Roles & Responsibilities of the Technical (Camera & Lighting Crew)

Director of Photography (DP)

The person-in-charge of the technical crew.

The DP makes decisions on lighting and framing of scenes in conjunction with the film's director.

Typically, the director tells the DP how they want a shot to look, and the DP chooses the correct aperture, filter, and lighting to achieve the desired effect.

Camera Operator

He uses the camera at the direction of the DP or director to

capture the scenes on film.

Depending on the size and budget of the production, the

DP may also be the camera operator, which is usually the

case on TV and video projects.

1st Camera Assistant (Focus Puller)

He is responsible for keeping the camera in focus

as it is shooting.

2nd Camera Assistant (Clapper Loader)

He operates the clapperboard at the beginning of each

take and loads the raw film stock into the camera

magazines between takes.

This role does not exist on video shoots. The 1st Camera

Assistant will operate the clapperboard.

Gaffer

He is the Chief Lighting Technician, responsible for execution of the lighting plan for the production.

Gaffers are responsible for knowing the appropriate color of gel (plastic sheeting) to put on the lights or windows to achieve a variety of effects, such as transforming midday into a beautiful sunset. They can re-create the flicker of lights in a subway car, the motion of light inside a turning airplane, or the passage of night into day.

Many gaffers are expected to own a truck complete with most basic lighting equipment and then rent extra lighting equipment as needed.

Key Grip

He is the Chief Grip on the set, and works with the DP to

set up the set and achieve the correct lighting and

blocking.

He will direct a crew of grips, numbering ranging from 2

grips for small shoots up to 10-15 grips for big budget

productions.

Dolly Grip / Crane Operator

These specialized grips are trained to operate these

camera rigs used to perform complex camera

movements.

They work closely with the camera crew to perfect these

complex movements during rehearsals. Focusing the

lens is critical to capturing a sharp image, so a dolly grip

must hit his/her mark in sync with a camera assistant

who pulls focus.

The best dolly grips are known for their "touch" and that

makes them highly sought-after talents.