4. Production
Above-the-line v/s. Below-the-line (with regards to film
production):
Above-the-line members contribute to the creative influence,
while below-the-line members are responsible for the physical
production.
In the early days of studio production, budgets would have an
actual line separating the two.
5. ABOVE-THE-LINE (consists of following profiles)
Producer: A producer runs a production throughout all phases, from development to completion. They hire, raise
money, coordinate with distributors, and contribute to the creative vision.
Director: The director develops the creative vision of a project. Directors work with actors, block scenes, set shot
angles, and determine the rhythm and flow of the production. They also determine lighting and locations, and often
influence the editing.
Screenwriter: The screenwriter researches, develops, and creates the narrative. Screenwriters are often hired by a
producer to develop a story or rewrite an existing script. They also create their own original material to pitch, option,
and sell to producers.
Actor: Often referred to as the “talent.” Actors conduct research and study characters to give them life during
filming. They often contribute to the character development before portraying them on screen.
6. BELOW-THE-LINE - Production Department
Executive Producer: An investor in the production. There are often many executive producers on a given project.
Line Producer: Manages the day to day physical aspects of a film, such as the budget. They communicate
between the above-the-line and below-the-line crew.
Production Manager: Usually reports to the Line Producer and supervises the Production Coordinator. They drive
crew members to keep the production within budget and on schedule.
Production Coordinator: Handles the logistics of production. They hire crew, sign talent, and schedule equipment
rentals, etc.
Production Secretary: Offers administrative help to the Production Manager and Production Coordinator.
Production Accountant: Manages finances and financial records during production.
Post-production Supervisor: Manage communication between Producer, Editor and Supervising Sound Editor
during post production.
7. BELOW-THE-LINE - Direction Department
First Assistant Director (1st AD): Assists the Director. They often call action on the set, direct various
departments to turn-around, and ensure that all shots are achieved in a given day. Because time is money, and
meal and overtime penalties are money, the AD is charged with being extremely time and cost effective. The AD is
the most vocal, dominant person on set. He runs the show as the director focuses on actors’ performances and
collaborates on visuals with the DP and PD. All departments generally answer to the AD, as he is authorized to
speak for the director himself.
Second Assistant Director (2nd AD): Assists the First AD. Uses call sheets to communicate schedule and details
of the day’s shoot.
Third Assistant Director (3rd AD): Organizes actors moves, crowd scenes, manages Productions Runners.
Production Assistant/Runner (PA): Assists the ADs with general on-set operations. PAs are given basic
assignments to assist various departments and must complete these assignments effectively and efficiently. This is
an entry-level position which can transition up to other departments once the PA has proven themselves reliable
and worthy of promotion. Screw up, and you likely won’t get a second chance on a given production.
Script Supervisor: Track filmed scenes with extensive notes about prop positions, blocking, and acting. They
ensure continuity from shot to shot. Work closely with director and AD.
Stunt Coordinator: Manages stunts, working closely with the Director.
8. BELOW-THE-LINE - Script Department
Story Producer: In serialized productions, the story producer manages a story throughout a season.
Script Editor: The script editor identifies script problems and helps to correct them.
9. BELOW-THE-LINE - Location Department
Location Manager: The location manager secures locations, permits, and manages costs.
Location Assistant: Assists the location manager. The location assistant arrives first on set and leaves
last. He or she manages the organization and cleanliness of the location.
Location Scout: This is the person who does the initial scouting, based on the requirements of the
production.
10. BELOW-THE-LINE - Camera Department
Director of Photography/Cinematographer: Also known as the DP, he or she manages the camera and grip and electric
departments. The DP works with the Director to develop creative lighting and shot compositions. The DP also is in charge of
selecting film stocks, camera settings, and lighting schemes.
Camera Operator: Like the name says, this person operates the camera.
First Assistant Camera (1st AC): Maintains camera focus during filming, builds and breaks down camera packages along
with the 2nd AC/loader.
Second Assistant Camera (2nd AC): Operates the clapper board to sync timecode. Manages film stock and attaches
magazines to camera.
