So far we haven’t even mentioned the creative technical staff involved in any film production. It might be that the camera crew consists of just a lighting camera operator, who also records the sound, or, on a large production, it might expand to include:
Director of Photography (DOP, or Sometimes DP)
The DOP is, almost certainly, the highest paid person on location. He/she is in overall charge of the camera crew. He/she has to maintain a delicate balance between creativity and speed of working. Some DOPs like to operate the camera as well if time permits, and many will operate a second camera when required.
Camera Operator
The camera operator is responsible for actually operating the camera during shots, including framing.
Focus Puller
The focus puller is reponsible for focusing the camera and altering the focus during moving shots. He/she is also responsible, often with the grips, for moving the camera and setting it up between shots.
Clapperloader
The clapperloader is responsible for loading and, more importantly, unloading the magazines of film. The clapperloader also marks the shots and keeps a record of what shot is on which roll of film by filling in the camera sheets.
Grips
The grips is responsible for all the equipment which may be used to support the camera. The grips will also lay the track and operate the dolly or crane.
Gaffer Sparks
The gaffer sparks is the chief electrician.
Best Boy
The best boy is second electrician.
Sparks
The sparks are electricians.
Sound has always been kept to a relatively few people:
- Sound recordist (sometimes called the Location Sound Mixer)
- Sound assistant (sometimes called the Boom Operator)
Members of the design team will also be on set:
- Standby props: responsible for the props used in the course of the action
- Painters, carpenters, pre-set crew, design runners
- Dressers and assistants
An army like that – and I haven’t even mentioned location catering – will naturally require a lot of transport and your production might require a Transportation Captain (sometimes this job is done by the Unit Manager) to arrange parking and organise the movement of vehicles on a day to day basis.
Arriving on location on the first day of filming can be quite an overwhelming experience, especially when you include all the people I haven’t mentioned, like the actors, the stunt men and women and the supporting artists. But you’ll quickly work out who’s who, especially if they carry around the tools of their trade such as lights or a large sewing kit!
Arriving on location on the first day of filming can be quite an overwhelming experience