12/7/23, 12:03 AM Documents Downloader
Motion Picture Production Departments and Positions according to Professor Bowen
(Your experience may vary) – Part One
OVERVIEWS
http://youtu.be/GJiKcQWqM9g
http://youtu.be/Ap-g9zpMK-g
PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT
Overview from TheSubstream.com http://youtu.be/cCEWfs3gJy8
Producer Inflation - Terra Nova Credits:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1641349/fullcredits
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/02/23/134002443/how-many-cooks-counting-
up-the-many-producers-of-the-kings-speech
The Executive Producer
Someone who
Is affiliated with a property vital to the production, i.e. had optioned the novel
(property) on which the film will be based; and/or
Is the head of a production company or distributor affiliated with the production;
and/or
Performs or provides a vital, high-level function required of the production, such
as providing or securing funding; and/or
Is responsible for overseeing a number of productions at a time; and/or
Supervises other producers; and/or
Is the show runner and head writer of a television series; and/or
Is responsible to a network, client or investors
Duties/Responsibilities
Will generally take on those duties as he/she sees fit.
Interacts with V.I.P.’s and above-the line personnel
May be involved in securing and managing funding, studio support, distributor
support, above-the-line conflicts and personalities
Answers to
Investors
Upper Management
Network
Directly Supervises
The Producer
The Film Producer Sketch http://youtu.be/2tXtPygIL5E
Altered – Behind the Scenes http://www.myspace.com/video/vid/1575076837
https://documents-downloader.pages.dev/document 1/10
12/7/23, 12:03 AM Documents Downloader
EMC 4940 Fall 2011 Departments and Positions Page 2
Reality TV Show Runner http://www.videojug.com/expertanswer/reality-tv-staff-
2/what-does-a-reality-tv-show-runner-or-executive-producer-do
Justified ttp://www.hulu.com/watch/232596/life-after-film-school-graham-yost-of-
justified
Kevin Fleischer, film producer, South Africa http://youtu.be/Ho6wnwKFZnY
The Producer
Someone who
Maintains the “Big Picture”
Is primarily responsible for the business and logistic aspects of a production,
while collaborating with the director on the project’s vision, integrity and voice
Establishes union affiliations
Hires above-the-line personnel if they are not already attached to the property
Supervises the project from pre-production through distribution
Duties/Responsibilities
Keeping the project on budget and on schedule when possible and appropriate
Delivering a viable product for distribution
Hiring specific department heads, such as Director of Photography and
Production Designer
Liaising with the representation of above-the-line personnel
Approves Budget and Schedule
Answers to
Executive Producer
Movie Studio or Production Company
Investors
Directly Supervises
Director
Line Producer / Unit Production Manager
Director of Photography
Production Designer
Editor
Casting Director
The Writer(s)
There may also be associate producers and co-producers who are either delegated
specific duties or awarded credit as part of their contract with production.
