Crew Job Descriptions

Camera Operator

• Sets up shots
• Communicates with director on creative choices
• Is main hands on camera for any pan, tilt, or steadicam movement
• Keeps eyes on screen during shooting
• Changes camera settings
• Is the one who takes camera on and off tripod

Assistant Camera

• Changes lenses
• Wrangles cables (plugs in and tapes down)
• Operates follow focus
• Measures focus
• Makes sure footage gets to DIT
• Protects camera
• Changes/charges batteries

Gaffer

• In charge of light
• Communicates with director about creative choices
• Communicates with Camera Operator about current shot
• Communicates with Assistant Director – Fixer about upcoming shots
• Communicates with Best boy when help is needed
• Sets up lights
• Blocks off light
• Attaches gels
• Changes light intensity
• Changes light quality (defused or direct)
• Makes sure cables are taped down and lights are secure
• Changes/charges batteries

Key Grip

• In charge of safety
• No falling objects or people
• No tripping hazards
• No electrical or heat hazards
• Attaches things to other things
• C-stands
• Rigs
• Dollies
• Jibs
• Moves things around
• Boosts actors or objects with apple boxes

Best Boy/Girl

• Assistant to Key Grip and Gaffer

Digital Image Technician

• Makes certain no data is lost
• Sets up video village (where director and crew can see image from camera)
• Logs camera settings for each shot (Aperture, ISO, Shutter Angle, Color Temp, Choice Takes)
• Transfers footage, sound, behind the scenes shots, and other data to hard drives
• Labels and organizes digital data
• Synchronizes audio

Audio Tech/Continuity

• Collects Foley sound
• Collects room tone for every scene
• Doubles checks Anna’s sound recorder and mic
• Sets up backup recorder and headphones for director
• Listens in on original recording (backup when original isn’t accessible possible) for audio issues
• Changes/charges batteries
• Watches alongside director for mistakes
• Takes notes prop placement and character movement
• Communicates continuity notes to director and updates notes when needed
• Makes sure audio files get to DIT

Cage Manager/Prop Master/Set Dresser/Behind the Scenes

• Hands equipment to crew members from truck at start of day
• Is handed equipment by crew members at truck at end of day
• Knows where everything on the truck is
• Puts everything way where it belongs
• Sets up props and set dressing
• Communicates with Continuity about prop placement
• Communicates with Director about creative set choices
• Shoots behind the scenes footage
• Conducts cast & crew interviews at appropriate moments