Post 10- Job Roles Research

Direction

There are many different departments under the title direction however; the most common role is director who is responsible for the creative vision and overall style of a feature film. The director has a number of supporters such as assistant director who job it is to make sure the directors artistic ambitions are achieved by providing logistical, organisational and time-management support. Most people start their careers working as a runners or junior assisting jobs, and from here they gradually process through the various directing departments roles.

•  Film director. They are the crucial link between the production, technical and creative teams. It’s their job too creatively translate the films written script into actual images and sounds on screen. The main duties include casting, script editing, shot composition, shot selection and editing. Although it’s not the director’s job to concentrate on the budget, the director must be aware of the budget and schedule. It’s down to the director to be responsible for a films artistic and commercial success or failure. 
•  First assistant director. This is the director’s right hand person; they are responsible for taking a number of important tasks so the director is free to concentrate on the creative process. During the pre-production tasks they work with the director to break down the script into a shot-by-shot storyboard, work on the shooting order and how long the film will take. When the film in is production they are in charge of making sure that every aspect if the shoot keeps to is schedule. They also have the important task of co-ordinating all production activities and supervising the cast and crew.
• The second assistant director is the first assistant director’s right hand person; it’s their job to make sure the second assistant’s orders and directions are carried out. They have two main jobs during production, which is preparing the call sheet, which documents a detailed daily filming logistics between cast and crew. They also have to over look the movements of the cast ensuring the principal actors are in make-up, wardrobe or standing by on the set at the correct times. In smaller film production there is no third assistant director and it would be down to the second assistant director to manage his or her jobs. The second assistant is also responsible for finding extras in large number shots, co-ordinating their transport and activities on and of location.
• Runners. This is the entry-level position within the film production. This is a basic on the job training, they can be asked to do anything that is required on the set or location to help the progress of the shoot. Their jobs and responsibilities vary greatly but usually involve conveying messages, organising props, looking after cast and crew, driving, delivering technical equipment and attending to directors needs.

Camera

The most important thing about camera work is creating beautiful and impressive images that will look good on screen. With the use of images it can tell us more about a character, location, dialogue and music. A lot of work goes into preparation as well as hard work in moving and operating the cameras. This department work closely together to create invisible camera moves. The department works closely together wit the Production Designer to help realise the Directors visions for the film.

•  Directors of Photography. They are head of the department on the film production and are requested by the Director, which they will work very closely with throughout production. The role of the Director of Photography is to provide a film with its unique visual identity, or look. Most Directors will work on commercials and promos as well as on feature films. They are responsible for being highly creative throughout production. They will work closely with the camera crew, lighting, production designer, costume designer and hair and make up to make sure the image on screen will be the best quality. 
•  Script Supervisors. They have the responsibility to monitor whether it is possible for each shot scene to be edited into a verbally and visually coherent sequence. During pre-production they check the script for any errors, prepare estimated running times, break down the script according to production requirements. They work closely with Directors to anticipate and solve any potential problems.
• Camera operators. They work closely wit the Director of Photography deciding where to position the camera, and what equipment they will need to use. The main responsibility of the Operators is to ensure that the camera and associated equipment are prepared for the required set-ups and must always be alert for last minute changes. They will also work closely with performers, guiding them on what can and cannot be seen by the camera.
• Camera Assistant 1. This is a very skilled job and is responsible for refocusing the camera lens as actors move within the frame of each shot. They must have a lot of experience and work using their instincts of judging focal lengths. It’s their responsibility to look after and prepare equipment such as lenses, filters and the assembling the camera as accessories for different shots.
• Camera Assistant 2. Its their responsibility to position and move the camera, loading and unloading film magazines, changing and charging camera batteries, changing lenses, operating the clapper board, filling out and filing all camera sheets. They will also work closely with Camera Assistant 1 and Camera Trainees

Lighting The lighting department has a missive role in all films whether it is working with natural or artificial light. There are many members in a light team that all work closely with the Camera crew trying to create the best images that are captured on screen. They set up a wide range of lighting equipment to achieve a variety of moods, atmospheres and effects in addition to helping to make the actors, performers and participants look right in their roles.

• Gaffers. They are in charge of all electrical work on production, leading a team of technicians who install the lighting equipment and arrange equipment to create the best effects. Gaffers work closely with the Director of Photography to visualise in a practical way the 'look' they are trying to achieve. One of the Gaffers' key responsibilities is Health and Safety. They conduct risk assessments and certify the electrical safety of the production. They must keep control of the lighting budget, and oversee the work.
• Best boy. This term is refered to as the best electrician in the team lead by the Gaffer. Best Boys co-ordinate the team of Lighting Technicians, and deal with all the logistics and paperwork relating to the role. Best Boys ensure that equipment is ordered, arrange its delivery, and ensure that it arrives in the right place at the right time. They are also in charge of dealing with any damaged or malfunctioning equipment. Best Boys have specific responsibility for liasing with other members of the production team, e.g., the First Assistant Director, the Special Effects Director or the Art Director. 
•  Lighting Technicians. They provide the relevant lighting and power supply for a film, either on a studio set, or on location. Lighting Technicians' responsibilities vary according to the size of the production, and the number of lighting technicians in the team. They are required to keep the equipment clean, and maintained in good working order. Some Lighting Technicians are responsible in setting up the lighting equipment before a shoot star and carrying out lighting tests

Production sound The job of the production sound department is to record all sounds on set or on location; this is done through Production Sound Mixers, Boom Operators, and Sound Assistants. They have to ensuring that the dialogue recorded during film shoots is good quality for editing.

