on smaller shoots or if it is a difficult scene. They often have to supervise frontline
maintenance in order to keep the production on track.
8. Runner
They run errands as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
This is an entry-level position within the Film and TV industry which is supervised and
instructed by Assistant Director team of the 1st AD, 2nd AD, and 3rd ADAs. Their
responsibilities vary widely but usually involve sending messages, organising props, looking
after cast and crew, making tea and coffee and following specific requests from the Producer,
Director or Assistant Directors.The runner's role is very important as even small details may
cause interruptions or delays to filming.
9. Casting Director
They audition and cast each character in the TV programme, trying to find the perfect match
for the director's vision.
In pre-production, Casting Directors work with both the Director and Producer to assemble
the cast, because of this they must have in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of new and
existing acting talent as well as agencies.They are responsible for matching the ideal actor to
each role, this is .based on a number of factors, such as the actor's experience, ability,
reputation, availability, look and box office appeal. Casting Directors also work with
Production Accountants to prepare the casting budget, this is important as famous actors are
more expensive.They organise and conduct interviews and auditions for each part, they are
also in charge of deciding an appropriate fee to pay the actor. They also draw up and
negotiate the terms and conditions of contracts with agents.
10. Focus puller/First Assistant Camera
They are responsible for focusing and refocusing the camera lens as Actors move within the
frame of each shot.
This is an extremely high skilled job as they do not look through the lens to do this but 'pull
focus' according to a set of marks placed on the set, floor, props, etc. during rehearsal.As it is
impossible to see whether the focus is sharp until the raw footage are screened, 1st ACs rely
on experience and instinct for each focal adjustment. This job is very high skilled as re-
shooting scenes is expensive and actors may be unable to recreate their best take, therefore
they must be reliable and good at their work and should be able to cope effectively in
stressful situations. At the end of each shooting day, 1st ACs clean the equipment and pack it
up in preparation for the next day.
11. Set decorator
They locate, purchase or hire larger props to decorate the set to make it fit the directors
vision.
Set Decorators meet with the Production Designer to discuss the agreed look of the film.
Then they visit prop houses to choose the bigger props and book them for the shoot.ISet
Decorators may also work on product placement or on clearing copyright for branded
items.Just before the shoot, Set Decorators photograph all items, and take careful
measurements and allocate the right props to each set.The day before shooting begins Set
Decorators and their teams arrive early to begin dressing the set. As locations and prop hire
can be very expensive, striking (taking apart) each set and returning all the props must be
completed as quickly as possible.
