BBC NI - Blast NI

22 December 2009
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Film A-Z

		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.

		Any ideas? Send them to blastni@bbc.co.uk

		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.

		Any ideas? Send them to blastni@bbc.co.uk