It's easy for actors - by the very attention-grabbing nature of their work - to be accused of being egotistical; therefore it's important to accommodate the people around you and make their lives and jobs easier, not more difficult. It can pay dividends in the long run for an actor to have a reputation for being courteous in the workplace. Being courteous starts with making the effort to understand the work that everyone around you is doing.
Producer
There may be several producers, and there will be executive producers above them. The producer in general terms is the person in television or film with overall responsibility for the show, the budget, the hiring and the firing. The producer is not always around at filming or recording, but whenever a producer does visit, everyone on set will be determined to show that they are doing their job efficiently.
Director
Every actor understands the director and the director's role from the actor's perspective. However, it is important for the actor to remember that the director has many other concerns and responsibilities. The director has the ultimate responsibility for turning the written word into the film or TV episode which the audience will finally watch. The director takes the script, elicits the actor’s performances, chooses the shots, decides on the number of takes, and together with the editor, draws the whole thing together into one cohesive picture.
The director’s focus is always on the scene which is being shot at that moment - therefore it is not advisable to approach or distract the director with questions about other scenes. The director will ask for, and expect, a specific performance and moves. There is always room for discussion, but disagreements with the director on set are to be avoided at all costs.
Production Assistant (P.A.)
The production assistant works at the Director’s side during the production process from beginning to end, attending rehearsals, shooting, and editing. The P.A. is responsible for keeping track of all aspects of the script, noting any changes, the number and quality of takes, and everything concerning script continuity. The P.A. deals with everything the director requires and liaises on the Director’s behalf with all the other members of the crew.
1st Assistant Director (1st A.D.) (Film) / Floor Manager (F.M.) (TV)
This person is effectively the ‘Boss’ of a film or television crew. They are in charge of everything and responsible for making sure that productions keep to their schedules and budgets. They run the location, or the floor and are in complete charge.
2nd Assistant Director (2nd A.D.) (Film) / Assistant Floor Manager (A.F.M.) (TV)
Second in command to the 1st or F.M., will take care of administrative work involving locations etc.
3rd Assistant Director (3rd A.D.) (Film) / Stage Manager (S.M.) (TV)
Responsible for making sure that cast and extras, get on set on time. The 3rd A.D. or S.M. will produce call sheets and get the information you need to you. Depending on the size of the shoot, will be your main point of contact on a shoot. Large shoots may have 4th Assistant Director (4th A.D.) (Film) / Assistant Stage Manager (A.S.M.) ( TV) to assist them.
Make Up Department
Responsible for doing hair and make-up for all performers, they are also responsible for continuity. They will take instant photographs and will look after make-up and hair, throughout the shoot.
Wardrobe Department
Responsible for clothes of all models or performer, they are also responsible for continuity. They will take instant photographs and will look after clothes, throughout the shoot. They will take care of laundry and any other clothing needs.
Camera Operator
Operates the camera and composes the shots to suit the director’s requirements.
Lighting Director
In charge of the lighting on location or in studio.
Gaffer
In charge of everything electrical, including the supply of electricity by generator, on location. Looks after cables and safety.
Grips
Lay cable for lighting and tracks for the camera to run along on a dolly.
Sound Recordist
In charge of sound. Makes sure everyone is covered by microphones and checks sound levels and balance as it is being recorded.
Boom Operator
Holds and points the microphone which is held on a long pole, called the boom.
Design Department
Responsible for the design and choice of props on every set. It is important to allow the design department and stage hands to move and replace all props on set. Never move or remove anything.
Stage Hand
Assists in moving props, furniture or anything else around a set.
Runner
A general helper, who might be asked to assist anyone on a set.
Catering
Provides all the food and drink for crew and cast on location.
Always remember that members of a crew are like cogs in a well-oiled machine. Everyone is there to do their own job well, but each job only has meaning when it takes its place and contributes to the end product. Never assume - or give the impression that you think - that you or your needs are more important than anyone else's on set. Always be respectful of the other people around you and the part that they play in the production. Courtesy will pay dividends for you in the long run.
Janice Hally - Janice Hally has written more than 300 broadcast hours of prime-time TV drama in the UK, as well as fiction and non-fiction books.
