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Marketing Assistant

Also known as: Brand Marketing Assistant, Junior Marketing Assistant, Marketing Communications Assistant

What does a Marketing Assistant do?

Marketing Assistants do anything that’s needed to ensure the success of a campaign to market a film or TV project; whether that’s scheduling tweets or ordering in lunch for meetings.

Marketing campaigns for film and TV dramas can include posters, newsletters, content on social media as well as trailers.

Marketing Assistants help with proofreading copy, filing, and inputting contact details into research spreadsheets. They often coordinate market research projects and use the data to help assess the effectiveness of campaigns to help with future ones.

Marketing Assistants might be employed by film sales agencies, marketing agencies, production companies or broadcasters. Big production companies will have their own marketing departments for their film and TV dramas. Smaller ones will use a separate marketing company or agency. For TV dramas, Marketing Assistants are more likely to be employed by the broadcaster or channel, such as CBC.

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Marketing: crash course film production #13

What's a Marketing Assistant good at?

Audience awareness
Know audiences, research audience statistics, understand how they watch films or TV dramas, be aware of the commercial ‘performance’ of these
Watching film and TV drama
Have a passion for the genre and a love of the industry, have a critical eye and analyze the content
Taking initiative
Observe that’s happening, be proactive, ask questions at the appropriate time
Social media
Enjoy creating a buzz on social media platforms, use scheduling software
Communication
Write compelling copy, engage people from a wide range of backgrounds, seize initiative.
Organization
Anticipate, prioritize and stay on top of tasks, provide support to your team.

Who does a Marketing Assistant work with?

Marketing Assistants work with Marketing Managers and possibly Assistant Production Accountants within an agency or department.

How do I become a Marketing Assistant?

There are no set routes to becoming a Marketing Assistant. However, a degree in marketing, communication or a film subject is useful. Become familiar with how various social media platforms work and operate.

Here are some tips:

Volunteer: Find charities, amateur theater or student film productions. Ask if you can do their social media for them. Create a campaign and keep track of how your campaign has increased visitors to the website, donations or ticket sales. Put that on your CV.

Start your own channel: Set up a review blogging site or content channel. This is the marketing version of having a portfolio. You can send a link with your CV to show your writing and online skills, and, equally importantly, your interest in film and TV drama.

Look outside the industry: Marketing is important in all industries, not just film and TV drama, so there are plenty of agencies and departments elsewhere that have marketing assistant roles. Apply for junior marketing roles in any industry to build up your skills. You can transfer those to the film or TV industry later on.

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For more tips on finding job opportunities, lists of training programmes, and other great resources, check out our Career Resources page.

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Marketing and Distribution

A Marketing Assistant works in the Marketing & Distribution department

Publicist

Department: Marketing and Distribution

Publicist: Creates the ‘buzz’ that surrounds the release of a film by arranging for media coverage, sending press releases and managing a promotional campaign.

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Sales Agent

Department: Marketing and Distribution

Sales Agent: Sells the rights to a film to distributors internationally, who then release the films theatrically, on broadcast or streaming, or physical media.

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Distribution Executive

Department: Marketing and Distribution

Distribution Executive: Get films and TV shows in front of an audience through theaters, broadcasting, and streaming platforms.

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Reel Opportunities

Stunt Performer

What does a Stunt Performer do?

A Stunt Performer is a trained professional who performs stunts. “Stunts” encompass a wide variety of actions that might need to be performed on set. When there is a high-speed car chase or fight sequence on screen, those actions are performed by stunt people. Sometimes, even much smaller and less dangerous actions (such as bumping into something and falling down) might be performed by a stunt person. Some stunt people act as “doubles” for specific actors, doing all the action sequences instead of them. Many stunt sequences are very tightly scripted and planned, so Stunt Performers need to be physically fit, and often need to be trained in some form of martial arts, gymnastics, or combat discipline.

Please remember, in spite of their well-choreographed appearance, stunts can still be dangerous and physically demanding!

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What's a Stunt Performer good at?

