The Jobs on a Film Set

Movies are team projects. Here are some of the many jobs involved.

Before Filming

• Producer: Organizes money, schedules, and people so the film can be made.
• Screenwriter: Writes the script.
• Casting director: Helps find the right actors.
• Production designer: Plans how sets and places will look.

During Filming

• Director: Guides the story and the performances.
• Actors: Bring characters to life.
• Cinematographer: Decides how each shot is lit and framed.
• Camera crew: Operate the cameras and keep images sharp.
• Costume and makeup artists: Create each character’s look.
• Sound recordist: Captures dialogue on set.
• Stunt performers: Carry out action safely.
• Runners and assistants: Keep everything moving.

After Filming

• Editor: Chooses and joins the best shots to shape the story.
• Visual effects artists: Add digital creatures and places.
• Composer: Writes the music.
• Sound team: Add sound effects and balance volume levels.
• Colorist: Adjusts color to set the mood.

Jobs You May Not Know

• Gaffer: The head of the electrical team who sets up the lights.
• Key grip: Leads the crew that supports and moves cameras and equipment.
• Script supervisor: Keeps track of details so scenes match from shot to shot.
• Boom operator: Holds the microphone above the actors, just out of the picture.
• Location manager: Finds and arranges places to film.

Every one of these roles helps the film look and sound right.

How Big Is a Film Crew?

Crew sizes vary enormously. A small independent film might be made by a few dozen people, while a major production can employ hundreds of people on set and thousands more in studios around the world. Even a short school film benefits from clear roles.

How to Get Started

Children who enjoy films can start by making short videos with a phone, helping with a school play, or joining a youth film club. Every professional crew member began by learning one small skill at a time.

Why the Credits Are So Long

The names that roll at the end are the people who helped make the film. Next time, stay and read a few.

Play Film Crew

Make a short film at home. Give each family member a job and see how it all fits together.