Job Titles Glossary
It is always wise to understand the titles given to people and the specifics of the job, especially if you are new to Supporting Artist work.
Armourer
A member of the art department, the armourer is the person who is in charge of the supply and supervision of all weapons on set. Weapons include things such as firearms, swords, and sometimes related items such as squibs. In most countries the armourer must hold appropriate licenses to handle these items.
Art Department
The department responsible for the art used in a production. Often they will come up with the concepts for how a scene will look and they work with the other departments (costume, visual effects etc) to develop the overall visual appearance of the production.
Art Director
The Art Director is second in charge of the Art Department after the Production Designer.
Assistant Director (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2nd 2nd)
1st Assistant (1st AD).
The person who organises the crew to the best advantage of filming. They say things like "quiet please" and "turn over". They
will act as floor manager or stage manager and efficiently draw together the necessary elements for shooting. The 1st AD usually designs and controls the
shooting schedule and generally liaise between the production office and the set.
2nd Assistant (2nd AD).
Under the supervision of the 1st AD, the 2nd looks after the cast. They also occasionally take charge of the set and organise the next day's call
sheet. 2nd ADs tend also to be a liaison between the set and production office.
3rd Assistant (3rd AD).
Usually the assistant to the 1st AD, but can also be charge with responsibility for looking after the Supporting Artists on a film.
2nd 2nd Assistant.
Same as a 3rd AD - it just depends which school of terminology you graduated from.
Best Boy
A lighting technician - usually the second in command of the lighting unit.
Camera Operator
Watches the action and films the action using a camera.
Booker
Works with the 2nd AD to cast and supply the production's background needs.
Clapper Loader
Loads the film into the camera and claps the board at the start of a take.
Costume
The Costume Department supplies all clothing worn on set and will make sure that it fits appropriately. The costume Department may issue instructions to your agency or may even contact you directly to tell you what to wear. If they tell you to bring a type of clothing, make sure to follow their instructions and then check with them before filming begins to ensure that your clothing is appropriate. Always make sure your costume is presentable (i.e. clean, ironed, etc). It is often a good idea to take a change of clothes to prevent your filming outfit from being creased.
Crowd Assistant Director/Crowd Marshal
The Crowd AD/Crowd Marshall is in charge of selecting the Supporting Artists used in a crowd scene.
Director of Photography (D.o.P.)
Responsible for creating the shot, including the angle, lighting effects and many other aspects. He is also known as a Lighting Cameraman.
Focus Puller
The person who is responsible for ensuring that the shot is properly in focus.
Gaffer
The Head of the Lighting department.
Grip
The person who pushes the 'dolly' on which the camera stands. The Grip is also responsible for ensuring the camera can get everywhere it needs to go to get the shot and lays down the tracks on which the 'dolly' runs.
Line Producer
Responsible for managing every person and issue during the making of a film. He/she is also responsible for making sure the film keeps to its budget.
Location Manager
Manages various aspects of filming on location, such as arranging with authorities for permission to shoot in specific places.
Producer
In charge of all production matters except the directing. Also raises the finances, hires key personnel and arranges for a distributor to buy the film.
Production Manager
Responsible for all administration matters to do with filming.
Runner
Does the odd jobs and is available to pass messages on to other crewmembers or to fetch items.
Spark
A lighting technician.
Technical Advisor
An advisor with expert knowledge in a particular field, who advises the production team.