Video roles
Page links: Screen writer | Director | Production manager | Reporter/Presenter/Interviewer/Narrator | Camera person | Sound person | Actors | Art director | Wardrobe and makeup | 1st Assistant director | Editor | Composer
I learned about all the roles it took to make a short film.
In your groups you will need to decide who will play each role to create your story. Think about your personal strengths and each other's strengths. What are your interests? What roles will your story need? You may choose to combine some of the roles below – or perhaps you have a special role that is not listed here.
Screen writer
The screen writer/s:
- write/s the script.
Director
It was fun being the director and getting people out of their comfort zones.
The director:
- works with camera person to create shot list and/or storyboard.
- carries out recces and selects locations.
- is responsible for ensuring that all shots and material needed to create the story is captured on tape on the day.
- helps the actors or interview subjects so they are able to produce their best 'performance' for the camera.
Production manager
The production manager:
- creates a shooting schedule that incorporates crew/cast/interviewee and location requirements in consultation with all the cast and crew.
- writes the call sheet that helps everybody know where and what they need to do.
- organises logistics (travel, interview times and so on).
Acting is hard work.
Reporter/Presenter/Interviewer/Narrator
The reporter:
- liaises with director and writers to create questions.
- engages with interviewee and works with them to get the best possible responses for the director.
- may provide on camera narrative or a 'voice over' track for the completed video.
Camera person
I learned especially how get the shots you need and want.
The camera person:
- works with producer and director to order necessary equipment for the video and select appropriate locations that will work for technical and creative requirements.
- helps director to write shot list or draw up storyboard.
- lights and films the shots the director requires.
- works with the director to create the best possible shots and to ensure that the shots can be edited together in post-production.
- manages all technical crew such as lighting and sound assistants.
Sound person
The sound person:
- checks all the sound gear is on set as needed.
- checks sound is being recorded and is of an acceptable quality.
- may need to capture special sounds for use in the edit (such as birds singing, doors slamming, telephones ringing – any sound that is needed to tell the story that has not been captured with the pictures).
Actors
I learnt not to be shy in front of the camera and how to work as a group.
The actors:
- work closely with the director to make sure their performance communicates the right emotions and dialogue.
- must know their lines or be comfortable and prepared for improvisation.
Note: You may all need to be actors, especially if you are filming a drama. However remember that it may be tricky to have a lead actor who is also the camera person.
Art director
The art director:
- works with director and camera person to make sure the video 'looks the way it should'.
- organises art works and props and makes sure locations are perfect for the shoot.
- is responsible for making sure that locations are left the way they were found.
Wardrobe and makeup
The wardrobe and makeup person:
- helps dress the actors in costumes approved by the director.
- applies makeup to the actors.
- organises to borrow makeup from the drama department or you may get your actor to bring their own from home if special makeup needed.
Note: You may choose to combine this role with the art director.
1st Assistant director (1st AD)
The 1st assistant director:
- ensures everybody sticks to the schedule and that all the shots are captured.
- works with the production manager to make sure the schedule is achievable.
- coordinates all the crew and cast on set to capture each shot.
- calls 'action' for the start of each shot.
Editor
The editing was hard work.
The editor:
- logs the field footage, operates the editing system, and facilitates edit decisions in consultation with the director.
- digitises all the footage shot and 'drives' the editing software.
- works with the group to edit the pictures and sounds to create your story. The editor will not be needed on your shoot until post-production time. Is there somebody in the group that already has some knowledge about how to use editing software? If so, they are probably the best choice for editor. Alternatively if there's someone in your group who is mad keen to learn the software they could be a good choice too.
Composer
The composer:
- needs to adhere to copyright law.
- has to remember the music should reflect the theme of the story.
- may get someone in the group to sing or play a musical instrument.
Note: Does your video need special music? Your video is going to be available on the World Wide Web – as such it is in 'the public domain'. This means you have to adhere to copyright law. So you cannot use any commercial music as you do not own the copyright and you do not have the budget to buy temporary copyrights. Remember that some song lyrics also have copyright so you cannot even say we will record our own version of a song.
Perhaps someone in the group can sing or play a musical instrument. Recording your own music may be a good option. Remember the music should reflect the theme of the story you are telling.
Note: Some of the group may want to record some music while the others edit.