Loader: This person loads film in magazines and removes it after filming. Sometimes this job will be part of the 2nd AC
duties.
Digital Imaging Technician (DIT): Manages the technical use of a digital camera. Frequently works with a waveform
monitor to ensure color gamut and exposure accuracy and assistance in color grading or telecine.
Data Wrangler: Transfers data from a camera to digital storage.
Steadicam Operator: This is a specialist who operates a stabilizer/steadicam.
Motion Control Technician/Operator: Operates a motion control rig.
Video Split/Assist Operator: Operates monitors used by the Director to watch film takes on-set.
11. BELOW-THE-LINE - Grip and Electric Department
Key Grip: The manager of the grip department. He or she manages grip crew and liaises with DP to achieve
desired light cutting and shaping.
Gaffer: Manages the electrical department, working closely with the DP to achieve the desired lighting effects.
Grip: The grips assist the key grip and best boy in creating ideal lighting conditions. They are essentially tasked
with blocking and shaping the lights which are set by the electricians. They will also frequently assist other
departments with creative rigging solutions – it’s truly amazing how many different configurations are possible with
gobo arms and knuckles.
Lighting Technician: Also known on set as “sparks” they set up and adjusts lighting equipment on-set. They’re
also in charge of starting up the generator and running cables to shooting locations, and breaking out lunchboxes
(AC power boxes). They will also power other departments when necessary, and they must have an encyclopedic
knowledge of single and three phase power, AC/DC, and conversion formulas.
Best Boy (Grip/Electric): Head assistant to the key grip and gaffer. Maintains and manages grip and electric
trucks.
Dolly Grip: Places track, sets and levels camera, and operates dolly
12. BELOW-THE-LINE - Sound Department
Production Sound Mixer: Manages the sound department and oversees all audio recording.
Boom Operator: Holds the boom mic; determines placement and movement during filming.
14. BELOW-THE-LINE - Hair and Make-Up Department
Make-up Artist: Manages an actor’s appearance while filming. He or she uses makeup and prosthetics to
help create a specific look.
Hairdresser: A hair stylist who works with the Make-up Artist to create a look. Maintains and manages hair
for all actors.
15. BELOW-THE-LINE - Wardrobe Department
Costume Designer: Manages all aspects of costumes and wardrobe, from design to creation. Works
closely with production designer to achieve the director’s vision.
Costume Supervisor: Helps the Costume Designer manage the wardrobe department. Handles
administrative work, hiring, scheduling, and purchasing.
16. BELOW-THE-LINE - Post Production
Film Editor (Offline): Assembles a film using footage and audio captured during production.
Assistant Editor: Gathers, labels, and organizes video, audio, and FX needed for editing.
Online Editor: Applies titles and final effects, and prepares the final product for delivery.
Colorist: Manipulates color, focus, and contrast to achieve a desired look.
Visual Effects (VFX)
Visual Effects Supervisor: Manages the VFX department.
Compositor: Combines the elements of a shot, such as film, video, CGI, and matte paintings.
Roto/Paint Artist: Adds or removes the elements of a shot.
Matte Painter: Develops images of set backgrounds for use while filming or in post-production.
17. BELOW-THE-LINE - Post Prodn – Sound/Music
Sound Designer: Manages all aspects of the final sound.
Dialogue Editor: Organizes and assembles all dialogue.
Sound Editor: Organizes and assembles all sound effects.
Re-Recording Mixer: Mixes together dialogue, music, and effects.
Music Supervisor: Develops and acquires music for a film.
Composer: Writes and develops the score for a film.
Foley Artist: Develops and records sound effects.
18. BELOW-THE-LINE - Other Production Crew
Casting Director: Suggests actors based on the vision of the Director and Producers. Organizes and
manages actor requests and auditions.
Storyboard Artist: Draws the shots and scenes to create a visual blueprint of a story.
19. Thank You
Disclaimer - The contents of this presentation have been sourced from the
internet and we do not hold any copyright claim on these.
This presentation is meant solely for internal training purposes.
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