I Am A Producer http://youtu.be/V5xY38F5OXA
Leverage http://youtu.be/yLzg9ciH04g
Career Advice On Becoming A Film Producer and Politician by Lord David Puttnam
(Full Version) http://youtu.be/Y7ES6qh_Suk
Becoming a Film Producer (Lawrence Bender) http://youtu.be/RpFeMB9o4uI
https://documents-downloader.pages.dev/document 2/10
12/7/23, 12:03 AM Documents Downloader
EMC 4940 Fall 2011 Departments and Positions Page 3
The Director (D.G.A. Position)
Someone who
Is primarily responsible for the aesthetic and narrative aspects a production, while
collaborating with the producer on the project’s logistics and market viability
Is the artistic leader of the cast and crew
Directs the actors to achieve performances consistent with the tone and vision of
the project
Selects and/or approves all artistic and dramatic elements
Answers to:
Executive Producer
Movie Studio or Production Company
Producer
Directly Supervises
Director of Photography
Production Designer
Heads of Make-up and Hair Departments
Cast
Editor
Costume Designer
“Ours” (Taylor Swift) Behind-the-Scenes – The Director http://youtu.be/AtHsg4USz8g
Kathryn Bigelow http://youtu.be/vAIGjgYBPRE
David Michod Animal Kingdom http://www.makingof.com/posts/watch/2161/in-depth-
conversation-with-animal-kingdom-director-david-michod
Production Meeting for 4:44 http://www.filmannex.com/movie/production-meeting-for-
444/25942
Director Peter Werner – The First Job http://youtu.be/IIqWy4aeQic
Sandy Smolan http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/curiosity-interviews-part-3-s-smolan-
how-does-a-director-leave-their-imprint-on-a-film.html
Jurassic Park http://youtu.be/d0xRlfbJG4k
Film Director Regan Hall Top 5 Tips http://youtu.be/za314yq87NY
Interview with the Director – Behind the Scenes of Little Red Part 4 – Volvo
http://youtu.be/n4QDDGSHmzE
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengence – Behind the Scenes – Nicolas Cage Movie (2012) HD
http://youtu.be/SqgI2kKUqqc
Film Commercial Behind-the-Scenes: Director Job Hall http://youtu.be/XCs89TPLJDI
The Line Producer / Unit Production Manager (D.G.A. Position)
Someone who
Manages the production
Controls or regulates costs
Creates the production budget
Oversees all cost-related decision, particularly below-the-line
Directly oversees day-to-day operations and expenditures
https://documents-downloader.pages.dev/document 3/10
12/7/23, 12:03 AM Documents Downloader
EMC 4940 Fall 2011 Departments and Positions Page 4
Negotiates salaries for and hires below-the-line crew
Negotiates rates and makes deals for necessary equipment and support
Approves all expenditures
Approves call sheets and production reports.
Mediates below-the-line personality conflicts
Answers to
Producer
Directly Supervises
First Assistant Director
Production Coordinator
Location Manager
Transportation Coordinator
There may also be a production supervisor who is delegated specific duties
Crew Encyclopedia - The Line Producer youtu.be/jHMR8BjU24A
Tom Kane - Unit Production Manager http://youtu.be/j2-Qlv-KP4I
The First Assistant Director (D.G.A. Position)
Someone who
Schedules the movie in the most practical and cost effective way possible
Manages all on-set operations
Schedules the progress of the shooting day
Is responsible for keeping the production on schedule
Establishes clear lines of communication between production and all departments,
on and off set.
Stages and directs background performers
Is responsible for safety on the set
Calls for the camera to roll
Approves the call sheet and production report
Answers to
Unit Production Manager
Director
Producer
Directly Supervises
Second AD
Second Second AD
Movie Set Job Description http://vimeo.com/20987304
Quantum of Solace http://youtu.be/iNv2OVWmPjg
The Crew.cc http://youtu.be/rJucoIAHnuM
Sons of Anarchy http://youtu.be/CIHonoCnjXs
What is a 1st Assistant Director? http://youtu.be/ff19fvQH83Y
Behind the scenes with the Assistant Director http://youtu.be/koU3Nlknmjg
The Job of an Assistant Director http://youtu.be/C3W7Wv-rfrM
https://documents-downloader.pages.dev/document 4/10
12/7/23, 12:03 AM Documents Downloader
EMC 4940 Fall 2011 Departments and Positions Page 5
DGA Assistant Director Training Program http://youtu.be/bM7MbkX5pWM
The Second Assistant Director (D.G.A. Position)
Someone who
Coordinates with talent, hair, make-up and wardrobe to have talent ready for the
day’s shooting on time
Drafts the call sheet and production report
Manages “Base Camp,” the location of equipment trucks, talent trailers and other
support vehicles
Sets background performers
Troubleshoots
Performs whatever duties are prescribed by the first
Stands in for the first on set when needed
Supervises Screen Actor Guild regulations and paperwork
Answers to
First A.D.
Line Producer or Unit Production Manager
Directly Supervises
Second Second A.D.
