{"id":137922,"date":"2020-09-14T06:00:39","date_gmt":"2020-09-14T11:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=137922"},"modified":"2020-09-14T02:29:34","modified_gmt":"2020-09-14T07:29:34","slug":"essential-film-production-roles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/essential-film-production-roles\/","title":{"rendered":"Upgrade Your Production with These Overlooked, but Essential Roles"},"content":{"rendered":"

These production crew roles are as essential as they are often overlooked. Make your life easier by adding them to your team.<\/h2>\n

It takes ambition, hustle, and a “can do” attitude to succeed in film and video \u2014 but just because you can do it all doesn’t mean you should<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Filmmaking is a collaborative process by nature, which is why it takes hundreds of people to create a Hollywood picture. Nonetheless, a lot of film and video creators still insist on operating as the sole creative force at every step of a project. It’s that mindset that can cause us to overlook some roles when we’re building a crew, specialized roles that, when filled, have the power to up the quality of a production significantly.<\/p>\n

Let’s take a look at a few of these oft-forgotten roles and explore what they bring to a production \u2014 and what they can take off of your plate.<\/p>\n

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Production Assistant<\/h3>\n
\"Production<\/a>

The Production Assistant helps with essential tasks that, ultimately, makes the production day run smoother. Image via guruXOX<\/a>.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

A production assistant (PA) isn\u2019t a very specific job by definition, but it’s definitely a vital role. PAs help out with all manner of general tasks and make themselves available for anything a production needs \u2014 and productions always needs something. Even simple things like handing off batteries for charging can make a day on set run a bit smoother.<\/p>\n

In my PA experiences, I\u2019ve done a little bit of everything. I’ve been an actor stand-in during lighting checks and a background extra. I’ve picked up gear, painted green screens, and made snack runs.<\/p>\n

While it isn\u2019t the most glamorous gig, having someone available to handle everyday tasks is crucial. As a director, not having to worry about the little things on set allows me to focus on more important issues.<\/p>\n

\"Camera<\/a>

The role of a Production Assistant is a broad one, as they are the go-to person for whatever is needed on-the-fly. Image via guruXOX<\/a>.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

The scope of PA work \u2014 well, it’s broad, and the role is typically the lowest rank on set. The job can be done by just about anyone and that makes it perfect for anyone looking to start gaining real filmmaking experience. So, if you’ve got a friend who\u2019s interested in filmmaking \u2014 or even a sibling who owes you a favor \u2014 bring them on as a PA.<\/p>\n

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Assistant Director<\/h3>\n
\"Assistant<\/a>

An Assistant Director works closely with the Director when planning a shoot. Image via\u00a0Gorodenkoff<\/a>.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

We\u2019ve all had those overly ambitious days when everything’s already running behind schedule before<\/em> you decide to shoot that 101st take for “safety.\u201d We can\u2019t all be David Fincher<\/a>, so a good assistant director will be there to keep you in check and encourage you to move on.<\/p>\n

The assistant director is a \u201cbelow the line<\/a>\u201d gig. Their job is to manage logistics, personnel, ensure communication between teams, and make sure the production runs smoothly, safe, and secure. They’ll create daily call sheets for the crew, plan out your production schedule, and keep things running like a well-oiled machine while you focus on the creative tasks at hand.<\/p>\n

It’s still important for the director to work closely with the AD when planning a shoot. Communication is key. The AD will let you know when you only have a couple of takes left in the schedule or that it really is time to move on. It might be a bit of a struggle initially, but you\u2019ll thank them in the long run when you manage to fit everything into your location’s small time frame.<\/p>\n

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Production Sound Mixer<\/h3>\n