Mastering Audiovisual Production Management and Crew Roles

Managing Audiovisual and Entertainment Production

Audiovisual and entertainment production involves planning, organizing, overseeing, and managing the financial, material, technical, and human resources required for a project. This ensures compliance with production time, cost plans, and overall project conditions.

Essential Skills for Production Management

Successful production managers require expertise in:

• Audiovisual and scenic technical media
• Project planning for audiovisuals, shows, and events
• Administration and promotion of entertainment and audiovisuals
• Management of audiovisual and scenic resources
• Project management across film, video, multimedia, TV, radio, shows, and events

The Six Phases of Audiovisual Production

Phase 1: Development

The initial phase includes:

• Project Development
• Script Writing

Phase 2: Pre-Production (Pre-Pro)

Pre-production activities include:

• Producing, Scheduling, and Budgeting
• Casting and Working with Actors
• Production Design
• Location Scouting
• Technology and Equipment Acquisition

Phase 3: Production

This phase involves the physical shooting or recording, managed by The Crew:

• The Producers
• Assistant Director (AD)
• Director of Photography (DP)
• Electric Department (Gaffer)
• Grip Department (Key Grip)
• Sound Department
• Art Department

Key activities during production include:

• Camera Operation and Cinematography Techniques
• Safety Protocols
• Lighting Setup
• Directing
• Grip and Rigging
• Audio Recording

Phase 4: Post-Production (Post-Pro)

Post-production involves:

• Editing
• Audio Post-Production

Phase 5 & 6: Marketing, Distribution, and Exhibition

The final phases focus on bringing the finished product to the audience through marketing, distribution, and exhibition.

Key Crew Structure and Department Roles

Basic Production Crew Structure

A typical basic crew includes:

• Producer, Writer, and Director
• Director of Photography (DP)
• 1st Assistant Camera (AC)
• Gaffer (Chief Electrician)
• 5–6 Grips
• Production Designer
• 1st Assistant Director (AD)
• Script Supervisor
• Boom Operator
• Makeup Artist
• Catering

The Director of Photography (DP) and Camera Crew

The DP oversees the visual elements, working closely with the camera and lighting teams:

• Camera Operator
• First Assistant Camera (1st AC)
• Second Assistant Camera (2nd AC)
• Gaffer: (The gaffer can suggest electricians and the generator operator.)
• Key Grip: (The key grip can suggest grips and the dolly grip.)

The Camera Department Roles

The Camera Operator is the highest position in the camera department and is responsible for relaying orders from the DP to the rest of the crew.

• Camera Operator: Runs the camera during shooting.
• First AC: Will set and pull focus for each shot.
• Second AC: Responsible for threading film through the camera, marking each shot with the clapboard, and maintaining camera logs.
• Video Assist: Sets up and operates a video feed from the camera.

The Grip Department Roles

• Key Grip: Oversees the Grip Department.
• Best Boy Grip: The main assistant to the Key Grip; prepares and issues equipment.
• Dolly Grip: Responsible for setting up the camera dolly and dolly track.
• Grips: Responsible for moving, setting up, and tearing down camera support and light equipment.

The Electric Department Roles

• Gaffer (Chief Electrician): The chief electrician on the set. Responsible for rigging the lighting, supervising the electrical crew, and is an expert at lighting.
• Best Boy Electric: The primary assistant to the Gaffer. Works on the grip truck, preparing, maintaining, and repairing equipment.
• Electrician: Responsible for rigging, wiring, and plugging in electrical cables.
• Generator Operator: Responsible for the transportation, maintenance, and operation of the generator on set.