What are the positions of the core members of the film production team?

Large-scale production team

Hollywood-style large-scale film production organizations have many members.

The producer’s job is the most important. First he/she must raise funds and strictly control the budget and schedule of the film. Not only that, producers also have the power to hire and fire staff.

The director is responsible for the entire working group and converts the written script into images. During filming, the director has to guide the actors to perform.

The Director of Photography (DP-Director of Photography, or First Cameraman) has to decide the lighting method of a scene, the processing of light and shadow, how the camera operates, and all aspects of photography. Usually he/she will discuss it with the director and make a decision. On smaller production crews, the cinematographer is sometimes also responsible for operating the camera. As for the large-scale production team, in addition to all camera operators (camera operators) starting shooting, there are also two camera assistants. The First Assistant Cameraman is responsible for following the focus, checking the film door and cleaning the camera. The Second Assistant Cameraman is responsible for storing and replacing films and filling out photography reports.

Gaming engineers and electricians are responsible for laying out and arranging lighting. Best Boy assists with lighting and power cords. Grips are responsible for furnishings, handling props, erecting high platforms and similar work.

When shooting a video with simultaneous sound collection, a sound recordist and a boom operator (Boom Operator) holding a microphone pole are required.

The scribe's job is to record every detail of each shot (from the weather to the actor's hairstyle) so that there is continuity from shot to shot.

Assistant Director (Assistant Director) should assist the director in controlling the scene, arranging actors, and communicating and coordinating various departments.

The Second Unit is responsible for filming scenes other than the main scene. Usually there are some empty shots that need to be reshot, or parts that don’t need to be recorded simultaneously.

Producing Manager (Producing Manager) should control the shooting scene to avoid falling behind schedule, overtime or budget.

During live shooting, there is a location manager (Location Manager) who handles on-site matters (such as arranging food and accommodation).

Countless tasks such as makeup, beauty, costume design, art direction, set design, prop selection, animal training, etc. also require the participation of professionals.

The stills are taken by professional still photographers. Whether it's a large or small production, you can't ignore the shooting of stills, because these photos will help promote the film.

Small production team

A small production team may consist of only one person or two or three people.

The working team for shooting a documentary may only consist of a photographer and a sound engineer, one of whom is also the director. Sometimes an additional person is added on set to help set up the lights.

Simple work organization not only reduces budgets, but also allows for different production methods. Because the crew is simple, it has high maneuverability and is suitable for shooting difficult outdoor scenes.

The crew members who shoot documentaries generally try to simplify things as much as possible to avoid disturbing the scene in order to obtain more realistic and natural pictures.

In the development of film technology, high-sensitivity film, large-aperture pickaxes, small and quiet cameras, and wireless microphones have all brought great benefits to documentary shooting.