Behind The Scenes Of A Film Set: What Are The Jobs?
If you’ve ever seen a movie and wondered what goes on behind the scenes, wonder no more! In this blog post, we will look at the different jobs required to make a film.
From producers and directors to gaffers and grips, many different positions are essential to creating a movie. So what exactly does each of these jobs entail? Let’s find out!
The Major Roles
It’s no secret that many people want to get into the film industry, and the most popular crew jobs are director, producer and cinematographer. While these roles offer the highest pay rates, they’re also highly competitive.
Directors
Directors are responsible for the creative aspects of the film, such as the story, characters and style. They also have to manage the cast and crew to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal.
Many people want to get into directing because it’s a highly lucrative career, with Stephen Spielberg and Quentin Tarantino often making more than leading actors and actresses.
However, directing is competitive, and you’ll need excellent technical skills, as well as creative abilities.
Producers
Producers are in charge of coordinating all the different production elements, from financing and scheduling to hiring crew and managing budgets.
Essentially, they run the show while the director focuses on bringing the story to life.
Most producers will agree that it’s a hectic job, which is why you often see different executive producers and assistant producers appearing on the end credits of films and TV shows.
Cinematographers
Cinematographers are responsible for capturing the images on a film or digital media and work closely with the director to create the look and feel of the movie. Essentially, it’s a supporting job – but a highly specialised one.
The Supporting Roles
While directors, producers, and cinematographers are considered significant roles on a film set, many other positions are just as important.
Without the following roles, no movie set would run properly, and the result would be lacklustre at best.
Gaffer
A gaffer is responsible for the electrical equipment on a film set and oversees all the lighting. They work closely with the cinematographer to create the desired look for each scene.
Grips
Grips are in charge of moving furniture, setting up props and generally making sure that everything is ready for filming.
They often have to work long hours under challenging conditions, but it’s one of the most critical jobs on a movie set.
Best Boy Electrician
As you might have guessed, the best boy electrician is in charge of all things electrical on a film set – from lights to generators.
This is an essential role, and without someone keeping track of all the power requirements, no film would be able to get off the ground.
Camera Person
The camera person is responsible for operating the camera and ensuring that all the shots are in focus. It’s a highly technical job, and it’s one of the most important roles because if the images aren’t right, nobody will watch the finished result.
Sound Mixer
The sound mixer is responsible for recording all the audio on a film set, from dialogue to Foley effects. They work closely with the director to ensure that all the sounds come across correctly.
Creative Roles
There are many creative roles for people interested in working in the film industry but don’t necessarily want to handle the technical elements.
From art directors to costume designers and makeup artists, these jobs are fun and highly rewarding.
Costume Designers
Costume designers are responsible for creating the actors’ and actresses’ clothing on screen. They often have to work with a very tight budget and need to create everything from period costumes to futuristic outfits.
Makeup Artists
Makeup artists are responsible for making sure that all the actors and actresses look their best on camera. The role can involve anything from basic makeup to special effects makeup.
Art Directors
Art directors are in charge of designing the overall look of a movie or TV show, from the sets and props to the lighting and colour scheme. It’s a highly creative job and requires a lot of imagination and attention to detail.
The Finishing Touches
Let’s not forget that no movie would be complete without essential finishing touches! As one of the world’s most prominent video production agencies, Need a Fixer knows how important post-production is.
While it’s not the most glamorous role – top editors can make a lot of money, and no film would be complete without the various functions of post-production.
However, you should be aware of other post-production jobs apart from editing.
Post-Production Supervisor
The post-production supervisor makes sure all the post-production work is done on time and to the correct standards. They often liaise with the editor and work with other team members, such as visual effects artists and sound engineers.
Sound Editor
Sound editors are responsible for editing all the audio in a movie or TV show, involving anything from removing background noise to creating unique sound effects.
Visual Effects Artist
Visual effects artists are responsible for adding special effects to movies and TV shows. Depending on their skill level, the role can include anything from basic CGI to complex compositing tasks.
Colourist
A colourist is responsible for ensuring that all the colours in a movie or TV show are consistent and look good on screen. It’s a highly technical job and requires a lot of experience and knowledge in the field.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – a behind-the-scenes look at some of the essential jobs on a film set! Whether you’re interested in the technical side of the creative side, there’s sure to be a role that’s perfect for you.
So what are you waiting for? Start your journey today. Or just hire a professional crew if you’d prefer! Filming a movie is a stressful job, and many of our clients appreciate having the extra support they need.
Whatever you decide, make sure you have the above roles filled for a seamless production experience.
