What is a Production Carpenter

The Production Carpenter is responsible for building, installing, and removing wooden structures on the film set and on location. They are one of several members of the construction team that work together to carryout the design and creative vision of the Producer and the Director under the art department. Production carpenters must be highly skilled […]

What is a Lighting Technician

The Lighting Technician is sometimes referred to by the nickname “sparks” because they are responsible for supplying the lighting and power supply for film production both in the studio and on location. Lighting technicians are also sometimes called the Lighting Operator or the Lighting Electrician, interchangeably. Lighting technicians must have working experience of at least […]

What is a Genny Operator

Otherwise known as the Generator Operator, the Genny Operator’s role is to work within the lighting department and maintain the operation of electricity generators that feed power to set locations during production. A lighting technician may choose to become a Genny operator after training and work experience on the set. Genny operators transport the generators […]

What is a Sound Assistant

The Sound Assistant is also otherwise known as the Sound Trainee. They make up the third members of the Production Sound Crew providing support to the Production Sound Mixer and the Boom Operator. The Sound Assistant has the responsibility of checking stock, microphones and batteries to ensure all are in working condition and ensuring that […]

What is a Second Assistant Camera

Have you ever wondered how the camera department remains operating like a well oiled machine despite the changes and consistent demands taking place on set? Second Assistant Cameras are key to the smooth running system of the camera department. They carry the responsibilities of maintaining camera batteries and power, monitor magazine run time and prepare […]

What is a Grip

Ever wondered who rebuilds the camera and related equipment on set? Grips have the responsibility of maintaining all equipment that supports the camera when on set. This includes static rigs, tripods, jibs, cranes, dollies, tracks and various other delicate parts of the operation. Think about the Grip this way: each scene that is filmed requires […]

What is a Best Boy

The Best Boy is also known on the film set as the Assistant Chief Lighting Technician, the Assistant Chief Lighting Operator or the Assistant Chief Lighting Electrician. Originally coined from “The Gaffer’s Handbook,” the name “Best Boy” refers to the designated best electrician on the team according to the Gaffer. When it comes to logistics […]

What is a Boom Operator

The Boom Operator is responsible for appropriate microphone placement on the set despite potentially impeding conditions that would otherwise limit the ability to capture adequate sound. Boom Operators ensure that microphones are placed in a way that they do not impede the actor’s ability to function on the set and they also ensure placement out […]

What is a First Assistant Camera

A First Assistant Camera is responsible for adjusting or adapting the focus to accommodate changes to the focal length (distance of the camera lens from the subject) when characters are moving closer or further away from the camera. The First Assistant Camera (AC) is usually requested by the Director of Photography or the Camera Operator […]

What is a Gaffer?

Also referred to as the Chief Electrician, Supervising Light Technician or Chief Lighting Technician, the Gaffer is responsible for all of the electrical work on a production. Gaffers will work closely with the Director of Photography to create the appropriate lighting effects by installing light equipment and arranging the power supply to achieve the desired […]