Crew Positions

At Cinema Workshop, we provide a number of opportunities for students to get involved in our productions. Here is a list of roles and expectations we encourage our members to take on when being a part of one of our productions. These roles are not limited to their descriptions and these are certainly not every role that you can find on other film sets. These are the roles that are a part of Cinema Workshop productions.  

  • Writer

  • Creates the story and script of the film

  • Can provide ideas for vision of the “look” or “mood” of a film

  • Producer

    • One of the most fundamental roles that can carry a wide range of responsibilities

    • Can be responsible for:

      • Securining all aspects of funding 

      • Securing locations

      • Setting a production into motion

      • Organizing the overall production 

  • Director

    • Provides guiding the creative vision for a production 

    • They aren’t necessarily the ultimate authority on decision making, but they are responsible for directing the creative process and any actors or talent that appears visually on screen. 

    • Can be responsible for overseeing:

      • Actors

      • Props & Costumes

      • Set Decorations 

  • Assistant Director

    • Assists the director in achieving their vision

    • Make sure all other crew roles are functioning in a timely manner

    • Handles schedule of the day and call times

  • Director of Photography (DP)

    • Provides guidance to all crew positions handling technical equipment 

    • Creates shot lists and storyboards in collaboration with the director

    • In charge of the visual look of the film while communicating with crew to accomplish this look

    • Can be responsible for overseeing:

      • Camera operations

      • Lighting 

      • Sound 

  • Camera Operator(s)

    • Operates the camera through the direction of the director of photography

  • 1st & 2nd Assistant Camera 

    • Assists the camera operator in setting up and accomplishing the shot

  • Gaffer

    • Is the head lighting technician

    • Works under the direction of the director of photography in order to accomplish required lighting setups

    • Plans and coordinates the placement and powering of lights 

  • Lighting Grip

    • Works with the gaffer in order to accomplish the required lighting setup

    • Helps to manipulate and adjust the lighting to help achieve the desired look

  • Boom Operator

    • Operates the boom pole, decides on the placement of microphones around set and on performers

  • Sound Mixer

    • In charge of all recordings of sound on the day of shooting. 

    • Is responsible for recording all mics placed by the boom operator for sounds such as dialogue, sound effects or room tone

    • Is responsible for listening and mixing the day-of sound, and coordinating with the boom operator to record principle audio with the boom mic. 

  • Props & Costumes

    • Can be multiple crew positions depending on the needs of the production

    • Responsible for the wardrobe of the on screen talent

    • Responsible for the choosing, coordinating, fitting and construction of every garment under the vision of the director 

    • Responsible for all props used on set and the contigunity of their placement and look in every shot

  • The Vanities (Hair, Makeup & VFX)

    • Can be multiple crew positions depending on the needs of the production

    • Prepares on camera talent for the required scenes

    • Keeps consistency and continuity of the “look” of the talent and the progression of their development of their hair, makeup or vfx throughout the production

  • Production Assistant (PA)

    • General assistant and helping hand anywhere needed on the production

  • Editor

    • Edits together the recorded material under the direction and vision of the director and the director of photography