JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!
Need a job? Look no further than Alberta’s Film and Television Industry!
PRE-PRODUCTION / PRODUCTION
Producer – Responsible for finding and securing intellectual property or IP, then launching the project, arranging financing, hiring writers, a director, and key members of the creative team. Oversees all elements of pre-production, production and post-production right up to release.
Writer – Write scripts for commercials, videos, TV shows, soap operas, news stories and movies.
Director – The creative lead of production involved in all aspects through to completion. Direct the making of the production by visualizing the script while guiding the actors or contributors and crew to capture the vision for the screen.
Production Coordinator – During pre-production, responsible for setting up an office, organizing equipment, supplies and staff. Coordinate travel, accommodation, work permits for cast and crew. While in production, distribute shooting schedules, crew and cast lists, script and script revisions.
Location Manager – Person who finds and secures a specific location(s) for filming and manages the location(s) when filming occurs.
1st AD – The Director’s right arm. Plans the filming schedule, works with the Director, Director of Photography (DOP), and other department heads to ensure an efficient and productive shoot.
2nd AD – Creates the daily call sheets from the production schedule. Liaises with actors, putting cast through makeup and wardrobe to ensure everyone is ready when it’s time to roll.
DOP or DP (Director of Photography) – In charge of the camera and lighting crew. Responsible for creating the look , colour, lighting and framing of every shot.
Camera Operator – Operates the camera under the instruction of the DOP and/or Director. Set up and position camera equipment.
Camera Assistant – Unloads and sets up camera equipment, makes sure batteries are charged, recording cards are ready, monitors work, and lenses or filters are ready for the operator. Will also pull-focus while shooting.
DIT (Digital Imaging Tech) – Works with DOP/camera department on workflow systemization, camera setting, signal integrity, on set colour correction and image manipulation to ensure all meets the DP’s creative goals and maximizes digital image quality. Handles data management from set to edit suite.
Gaffer – Lead lighting technician, head of electrical department. Runs a team of lighting electric techs who execute the lighting plan for the production.
Electrician – Do electrical work on set and work with lighting people. Lays cables and sets up lights for Gaffer.
Key Grip – In charge of the set up and arrangement of lights on set. Responsible for much of the rigging and positioning of the camera.
Swing – Works as a Gaffer and Grip giving both positions help when necessary.
Generator Op OR “Genny” Op – Maintains the operation of electricity generators that feed power to set locations during production. Works directly with lighting department.
Sound Recordist – Responsible for recording all sound on set during filming using professional audio equipment for later use in the final sound mix.
Boom Op – Assists the Sound Recordist on set by operating boom microphones, selecting and placing radio mics, and maintaining audio equipment.
Makeup – Applies makeup on all people who are going to be on camera to enhance their physical appearance.
SFX (Special Effects) Makeup Artist – Use makeup and prosthetics to reproduce wounds, deformities, wrinkles, or supernatural. Combine basic film makeup with knowledge of advanced SFX makeup techniques for more dramatic effects.
Wardrobe – Shops for and fits clothing for everyone who is to appear on camera.
Production Designer – Head of the Art Department and works with the Director to create the overall look of the film.
Art Director – Works to create the overall look of the sets, props etc.
Set Decorator – Decorates the set to accommodate for a certain time period or feel for the production.
Props Buyer – Works closely with Set Decorator. Makes lists of props needed.
Purchases anything that’s needed for the action or look of the set.
Set Dresser – Places the props and details in the area on the set for the overall look. Arranges furniture, hangs pictures, places decorative items.
Costume Designer – Designs and sketches costumes and wardrobe, chooses fabrics and oversees tailoring of material items.
Tailor – Works in the wardrobe dept. Sews costumes and custom tailors wardrobe to fit.
Electronic Press Kit (EPK) – Promotional campaign to help get people’s attention for the upcoming release of film, TV show or documentary film.
EPK Crew – DOP, Sound Recordist and Field Producer work with production company to film behind the scenes material to promote the upcoming release.
Still Photographer – Works behind the scenes (BTS) taking photos for the EPK. Captures details of cast, wardrobe and set appearance.
Carpenter – Build sets and other physical elements ranging from props such as windows to replica spaceships. Also do off-screen building to create support structures for crew.
Scenic Painter – Paints backdrops, murals, and other elements on film sets. Highly trained artists, with art school or trained in theatre productions.
Painter – Works with Scenic Painter painting sets.
Driver – Drive equipment vehicles, transport props between locations. Drive cast and crew, either to and from set, or between different shooting locations.
Runner – An assistant working with the production staff to undertake whatever tasks are required to ensure the smooth running of the production process.
Production Assistant – An entry-level job that can be based in an office or on
set. The PA does just about anything from getting coffee to making script copies to driving cast and crew around town.
Medics/Nurses – On set to ensure safety of cast and crew when doing stunts or in case of other emergencies.
COVID Officer – Person on set ensuring all COVID protocols in place are being followed, paperwork filled out, tests getting done and results shared.
Catering – Provides meals for all cast and crew on set.
Craft Services / First Aid – Provides cast and crew sustenance on set between meals. Off set for people to get snacks, coffee, water etc. to keep fueled up. Also is the keeper of the First Aid kit.
Script Assistant – Assists Director, DOP and Actors with script details.
Accountant – Manages finances on the production working closely with the Producer and production office.
Payroll – Ensures time sheets and pay details are maintained.
Actor – Artist who perform in front of the camera.
Choreographer – Artists who orchestrate body movements (ie: dance).
Dancers – Professional dancers of all types.
Background Extras – People in the background of a scene.
Stunt Coordinator – Coordinates stunt actors.
Stunt People – Highly trained performers who take punches and falls etc.
Stunt Driver – Highly trained performers who drive and crash vehicles.
Professional Driver – Highly trained performers who drive vehicles and avoid crashing.
Animal Wranglers – People who keep and look after animals on set.
POST- PRODUCTION
Sound Engineer – Responsible for compiling all sound captured on set during filming. Uses professional audio equipment to create the final sound mix.
Editor – Manages camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics, special effects and music to produce final product. Edits together the footage to tell the story.
Musician – Create/perform music specific to the project.
Colourist – Colour-match every shot in every scene to provide visual continuity to the project’s overall look.
Animator – Create and add all 2D and 3D animations to the final show.
Graphic Artist – Creates and adds graphics including titles, credits and drawings.
Translator – Translates the show dialogue to and from all languages.
Captioning Technician – Places all words and actions on screen for hearing impaired.
PRODUCTION STAGES
Pre-Production – Everything that happens before the camera rolls.
Production – Everything that happens when the camera is rolling.
Post-Production – Everything that happens after the camera stops rolling.
