The different jobs in the film industry are as follows:
Director - The director is responsible for multiple jobs regarding the production of the film itself, such as organising the content within the narrative. This means managing the action so that the continuity editing runs smoothly, and ensuring it makes sense when everything is pieced together. They also have a role of selecting the location of the film, so where it should be based, and managing the technical side of it, such as the positioning of instruments like lighting stands and cameras, and even choosing the soundtrack(s)! As you can probably tell, the director is one of the most important aspects in the stages of production.
Screenwriter/Writer - The role of a Screenwriter is to create screenplays for films. They provide the blueprint for the Producer, Director, Production Designer, Composer and Editor, Cast and Crew. The screenplay should enable whoever is reading it to imagine how the film will function on screen. In fact, it should feature fascinating characters, an excitable plot, and a great idea for a marketable film.
Producer - A film producer creates the terms and conditions for film-making. By this I mean they control all aspects regarding fund raising, hiring, personnel, and agree on how to distribute the film. However, this would also depend on the type of company, as an independent company would have another company distribute the film for them. it is also possible that there may be more than one producer involved in the making of a film. The roles and responsibilities can be divided up equally, or depending on their specialities(which is most common).
Executive Producer - An executive producer is someone who has played a financial or creative role in the production of a film, as opposed to being involved with the technical side of things.
Makeup Artist - Makeup Artists are briefed by Chief Makeup Artists, who initially provide detailed notes about the characters within the production. This ensures that they know everything about the characters whereabouts, in case they need to adjust their look in any way. Occasionally they may only receive a rough brief. Under this circumstance they must produce their own script breakdown, and research and create their own design notes. They assist with supporting actors, and depending on the schedule, they may look after a number of Actors throughout the shoot. In addition to this, they are responsible for maintaining the continuity of their given look.
Production Manager - Production managers organise the business and financial side of things, such as sorting out employment issues. They are also in charge of how the production budget is spent, ensuring that everything runs smoothly throughout the filming process. The role of a Production Manager is vital, as any faults in their work can be detrimental, resulting in delays on the release, and maybe event costly expenses.
Film Editor – The role of a film editor involves the piecing together of recorded raw material, into a finished product which is then suitable for broadcasting. The footage may include aspects such as sound, dialogue, graphics, special effects, and more. The job of a Film Editor is crucial in the stages of production, as their experience depends on the end result.
Special Effects Supervisor – The special effects that we see within the production of films today are typically computer generated, which have transformed film forever. Special effects are anything that gets blown up, smashed or destroyed. They also cover artificial weather and atmospheric effects. The Special Effects Supervisor will work closely with the production designer and art designer to establish the content of the shot.
Costume Designer – The idea of a costume designer is to help define the overall look of films. They also work closely with Production Designers in ensuring that costumes fit properly, and are worn to create an effect with the assistance of the lighting and camera angles they are portrayed with. During the Pre-Production stages, Costume designers work with actors to see how many characters are involved in each part of the film. This is to ensure that outfits are delivered to the characters when they are needed, and ongoing maintenance is achieved. This is done by breaking down the script. In addition to this, Costume Designers play a role in the financial side of things, as they must ensure that accurate financial records are kept, and weekly expenditure reports are produced.
Production Designer – Production Designers are responsible for the visual aspects of a film. They identify a design style for sets, locations, graphics, props, lighting, camera angles and costumes, whilst working with the director and producer. Once the idea is decided, designers usually come together and manage an art department, which includes a design and construction team. It is likely that often form a strong partnership with a particular director, who they may work with on many productions.
Casting Director – The role of a Casting Director is to select the actors for the characters within the film. This will typically involve potential characters auditioning for a role. The Casting Director will then assess the performance of the candidate and give the role to the character(s) which is/are most suitable. In addition to this, they work with the director in providing the most suitable actors for the narrative.
Location Manager - The location manager will typically report directly to the production manager and/or assistant director, when they have decided on the final location(s) for the narrative to take place. This means getting permission to use the land or the premises where they intended to film. Location or permit fees, as well as labour costs to the production also need to be negotiated and then finalised, with all costs considered.