Physical Fitness
Physically fit and is knowledgeable in physical fitness, is aware of the intricate movements of the human body, some skills in martial arts or gymnastics
Flexibility
Thrive in changing situations, enjoy spontaneity
Physical Attributes
Good Eyesight, quick reflexes, and flexibility (Body), good sense of timing
Strong Mental State
Able to cope with the physical demands of the job and the risk of danger

Who does a Stunt Performer work with?

Stunt Performers will work closely with the Stunt Coordinator and the Fight Choreographer if the stunts include fight sequences. They work with the Stunt Coordinators to rehearse and learn the choreography of the stunts beforehand and learn the safety measures in place. Stunt Performers will also work closely with the onset crew such as grips, to make sure everything is in place for the stunts on the day of. They would also work with the actor, if they are a double for a main actor, to gain their movements and mannerisms to make the scene believable.

How do I become a Stunt Performer?

Stunt Performers should be physically active and be trained in some form of martial arts, gymnastics, or combat discipline. You have good reflexes, flexibility, and overall athletic ability. Stunt Performers perform dangerous acts so you must have a good understanding of basic health and safety training as well as not have a fear for dangerous acts.

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Stunts Department

A Stunt Performer works in the Stunts Department

Stunt Coordinator

Department: Stunts Department

Stunt Coordinator: Coordinates and arranges stunts for film and TV.

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Fight Choreographer

Department: Stunts Department

Fight Choreographer: Designs and directs fight sequences for film and TV, ensuring they’re realistic and/or historically accurate, while also ensuring the safety of cast and crew.

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Casting Assistant

What does a Casting Assistant do?

Casting Assistants offer general help with finding actors to star in a film or TV drama. They are generally employed as freelancers by Casting Directors, although they can also be hired on a permanent contract within busier casting offices.

Casting Directors are taken on by Producers and Directors to cast actors who fit the character brief, look right for a role, act well, are available, whose fees cost a suitable amount for the production’s budget and who will attract the right audience. Casting Assistants help with this, though their role can vary depending on the scale and budget of the production.

They read the script and help the Casting Director draw up a list of possible actors for the main role. The Casting Assistant will call agents to check actors’ availability. They help out with screen tests, operating the camera and offering general support in casting sessions. They also assist with general office duties. They answer the phone and make tea and coffee. General office admin and excellent computer skills are also a large part of their job. This includes editing and uploading footage from casting sessions for the Producer and Director to watch.

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What's a Casting Assistant good at?

Knowledge of the industry
Have strong knowledge of and a passion for film or TV drama with the ability to recognize talent
Knowledge of actors and networking
Build up connections with actors and industry professionals, have an understanding of the art of acting and be aware of new and existing talent
Video
Operate video cameras in screen tests, use software to edit together clips
Administrative skills
Complete office and organizational tasks efficiently, have a professional phone and email manner for contacting actors and clients, anticipate what needs to be done next
Communication
Band producers, work efficiently alongside the casting director and team to ensure the smooth-running of casting sessions

Who does a Casting Assistant work with?

Casting Assistants work with Casting Directors, and sometimes Casting Associates. They work directly with Actors and liaise with Producers and Agents.

How do I become a Casting Assistant?

There are no specific qualifications or training to work in casting. The most important thing is to have a wide knowledge of film or TV productions and be well informed about new and existing actors. You need good taste and an eye for talent. You also need experience of working with actors. A Casting Director is a senior role so you need a lot of experience and connections before you can become one. A good route into this role is as a Casting Assistant.

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For more tips on finding job opportunities, lists of training programmes, and other great resources, check out our Career Resources page.

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Casting Department

A Casting Assistant works in the Casting Department

Casting Director

Department: Casting Department

Casting Director: Manages all aspects of choosing the stars and actors for a film or TV show, from the auditions, to negotiating the actors’ contracts.

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Cast Coordinator

Department: Casting Department

Cast Coordinator: The primary liaison between the key talent and the production crew on a film or tv set.

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Driver

What is a Driver?

What does a Driver do?

