Week 1
I learnt about the types and stages of production.
- No budget: none to a max of £50,000 normally shorts and made by students
- Low budget: from £100,000 up to a couple of million pounds.
- Medium budget: £5,000,000 to £30,000,000.
- Studio/High budget: £50,000,000 upwards.
- Development
- Pre-Production
- Production
- Principle Photography
- Wrap
- Post-Production
- Distribution
A production starts with a producer commissioning a script, talking with a director and getting a production manager to look at costings and scheduling. When finances are in place we progress into Pre-production, one of the main points of this is finding locations, this is done first by scouting locations to find which are suitable, once the locations are chosen a Tech Recce is done.
In this week I looked more about the roles within the departments, a lot of the jobs I had heard of or seen on film credits however I wasn't aware of what the role had to do.
Key roles
- Producer - supervisors raising finances, hiring key Heads of Departments; they oversee all areas of production, creative an financial.
- Director - oversees all creative elements of the film, they visualise the story by directing actors and managing technical aspects, work with the editor.
- Screenwriter - responsible for developing and researching the story, characters and plot, they write, deliver and make required redrafts before and during filming.
- Executive Producer - either an investor in the film, a celebrity putting their name on it or the credit is given to the Line Producer, on some shoots.
- Line Producer - creates and manages budget, oversee day to day shooting, signing off contracts for cast, crew and locations.
- Production Manager - oversees the budget in a more detailed manner and ensures the project stays on budget by checking the departments' budgets.
- Production Co-ordinator - responsible for the logistics of running the film shoot, they distribute all major paperwork including Call Sheets. they oversee the Production team and are the central information hub of the production.
- Assistant Co-ordinator - assists the managing of the day to day organisation, they may have a specific responsibility for elements.
- Production Secretary - normally responsible for producing the key lists for the Production, they assist the Production office in any tasks needed to help manage the film.
- Production Assistant - the hands on help in the Production Office, possibly doing runner activities, help run the office by ordering stationary, photocopying, paperwork distribution etc.
- Production Runner - the person who will drive and pick up various items for the Production department: cars, breakfast, shopping, collecting and delivering packages etc.
- Bigger shoots will have Travel Co-ordinators and Shipping Co-ordinators.
- Financial Controller - works closely with the Line Producer and Production Manager to oversee the finances, they forecast costs for the budget and ensure that financial records are kept.
- 1st Assistant Accountant - supports the Financial Controller in running the Accounts Department and assist in helping to create the Cost report, showing actual costs and forecasted spending.
- Accounts Payable - pay all the invoices that come in from companies paying for hired or purchased items.
- Payroll Accountant - oversees paying the crew and cast, (in film the production crew are paid weekly) and make sure all correct paperwork is complete.
- 1st Assistant Director - runs the set, (they call action) they schedule the movie taking into account all the ins and outs of the script, the locations and the cast availability.
- 2nd Assistant Director - co-ordinate the cast, informing them their schedule and call time. They write the Call Sheet which is signed off on by the 1st AD, Line Producer and Production Manager.
- 3rd Assistant Director - directs the background on a shoot, gives extras directions and appropriate payment for their work.
- Floor Runner - based on set and is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the set. They get cast from their dressing rooms, provides their lunch and generally looking after them.
- Base Runner - based at the Unit Base and the 2nd AD. They will be responsible for the cast whilst they are getting ready and arriving, putting the cast through costume and makeup and check they have all that they need.
- Director of Photography/Cinematographer - responsible for the cinematic look of the film, they decide what lighting, filters, lenses, filming speed, crane shots, framing and medium (digital or film) is required.
- Camera Operator - operates the camera under the guidance and direction of the DOP. They may be trained as a Steadicam Operator too.
- 1st Assistant Camera/Focus Puller - responsible for ensuring that a shot is in focus, using their technical skills to 'pull focus'.
- 2nd Assistant Camera/Clapper Loader - if using film they are responsible for loading the film into the camera, dark room of sealed bag. Now, it is more common to load camera cards into the digital camera, they also work to keep the camera clean of any dirt.
- Script Supervisor - they time the script so that they can see bow long it is running and from this Producers can make any necessary cuts. They track all scenes of the movie and mark-up the scenes for the Editors. Also responsible for the general set continuity e.g. the actor uses the same hand to pick up a cup of coffee.
- Camera Trainee - helps carry equipment, prepare the camera for shoot and check levels of camera consumables.
