Descriptions of film production roles and responsibilities

1. Job roles and contracts
By Gabriella Said
Thursday, 10 January 13

2. Runner
• A Runner is responsible for a huge
range of jobs, usually quite
straightforward, such as stopping traffic
during production and fetching items
from props; requires complete
reliability and the ability to use
initiative and follow instructions
precisely. The main entry point to the
film industry.
Thursday, 10 January 13

3. Researcher
• A Researcher often develops ideas for
television programmes, finding
information or contracts to meets the
programmes requirements, for the
producers to decide next steps. An
entry route into television.
Thursday, 10 January 13

4. Editor
• An Editor is responsible for completing
the production as a sequence of shots
made from the rushes, dialogue, sound
effects and graphics.
Thursday, 10 January 13

5. Director
• A Director is the driving artistic force
behind the production. Directs both the
crew and cast or presenters as to how
they want a section to look or scene to
be played. Typically directs actors or
participants and shots composition,
alongside casting, script editing, and
working with the editor.
Thursday, 10 January 13

6. Floor Manager
• A Floor manager is a liaison between
the director and the studio floor; which
manages the studio, cast, crew,
audience and all the safety and fire
precautions.
Thursday, 10 January 13

7. Location Manager
• The Location manager is responsible for
finding, selecting and finalising
locations.
Thursday, 10 January 13

8. Director of Photography
• The Director of photography is
responsible for the process of filming a
scene as the director intends it to look.
The role includes choosing cameras,
lenses and the type of film stock to be
used. DP’s also design and select the
lighting, and work with the director on
shot composition.
Thursday, 10 January 13

9. Camera Operator
• A Camera operator operates the camera
to the specifications required by the
director. Freelance camera operators
often provide their own camera on a
small-scale shoot.
Thursday, 10 January 13

10. Sound Designer
• The sound designer is in charge of the
whole film soundtrack; responsible for
designing and overseeing or creating all
the audio elements.
Thursday, 10 January 13

11. Sound Mixer
• A sound mixer is the audio engineer
who performs the sound mix in post-
production.
Thursday, 10 January 13

12. Sound Recordist
• A Sound recordist is responsible for
operation the audio recording
equipment on a set.
Thursday, 10 January 13

13. Producer
• A Producer is in charge of a media
production in all matter except for the
creative efforts of the director; makes a
production happen; responsible for
raising finance and hiring key crew
members. including the director.
Thursday, 10 January 13

14. Executive Producer
• An Executive producer is responsible
for the overall production; might
handle financial. business and legal
matters.
Thursday, 10 January 13

15. Line Producer
• A Line producer is responsible for
managing and coordinating the
production; managing human, technical
and financial resources efficiently.
Thursday, 10 January 13

16. Designer
• A Designer is responsible for the art
department which designs and builds
sets, as well as the work of the props,
costume, hair and make-up specialists.
Thursday, 10 January 13