The Driver is responsible for assisting the Transportation Coordinator, the transportation department, and the transportation needs of the film crew and staff. They are responsible for driving vehicles (including trucks or trailers used for makeup, costumes, lighting and other gear), personal trailers for the actors, and any cars that will actually be used on camera.

Drivers can also do anything from transporting equipment, props, costumes, set pieces, to moving and setting up base camp with various trailers. They also pick up and drop off crew members from base or studios to various locations, or pick up talent at hotels and bring them to wardrobe fittings or makeup or to and from set.

The basic skills required for this job are good organizational skills, attention to detail, awareness of various rules and regulations, scheduling skills, managing a team, negotiating skills…and of course, being able to drive! In some provinces, you may be required to hold a specialized license to drive larger trucks.

What's a Driver good at?

Organization
Be good at scheduling and keeping track of transporting cargo
Communication
Work with the team towards a shared goal, be able to communicate clearly with all team members
Resilience
Remain calm and confident under pressure, cope well with fast- paced environments and short deadlines, be adaptable, use initiative, have a positive attitude
Attention to detail
Be aware of the various rules and regulations and follow them accordingly when transporting cast and crew

Who does a Driver work with?

Drivers work closely with the Transport Captains and Transport Coordinators. They also closely interact with talent and the location department.

How do I become a Driver?

You must be willing to create contacts with transportation department leaders and Producers in order to become a transportation department Driver. If you are serious about being a driver, you should research what type of driver’s license is required in your province or territory. For example, In Ontario, a Class A or D license could be helpful.

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For more tips on finding job opportunities, lists of training programmes, and other great resources, check out our Career Resources page.

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Professional Organizations Associated With This Role

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Other Support Roles

A Driver works in the Other Support Roles Department

Transportation Coordinator

Department: Other Support Roles

Transportation Coordinator: Oversees the transportation needs of the film crew and staff, including hiring and managing the drivers.

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Locations Assistant

Department: Locations Department

Tagged: Entry Level

Locations Assistant: Assists the location manager and unit manager with the day-to-day running of the site.

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Medic

Also known as: Set Medic

What does a Medic do?

A Set Medic is responsible for any medical assistance needed on the production. They are placed on standby and must be ready in case there is any need for medical assistance from one of the cast or crew. Medics are typically on every set since the threat of an injury or medical issue is always present, and more medics may be present for dangerous scenes. They may also be required to advise the production of safety measures and medical knowledge to ensure everyone’s safety.

Sometimes Medics can become medical consultants. Being a medical consultant means you would advise the production crew on the medical accuracy of a scene. You would stand by to make sure all the medical aspects in a scene or story are correct.

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What's a Medic good at?

Medical knowledge
Have a very good understanding of medical knowledge and procedures
Medical certifications
Have all the correct and current medical certifications to be a practicing medic
Physically fit
Be able to move quickly and lift heavy objects if need be
Calm under pressure
Be able to assist medical needs in, sometimes, dire circumstances

Who does a Medic work with?

A Medic will be hired by a producer of a film production that requires medical assistance on stand-by. They will receive the call sheets from the 1st Assistant Director. Medics work with anyone on set who requires medical attention or advice about medical safety.

How do I become a Medic?

A Medic on set has to be a registered paramedic. If you want to become a Set Medic, you must attend an institution to gain the education required to become a paramedic and then gain the experience necessary. Once that is completed, you will be able to offer your services for freelance on sets or work with an organization that will hire you out to various productions.

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For more tips on finding job opportunities, lists of training programmes, and other great resources, check out our Career Resources page.

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Professional Organizations Associated With This Role

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Other Support Roles

A Medic works in the Other Support Roles Department

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Greensperson

Also known as: Greensman

What does a Greensperson do?

The Greensperson is responsible for all the plants and live foliage on a film set. The Greensperson has to rent, arrange, and take care of all the plants for a film shoot. They sometimes have to create large jungles in a sound studio or decorate a room with the right plants for the scene. If the scene is outside, or a location doesn’t require the renting or creating of a green landscape, the Greensperson may be brought in to shape the existing plants to what is desired.

