George Liaros Productions
Here's some Info about the film business!
Producers come in a variety of types and have different roles in production. Damien Parer sums up the different types of producer quite well in his "Glossary of Filmspeak" in Film Business: A Handbook for Producers.
Producer The person responsible for the film from concept to maximisation of revenue. The person in authority to make artistic and financial decisions. The entrepreneur who causes the film to made and released.
Executive Producer Usually the person who has arranged finance for the film. The title is also used for star's agents, people who finalise presales, rather important contributors to the production - anyone really. (A good example of the later is George Lucas' somewhat unique position on The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Obviously Star Wars was Lucas' baby, so he had important input into the editing and direction of the film, even though these roles were filled by others.
Line Producer The person who takes responsibility for the production of the film. Line producers are generally employed just before pre-production and complete their work at the answer print stage.
Co-producer It could mean what it implies or it could mean anything. It seems to be between the credit of Line Producer and Producer. It may be shared producer responsibility.
Associate Producer
1. A title given to a person who has made a major contribution to the production. It could be a financier, production manager, writer, post-production supervisor, actor, etc.2. Second in charge of production. The person who takes part of the producer responsibility, both creatively and administratively.
Director
The Director is the person responsible for the creative vision of the film - getting a movie from script to screen. They work closely with the Director of Photography, Production Designer, and Editor to define the look of the film, and are responsible for selecting the cast and getting the performance desired. Although the Director is largely in control of the moving the film forward, the Producer will always have the final say on a film production.
Assistant Director (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2nd 2nd)
1st Assistant Aka 1st AD. The person who organises the crew to the best advantage for filming. They say things like "quiet please" and "turn over". They will act as floor manager or stage manager and efficiently draw together the necessary elements for shooting. The 1st AD usually designs and controls the shooting schedule and generally liase between the production office and the set.
2nd Assistant Aka 2nd AD. Under the supervision of the 1st AD, the 2nd looks after the cast. They also occasionally take charge of the set and organise the next day's call sheet. 2nd ADs tend also to be a liaison between the set and production office.
3rd Assistant Aka 3rd AD. Usually the assistant to the 1st AD.
2nd 2nd Assistant Same as a 3rd AD. Depends which school of terminology you graduated from.
Casting Director
The person who organises the casting for the film. They arrange interviews and auditions, sometimes negotiate fees, and will work closely with the producer and director to help them find the right talent for the role.
Director of Photography
The Director Of Photography is responsible for the cinematic look of the film - the lighting, the type of film/lenses used, etc, and also for getting the image on film. Often abbreviated to DP (in the USA/Canada) or DOP (In UK/Australia).
Clapper/Loader
The Clapper/Loader works in the camera department under the Director of Photography. They are mainly responsible for operating the slate (or clapper) which is used to sync sound to image in the post-production of a film. They are also responsible for loading and unloading the film magazines.
Production Designer
The Production Designer is responsible for creating and designing 'the look' of the film - that is the sets, costumes, props etc. He/she is head of the Art Department and works closely with the Director in an attempt to put their vision on the screen.
Production Manager/Unit Production Manager
The Unit Production Manager, sometimes called the Production manager, is the businessman (businessperson?) of the company. The UPM hires the crew, leases the equipment, negotiates with unions (for independents), and sets the budgetary limits within which the different departments must function. They also monitor the production in progress and ensure that if the production begins to go over budget or over schedule, steps are taken to correct the problems before they multiply. They are the Producer's right arm.
