Detailed Notes on Television Production Crew Roles
Director
Television Director: Guides the TV show's filming.
The producer usually has the main creative say, not the director (unlike in movies).
The director's ideas are often limited to technical stuff.
Gallery (Control Room) Director: Chooses shots to make the show look good.
Watches the studio through camera screens.
Tells the floor manager what to do.
Controls the sound, on-screen words (Astons), and videos (VT's).
Some directors also produce.
Handles creative parts of filming outside.
Helps pick locations and plans the shooting.
Watches over the whole project, manages shots, and keeps things on track for money and time.
Second in charge after the producer.
Usually hired by the producer (unless they're the same person).
Television Producer
Usually in charge of the money, legal stuff, technology, and art of making a show.
Assistant Producer
Similar to a movie director.
Does the research and controls the creative parts of the show.
Executive Producer
Watches over other producers.
Sometimes starts the show.
Has the final say on money and creative stuff.
Finds money for the project and manages the budget.
Associate Producer
Does some producing tasks.
Often runs the show day-to-day.
Connects the filming team to the post-filming team.
Line Producer
Watches over the physical parts of making the show (not the creative parts).
Includes people, technology, budget, and schedule.
Manages the budget, including salaries, costs, and equipment.
Works with the Production manager on costs.
Writer
Writes the story for the show.
The final version is called a script.
Many writers may work on a script.
A screenplay is like a script, but for a movie.
Camera Operator
Leads the camera team.
Uses the camera as told by the Director.
Makes sure the filming is correct.
If they're also a cinematographer, they help set the show's look and feel.
Cinematographer or Director of Photography
Controls the lighting for each scene.
Chooses the shots and lenses.
Tries to match the show's look to what the director wants.
Doesn't usually move the camera (that's the camera operator).
Editor
Works with the director to put the raw footage together.
The director has the final say on editing.
The editor often helps make creative choices.
Often starts working while filming is still happening.
Production Designer
In charge of how the show looks.
Designs and organizes the sets and equipment.
Controls what the audience sees.
Often called the set designer.
Usually has special training in art and design.
Works with the Cinematographer to get the right look.
Researcher
Researches the project before filming.
Adds facts, ideas, and background info.
Tells the director, producer, and writer important info.
Location Manager
Finds and manages filming locations.
Most filming is in a studio, but sometimes it's outside.
Make-Up Artist
Applies makeup to people on screen.
Focuses on the face, head, hands, and arms.
Works with stylists and costume designers to change actors into characters.
Production Manager
Makes deals about the crew.
Organizes the technical needs of the show.
Gets the right equipment and arranges places for the cast and crew to stay.
Production Assistant
Plays a key role in the Control Room.
Announces time-to-transmission to the crew during a live show.
Announces how much time is left for parts of the show.
Prepares the script and handles copyright issues.
A2 Audio Assistants
Helps put microphones in the right place.
Connects audio devices.
Larger shows use more A2s.
Boom Operator
Works with the sound engineer.
Puts microphones in place, sometimes using a pole.
Also puts wireless microphones on actors.
Keeps the microphone near the action but out of the camera's view.
Character Generator Operator/Aston/Duet
Prepares and shows on-screen graphics.
Floor Manager
Represents the director on the studio floor.
Gives instructions to the crew and cast.
Talks to the director in the gallery.
Makes announcements, keeps order, and helps the talents.
Graphics Coordinator
Decides what graphics to show on-air.
Gaffer
Head electrician on set.
Controls the lighting under the Cinematographer's direction.
Also called chief lighting director.
Usually has an assistant and a team of electricians.
Grip
Lighting and rigging technicians.
Work with the camera team to support the camera.
Work with the electrical team to set up lighting.
Dolly Grip
Sets up and moves the dolly track.
The dolly is a cart for the camera.
Moves the camera smoothly during a shot.
Runner
Newest members of the crew.
Do odd jobs and help anyone who needs it.
Called a gofer in the United States.
Technical Director
Makes sure all equipment works in the control room.
Matches the quality of all cameras.
Coordinates the crew and fixes technical problems.
Video Control Operator/Vision Engineering
Controls the video to make sure it looks good.
Watches the set and sets switches.
Controls contrast, color, and image quality.
Makes sure the signal works right and is ready on time.
Video Tape Operator
Prepares video clips to insert into the show.
Sets up video equipment to record and play back the show.
Used in sports and taped shows.
Vision Mixer
Switches between camera shots and video clips.
Keeps the color and contrast balanced.
Also the name of the equipment the technical director uses.
Composer
Writes the music for the show.
Sometimes writes the theme music.
A theme song has words.
Foley Artist
Creates sound effects.
Records everyday sounds like footsteps.
Sound Editor
Edits and fixes the show's sound.
Decides what sound effects to use.
Makes new sounds and puts the Foley artist's sounds into the show.
Title Sequence Designer
Creates the show's opening sequence.
Shows the show's name and credits.
Uses images and music to set the show's tone.