They are a part of the art department and have to do a lot of research in the pre-production stage. They have to mark all the areas in the script that require vegetation or plants, then they have to research the correct plants to acquire and where to acquire them. Once they get their budget they have to rent the plants to make the scene just right.

What's a Greensperson good at?

Knowledge of plants and vegetation
Have an understanding or background in different types of plants and foliage
Green Thumb
Know how to properly take care of a multitude of plants and vegetation
Physically fit
Be able and willing to work long hours, inside and outside, moving heavy objects
Organization
Be organized with the planning of what plants need to arrive on what day and time

Who does a Greensperson work with?

The Greensperson will typically work with the Production Designer and Set Decorator. The Greensperson will get the sketches from these team members of the look of the film. They work together to create the vision of the Director to life, the Greensperson focuses on the plant element in the sketches. They would also work with the production team, such as grips, on the day of shooting. The Grips or art department PAs would help the Greensperson get the plants into place.

How do I become a Greensperson?

There is no degree or education required but studying horticulture, botany, or design in landscaping would be good knowledge prior. Greensperson may begin working at a greenhouse and book themselves out to various film shoots to get established. Others may begin in the art department as a PA and then grow in set decorating and focus on the greenery aspects.

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For more tips on finding job opportunities, lists of training programmes, and other great resources, check out our Career Resources page.

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Professional Organizations Associated With This Role

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Other Support Roles

A Greensperson works in the Other Support Roles Department

Set Decorator

Department: Art Department

Set Decorator: Creates the background of the film by placing or dressing the walls, floors, furniture and vehicles.

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Art Director

Department: Art Department

Art Director: Responsible for organizing the art department, making decisions about visual elements (like sets & props) and overseeing construction on set.

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Transportation Coordinator

What does a Transportation Coordinator do?

The Transportation Coordinator is responsible for managing the transportation department and overseeing the transportation needs of the film crew and staff. They are in charge of getting everyone and everything from place to place. They are responsible for renting vehicles (including trucks or trailers used for makeup, costumes, lighting and other gear), personal trailers for the actors, and any cars that will actually be used on camera. They will also be in charge of hiring Drivers.

Transportation Coordinators are master schedulers. On larger productions they might oversee a fleet of cast and crew cars, as well as cargo transports, making sure everyone and everything arrives on time. They must be skilled in transporting cargo, and are responsible for handling the logistics of transporting cast and crew plus the associated equipment to the location of the film shoot. They must have motivation to work well under pressure and the ability to work long hours despite various weather conditions.

What's a Transportation Coordinator good at?

Organization
Be good at scheduling and keeping track of transporting cargo
Communication
Manage a team towards a shared goal, be able to communicate clearly with all team members
Resilience
Remain calm and confident under pressure, cope well with fast- paced environments and short deadlines, be adaptable, use initiative, have a positive attitude
Attention to detail
Be aware of the various rules and regulations and follow them accordingly when transporting cast and crew

Who does a Transportation Coordinator work with?

The Transportation Coordinator works mainly with the Drivers and Transportation Captains, as well as the production office personnel such as the Production Coordinator and Assistant Production Manager.

How do I become a Transportation Coordinator?

Transportation Coordinators usually start out as Drivers then work their way up to Transportation Captains and eventually Transportation Coordinators. They work their way up by learning and exhibiting organization skills and scheduling skills. Since everyone and everything needs to be in place at a certain time and it is our job to get them there, it is an important job. No specific credentials other than a drivers’ license are required.

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For more tips on finding job opportunities, lists of training programmes, and other great resources, check out our Career Resources page.

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Professional Organizations Associated With This Role

Click on your region to find out which professional organizations in your area are associated with this career and watch videos to learn more about them.

Other Support Roles

A Transportation Coordinator works in the Other Support Roles Department

Driver

Department: Other Support Roles

Tagged: Entry Level

Driver: Transports anything from cast and crew, to equipment, props, costumes and more, to and from the set or production office.

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Production Coordinator

Department: Production Management

Production Coordinator: Helps ensure a film or television project runs smoothly by arranging the day-to-day running of the production office.

