The Best Boy and a Whole Lot More

Filmmakers & Crew

ART DIRECTOR Oversees the craftsmen who build the sets.

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: An assistant to the art director.

ASSISTANT CAMERA  Assists the camera operator. This person is responsible for the maintenance and care of the camera, as well as keeping camera reports and shot lists. In small productions, they may also perform the duties of clapper-loader and/or a focus puller.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Tracks the progress of filming versus the production schedule, and prepares the call sheets.

ASSISTANT FILM EDITOR: Editing room crew member responsible for providing assistance to the editor.

ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER  An assistant to the production coordinator.

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER  Performs a limited number of producing functions delegated to him/her by a producer, under the direct supervision and control of that producer.   

BACKGROUND ARTIST (SCENIC ARTIST) Responsible for designing or constructing the art placed in the back of a set.

BEST BOY: Usually the Gaffer's Assistant and a member of the Electrical Dept.

BOOM OPERATOR: A member of the sound crew who operates the boom microphone.

CAMERA LOADER (LOADER, CLAPPER-LOADER) Operates the clapboard at the beginning of a shot, also responsible for loading film stock into film magazines.

CAMERA OPERATOR (CAMERAMAN) The person who operates the camera to the specifications dictated by the director of photography.  

CASTING DIRECTOR (CD, CASTING ASSISTANT, CASTING ASSOCIATE): The person who auditions and helps to select all of the speaking role actors in film, television shows or plays.

CATERER  Feeds cast and crew. Sometimes the caterer works from a truck or van that has become known as the "Roach Coach."

CHOREOGRAPHER Plans and directs dance sequences within a movie.  

CINEMATOGRAPHER Responsible for creating the overall look of the film. This includes setting up the shots by establishing the placement of both camera and lights. The chief cinematographer for a movie is called the director of photography.

COMPOSER A musician whose music appears in a movie's score.  

COSTUME DESIGNER  In charge of costumes, usually preparing them for use and making sure they are accurate and faithful to the designs.

DIRECTOR The person who interprets the written book or script. This individual oversees all creative aspects of the production. Also the person who yells "Action!"

EDITOR  Performs editing (in consultation with the director) on a movie. This term usually refers to someone who does visual editing.

ELECTRICIANS Members of the Electrical Dept. who wire electrical devices used on and off set as well as rig and adjust lighting.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER (EXECUTIVE IN CHARGE OF PRODUCTION)  Not involved in any technical aspects of the filmmaking process, but who is still responsible for the overall production. Typically an executive producer handles business and legal issues.

FOCUS PULLER Adjusts the focus of the camera during filming.

GAFFER  Head of the Electrical Dept., The Gaffer, works closely with the DP in determining how lights should be used and where they need to be placed.

GRIP  Crew members who arrange props and set up the various camera equipment including dollies, cranes, and the like.

KEY GRIP The chief of a group of grips, often doubling for a construction coordinator and a backup for the camera crew.  

LINE PRODUCER  Responsible for managing every person and issue during the making of a film.  

LOCATION MANAGER Manages various aspects of filming on location, such as arranging with authorities for permission to shoot in specific places.  

LOCATION SCOUT  Looks for suitable locations for filming.

PRODUCER The administrative head of the film, usually responsible for budget, staff, legal contracts, distribution, scheduling, etc.

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT (PA)  Responsible for various odd jobs on set and around the production office. Usually it is the PAs who run errands sometimes involving purchasing lunches or snacks for craft service, picking up disposables - small items used around the set or location. Often called the "Gofer."

PRODUCTION MANAGER   Makes things run on schedule and within the budget. 

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR  An assistant to the producer, in charge of routine administrative duties.

SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Assistant to the Assistant Director. Usual duties include overseeing movements of the cast.

SECOND SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (2ND, 2ND): Assistant to the 2nd Assistant Director. These crew members are usually assigned the duty of organizing and directing the extras.