Blast Northern Ireland
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Actor
A male or female playing the role of a character.
1st Assistant Director (1st AD)
In charge of running the set as instructed by the director
2nd Assistant Director (2nd AD)
Assists the 1st AD, often making sure actors get on and off set at the right times
3rd Assistant Director (3rd AD)
Has a variety of roles which may include managing the production runners.
Best Boy
Nothing to do with good behaviour and you don’t have to be a boy! Usually chief assistant to the gaffer (see G). Some people say the term originates from the old days when sailors were often employed to set up and work rigging in theatres.
Boom Operator
Holds the boom microphone (sometimes called a hairy dog!) as close to the action as possible.
Camera Operator
As the name suggests, the camera operator sets-up and operates the camera to the specifications of the DOP (see D).
Clapper loader
Loads the camera, looks after film stock and records each take.
Colourist
Works as part of the post production team. The colourist uses correction techniques to go through the film frame by frame and makes sure of colour and light continuity. They may also tweak colours for a particular film style.
Composer
A musician who has created the original score or soundtrack for the film.
Continuity
Makes sure that everything seen on camera is consistent from one shot to another.
Costume Designer
Designs, buys, and looks after costumes.
Director
Takes overall responsibility for the creative, visual and sound aspects of a production.
Director of Photography (DOP)
The DOP is behind the camera and actually directs the lighting of the shot while the director concentrates on getting the best performance from the actors.
Dolly
A set of tracks on which the camera moves along to create a smooth, moving shot.
Dubbing Mixer
Basically the dubbing mixing brings together all the sound components of the film and creates the best sound possible.
Editing
Taking separate sections of film and joining them to create sequences which make up the finished film.
Focus Puller
A member of the camera crew who is in charge of focussing the camera during filming.
Gaffer
The chief lighting technician
Grip
Maintains and operates and looks after the equipment which supports and moves cameras while filming. This equipment includes tripods, dollies, cranes and jibs.
Hairstylist
Designs and looks after the actors hairstyles during filming.
Ingenue
This is a type of role played by a young actor – normally a youthful and naïve character.
Jib Operator
Operates a mechanical crane which allows the camera to take shots from above.
Key Grip
In charge of the grips (see G) on the film set. Key grips work closely with the gaffer (see G again!).
Lighting Crew
A group of technicians who install, operate, and maintain film lighting.
Location Manager
Finds suitable film locations and makes arrangements to shoot there.
Make-up Artist
Designs and applies the actors make up !
Matte Artist
The matte artist creates artwork which is normally used for the background of a shot, using a photographic technique in which art (usually on glass) is combined with live action.
Non-linear Editing
This is the computer-assisted editing of a film without the need to assemble it in order. The process is almost entirely digital and uses no mechanical functions apart from the input of the video source and its play out to tape.
Off Book
This is an acting term which means that an actor has memorised their lines and cues from the film script. On the other hand, on-book means the actor still requires the script in order to rehearse.
Producer
The buck stops here. The producer oversees the entire production and brings together all elements of film making, people, budgeting and rights.
Production Manager
Working for the producer, this person supervises the budget, hires crew and makes sure that all departments are doing their jobs throughout filming.
Post Production Supervisor
The supervisor oversees the entire post production of the film. They work directly to the producer and side by side with the director and editor to ensure that the film is finished on time and within budget. Their job includes everything from booking editing facilities to arranging preview screenings.
Riggers
Lay out the camera mounts, cables and tracks.
Script Editor
This job entails reviewing and changing the film script based on input from the producer or director.
Sound Supervisor
Has ultimate responsibility for the sound. They are supported by a team of sound operators and assistants.
Spark
A lighting technician
Stills Photographer
Works on set and location to take photos of cast and crew which can be used for publicity.
Storyboard Artist
With input from the director, this artist creates a comic book style, shot by shot, storyboard of what will be filmed.
Talent
A general term which is used to describe those who appear on the big screen.
Unit Publicist
This publicist works on location during the production of the film. Their role includes setting up press visits and helping to create press packs which contain actors biographical details, location photos and notes about the making of the movie.
Vision supervisors
Operate the lighting consoles, while vision operators ensure correct exposure and camera matching. In addition, location shoots depend on the vision supervisor who acts as the senior engineer on site.
Wardrobe Department
This department is all about costumes. Roles within the department include costume designer, costumer and costume supervisor.