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Craft Service and Catering

Also known as: Crafty

What is a Crafty?

What does a Crafty do?

Craft services, also known as crafty, is the department of film, TV, and video production which provides cast and crew with food, snacks, and drinks throughout the workday.

On smaller productions typically there is one main “craft table” where the snacks and coffee are set up – and that table remains stocked all day, every day. The craft area on these smaller productions may also be where you might go for other types of supplies, such as a first aid kit, bandages, aspirin, gum, antacids, toothpicks, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and hand-warmers. On larger productions, craft trucks may be brought in to provide quick warm meals throughout the day like hot dogs or chili, along with other quick-grab items like prepackaged sandwiches or fruit.

Catering refers to complete hot meals, which are provided by a separate person or company to craft, usually a restaurant or catering company. On most larger productions “lunch” is generally catered, but can be any time of the day. This is usually pre-selected and ready at a specific time to keep the production on schedule.

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What's a Crafty good at?

Scheduling
Crafty must schedule food preparation to fit the shooting schedule of the production, as no one has time to wait for lunch
Food Handling skills
Have the knowledge and the certifications to be able to handle food properly and safely
Customer Service
Interacting with large groups of hungry people requires patience and a smile
Multi-tasking
Often there are several different meals being prepped at the same time

Who does a Crafty work with?

Crafty and Catering work independently, but interact with all cast and crew on a set.

How do I become a Crafty?

There is no specific degree required for a craft services career, but an interest in food is an asset, as is a strong understanding of food safety. Catering companies are usually run by entrepreneurs with a background in Culinary school or in the food and hospitality industries. Gaining your food safety certification would be necessary to begin your career.

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For more tips on finding job opportunities, lists of training programmes, and other great resources, check out our Career Resources page.

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Professional Organizations Associated With This Role

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Other Support Roles

A Crafty works in the Other Support Roles Department

Production Assistant

Department: Production Management

Tagged: Entry Level

Production Assistant: Supports every department by taking care of small tasks, as needed.

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Set Costumer

What does a Set Costumer do?

Set Costumers are the right hand of the Costumer Designer and Costume Supervisor. While Costume Designers design the entire look of a character and supervise the construction of costumes, they seldom go to set. A Set Costumer is responsible for assembling the costume of the actor on set and making sure the Costume Designer’s vision is realized.

Set Costumers will track clothing to ensure that they are loaded and unloaded safely and without causing damage or stains. They supervise the clothing and accessories being delivered to the appropriate actors, and are taught about proper clothing care. This includes educating performers on not eating, drinking, or smoking while wearing specific garments. They create rules for performers to follow when it comes to ensuring that their clothing stays free of filth, rips, and other flaws.

Making sure that the production’s “clothing continuity book” is up to date is a key aspect of the job. This book details each shot in chronological order, including what each actor looks like in each scene. In addition to ensuring that actors wear the right costumes at the right time, this book can also record the use and placement of each costume during the production process.

What's a Set Costumer good at?

Dressmaking and tailoring
Be able to draw, sew, make, alter and maintain clothes and accessories, prepare outfits to look faultless on screen
Styling
Understand the stylist’s or designer’s vision for a show, know what styles suit different people best and create the right looks with flair and creativity
Attention to detail
Spot and deal with any design or styling flaws or issues during filming, keep the department organised and tidy
Knowledge of design
Have a passion as well as an understanding of fashion, the history of design and costume, colour, lighting, pattern and texture, and knowing where to source fabrics, accessories and outfits
Communication
Work well with others, listen and respond to stylists’, presenters’ and contributors’ needs, be trusted and have good relationships with designers, PR and brands who may supply clothing or accessories

Who does a Set Costumer work with?

A Set Costumer works directly with the Costume Designer, Costume Supervisor or Stylist, or all three. They also work with everyone and anyone on the production, in particular the hair and make-up team, to ensure they all create a complete and coherent ‘look’ for any contributors featuring in a programme. They have contact with studio and technical staff, particularly sound when putting on and removing mics, and have regular updates with the production management team regarding budgets and schedules.

How do I become a Set Costumer?

