Script Writer:
A pre-production role. Also called the screen writer. The script writer takes the script treatment which should be prepared in a group and turns it into a script following standard screen writing conventions.
Director:
The Director is responsible for the vision and completion of the film. Communicates vision of transferring the script to screen. Offers technical advice where needed. Creates storyboard, shot list, selects location & manages crew. Handles casting and all actor direction on and off screen. Ensures scripts and shot lists are ready and enough copies are made. They are part of the process from pre-production to post-production and overall takes responsibility for the success or failure of the film.
Cinematographer:
The cinematographer researches techniques and learns technology required for shots. Prepares all technical equipment, signs-out equipment, prepares SD cards, finds additional crew if needed, operates camera and sets all lights, shadows and effects. Must scout locations, plan for lighting and power issues and create detailed floor plans. Communicate with director to decide and achieve tone of shots. Communicate with Editor to ensure required angles, transitions and inserts (cutaways) are captured.
*** Must know how to operate all aspects of the camera! ***
Grip:
The grip works closely with the cinematographer to ensure that any devices connected to the camera, aside from sound, are available and functional. This includes tripods, glidecams, spider braces, the crane, etc. In small film crews the grip usually also handles light which is a role usually called 'gaffer'. All equipment MUST be tested prior to the shoot to ensure that it is ready. Additionally, the grip is in charge of keeping track of all equipment for the duration of the shoot. For each location, the grip must organize, move, maintain, and find all equipment.
*** Must know how to operate all aspects of the camera support equipment! ***
Gaffer:
The gaffer handles everything related to lights. First job is to ensure that the set it lit with a "key", "fill", and "back" light. Gaffer also handles the reflector.
Sound:
Research techniques and learn technology required for Sound. Breakdown script identifying dialogue, sound effects and music cues. The sound technician must ensure that all required sound equipment is ready to go prior to the shoot. This includes all connecting cables, power supplies, boom pole, microphone, mixer, etc. Communicate with director to achieve correct tone for film. On set monitoring and operation of microphones. Responsible for capturing sound and ambient noise. Post-production creation of all music, sound effects and non-diagetic sounds. Responsible for all audio mixing. All sound must be student created. *** Must know how to operate all sound equipment! ***
Editor:
A post-production role. Research techniques and learn technology required for editing. Breakdown script in regards to changes in days, time and location. Identify key transition moments and communicate with Director and Cinematographer plans. On set during shoot to record notes on each take: successful, mistakes, useable portions. Should also serve as continuity director during shoot. Create all special effects and adjust lighting and coloring of each scene as required.
Assistant Roles:
Assistant Director (AD) (tracks filming progress, prepares call sheets)
2nd AD (information distribution, cast notifications, preparations)
Light reflector holder (works with cinematographer)
Assistant Camera (helps with camera, prepares dope sheets, slate board operator - calls production name, scene #, take #)
Boom Operator (member of the sound crew who holds the boom pole)
Wardrobe (ensure everyone is wearing correct clothing for each shot)
Makeup