Film Industry and Roles

Many hands make light work, and that is the case in the film industry. Let’s explore the many important roles that contribute to making a vision a masterpiece.

Do you ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes when making a movie? Who’s involved and how it all comes together?

While every production is different, there are always several people working behind the camera, to make sure the writer's vision comes to life.

Crew departments

Following is a list of each of the major crew departments, the most common positions within each, and the hierarchy.

Why is the sound department important?

Every movie has 4 sonic elements:

Dialogue

• Direct sound
• Voice of characters
• ADR (Additional Dialogue Recording)
• Usually on the first layer of audio on the timeline

ATMOSphere

Close your eyes. Hold your breath. What do you hear?

• Ambience and/or atmosphere
• Movies sound dead without it
• Usually on the second layer of audio on the timeline

Sound FX

• Sound effects
• What you see is not exactly what you get
• Usually in the 3rd and 4th layers in your timeline.

Music

• Musical track not ‘soundtrack’
• Usually the last sound layer on your timeline

Producer

Who is the producer?

• CEO of a production company
• The owner of the film
• The money person
• Decision maker
• Head of the project

Responsibilities:

• Administrate the project
• Make sure the project meets the deadline
• Get the right people for the project
• Control money and time
• Do what is best for the project
• Make sure the project goes through all the stages of production in a healthy manner

The art department

Key people:

• Production Designer
• Art director
• Props master
• Costume Designer
• Makeup Artists
• Set builder/Decorator.

Key responsibilities:

• Plan a colour palette for the film together with the Director and Director of photography.
• Define a style and aesthetic for the film.
• Provide key visual elements that will help tell the story in a better way.
• Make the universe of the movie feel believable.

Wardrobe

Key people:

• Costume Designer
• Costume Coordinator
• Shopper
• Wardrobe Supervisor
• Tailors

Key responsibilities:

• Get clothes that will fit all talent in a comfortable way
• Prepare all clothing to pass on the idea of an era
• Design visual elements on the clothing that will help build the characters
• Make sure all wardrobe is in order and that all characters have what to wear in all scenes
• Keep track of continuity regarding the wardrobe

The makeup crew

Key people:

• Makeup artists
• SFX Makeup
• Modellers/sculptors
• Character Artists
• Hairstylists

Key responsibilities:

• Make sure talent does not shine on camera
• Provide character customisation
• Make sure all talent presents a constant look throughout the film

The props department

Key people:

• Props Master
• Standby props
• Props maker
• Shopper

Key responsibilities:

• Help build characters with unique props and accessories
• Keep track of all objects for continuity
• Make sure all objects fit the era the film takes place in
• When working with weapons, make sure they are harmless yet believable

The sound department

Key people:

• Boom operator
• Sound recordist
• Sound mixer
• Sound assistant

Key responsibilities:

• Recording all sound during filming
• Choice of microphones, sound recording device and mixing audio signals
• Creating sounds effects within the film (e.g. explosions)
• Creating sounds to generate mood and feeling
• Manage the overall sound post-production process

The post production department

Key people:

• Editor
• Editing Assistant
• Colourist
• Sound Designer
• Post Producer
• VFX Artist

Key responsibilities:

• Oversee the entire post-production process
• Edit the shots together into a coherent film
• Work with the Director to make sure their vision is realised
• Work closely with production accountant, supplying accurate information for cost reports.

Below are the key stages in getting a film from an initial idea through to watching it on the big screen.

Development

The start of a project varies, but generally, they will need to begin with the development of a script. 

• Research
• Brainstorm
• Concept
• Scriptwriting
• Moodboards

Pre-production

Pre-production is where all the planning takes place before the camera rolls. It sets the overall vision of the project. 

• Securing cast and crew
• Working out the shoot location
• Testing equipment
• Rehearsing
• Planning
• Storyboarding
• Planning

Production – filming

During this phase, it is key to plan ahead of the daily shoot. The primary aim is to stick to the budget and schedule. Communication is key between all parties involved.

Post production

The bulk of post-production consists of reviewing the footage and editing to assemble the movie:

• Backing up footage
• Organising the footage
• Editing
• Sound editing
• Colour correction
• VFX and motion graphics
• Exporting

Distribution

Once the film is completed, it must be distributed. This is how producers make their money. The film will go into the cinema and/or be distributed via various platforms such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, and HBO. In order to reach this goal, they focus on the following process:

• Marketing
• Selling
• Presenting