Production Assistants
Second Assistant Director http://youtu.be/FFBXTmxsExc
Being Human http://youtu.be/SYRJS0zVV58
Behind the Scenes of Blue: The Second Assistant Director | WIGS
http://youtu.be/-Isq_h7JaGY
The Second Second Assistant Director (D.G.A. Position)
Someone who
Takes on those tasks delegated by the first and second
Acts as support to the first on set
Cues background talent
When needed, sets and maintains a perimeter for filming
Answers to
First AD
Second AD
Directly Supervises
Set Production Assistants
DGA Assistant Director Training Program http://youtu.be/bM7MbkX5pWM
The Key Set Production Assistant and Set Production Assistants
Someone who
Is available on set for any and all set operations duties as delegated or directed by
assistant directors
Acts as an on-set goffer
https://documents-downloader.pages.dev/document 5/10
12/7/23, 12:03 AM Documents Downloader
EMC 4940 Fall 2011 Departments and Positions Page 6
Acts as support to AD department
Duties / Responsibilities
Patrolling and maintaining production perimeter (locking up)
Running errands for on-set personnel
Liaising between base camp and set
Wrangling extra talent
Echoing rolling and cut
Distributing paperwork, radios
Set security
Answers to
Assistant Directors
TheSubstream.com http://youtu.be/_aXGUb-qGYA
TheSubstream.com: How to Get a PA Job http://youtu.be/cAzsWPkK18A
Paul Thomas Anderson Production Assistant 1992 http://youtu.be/QuyEi7cBbMc
Production Coordinator
Someone who
Acts as Production Office Manager
Maintains a stable base of operations for communication, paperwork generation
and distribution
Duties / Responsibilities
Trouble shooting and problem solving
Supervising collection and distribution of incoming and outgoing communication,
including mail, shipping, phone and fax
Ordering and confirming order and delivery of material, equipment and personnel
to set
Other duties as delegated by Line Producer or Unit Production Manager
Directly Supervises
Assistant Production Coordinator
Duties as delegated by Production Coordinator
Production Secretary
Typing, answering phones, liaising with office visitors
Office Production Assistants
Copying, delivery, pick-up, filing, etc.
Answers to
Line Producer or Unit Production Manager
TheSubstream.com http://youtu.be/yI6GSQQwzxI
Crew Encuyclopedia - The Production Coordinator http://youtu.be/veR07XO2H5w
TheSubstream.com: Office PA http://youtu.be/cEoQgOIPfxU
Production Accountant
Someone who
Tracks all expenditures on a daily basis
https://documents-downloader.pages.dev/document 6/10
12/7/23, 12:03 AM Documents Downloader
EMC 4940 Fall 2011 Departments and Positions Page 7
Arranges bill payments and payroll
Tracks overages
Maintains all financial paperwork and transactions
Monitors budget for trends
Answers to
Producer
Line Producer or Unit Production Manager
Supervises
Assistant Accounts
Hawaii 5-0 http://youtu.be/7aYLYDSS-NA
Jasper Boring http://youtu.be/lAtVJsBZ13Q
Martin Tweddell, BBC Production Accountant http://youtu.be/zLgdZzhbcEs
So Whaddya Do: Freelance Film Production Accountant http://vimeo.com/12167923
Interview with CPA Jackie Moskow from New Line Cinema
http://youtu.be/tCrSnoEDXz4
Publicist
Someone who
Maintains relationships and communication flow between production and media
Crisis Management
Arranges for media interviews
Arranging and managing electronic press kit interviews
Assembles and maintains information database for future electronic press kit
Answers to
Studio and Distributor
Producer
Supervises
Set Still Photographer
Jeremy Walker (Blair Witch Project) http://vimeo.com/24002929
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugO_a4UUJ8o
A DEPARTMENT OF ONE
The Script Supervisor
Someone who
Takes extensive notes during shooting to
Help maintain continuity and screen direction,
Track production progress,
Track production timing
Communicate vital information to editor
Manages script revisions and tracks faithfulness to script
