So here we are. On set. We've done all our necessary Pre-production and we are finally ready. The camera's got film/ tape in, and your ready to roll. But wait... Before you go rushing headlong, stand back for a minute and make sure you have everything you need.

Okay, remember what I said in the Film construction chapter about friends? This is where you pull all those favours, or downright bribe people to help you. After all, its a team thing. You want to be a loner?.. go take photographs or paint pictures. You want to make movies? Or Documentaries? Then be a team player.
So what about the team? How many people do you need? Well, if you look at the credits for most motion pictures then you'd think about a hundred. Not so.. Don't forget, they've got money to burn... a zillion special effects and union rules to think about. You haven't. You've only got yourselves and your tutors to please. So, to answer the question, you need at least 4 crew members:-

1x Director.
1x Camera(lighting)person.
1x Recordist -Sound (Boom!)
1x Assistant(Grip!) Clapperboard etc.

Oh, and don't forget Talent. Talent? Who they? They're your actors or, if your making a documentary, your presenter/ Interviewer.

So you've got you Crew. Great! What about equipment? No? Okay, whether your making a Documentary or a drama, there are some key pieces of equipment that you need.

Documentary.

You need:-
1x Camcorder. Spare batteries.
1x Video tape & log sheet.
1x Tripod.
1x Boom Pole.
1x Shotgun microphone.
1x Tieclip microphone.
1x Clapperboard & chalk.
1x Headphones (monitor sound)

Drama.

Not only do you need the same equipment list as for documentary, but you should also have the following:-
1x Colour monitor.
1x Lighting kit (3x Redheads).

Before we do, though, it's worth mentioning the correct protocol for filming. Just think, the Director shouts Action! and your Camera- person isn't ready and they've shot nothing of what was a perfect take.

Directors instructions.

1. "Rehearsal or "Take" The Director informs everyone of what is going on.
2. "Turn Over" Camera/ sound recordist start recording-Focus etc.
Camerperson counts down 5 seconds... "1001, 1002...."
3 "Mark It" Clapperboard placed in front of camera with shot/production details listed.
4. Wait for five seconds Camera & sound say "Speed" to indicate readiness. If not, say so!
5. "And Action!" Start filming.
6. "And Cut!" Finish point- Relax!
7. "No good" "Take 2" Start again. Go to 1.
8. "Thanks... In the Can" We are finished here, prepare to move to next location.

This may seem like a tedious process, but I cannot stress how important it actually is. Don't forget, its the editors job to make sense of the footage later. If you didn't use a clapperboard, or logged the shots as you filmed them, he/she won't know what to use. I've seen people shoot before without using the above protocols, and it can be a disaster. Without the necessary pre-roll (the run-up prior to the words Action!) the editor will not be able to edit because the edit suites need this time to sunchronise both playback and record VCR's.

Use these proceedures and I guarantee you productions will run much more smoothly and you will actually enjoy the process!

Ignore them at your Peril!

Director: This person essentially controls what happens in front of the camera. He/She tells the cameraperson what type of shots He/she wants, and instructs the talent how to perform.

Steven Spielberg riding high on a
camera crane during the making of
'The Sugarland Express'. (1974).

Producer: This person is responsible for hiring and firing. Usually the Producer will hirer the principle crew (Director/ Cinematographer etc.) The Producer controls the finances of a production, or in the case of TV/ Documentary decides what stories will be covered.

Cinematographer: This person is the chief camera-person. On features, they liase with the director and work out what cameras, filters, effects to use to compliment the Directors vision. Also known as the 'D P'.

Camera operator: In 35mm film, the cinematographer isn't allowed to operate the camera, so a camera operator is employed. They carry out the 'D P's wishes.

Cameraman: In television, the cameraman is the Cinematographer & the Camera operator rolled into one.

Francis Ford Coppola on the set (&
in the movie) of 'Apocolypse Now'.
(1979).

Lighting Director: In television, the lighting director is resonsible for the lighting of sets. In your student productions, the camera- person often takes over these responsibilities.

Editor: In Television, the editor edits videotape, and in film, well... Film!

Gaffer: In Film, the Gaffer is in charge of the lighting crew.

Key Grip: The key Grip is the chief carpenter.

Grips: Carpenters, stagehands and anyone who lugs equipment around.

Boom operator: The person who operates the boom microphone.

The Best boy: The top electrician, who reports to the Gaffer.

Art Director: Also known as the Production designer, this person is responsible for for the design of sets and construction.

Continuity person: This person is responsible for making sure that people wear the same clothes etc, and that details are constant from scene to scene.

Clapperperson: Yes, there is a clapper person. The clapper person is responsible for marking each shot on a Clapperboard.

Runner: This used to be the way in to the film industry. The runner is a general lackey. Be prepared to get cups of tea, do photocopying and other menial tasks.