Set Costumers are often the entry-level role in the costume department. Some start as Production Assistants, but others go straight in as Set Costumers. To get in, you need to develop your craft. Here are some more tips:

Educational Requirements: If you want to go to university, classes in art and design, fashion, textiles, theatre studies, graphic design or graphic communication are useful.

Get an Internship: An internship is a job with training, so it’s a great opportunity to earn as you learn. However, it can be challenging to find jobs as an intern within production companies. It might be worth looking for a job as an intern in an industry that uses similar skills, such as being a tailor for a clothing designer or tailoring company. Try to hone your skills through an internship in fashion and textiles or costume and wardrobe.

Build a portfolio: This is essential. Build a Costume Portfolio, get in touch with costume designers and ask if you can shadow them on productions.

Get work experience: Try to get work experience by writing to local production companies and asking if they offer any internships.

More tips

For more tips on finding job opportunities, lists of training programmes, and other great resources, check out our Career Resources page.

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Professional Organizations Associated With This Role

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Wardrobe Department

A Set Costumer works in the Wardrobe Department

Costume Designer

Department: Wardrobe Department

Costume Designer: Designs the costumes and wardrobe for all the cast on a film or TV show.

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Production Designer

Department: Art Department

Production Designer: Creates the way a film or TV production looks, and working with all other visual departments to design the world in which the story is set.

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Dolly Grip

What does a Dolly Grip do?

Dolly Grips are responsible for special equipment used on a film set, such as dollies (the wheeled platform which carries the camera and the camera operator), cranes or jibs (a boom device with a camera on one end, and a counterweight and camera controls on the other). They have the responsibility of taking care and operating this equipment.

The Dolly Grip builds the track and the dolly will go on top and help assemble the rig for it to properly ride. The Dolly Grip will ride on the dolly along with the Camera Operator to help get the track shots for the shoot. Along with the dolly they also help set-up and manage the crane and jib equipment depending on the production needs.

What's a Dolly Grip good at?

Knowledge of cameras and supports
Understand the technical requirements of cameras and of the baseplates, dollies, cranes, and jib arms on which they are mounted
Specialized Knowledge
Be trained and have experience operating and handling dollies cranes and jibs
Innovation
Think quickly of practical solutions to problems, adapt equipment to particular environments
Lifting and Physical Fitness
Know how to lift safely, and have the stamina

Who does a Dolly Grip work with?

The Dolly Grip will work closely with the Key Grip and the Best Person Grip. They work with the Key Grip to figure out the plans for the dolly and special equipment during the production. They work with the Best Person Grip during the day-to-day production. They will also work closely with the camera department when building and operating the special equipment.

How do I become a Dolly Grip?

Unlike many roles in film and television, there’s an established route to becoming a Grip. The best way to begin would be to contact your local IATSE union for trainee programs. They may be able to place you on a production willing to take on a Grip Trainee. After you’ve met the qualifications of a Grip, you can begin to apply for positions on unionized productions.
After becoming a Grip and gaining more experience on the production set, you should begin showing interest in special equipment. Take opportunities to work and learn the dolly and other equipment necessary for the role.

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Professional Organizations Associated With This Role

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Grip Department

A Dolly Grip works in the Grip Department

Key Grip

Department: Grip Department

Key Grip: Head of the department, who moves and sets up the cameras and other equipment to achieve what the Director and DoP envision for each shot.

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2nd Assistant Camera

Department: Camera Department

2nd Assistant Camera: Responsible for camera accessories, camera data (i.e. memory cards), and the “clapboard” or “slate.”

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Best Person Grip

Also known as: Best Boys

What does a Best Person Grip do?

Best Persons (sometimes known as Best Boys) are second in charge and have a similar role to the Key Grip. They do all the paperwork. They liaise with the equipment rental companies, do the risk assessments, sort out contracts with the production team, and act as the go-between between the production office and the grip department.

While the Key Grip works with the Director of Photography and the Director to get the overall scope of the production, the Best Person does the day-to-day management. They create the schedules for the grip department, delegating the work for the production in accordance with the Key Grips plans. They also identify the needs of the crew and make sure everything is going according to plan.

