Friday, November 14, 2008

Lecture: Production Hierarchy

Preproduction – The Team
Filmmaking is a Collaborative Effort
No filmmaker works alone. Producers have directors and writers,
directors in turn have actors and camera and so forth and so on.
To succeed in this industry you must be able to work with others and
stay objective to criticism.
THIS IS FILMMAKING!!!

The Production Process
The Production Hierarchy
WhoÕs In Charge?
Sample Test Question:

Who is the person thatÕs really in charge of it all?
a)The Producer
b)The Executive Producer
c)The Director
d)Orson Welles

Executive Producer
Is generally the financier of the film and handles the business issues.
May act as representative of studio or production company.
May have prior involvement with the script, literary work or property
that has since been optioned into a film.

Producer
Supervises, controls, coordinates and initiates matters such as
raising funds, hiring key personnel, procuring distributors.
Involved from development to completion

Production Manager
Supervises below-the-line personnel
Creates and enforces schedule
Creates and manages budget
Directly supervises Production Coordinator

The Production Manager
The King of Preproduction
Approves all Hires
In Charge of Scheduling and Budgeting
Is Responsible if Things Go Horribly Wrong on Set
People Hurt
People Not Showing Up
Equipment Not Showing Up

Director
Determines creative direction or ÔvisionÕ
Controls overall Ôlook and feelÕ of film
Directs actorÕs performances
Directs crew – dept. heads, locations, special equipment, etc.
Oversees the creative aspects of film

Production Designer
Responsible for executing the visual aspects of the film according to
the directorÕs ÔvisionÕ
Sets, Props, Make-up and Wardrobe
Works with Director and Cinematographer to achieve the ÔlookÕ of the film

Art Director
Reports to Production Designer
Supervises artists, designers and decorators in execution of overall
production design

Director of Photography
Chief of Camera Crew
DP + Camera Op = Cinematographer
Decides on the lighting and framing of each shot in connection with
the DirectorÕs vision.
Works directly with the Director to achieve a certain look.

Camera Operator
Physically sets up the cameraÉ
(with lenses, on dolly, etc.)
May even set up the shot according to the direction of the D.P.

First Assistant Camera
Sets Focus
Checks shot prior to shooting to set focus; this is done by measuring
the distance between the subject and the camera
Pulls Focus
Pulls focus with a Ôfollow focusÕ device to compensate for the
cameraÕs movements or the subjectÕs movements

Second Assistant Camera
Operates clapboard
Loads film in the absence of a film loader
Keeps record of film stock
Keeps track of camera equipment and oversees transport of equipment
from one shooting location to the next

Chief Electrician
Certified Electrician in charge of all electrical work on a production.

Oversees team of electricians who install lighting equipment and
arrange the power supply.

Best Boy, Electric
Assistant to the Chief Electrician
Supervises Gaffers

Gaffers
Responsible for the execution of the lighting plan for the production
Install, position and operate lights for production
Control Risk Assessment and Electrical Safety

Key Grip
Chief Grip on set
Head of Set Operations
Sets up ÔThe SetÕ
Works with DP to achieve the best arrangement of set pieces for
optimum lighting and blocking


Best Boy Grip
Assistant to Key Grip
Oversees Grips
Oversees assembly of equipment

Grips
Ensures camera movement is achievable and executes move during shoot,
i.e. on dolly tracks
Provides support to camera operators
Lift, carry, set up, strike equipment
Pros/Cons - Physically demanding but very educational for an entry
level position

Sound Mixer
Head of Sound Department
The person in charge of sound quality going to tape during production
In charge of mixing all sound to ensure there is no interference or interruption
Operates sound recording device

Boom Operator
Assistant to Sound Mixer
Operates the Boom microphone
Responsible for effective microphone placement and movement

First Assistant Director
Oversees day-to-day management of cast and crew schedule, equipment,
script and set
Manages and maintains a working environment; allowing the director,
principle actors and primary crew members the ability to focus on the
creative aspects

Second Assistant Director
Directs background action and extras
Assists 1st AD with scheduling, booking and script supervision

Second Second Assistant Director
Liaison between Department Heads, Production Manager and Director
Manages resources for Department Heads
Distributes information regarding needs of talent and crew
Monitors the whereabouts of talent and crew when not needed on set

Chief Editor
Sometimes present on set during production to help arrange shots that
require special effects or other aspects that will affect post
production
In post production, cuts the shots into a coherent film with the help
of the director

Production Coordinator
Assists the Production Manager
Organizes logistics of production
Confirming Crew
Checking on Locations
Renting Equipment
Checking Availability of Talent

Production Assistants
Assists 1st AD with set operations (setup)
Assists Production Coordinator with general office duties in Production Office
Pros/Cons

Transportation Captain
In charge of all drivers who transport talent, crew and equipment
In charge of daily transport of talent and key crew members to and
from set during production
Coordinates driving schedules; plans who, when, where and how many
vehicles necessary

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