- Digital Imaging Technician - only used on digital productions, working with highly technical equipment they are able to make adjustments to the camera and manipulate the image.
- Data Wrangler - responsible for the download and backup of the digital material.
- Video Assist or Video Playback Operator - create video village which is lots of monitors around the set giving the on-set image to a variety of departments.
- Location Manager - head of the department, responsible for the locations of a film production. They oversee the initial scouts and research locations.
- Assistant Location Manger - find unit bases, work out logistics, make licence applications, negotiate appropriate parking. Liaise with facilities and transport departments , oversee prep at locations and prepare the movement orders.
- Unit Manager - responsible for the unit when out on location, they plan the best formation for all the trailers, ensuring they fit in the unit base and oversee the general running.
- Location Marshall - stationed at a point to give information to the public or crew, they may direct cars for parking to.
- Security - An exterior company usually handles security however the Locations Department will work out how much security is needed in advance.
- Production Sound Mixer/Sound Recordist - Head of Department for Sound and responsible for all on set sound. They are responsible for choosing the best equipment.
- Boom Operator - responsible for placing the boom in the best place to get the best sound from the artist while keeping the boom out of shot.
- Cable Guy - they attach radio mics to ach artist, if being used; they are commonly used in wide shots where the boom would be seen in the frame.
- Key Grip - head of the department, works closely with DOP to help achieve the required shots. They will move the dolly used in a moving shot and will oversee the use of cranes, action vehicles rigging and tracking, jib arms etc.
- Crane Grip - hired specifically to assemble and help operate a camera crane.
- Dolly Grip - used to assemble the dolly and push/pull the camera rig on the folly track.
- Gaffer - in charge of the Electrical Department, work closely with DOP to get the exact lighting required for the shot.
- Rigging Gaffer - in charge of the lights being rigged in the location, following the Gaffer's requirements.
- Best Boy - chief assistant to the Gaffer on set, order the kit and consumables to the requirements of the Gaffer.
- Electricians - set up the lighting required, load and offload the equipment, test it, change bulbs and plug them in.
- Gennie Operator - maintains the smooth running of the generator used to power the lights, fuelling it and driving it to locations as needed.
- Production Designer - in charge of the Art Department and is responsible for the overall look of the physical film: locations, props, dressings.
- Art Director - they budget the department, hire the crew and oversee set builds.
- Standby Art Director - based on set, oversees the general look of the set as per the Designer's wishes. Keep an eye on continuity of where props are placed.
- Draughtsperson - schematically draw the sets, providing precise measurements for the construction team.
- Graphic Designer - designs all of the mocked up art on set, working closely with the Clearances person t create fake banner, posters, shop signs etc.
- Scenic Painters - paints backdrops on a stage to make it look lifelike to the location.
- Set Decorator - in charge of the physical dressing and props on set.
- Buyer - working closely with the Designer and Set Decorator to dress the set with rented or purchased props.
- Petty Cash Buyer - buys the small items from shops of second hand stores.
- Props Master - Head of the Props Department, oversees the finding and managing of all of the props.
- Storeman - organises the props used and ensure that everything is ready for each scene.
- Standby Props - based on set, oversees the use of props during filming, making sure there are repeats if they are needed.
- Greens Team - they place 'greens' on set, they may add a variety of trees/plants to the ext of a house to make it look real.
- Armoury - safely provides guns, knives etc for a production.
- Action Vehicles - provide any vehicle requirements for the set, may provide period cars or cars for stunts, they are responsible for checking they run.
- Construction - will build any requirements for the film. They will oversee a team of welders, plasterers, painters and builders to create the sets.
- Hair & Make-Up Designer - head of the department, will oversee the general looks of the characters after discussions with the director. Generally will do the hair and makeup for the key cast.
- Hair & Make-Up Artist - responsible for looking after a range of artists, key cast members, day players or background cast.
- Prosthetics Make-Up Artist - will apply any specialised prosthetics to artists.
- Costume Designer - responsible for all clothing and costumes worn by the cast, they design and plan clothing down to fabric, colours and sizes.
- Costume Supervisor - supervises the creation and sourcing of garments, hiring the staff, budget and paperwork.
- Costume Standby - present on set at all times to watch for continuity and assist the cast with dressing.
- Buyer - Sources and purchases fabrics and garments.
- Cutter/Fitter/Costume Technician - fits and tailors costumes.
- Film Editor - assembles the shots to create the story, works closely with the director.
- Assistant Editor - collects and organises all of the elements needed for the edit.
