Unit 8: Understanding the Television and Film industries Task 2

During the production of a film or television programme, be it during pre-production, production or post-production, a number of different departments must be filled in order for a successful production, within these departments are many different roles, these roles are needed in order to complete production.

Creative

The creative roles are the most practical hands on roles in production, these are the roles involved in actually creating a story and putting a film or tv show together, this begins with script writing and ends with the edit, creative roles are required through all parts of production

Director

The director is possibly one of the most if not the most important role in production, the director is present through all of production, the director decides how the actors say their lines and how a scene plays out to make it as believable as possible, the director also works with the camera crew, ensuring the camera angles are correct and properly lit, if the scene isnt properly lit the director works with the lighting crew ensuring the lighting is set up to match the feel of the scene and to make sure the light is distributed evenly and looks natural. The director works closely with everyone in production this helps the directors vision to be put across on the screen, the director should have a vision of what the finished production will look like and be able to explain this in a way that translates to all members of production. The director must work to keep the actors happy and not have them waiting around all day, the actors must also be praised and rewarded in some way for successful takes, this can be as simple as a verbal reward.

Script writer

The start of any production starts with a script, this is where the script writer comes in, its the script writers job to research an idea, write the dialogue and create a narrative storyline  which has the potential to be made into either a film or television episode, the script writer however doesn't just write one script, many drafts will be written until one is made that can be used. The script writer also views and decides on alterations to be made to the script, script writers often actively find producers who may be willing to help turn their script into a film or tv episode.

Management

Management roles are much less practical and hands on than creative and technical, instead supervision and keeping on track is the main focus of the management department, responsible for ensuring the production stays on track and that the production doesn't go over budget

Producer

The producer has the final say on all aspects of production they bring together the production team creating an environment where the whole team can feel comfortable and work to the best of their abilities. During pre-production the producer may come up with the premise for the film or television show or pick a screenplay from a range of possible choices, the producer then creates a production team, develops the finance for the production and then supervises the production, making sure everything is working and on track. The producer works closely with the executive producer, assisting with the development of finance, the producers also approve important choices such as the final shooting script, locations, the production schedule and budget. During production the producer is in direct communication with the director creating a smooth operation with little to no complications, as scripts are altered the producer remains as the final word on script modifications, all production changes must go through the producer first ensuring money isn't being wasted or used in-efficiently. The producer is also responsible for distribution and marketing of the finished product. The producer doesn't take on all these tasks alone, key personal work along side the producer assisting in areas the producer is less experienced in. Producers require a specific set of skills which make them a efficient producer, as a producers main role is to supervise production and step in if alterations are made, a producer needs excellent communication skills, this will help them put their ideas across to other members of the production team. Due to the importance of the role, producers are required to work efficiently under pressure and to motivate other members of the production team allowing the production to progress.

Executive Producer

The executive producer works closely with the producer, the executive producer may be responsible for legal issues such as copyright making them an important role. Depending on what type of production is being created the executive producer can have different roles, in television the executive producer supervises the creative content and may be in charge of the financial aspects of the production. There can be many different executive producers but one tends to outrank the rest and is then known as the show runner. If a executive producer establishes a successful tv show they will be credited for the show even after they have retired.

Location Manager

The location manager is responsible for locating and securing locations for filming obtaining all the required permits to enable filming to go ahead, looking into the logistics and cost of locations that could possibly be used as a film location. The location manager often oversees many location scouts and assistant managers during production, the location manager works closely with the director. Location managers are responsible for informing the owners of a location how long filming will take and what will have to be altered in the location and what is allowed and not allowed.  

Technical

The technical department covers sections such as camera wok, lighting and sound, making it a important part of production

Camera operator

The camera operator does just what it sounds like, they operate the camera, making sure all the camera equipment is rigged and working correctly, they must also be prepared to work quickly on their feet whilst carrying out complex tasks, they may work with assistants when moving the camera and checking for camera faults. The camera operator works closely with performers giving them constructive advice in order to get the desired composition. Camera operators require professional skills, great technical skills and a working knowledge of how the camera works. The camera operator is in charge of keeping all camera equipment in working condition. Whilst working on a multi-camera shoot the ability to work effectively as a team is important to ensure production goes smoothly and efficiently.

Editor

An editor is in charge of putting the captured footage together in a sequence to tell the story, an editor needs very good technical ability as the editing job uses advanced technology which is always changing and so the editor must be able to efficiently use different types of software in order to successfully put the film together. Editors select the best takes of a scene to put into the sequence, the editors work very closely to the director and producer, this allows the vision of the director to tranfer into the final edit, also making sure all footage is present and being edited to its highest standard, the editor only puts the film together in sequence to tell a story, visual effects and titles are added by other post production roles.