Depending on the type of production you could have 1 or 2 members of crew or literally hundreds! Here are a few roles which you may not know about…
Number 1 is the focus puller. Also known as the 1st AC or first assistant camera, the focus puller is in charge of ensuring things are in focus, usually on moving shots or shots where the focus shifts around a lot. This may be done by a focus system attached to the side of the camera or by a wireless system, allowing them to focus from the other side of the set with their own monitor. Obviously on smaller productions the camera operator will do all the focussing, but on more complicated shoots, or if for example the camera is on a gimbal, a focus puller is a must.
Number 2 is a gaffer. The gaffer is responsible for lighting the set and may work alongside a spark or production electrician and lighting grips who are the people responsible for rigging equipment and ensuring lights aren’t going to fall on top of anyone. If you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated gaffer on your production, the chances are they’ll be working under a director of photography who will direct them on lighting decisions.
Number 3 is a runner. You may have heard stories of big shot directors working their way up through the ranks from a mere tea boy. The fact is though, especially on smaller sets for video as opposed to Hollywood blockbusters, the runner may be roped into all sorts of things such as standing in for talent, holding lights, going to buy lunch and even clapper loading, which leads us to…
Number 4, the clapper loader. We’re going to do another video all about the clapperboard and it’s actual role within video production, but in a nutshell, the clapperboard helps the editor know what is being shot and assists in syncing audio. The clapper loader is the person responsible for actually writing the correct information on the board and ensuring it’s correctly captured at the start of each take.
Number 5 is the producer. Every one of our projects is assigned to a producer who is responsible for liaising with the client, booking in equipment, locations and crew and keeping an eye on the overall budget. In the world of video production, it’s not unusual to find the producer taking up another role on the production such as camera operator or editor. The producer ensures that the production goes smoothly and is delivered on time and on budget.
If you have a video production project that you’d like to discuss, feel free to get in touch!
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