Glossary of Terms

Glossary of terms of the main crew positions on a film set in Nashville...

Producer- In charge of overseeing budget of a video, planning, and hiring crew for production. Also main liaison between client and crew.

Production Manager- The Production Manager supervises the physical aspects of the production (not the creative aspects) including personnel, technology, budget, and scheduling. It is the Production Manager's responsibility to make sure the filming stays on schedule and within its budget.

Production Assistants- Known as “PA”s for short, assist the producer and production manager with errand runs, phone calls, creating and printing forms and releases, etc. Often times the PAs are the lowest rung in the on-set hierarchy. 

Director- Person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. Oversees the creative vision of the entire project.

Assistant Director- The First Assistant Director (1st AD) assists the Production Manager and Director. The ultimate aim of any 1st AD is to ensure the film comes in on schedule while maintaining a working environment in which the Director

Director of Photography- The Director of Photography, DoP or DP, is the chief of the camera and lighting crew of the film. The DoP makes decisions on lighting and framing of scenes in conjunction with the film's director.

1AC- The First Assistant Camera, 1st AC or Focus Puller, is responsible for keeping the camera in focus as it is shooting, as well as building the camera at the beginning of the day and taking it apart at the end.

2AC- The Second Assistant Camera, or 2nd AC for short assists the 1AC and also is in charge of slating each shot with a clapboard. 

DIT- also known as the Digital Information Technician. With the majority of videos being shot digitally, they are responsible for transferring footage to hard drives for backup, insuring that every shot was recorded properly and also applying a basic look to the shots for the director. 

Gaffer- head of the electrical department (all the lighting technicians) and responsible for setting up lights to match the Director of Photography’s vision.

Best Boy- The gaffer’s assistant. 

Key Grip- In charge of all the grips.

Grips- Set up, move and teardown stands, bounce panels, silks, and camera dollies.

Sound Mixer- In charge of recording any sound on set during production. In Nashville the sound mixer often operates a boom pole as well. In other cities, these can be two separate jobs. 

Art Director- Normally oversees the art department and builds sets, creates props, and assists the director and director of photography with creating the “look” of the film.

Make-up artist- work with makeup, hair and special effects to create the characters look. Sometimes also style hair. In Nashville this is common to share both roles.