Video Production Crew Positions: Who Does What?

Whether you’re new to the set, considering a job in film, or you’re looking to hire a film crew for a video project you’ve been planning, knowing who does what on the film set can be challenging even to a seasoned expert. While you may know that the director is in charge of the film set and that the director of photography is responsible for how the film looks, chances are you struggle with understanding the video production crew positions as they get more refined. Follow along as we show you who does what on set. Video Production Crew Positions: Who Does What?

Director of Photography

In charge of managing the entire camera department as well as those responsible for lighting and power on set, the Director of Photography delivers a finished film project that looks exactly how the film’s director intends for it to look. Sometimes referred to as the DP or DoP, this position works with electrical, grip, lighting and camera choosing camera equipment, filters, lighting setup and elements required for the desired shot production.

Cameraman

Responsible for the operation of the camera, the camera operator or cameraman is seen working behind the camera for upwards of 14 hours a day. Camera operators can have roles that keep them behind a camera on a tri-pod or they may be advanced operators that use Steadicams to produce tactically defined shots. 

First Assistant Camera

Also referred to as the 1st AC, focus puller, assistant cameraman or even B camera, the first assistant camera oversees the camera department and ensures the camera is in focus during the shoot. You can see the 1st AC changing camera lenses, building the camera and associated equipment, or moving the camera from one shot to the next during production. One thing you won’t see them do is looking through the camera lens.

Second Assistant Camera

Also called the 2nd AC, camera loader, or the clapper loader, the second assistant camera is responsible for operating the clapperboard before each take. This individual is also responsible for making sure the camera equipment is properly transported between locations as needed. 2nd ACs tape down camera marks and update camera reports to ensure accuracy with future shots.

Loader

The film loader is responsible for ensuring that the medium in which the production is captured on whether film or digital cards are properly loaded into the camera. The name loader actually comes from past times when loading film required venturing into a dark room in order to stock the film into a magazine however changes and advances in film production now have loaders simply managing inventory of digital memory cards to ensure accuracy. Many sets actually don’t have a loader as the 2nd AC is capable of managing memory cards.

Steadicam Operator

The steadicam operator is a cameraman that has mastered the use of the Steadicam rig to stabilize images during shots when captured in motion. Many Steadicam operators work decades in order to master the shot that is captured with this equipment.

Digital Imaging Technician

The digital imaging technician or DIT manages the quality of images that are filmed on set. This individual will perform on-set color correction and will backup any camera footage to be sent to editors. DITs are technical gurus that understand the intricacies of digital cameras, codecs, monitors and the technology used on set.

Camera Production Assistant

The production assistant works with the camera crew to provide support as needed on set. Camera production assistants are often there as interns to learn and work their way up into more advanced roles on the camera crew. 

Need help hiring a camera crew that includes all of the above professionals ready to work together for the benefits of your project? Give Beverly Boy Productions a call today! We can’t wait to help you!