• Production Sound Mixers. They are responsible for ensuring that dialogue recorded during filming is suitably clear Although much of the storytelling and the emotional impact of a script are conveyed through dialogue, most film sets are challenging environments for Mixers because there are often unwanted noises to deal with, or the required camera shots hamper the placing of microphones. Before production begins the Production Sound Mixers meet with the Producer and Director to discuss their creative intentions, (is the sound naturalistic or stylised, etc.), technical requirements and budgetary issues They also meet with the Costume Department and Visual Effects Supervisors to discuss the placement of microphones on or around the actors, and visit all locations to check for potential sound problems.
• Sound Assistants. Their main job is to provide general back up and support to the Production Sound Mixer and the Boom Operator. They are responsible for checking all stock, microphones and batteries and making sure that the sound department runs as smoothly as possible
•  Boom Operators. They are responsible for placing the microphone in the best position, without impeding camera operation, or hampering actors’ freedom to perform. Boom Operators assist the Production Sound Mixer and operate the boom microphone, which is either hand-held on a long arm or dolly mounted (on a moving platform. They are responsible for positioning microphones so that Sound Mixers can capture the best quality dialogue and sound effects. If this is done well, a great deal of money can be saved by not having to re-record (post-sync) the dialogue at a later stage.

Art department The Art Department is responsible for creating the visual world or setting for a film. The look of sets or locations transports audiences into the world of the story, and is an essential element in making films convincing and evocative. A great deal of work and imagination goes into constructing appropriate backdrops to any story. The Art Department usually employs the largest number of people on any film crew. Months before the beginning of each film shoot, the Production Designer works with the Director to decide upon the visual identity of the film, and draws up sketches which provide the inspiration for the subsequent work of the entire department. Since the work of the Art Department usually accounts for the biggest spend on films, the Production Designer also works closely

• Production Designers. They are the heads of department on film crews, and are responsible for the entire Art Department. They play a crucial role in helping Directors to achieve the film's visual requirements. Directors of Photography and Production Designers are largely responsible for informing and realising the Director's vision. Production Designers begin work at the very early stages of pre-production and are requested by the Director and/or Producer. After preparing a careful breakdown of the script, they meet with the Director to discuss how best to shoot the film, e.g. to decide: whether to use sets and /or locations; what should be built and what should be adapted. Production Designers must calculate the budgets, and decide how the money and effort will be spent. These discussions are followed by an intense period of research during which Production Designers and their Specialist Researchers source ideas from books, photographs, paintings, the internet, etc. Production Designers deliver their design sketches (detailing mood, atmosphere, lighting, composition, colour and texture) to Art Directors who oversee the production of technical drawings and models, which are used by the Construction Department to build the sets and to adapt locations
• Art Directors. They are responsible for the Art Department budget and schedule of work, and help the Production Designer to maximise the money allocated to the department. Art Directors are usually requested by the Production Designer, and are responsible for the Assistant Art Director. They have an important job to analyse the script to identify all props or special items that may require longer lead times. As the shooting date approaches, Art Directors liase closely with the Location Manager to negotiate when locations can be prepared and dressed. During filming, Art Directors continue to oversee the construction, dressing and striking (dismantling) of the remaining sets.
• Storyboard Artists. Their job is to translate screenplays, or sequences from screenplays, into a series of illustrations in comic book form. They are used to help Directors clarify exactly what they want to achieve, and to illustrate to all other Heads of Department exactly what is required, e.g., prosthetics for Make-up, Computer Generated Images and Effects, props for the Art Department. Storyboards are mainly required on films containing large amounts of action for example a complex chase scene where it needs to be carefully visualised and planned. It is used as a sensible way of avoiding overshooting and going over budget.

How we will use these roles when producing our own short filmsI think that we will use of these departments when producing our short film I don’t think we will have the same skills level or experience as some of the roles in the departments but we can assign the roles to members of our group. For example

• Direction. Within our group we will have one director whose script we will be producing. They will be the head of the team and will be in charge of all of the departments making sure tasks are being completed correctly and the overall product will be to the standard they expected. As a group we can break down the script into a story board and work on the shooting order and this is a to bigger task for one person to complete on their own. There could be a second director within the group to make sure when we are producing everything is running smoothly and we are staying on track. Within this department they would be responsible for casting actors that would portray the character realistically.
• Camera. Within our group we can’t focus on all of the different roles within this department however, I do think it’s important that we have a Camera Operator. There main job would be deciding where to position the cameras and what equipment we will need when we are doing different shots and scenes. I also think that we could have a Director of Photography who can work with the Camera operator to try and make the film look unique and visual.
• Lighting. Within our group I think the only role in this department that we will need is a Gaffer, they can be in charge of the lighting we decide to use and whether we can use natural light of will need artificial lighting. They can work together with the Director of Photography in a way that will make the actor and location look a good quality when it’s on screen.
• Production Sound. I think that we will need two roles for this department these are the Production Sound Mixer who make sure the dialogue recorded is clear and suitable for filming. They have to also make sure that in the location we film there is no unwanted background noise that will take away from the dialogue. We also need to think about the Boom Operators who’s job it will to make sure there will be microphones on our actors so we will be able to capture the dialogue and any other sound effects clearly and of the best quality.
• Art Department. I think the most important role from this department is the Production Designer, they will have to think about the best location to film is, as well as we will need and props for different scenes. We could also have an Art Director who would be responsible for overlooking the construction, dressing and marinating sets.

As we will be having small groups of 3 to 4 this means that we wont have enough people to take all of these roles. This means that each person will have the responsibility for one department, they will have to complete all the jobs and roles within that department. However as this is a large role to take on we can use other members from our group for their opinions and share ideas to make sure it will be completed to the best quality.