Film Crew Position Basics
Overview
Discussing the basic positions of a film set, including director, producer, director of photography, editor, and the lighting jobs like grip and gaffer.
Director
The director is the brains behind the operation, and every creative decision usually runs through them. They also must give directions to the actors with great specifics, and be very knowledgeable of acting as an artform.
Directors should be organized and plan ahead since they have to deal with a lot of moving parts and potential setbacks. It is not uncommon to see directors write their own scripts, either for film or television.
They also work closely with the Director of Photography, the Producer and the Editor to see their full creation come to fruition.
Producer
The producer works closely with the director to help their vision become a reality. For smaller productions, producers may have to purchase items and pay actors using a close budget, but for larger productions, studio funding pays for them. The producer also must be very organized and try to balance different shooting locations, making sure production runs on time, and setting up any meetings during pre-production.
The producer makes every major logistical decision in a production, with guidance from the director, of course.
Director of Photography (DP)
A director of photography, or DP, is simply a fancy term for camera operator. This is one of the more artistically-focused positions on a film set, and are obviously very integral in how the film looks. The director often gives his DP a mood or tone he wants, and the DP utilizes film cameras and other attachments to get the perfect shot.
The cinematography is also important in the pacing of the film, as a DP who uses more dynamic camera movements would work best with a director who like a fast paced style.
DPs should be good working with their hands, pay very close attention to detail, and obviously have a great understanding for their camera's functions and uses.
Editor
The editor is responsible for piecing together all the footage from the shoot, and working with the director to make sure the right shots are used and cut properly. Many consider the editor to be the person who puts the "puzzle pieces" together and makes creative decisions for transitions between scenes.
They are also in charge of setting the proper coloring, audio levels, and any graphics that are used (although these will often be done by a separate team that the editor advises).
Gaffer/Grip
The gaffer is the head of the lighting equipment, and also works with the director and DP to see how lights should be placed within a scene, as well as how the lights interact with the background and characters. The shading, coloration, and shape of the lights are manipulated by the gaffer. The item "Gaffer's tape" is used to hold down cables from lighting equipment.
The grip is the gaffer's aid, and usually control the light setting process. They also are in charge of all the lighting equipment, which includes flags and diffusers, which control the amount of light.