Executive Producer
An executive producer will often be one of the most senior members of a production company who will oversee te project.

Producer
A producer will organise most aspects of the filming, from the budget to the schedule. Some are more involved in the creative side of the film.

Director
The Director oversees the creative side of the filmmaking, choosing which shots are made, advising the actors on their performance, and make final decisions on locations and design.

Writer
A writer may come up with an original idea for a film or will write to a brief. It can be a solitary job, and also quite stressful.

Script Editor
A script editor will to point out any potential problems in a script. They work closely with the Director, Producer and Writers to resolve them and achieve a great final draft.

Director of Photography
The Director of Photography (DoP) is responsible for the camera team. The DoP will also give the entire film it’s overall look. It is a very creative job, and on a low-budget they will need to be very resourceful.

Camera Operator
A camera operator will work to get the shots the Director wants.

First Assistant Director
Working with both the Director and the Producer, a 1st AD is mainly concerned with keeping the production to schedule.

Second Assistant Director
A 2nd AD will be responsible for finding extras and organising a call sheet – that invaluable document that tells everyone what and who is needed where and when.

Third Assistant Director
A 3rd AD reports directly to the 1st AD, and will make sure the actors are where they are supposed to be.

Actor
Cast members play a vitally important role in any drama. To become successful in this intensley competitive field takes a lot of dedication and hard work. If acting interests you try getting involved in local drama groups in your area.

Location Manager
On a small budget, most filming is likely to be on location. A location manager will source and negotiate the use of locations for filming.

Production Manager
The Production Manager will work with the producer to ensure the film is made without going over budget. They may also be responsible for hiring crew and negotiating contracts.

Production Coordinator
A Production Coordinator ensures the organisational side of production runs smoothly from pre-production stages, through to coordinating post production and delivery .

Runner
A runner is the most junior member of the production team. They will be based either in the office or on location running any errands the production team need to be done. This position is a common entry point for those new to the industry.

Production Designer
The Production Designer sets the scene of the film. They will source props, create and build back drops, or just dress an existing location so that it meets the needs of the script.

Set Design and Craft
This is a very specialised area of work, with many workers coming from an art background. They will be responsible for everything from the original design, to the construction of the set.

Costume Designer
Good costumes should contemplate the design of the film and tell the audience about the characters.

Make Up and Hair
Make up and hair artists are very skilled members of the crew. In period based drama productions a lot of research and attention to detail goes into constructing a look. Some make-up artists will be specialised in an area such as latex.

Sound Recordist
The Sound Recordist on a small production holds the microphone, checks the levels with their headphones. This role is incredibly important– bad sound will ruin the enjoyment of any film.

Gaffer
A gaffer is responsible for setting up lights for filming. p>Best Boy
A senior electrician who reports to the Gaffer.

Grip
A grip will work on location to set up equipment, build any scaffold needed. It’s an hands on and physical job.

Editor
An editor will work closely with the director to edit the footage that has been filmed. Creativity and technical skills are a must.

Foley Artist
During the post production stage, a foley artist will work to reproduce sounds that are not were not clearly picked up while filming or to produce extra sounds. For example, they will record the sound of a slamming door or footsteps on gravel.

Special Effects
As computer software to generate such effects gets cheaper, it becomes more accessible to lower budget productions. A First Light funded production, The Babysitter’s Worst Nightmare, managed to use special effects to great effect for a low cost. Special effects creators are highly skilled members of the post-production team – they are as IT literate as they are creative.

Marketing and Publicity
Marketing and publicising your film well is essential to it’s success. This can involve promoting to press, TV, radio through to advertising.Good communications skills are a must in this role.