Film terms

This is an entry-level position in the film, video, and television industry. PAs perform all kinds of tasks that seem small but are a critical part of any production. Working in the office, around the set, and on location, a PA’s duties may include crowd control, running errands, cleaning up locations, driving talent, and playing an important role supporting the Producer. Almost all productions, no matter how small, use PAs.

This person works directly with the Director and the DOP to create the overall visual design of the film or video. This is a creative role and one that requires the ability to communicate the vision to all departments so that the desired look and feel is achieved.

This person is responsible for managing the budget and the hired crew. They often have a say in who is hired and what equipment is used. They work closely with the Producer and are typically jumping between being on-set or in the office, making sure that everything runs smoothly during filming. A way to tell who is who, is often the Line Producer is on-set while the Production Manager or Unit Production Manager is at the computer.

This person helps most with logistics. They arrange for equipment, hotels, vehicle rentals, and generally run the production office on a project.

This PA is dedicated to the props department. They back up the Assistant Props person as needed.

A pyrotechnician is a licensed expert, both on the state and the federal level, who specializes in fire, explosions, and weapons. An armorer is a similar role but tends to focus solely on weapons (armorers typically have a background in law enforcement, the military, or have apprenticed under a professional weapons expert.

This person is in charge of making sure that the entire script gets shot. They are also focused on tracking the continuity of what’s happening within a scene.

This person writes the call sheets on a feature or TV shoot and keeps the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and crew paperwork for the company on set. They also check in the actors, get them Into The Works, meaning they get them into wardrobe and makeup when they arrive. The 2nd AD will also escort the actors to the set when needed and manage background extras on the set.

Yes, this is a job title! This individual supports the 2nd AD and handles background extras and crowds. Sometimes, if there are big enough crowd scenes, there will be several 2nd 2nd ADs on a set.

This person is in charge of making sure that all the decor on a set is correct, whether that’s furniture, props, objects, art or photographs, carpeting, wall color, etc. This person works with the Production Designer and Art Director to ensure that everything requested is in place.