A-Z of Film Industry job titles

The film and television industries are complex ecosystems, comprising various roles that come together to create the magic of movies and TV shows. Here’s a helpful guide to the A-Z of key positions and job titles within these sectors. There are probably more we could add, but here’s a start …

A – Art Director

The Art Director is responsible for the visual aspects of a film or television production. Working closely with the production designer and director, they help conceptualize and execute the aesthetic and mood of the project. This includes overseeing the construction of sets, selection of locations, and coordination of the overall visual style.

B – Boom Operator

Boom Operators are responsible for microphone placement and movement during filming. They handle the boom microphone and work closely with the sound team to ensure clear audio recording, particularly of actors’ dialogues, by positioning the microphone close to the action without entering the camera frame.

C – Cinematographer/Director of Photography (DP)

The Cinematographer or Director of Photography is in charge of capturing the film or television show visually. This role involves deciding on the visual tone through choices in lighting, camera angles, and shot composition. The DP works closely with the director to ensure that the visual elements support the narrative.

D – Director

The Director is the creative leader responsible for bringing a script to life on screen. They oversee the artistic and technical aspects of the film or TV show, guiding the cast and crew in realizing their vision. This includes making decisions about performance, pacing, and visual style.

E – Executive Producer

Executive Producers are typically involved in the financial and managerial aspects of a production. They may secure funding, oversee budgets, and make high-level decisions impacting the project’s direction. While not always involved in day-to-day operations, their influence shapes the overall production.

F – Foley Artist

Foley Artists create and record the everyday sound effects that are added to film and TV shows in post-production to enhance the audio landscape. These sounds can include footsteps, doors creaking, or glasses clinking and are synced with the visual elements to create a more immersive experience.

G – Gaffer

The Gaffer is the head electrician, responsible for the execution of the lighting plan for a production. They work closely with the DP to ensure that the lighting supports the desired aesthetic of the film or TV show, managing the electrical department and equipment needed to achieve the right look.

H – Hair Stylist

Hair Stylists are responsible for designing and executing hairstyles for the actors. They must ensure that each character’s hair fits the time period, personality, and situation depicted on screen, often working closely with the makeup and wardrobe departments to create a cohesive look.

I – Illustrator

Illustrators in the film and television industry create visual representations of the concepts outlined by the production designer or art director. This can include storyboards, which map out the sequence of scenes, or concept art, which guides the visual style of the production.

J – Jib Operator

Jib Operators control a jib (a type of crane that holds the camera) to achieve dynamic camera movements. This role requires precise coordination and control to capture fluid shots that enhance the visual storytelling, such as sweeping landscapes or overhead shots.

K – Key Grip

The Key Grip is in charge of the camera movement and lighting rigging. They work closely with the cinematography department to shape and control the lighting and to execute complex camera moves with equipment like dollies, cranes, and stabilizers.

L – Line Producer

Line Producers manage the budget and day-to-day operations of a film or television production. They are involved in hiring crew, scheduling, and ensuring that the production stays on time and within budget, serving as a key link between the creative and logistical sides of production.

M – Makeup Artist

Makeup Artists apply makeup to the actors to enhance or alter their appearance for the camera. This can range from natural looks to elaborate special effects makeup, depending on the needs of the production. They play a crucial role in helping actors physically embody their characters.

N – Narrator

Narrators provide voice-over commentary for films and television shows. They can offer insight, convey the internal thoughts of a character, or provide necessary exposition to advance the story. The narrator’s voice is chosen to match the tone and style of the production.

O – Operator (Camera)

Camera Operators physically control the camera under the direction of the DP. They are responsible for capturing the scenes as envisioned by the director, requiring a keen eye for composition and detail, as well as the technical skill to execute complex camera moves.

P – Production Designer

The Production Designer creates the visual concept of the film or television show, defining the look and feel of the project. They design the sets, choose locations, and oversee the art department to ensure that every visual element tells a part of the story.

Q – Quality Control Technician

Quality Control Technicians monitor the technical quality of the film or television show’s audio and visual outputs. They check for consistency and ensure that the final product meets broadcast standards and the production’s quality expectations.

R – Runner

Runners are entry-level positions in film and television productions. They perform various tasks to support the production, from delivering messages to assisting departments as needed. Despite being a starting point, it’s a role that provides invaluable insight into the production process.

S – Script Supervisor

Script Supervisors keep track of all aspects of a production’s continuity, ensuring that the visual, story, and technical elements align from shot to shot. They take detailed notes for the director and editor, making sure that all scenes match up in terms of dialogue, actions, and visual style.

T – Transportation Coordinator

Transportation Coordinators manage the logistics of transporting the cast, crew, and equipment to various locations. They ensure that vehicles are available and schedules are met, playing a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency of the production process.

U – Unit Production Manager (UPM)

Unit Production Managers oversee the production’s logistics, working closely with the line producer and production office to ensure the smooth operation of the filming process. They are responsible for budgeting, scheduling, and managing the day-to-day physical aspects of the production.

V – Visual Effects Supervisor

Visual Effects Supervisors are responsible for overseeing the creation and integration of visual effects (VFX) into the film or TV show. They work with the director and cinematographer to design effects that enhance the story, overseeing artists and technicians to bring these visions to life.

W – Writer

Writers create the scripts for films and television shows, developing the dialogue, characters, and narrative structure. They may work alone or as part of a team, often revising their work based on feedback from directors, producers, and other stakeholders.

X – Xylophonist (In Score Production)

While not a common title, a Xylophonist (or any specialized musician) may be involved in creating the score for a film or TV show. They contribute their unique instrumental skills to the soundtrack, enhancing the emotional and narrative impact of the production.

Y – Yarn Supervisor (In Animation)

In animation, a Yarn Supervisor (akin to a story supervisor) oversees the story’s development, ensuring that the narrative is engaging and coherent. They work closely with writers, directors, and animators to refine the storyline and character arcs.

Z – Z-axis Coordinator

A role focusing on the coordination of 3D effects and camera movements along the Z-axis (depth), enhancing the dimensional feel of scenes. This is especially relevant in productions utilizing 3D technology to add depth and immersion to the visual experience.

This A-Z guide offers a glimpse into the myriad roles that contribute to the creation of film and television productions. Each position, from the most visible to the behind-the-scenes, plays a vital part in bringing stories to life on the screen.

Photo by Jon Tyson