Film terms

This is a specialty job that takes coordination and good body movement technique. The Dolly Grip pushes the Dolly and knows how to set it up properly to get the smoothest ride possible for the operator.

Director of Photography. Frequently a camera operator too. Works alongside the director. In charge of the look, lighting, and composition of the film using various complex physical and technical skills. We use different DoPs depending on the vibe and genre of production.

They are the labor crew of the Electric Department. They are responsible for the safe handling of power and electrical-based equipment and lamps. They handle the lifting and carrying of lighting fixtures, put them onto the stands with the help of the Grips, run power cables and make the power connections. They are the Thirds behind Best Boy in the Lighting Department. See Gaffer.

The person or entity who oversees the entire project pays the bills, and/or funds the project. Someone who supervises one or more Producers.
We recommend assigning an Executive Producer whenever possible. Usually part of bigger projects. Often the company owner too.

This person is in charge of the camera equipment and its operations. They are the closest thing to a technician on the set and are expected to know the camera and how it works. They work closely with the DOP and camera operators. They are generally referred to as the AC.

This person is considered a part of the production department. Their job is to make sure that the project is on schedule. They have the tough job of keeping the Director, talent, and crew on track and on time. Time is money and that means they’re in charge of keeping the time it takes to do anything, to a minimum. The 1st AD helps the Director with the First Team which are the main actors on set.

When “talkies” (motion pictures with synchronized sound) took the film industry by storm in the late 1920s, new audio art was created by Jack Foley. He was the first to record sound effects and sync them to the film in post-production, creating an entire art of sound design. Foley requires a sound stage to record the special effects, with a collection of peculiar odds and ends kept on hand to recreate everyday sounds. Doors slamming, floors creaking, phones ringing, swords clanking, and papers rustling are all sounds that are recorded through Foley once the film is shot.

Self-employed, working for yourself, not as an employee of a company. Freelance work is paid by the contract with specific start and end dates.

The person in charge of lighting, working with the DOP to make sure the lighting optimizes the look of the project in every scene.

This person is an electrician whose focus is to make sure that the generator(s) on the project are gassed up and working safely and correctly.