- Post-Production Supervisor - oversees and co-ordinates Post Production, hire key staff, book edit suites and equipment and schedule.
- Colourist - adjusts colour of the film to achieve consistency throughout the film.
- Sound Designer - in charge of the sound of a movie.
- Dialogue Editor - responsible for assembling and editing all dialogue in the soundtrack.
- Sound Editor - responsible for assembling and editing all sound effects in the soundtrack.
- Re-recording Mixer - balances the sounds and levels prepared by the editors.
- Music Supervisor - works with the composer, mixers and editors to create the film's music. Negotiate licensing of the necessary rights.
- Visual Effects Supervisor - in charge of the department.
- Compositor - responsible for compositing images from different sources such as video, film, computer generated 3-D imagery, 2-D animations, matte paintings and text.
- Roto/Paint Artist - manually creates mattes for use in compositing, may also 'paint visual information out of a scene, such as removing wires, logos etc.
- Matte Painter - draw/paint entire sets or extend portions of an existing set.
- Casting Director - arranges and conducts interviews and auditions, suggests artists for roles, works with Director and Producer to understand requirements.
- Storyboard Artist - visualises stories sing sketches on paper.
- Unit Nurse - provides first aid cover and primary healthcare to the cast and crew on a film production, deal with any accidents or illnesses on set.
- Caterers - provided by companies who drive trucks with food to each unit base.
- Unit Publicist - responsible for press and publicity budget, mange journalists who come to interview the cast and oversee the Electronic Press Kit team who do the B-roll shots (shooting the crew and cast interviews for DVD extras).
- Stills Photographer - works on set taking photos for the Publicity Department, take stills for promotion purposes or for the film posters.
- Clearances - hired to work solely on the copyright clearance. May also deal with product placement.
- Health & Safety - oversees all risky elements of the movie, they create risk assessments for each day or location. Advise/organise any additional safety such as fire cover, ambulances or water safety.
Pre-Production Documentation
- Pre-Production Planner: provides a useful overview of the production, the major daily tasks, the locations and activities for the shoot.
- Pre-Production Diary: provides more details of the daily activities and timings for a film production.
- Shooting Schedule: provides details as to what is to be shot when; what is required to accomplish the shoot on a daily basis.
- DODS (Day Out Of Days): using scheduling software to show who or what is required each day.
- Call Sheet: gives specific call times for cast, crew and facilities. notes on locations and weather.
- Movement Order: information on each day's locations, how to get there and where to park, travel time and transport routes. Will list local contacts for police, doctors, hospitals etc.
- Progress Report: produced after every day of filming, citing what has been achieved from the Call Sheet, who and what was used to accomplish this. Document which scenes were shot, how long they ran and whether the shoot was longer or shorter than planned. Comments will include any problems.
- 'Sides': a double-sided A3 sheet outlining the scenes being shot on a specific day.
- Script and Script Amendments: Once a locked script is distributed, all changes go out on coloured paper with a date of amendments.
- Release Forms: required for release for products and goods to be shown on screen.
- Cast & Crew Contracts: contracting forms for cast and crew.
- Purchase Order: the system used to order all equipment and supplies.
Week 3
This week taught me more about the role of a runner and the different runners you get.
A Production Runner is a very good place to start when wanting to get into the industry, you would gain experience as you are present from pre-production all the way through to wrap. You get to see what other departments do as well as the production team; the hours can be long and mundane (photo-copying, making tape) but it is a very important job.
A Floor Runner is harder to get into because you are on set and deal with actors and crew therefore AD departments prefer floor runners to have experience on a film previously. Typical jobs include shutting doors, telling people to be quiet and locking off. This is good experience if you want to be in the AD department.
An Art Department Runner would go around buying things, getting things and supporting the art department therefore being able to drive would be beneficial. Some sort of qualification is probably needed as well as a general interest in the art department.
Costume Department Runner, expected to have background or qualifications within textiles, fashion or costumes and be able to sew and make minor alterations. Advisable that you can drive as you will be running around fetching costumes or going to shops to buy things.
Location Department Runner will need good stamina as you will be working lots of long hours. You will have to work in all sorts of weather conditions and have very good people skills for dealing with the crew and location owners. It is useful to be able to drive a van and have a very good sense of direction.
Other departments such as camera, grip, sound, hair and make-up, accounts and editing would not necessarily have a runner but a trainee. These roles would normally require a little basic training before entering them as you would be working with special equipment or software.
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