The Filmmaker's Army: Crash Course Film Production with Lily Gladstone #3

Summary

This Crash Course Film Production episode delves into the intricacies of assembling a film crew, emphasizing the scalability of team size based on a film's needs. It outlines key roles from 'above the line' creatives to 'below the line' technicians, highlighting the Unit Production Manager's pivotal role in hiring and production management. The episode also covers the responsibilities of the 1st and 2nd Assistant Directors, the Camera Department led by the Director of Photography, and the collaborative efforts of the Art, Wardrobe, and Special Effects Departments. It underscores the importance of safety, the significance of the Locations Department, and the vital support of Catering and Craft Services, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the collaborative dynamics on a film set.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Filmmaking is a complex process that requires a team effort, often referred to as 'an army' by Orson Welles.
• 📜 The scale of a film crew can vary greatly depending on the needs of the movie, from a few disciplined artists to a large team.
• 👥 The film crew is traditionally divided into 'above the line' and 'below the line' roles, with the latter often being the larger group.
• 👩‍💼 The Unit Production Manager (UPM) is crucial for hiring and managing the production crew, overseeing pre-production, and liaising with local authorities.
• 🎥 The 1st Assistant Director (1st AD) is in charge of the film set, coordinating with the director and ensuring safety on set.
• 📋 The 2nd Assistant Director (2nd AD) manages the base camp, creates call sheets, and oversees extras and production assistants.
• 📹 The Director of Photography (DP) or cinematographer works closely with the director to create the visual language of the film.
• 💡 The Electric Department, led by the Gaffer, is responsible for lighting design and implementation, working closely with the Grip Department.
• 👗 The Wardrobe Department, under the Costume Designer, translates character traits and themes into costumes, ensuring continuity.
• 🔧 The Art Department, led by the Production Designer, creates the physical environment of the film, including sets and props.
• 🍽️ Catering and Craft Service are essential for feeding the cast and crew, with attention to dietary needs and restrictions.

Q & A

What is the significance of the term 'army' in the context of film production as mentioned by Orson Welles?

Orson Welles used the term 'army' to emphasize the large number of people and diverse roles required to make a film, suggesting that filmmaking is a collaborative effort that requires a significant team.

What is the role of the Unit Production Manager (UPM) in a film production?

The UPM is responsible for hiring crew members, managing the production's moving parts, overseeing pre-production tasks, and acting as the point of contact for local authorities and companies involved in the production.

What does the term 'above the line' refer to in film production?

In film production, 'above the line' refers to individuals like writers, directors, producers, and certain actors who negotiate their payment before shooting begins.

What is the primary responsibility of the 1st Assistant Director (1st AD)?

The 1st AD works with the director to schedule the details of each day's shoot, communicates with the crew, and is responsible for ensuring everyone's safety on set.

What is the role of the 2nd Assistant Director (2nd AD) in a film set?

The 2nd AD is usually at base camp, making the daily call sheet, and acts as the main point of contact between the set and the actors when they are not acting. They may also oversee extras and other Assistant Directors.

What is the function of Production Assistants (PAs) on a film set?

PAs are responsible for anticipating needs and communicating between departments, ensuring that everyone is informed about the 1st AD's calls and other important updates.

Who is the Director of Photography (DP) and what do they do?

The DP, also known as the cinematographer, is responsible for the visual look of the film. They work with the director to translate the script into a shot list and direct the camera crew.

What is the relationship between the Electric and Grip Departments on a film set?

The Electric Department, led by the Gaffer, oversees lighting and power, while the Grip Department, led by the Key Grip, manages rigging for lights. They work closely together and are sometimes referred to as G&E.

What is the role of the Script Supervisor in maintaining continuity during filming?

The Script Supervisor, also known as 'scripty,' ensures that actors stay true to the writer's dialogue and helps maintain continuity by tracking changes and details that will be important for the editor.

How does the Art Department contribute to the creation of a film's world?

The Art Department designs, builds, or transforms sets, finds and creates props, and dresses locations to match the director's vision for each scene, contributing significantly to the film's mise-en-scène.

What is the importance of the Catering and Craft Service on a film set?

Catering and Craft Service are crucial for feeding the cast and crew, ensuring they have the energy to perform their demanding work. They also pay attention to dietary restrictions and allergies.