Assistant Director (AD) – Responsible for setting and maintaining the production schedule. The assistant director will verify with all departments that they are ready for a take, call the actors to the set for the director, and call the roll to begin the recording process for a take.

Boom Operator – In charge of holding or rigging a microphone from a boom pole (a telescoping rod that supports the sensitive microphone suspended over the actors as they speak). Works with the sound mixer and camera operator to find the best placement of microphones for sound levels and picture integrity.

Camera Assistant (AC) – Technician responsible for all camera equipment (bodies, lenses, accessories, batteries, media, etc.). Ensures that everything is clean, cabled, and running correctly. During the take, usually controls the follow focus apparatus. Also often the keeper of the camera report and logs. On smaller productions, the camera assistant may also do the head slating of each take for picture and sound.

Camera Operator – In charge of running the camera. Responsible for ensuring proper framing and double-checking focus during a shot. Sometimes starts and stops the recording process of the camera as well.

Digital Imaging Technician/Data Wrangler (Media Wrangler) (DIT) – On productions exclusively using digital video cameras that generate media files, the digital imaging technician is the person in charge of calibrating the digital imaging sensors of the cameras and doing on-set color grading in cooperation with the director of photography. The data wrangler also copies media from camera memory cards, backs them up, and transports them to the hard drives of the post-production team. Without film or tape original sources, these media files are extremely important and their careful replication and preservation is paramount.

Director – In charge of interpreting the written words of the screenplay story and turning them into viewable motion pictures. Responsible for selecting shots and working with actors to achieve desired characterizations. Collaborates with many other members of the production and post-production teams to help to realize her or his overall vision for the piece.

Director of Photography/Cinematographer (DP/DOP) – Responsible for creating the overall look of the film. Chief member of the camera department. Works with the director to select the shots. Creates the lighting scheme for each set-up. Collaborates with the electric, grip, and art department heads. Often consults on color correction and grading during post-production.

Dolly Grip – A grip specifically assigned to build, maintain, and move the camera dolly around the film set. May set up and level any tracks or rail needed for the dolly move.

Editor – The person, during post-production, responsible for editing picture and sound elements into the final story that will be experienced by the audience. Depending on the project, the editor may also occasionally be on set during production to edit together scenes from the digital “dailies” made each day.

Electric – Responsible for running the power lines of electricity to all departments on a film set.

Gaffer – Chief electric in charge of the entire electric department. In consultation with the director of photography, chooses and sets the lighting fixtures that illuminate the film’s sets or locations. Responsible for achieving the desired look and levels of light for exposure.

Grip – Member of the grip department. Grips have many responsibilities and are capable of performing many tasks on a film set that involve moving and supporting things.

Key Grip – Chief grip in charge of all grips on the crew. Works closely with the director of photography and gaffer to get the necessary support equipment (for camera and lighting) placed for each shot.

Lighting Technician – Hoists, strikes, and angles the film lights on set.

Production Designer – In charge of the design elements of a film’s overall look. Generates the concepts for and oversees set design, costuming, make-up, etc. Collaborates closely with the director, director of photography, and art director.

Screenwriter – Writes the screenplay, which is either an original idea or an adaptation of an existing property. Not typically involved during the production or post-production phases of the project.

Script Supervisor – Responsible for monitoring each take during production and noting how closely it follows the written script. Takes notes on all significant aspects of the set, props, actions, line delivery, etc. Keeps track of scene and take numbers and provides that data to the camera and sound departments for the organization of slate information.

Sound Recordist/Sound Mixer – Audio technician in charge of running any audio-recording equipment on set. Maintains good levels of sound during recording. Coordinates the best microphone placement with the set boom operator.