PRODUCER

Responsible for the film’s final cut. It’s their job to ensure the best people are hired to deliver the best film
possible. Hence the final and most important award at the Oscars is the Best Film award which goes to
the Producers. There are different Producer roles, and one person may do all, some, or one. Some
include:
Financial Producer: responsible for raising funds

Line Producer: responsible for the daily logistical and financial management of the film during
pre-production and production

Executive Producer: usually the head honcho. The one that everyone reports to, and who is ultimately
responsible for the final product.

Associate Producer: usually just a title given to someone in exchange for investing in the film. No real
responsibilities to speak of.

Producer: responsible for any myriad of low level tasks depending on the size of the production.

DIRECTOR

Responsible for the management and execution of the actual production and delivering usable footage, by
delivering the cast and crew’s top performance. This does not necessarily include during pre-production or
post-production, but more often than not they are contracted for all 3 stages. Very few Directors are
allowed final cut by the producers unless it’s a low budget indie film, or the director has negotiated it into
their contract. This is due to the Producer’s responsibilities mentioned above. But it does require vision
and forethought to ensure everyone is delivering usable footage. Most high level Directors are also
producers of their films. Some are also writers.

WRITER

Responsible for the actual screenplay. Does not own any rights after the script is sold, unless negotiated
into their contract. They may, or may not be asked to write new drafts, edits, etc. And very often the script
they sold is not the one that ultimately gets made (much to their disappointment). They may or may not be
asked to be on set and take notes for future edits.

CINEMATOGRAPHER
Responsible for the look and tone of the film. May or may not be beholden to the director’s vision.
Depends on their relationship. It’s not their main responsibility to ensure the shots cut well, but they are
expected to speak up if they feel something won’t work. Their main focus is on directing the lighting and
camera crew to ensure the image is usable, on tone, and of top quality. May or may not be involved in
post production during the coloring session.

SOUND MIXER

Responsible for capturing clean, clear, production audio. More important than the cinematographer, but
you’ll hardly ever see that play out. Audiences will forgive a crappy image, but they won’t forgive crappy
audio. The number 1 indicator of ‘low budgetness’ is bad audio, and a great production will respect their
sound mixer.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Responsible for managing low level logistics for the director. They make sure everyone is in the right
place, at the right time, in the right uniform. Their job is to make sure the Director has all the elements he
needs so that the Director can focus on ‘bigger picture’ issues.

PRODUCTION COMPANY

Hired to deliver the actual final product. They own or can access the gear and crew required, except for
the top levels who may be hired individually. They handle transportation, logistical support, permits,
location scouting, and practically any other service the producers require.