Provides labeling information for slating
Assures proper and complete coverage of scenes
https://documents-downloader.pages.dev/document 7/10
12/7/23, 12:03 AM Documents Downloader
EMC 4940 Fall 2011 Departments and Positions Page 8
Provides specific information for production reports
Times takes and actions
Aids actors in remembering lines and blocking
Answers to
Director
Editor
Line Producer or Unit Production Manager
Importance of Script Supervisor http://youtu.be/hPjTrvmvlpM
Film and You http://youtu.be/ZcwnCZKq_G8
Shari Carpenter http://blip.tv/the-faux-press-blip-tv-division/shari-carpenter-script-
supervisor-103360
Numbers http://youtu.be/aWw_A-kvCPU
Last Laugh at “Pips” http://youtu.be/vRN9BV4d-Qc
Austin Film Festival http://youtu.be/ZObzeY2mcVQ
THIRD MAN Script Supervisor Angela Allen at TCM Film Fest 2011
http://youtu.be/5JSqnWHiCZM
WHATZA Script Supervisor http://youtu.be/KDLOGkVNzns
Vanessa & Jan -- Behind the Scenes: The Script Supervisor | WIGS
http://youtu.be/Q8aZ51jlmvQ
LOCATIONS DEPARTMENT
The Location Manager
Someone who
Locates and secures shooting locations
Liaises with local communities and municipalities
Arranges for support services and facilities for shooting on location, such as
parking, permitting, security, traffic control, etc.
Negotiates and contracts for individual shooting locations
Manages all location related needs during shooting
Duties / Responsibilities
Provides detailed photos of all prospective locations
Crisis Management as it relates to shooting locations, owners, neighbors, local
and state government, etc.
Prepares maps for all shooting locations
Directly supervises
Assistant Location Manager and Locations Assistants
Duties as delegated by location manager
Reports to
Unit Production Manager
Production Designer
Land Rover http://youtu.be/AW-yyugmuvI
Nick Carr http://youtu.be/8rjSH6G1Xoc
TheSubstream.com http://youtu.be/h7tyQ2npAtA
https://documents-downloader.pages.dev/document 8/10
12/7/23, 12:03 AM Documents Downloader
EMC 4940 Fall 2011 Departments and Positions Page 9
Quantum of Solace http://youtu.be/MY1vVpOKvE4
Let’s go on a Recce http://www.thesubstream.com/video-let039s-go-on-a-recce.html
Eureka Season Five Location Manager John Alexander Talks with Geoff Edwards
http://youtu.be/1GykgZX8Jt8
House – On Location with Nancy Haecker http://www.hulu.com/watch/298171/house-
on-location-with-nancy-haecker
2.7 - Gareth Lloyd http://youtu.be/clDNDhmkgSM
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Transportation Coordinator
Someone who
Supervises all vehicles and drivers for all production related equipment
Arranges for transportation of cast, crew and equipment to shooting locations,
when locations are outside the Los Angeles or New York regions
Maintains union relationship (Teamsters)
Directly supervises
Transportations Captain
Picture Car Coordinator
Drivers
Reports to
Line Producer or Unit Production Manager
Transport – Blackstone http://youtu.be/jQAPJEQEraA
Transportation Captain
Someone who
Directly manages and schedules all drivers employed by a production
Directly Supervises
Drivers
Reports to
Transportation Coordinator
Picture Car Coordinator
Someone who
Locates cars for use on-camera and coordinates with owners or rental companies
Reports to
Transportation Coordinator
Production Designer or Prop Master
Fast Five Picture Cars
Drivers
Someone who
Drives a vehicle for production, be it an equipment vehicle, a transportation van
or car, a generator, etc.
Reports to
https://documents-downloader.pages.dev/document 9/10
12/7/23, 12:03 AM Documents Downloader
EMC 4940 Fall 2011 Departments and Positions Page 10
Transportation Captain
Honeywagon Driver
Someone who
Drives, parks, maintains and often owns a “Honeywagon,” a support vehicle with
dressing rooms and toilet facilities.
Answers to
Transportation Coordinator, Transportation Captain
Movie Movers http://moviemovers.com/video1.htm
https://documents-downloader.pages.dev/document 10/10
