Production roles

Here are some roles and the associated tasks for both AS and A2 productions.  Please note that acting is not assessed as a role and therefore your actors do not need to be in your group.  Group members need to state their roles and will be assessed on the tasks connected with those roles (if you only act or  do not  take part in making the film you will get zero marks for construction).  Group members should have clearly defined roles and should take on more than one role.  If you are working on your own, you will execute all roles.

Producer 
The Producer is an organiser, in charge of the budget, hirer and firer of the crew, the implementer of the project.

Manages the team.  Completes: budget, action planning, time management, risk assessment and progress updates.

Director
The Director is the key creative person on a film or television project. The so-called ‘Director’s Vision’ shapes the whole movie and all of the other determinants involved in the making of the film – sound, lighting, production design and so on work in collaboration with this vision. In a sense the Director makes the film in his or her head before any shooting has begun.  The Director designs the film, orchestrates its emotional content and is the head of the creative side of the filmmaking process. In terms of preparing the actors for their roles it is often the case for the Director to meet with the actors during Pre-production and read through the script with them before any shooting takes place. Improvisation can also be attempted at this stage in order for the actors to explore their roles. Improvisation is basically acting without a script. The actors make up their actions and dialogue according to a brief set out by the Director. Some films are actually made entirely with improvisation and no script. Whatever the case, it is a powerful tool for Director’s to use when working with actors.

Is in charge of the shoot.  Completes: call sheet and works closely with the Cinematographer on the storyboard, shot list and shot schedule.

Writer

The first step in the making of a film is creating the script. The script is the blueprint for the whole movie. Of course there are films which are made without a script such as improvised projects, but generally the script is the starting point for most movies.

Whether the Director has written the script or is interpreting an already created one, the key when directing the film is to attempt to predict the audience’s reaction to the material.  A good script will be formatted correctly and include all of the action, scene descriptions and dialogue that will be featured in the finished film. It will not include any descriptions of shots or how the film will be realised – this is the job of the Director.

Writing the script is a very difficult and often undervalued aspect of the filmmaking process. An idea may start with a single moment or action, a line of dialogue, a character and so on.  A character biography can also be a useful tool for helping the actors prepare for their roles. This is basically a document detailing aspects of the characters life such as family background, social status, history, personality etc. Actors tend to like a character biography, and it should help them to prepare for their texts.

Writes the idea for the film.  Completes: initial ideas, pitch and script.

Editor
Reads the script, shot list and storyboard to understand the aims and context of the film. Edits the film on the editing software.  Creates drama, entertainment and continuity through cutting.  Works with the Sound Editor (this can be the same person) to add music, sound effects and additional dialogue.  Creates production logos.  Also researches editing techniques, writes 'skills progress' posts on the blog relating to ICT skills and completes title timelines.  Produces 'rough cuts' of the film.  Checks labels and posts are correct on the blog.

Sound Editor
Responsible for finding sound effects (including foley sound) and re-recording any unclear dialogue or sounds.

Sound Designer
Plans the arrangement of sound in the production - dialogue, music, foley, sound effects etc.

Composer
Responsible for finding copyright-free music or composing/ recording original music.

Cinematographer
The Director of Photography on a project is ultimately responsible for the film’s visual imagery. He or she controls the lighting and composition of the various shots which will be featured in the finished movie.

Responsible for filming.  Works closely with the director on the storyboard, shot list and shot schedule.

Storyboard Artist
Completes: animatic or photo-storyboard or drawn storyboard; shot list and shot schedule.

Location Scout
During pre-production, various members of the crew will visit possible locations to find settings that the action can take place in. When visiting locations it is a good idea to take photographs or shoot some videotape of the possible places. An overhead drawing can also help in terms of planning camera angles and lighting.  Film-makers should listen intently to make sure there are no sound problems such as air conditioners etc. There are other things to be considered such as power points and a room for the actors to wait in and for make-up to be applied etc. Sets will be built if a suitable location cannot be found or if shooting in a studio is a preferred option. Sets allow the film-makers’ to create anything the imagination can conjure up.
Responsible for finding suitable locations for the film.  Locations are photographed and a presentation is prepared to show the rest of the group.

Technical Director
Completes: equipment list and organises all technical equipment required for the shoot and is able to use it.

Set, Costume and Prop Design
The Production Designer’s role is associated with the visuals on a film. He or she designs any sets required, is involved in the selection of locations and is in charge of dressing the sets and locations with various props.
Responsible for mise-en-scene, including props and costumes.  Completes a list of the same and organises for the shoot.

Make-up Artist
Responsible for make-up.  Works closely with the Set, Costume and Prop Designer.

Marketing
Decides on the target audience for the film and produces a demographic profile.  Also responsible for audience testing and posts relating to audience feedback.


Suggested roles for group members

Group of four:

1 Producer, Location Scout, Production Designer (set, costume and props)
2 Director, Writer, Storyboard Artist (joint), Marketing
3 Cinematographer, Technical Director, Storyboard Artist (joint)
4 Editor, Sound Editor, Sound Designer, Composer

Group of three:

1 Director, Producer, Writer, Storyboard Artist (joint), Marketing
2 Cinematographer, Location scout, Technical Director, Storyboard Artist (joint)
3 Editor, Sound Editor, Sound Designer, Composer, Production Designer (set, costume and props)