Film Production Key Terms

Film production key terms unlock the jargon on the road to lucrative careers
By Stella Stewart Film production is teamwork, and the best teams produce the best entertainment, educational material and documentary work. Audiences see a product, but the people who make films know that the collaborative efforts include writers, technicians, lighting experts, actors and other players. In fact, the audience is the end of the line in the production of a film.

Although few film producers complete their projects quickly, some producers spend years perfecting their work. One film may have a small cast while another may include thousands of people. Most films follow a similar production pattern starting with planning and script development. After the production of the film, talented editors work for a perfect product until it is locked and distributed.

Property master

The property master is sometimes in charge of millions of dollars in goods. The property master first scours the script to determine the props needed to film a movie. Every movie is different so the property master might have to take care of diamonds, weapons and other items.
Try:  Original Prop Blog gives a first hand account of the job of a property master working in the film industry.

Gaffer

A gaffer is the chief lighting technician for film productions. Gaffers are the electricians in charge of the production, so their role is important for the lighting and the safety of all of the others involved in the daily work.
Try:  Twyman-Whitney explains the role of many of the players involved in the industry so their website is a great place to learn about the many facets of film making. Imdb explains the duties of a gaffer.

Dolly grip

Pictures of directors and camera operators moving around on an impressive device to get action shots in the latest movie seem most exciting, but these important people would be sitting still without the dolly grip. These important players must ensure that the cameras can get into position to take shots of the highly paid actors and actresses.
Try:  Wisegeek has fascinating information about the important roles in creating films including the role of the producer.

Best boy

The best boy in any movie department has a lot of responsibility and is an important part in any film production.
Try:  Media College.com has information about the Best boy. The best boy grip also performs a vital function during film production.

Compositor

During filming, compositors accumulate hours of film footage to be manipulated into the finished product when filming is completed. Although every job in film production contributes to the final film, the compositor is the one responsible, together with the director and film editors, for the finished product.
Try:  Find out more about compositors and their educational background requirements at Skillset. Highend. Learn more about this interesting film production career at Creative Cow.

Post production

Most jobs in the film industry are fascinating and, although post production jobs might not be quite as glamorous as others, these jobs are challenging and lucrative.
Try:  Tisch Undergraduate Film & Television is a leader in the education of people who work in the industry so their website is valuable tool. DoHistory provides detailed information on post production processes. IFP provides detailed explanation of post production work which is so important to delivering a final, polished product.

Distributor

The movie section of the paper has advertisements full of dramatic pictures and stars. Some ads are bigger than others and list showings in an area. Movie makers license a distributor once a film is complete, and the distributor gets the film to an appropriate number of theaters for the right number of weeks.
Try:  How Stuff Works is a great website to learn the basics of film distribution.