1. Multimedia Crew Positions
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2. Crew Positions Some crew positions included in this lesson:
Director of photography or cinematographer
Producer
Production manager
Key grip
Gaffer
Camera operator
Boom operator
Video editor
Technical director
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3. Director of Photography Cinematographer
Responsibilities include:
Collaborating with director and producer to ensure the shared vision for the film as a whole art form
Collaborating with the director to make all decisions regarding lighting, framing, lenses, filters, color, and tone of the film as a whole
Authority over lighting and camera crews during a filming project
All other lighting and camera crews report to the director of photography
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4. Producer Responsibilities include: Overall quality of production
Raising appropriate funding for the project
Being involved from the development until the completion of the project
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5. Production Manager Responsibilities include:
Supervising the physical aspects of filming, including but not limited to personnel, budget, scheduling and technology
Top priority is to keep entire crew on schedule and within the set budget restraints
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6. Key Grip Responsibilities include:
Working with the director of photography and cinematographer in pre-production stages to scout location and determine equipment needs
Prepping and managing equipment on location
Collaborating with electrical and camera departments to ensure the overall effectiveness and efficiency of all filming and lighting equipment and their operators
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7. Gaffer The gaffer is known as the head electrician on set
Responsibilities include:
Execution of the lighting plan for the production
Reporting to and working under the director of photography or cinematographer
Collaborating with the key grip
Managing all electrical labor, electrical equipment, and lighting instruments
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8. Camera Operator Responsibilities include:
Taking directions from the director of photography
Collaborating with directors, actors, and other crew members to make creative and technical decisions.
Skillful assembling and breaking down the camera at beginning and end of each filming day
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9. Camera Operator Cont’d
Responsibilities include:
Physically operating the camera e
Expertly framing and maintaining angles during the shoot
Conscientious of time and budget restraints
Makes it a top priority to stay within those boundaries.
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10. Boom Operator Responsibilities include: Microphone placement
Ensuring that the microphone or the boom stick do not enter the camera’s frame
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11. Technical Director Responsibilities include:
Taking directions from the director in a live film situation such as live television, sportscasts, newscasts, etc.
TDs must be quick on their feet and able to multi-task well as they are assessing multiple feeds from various cameras at the same time.
They must also be versed in the video switching devices and software.
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12. Video Editor Responsibilities include:
Post-production decisions about creative and technical aspects of the footage recorded during filming
Sequencing all footage appropriately
Effectively using sound effects, music, and lining up actors voices’ with their mouth movements
Ultimately creating the finished product
Video editors are used primarily for feature film, commercials, television shows, etc. where post-production is a necessary component
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13. Project Assignment
Students will create a flow chart detailing crew positions and responsibilities for a specific production project.
Students will collaborate in groups of 3-4.
Groups will choose an imaginary production and create a flow chart using creativity and various forms of mediums or technology.
Groups will present their creative flow charts to the class.
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14. Summary
Many crew positions are vital components of creating various forms of media including feature films, TV shows, live shows, newscasts, sportscasts, etc.
All crew positions we have learned about directly report back to the director of photography or the cinematographer
Review assessment requirements and pass out assessment rubric
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