They are the Key Grips right-hand and are responsible for making sure everything the Key Grip has planned out goes smoothly.

What's a Best Person Grip good at?

Knowledge of cameras and supports
Understand the technical requirements of cameras and of the baseplates, dollies, cranes, and jib arms on which they are mounted
Leadership
Motivate and communicate well with everyone throughout the project, take responsibility for decisions and outcomes, create a good working atmosphere
Organization
Plan, prioritize, multitask and use your own initiative to manage schedule
Innovation
Think quickly of practical solutions to problems, adapt equipment to particular environments
Communication
Listen to the Director of Photography, be able to explain and share information with actors and the rest of the crew, especially when under pressure
Lifting
Know how to lift safely, and have the stamina

Who does a Best Person Grip work with?

They work very closely with the Key Grip to help them achieve their plans for the production. They also work closely with the grip team to help schedule and manage the day-to-day task they will have to accomplish. The Best Person Grip will also be working with members of the production office such as the Production Manager, to make sure all the logistics are sorted out.

How do I become a Best Person Grip?

The best way to begin would be to contact your local IATSE union for trainee programs. They may be able to place you on a production willing to take on a Grip Trainee. After you’ve met the qualifications of a Grip, you can begin to apply for positions on unionized productions.

After being a grip for a number of productions and feeling confident in the field, you can use that experience to become a Best Person Grip.

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Professional Organizations Associated With This Role

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Grip Department

A Best Person Grip works in the Grip Department

Key Grip

Department: Grip Department

Key Grip: Head of the department, who moves and sets up the cameras and other equipment to achieve what the Director and DoP envision for each shot.

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2nd Assistant Camera

Department: Camera Department

2nd Assistant Camera: Responsible for camera accessories, camera data (i.e. memory cards), and the “clapboard” or “slate.”

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Key Grip

What is a Key Grip?

What does a Key Grip do?

The Key Grip is the head of the grip department on a production. Key Grips have the same qualifications as Grips, but they are the ones in charge of all the grips working on the production.

Before filming starts, the Key Grip breaks down the script and works out (with the DoP and Director) what equipment will be needed to support the cameras for each scene. They make a list of any special equipment they may need and work with the production to get the best crew. They go on scouts to check out the location. If filming is taking place at a location with extreme climates, like the Sahara desert or the top of Mount Everest, they might need to adapt the equipment for the camera maneuvers.

Key Grips need to figure out how to correctly build the rigs and equipment so the rest of the team can execute the creative vision. They map all the supports for the lighting and camera departments to coincide with the plans created.

During production, the Key Grip will be in charge of the grip department and organize the construction or adjustments to any structure created. They do this with the help of the Best Person Grip, who manages the day-to-day tasks.

What's a Key Grip good at?

Knowledge of cameras and supports
Understand the technical requirements of cameras and of the baseplates, dollies, cranes, and jib arms on which they are mounted
Leadership
Motivate and communicate well with everyone throughout the project, take responsibility for decisions and outcomes, create a good working atmosphere
Innovation
Think quickly of practical solutions to problems, adapt equipment to particular environments
Communication
Listen to the Director of Photography, be able to explain and share information with actors and the rest of the crew, especially when under pressure
Lifting
Know how to lift safely, and have the stamina

Who does a Key Grip work with?

The Key Grip will work very closely with the Grip Department. They also will work closely with the Director of Photography and the Director to work out the rigging plans for production. Along with the Director of Photography, they will also work alongside the Camera department and electrical department.

How do I become a Key Grip?

After being a grip for a number of productions and feeling confident in the field, you can use that experience to become a Best Person Grip. This is the second in command in the Grip department, before finally moving up to Key Grip.

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For more tips on finding job opportunities, lists of training programmes, and other great resources, check out our Career Resources page.

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Professional Organizations Associated With This Role

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Grip Department

A Key Grip works in the Grip Department

Best Person Grip

Department: Grip Department

Best Person Grip: The “secretary” of the grip department, who handles paperwork and contracts, liaises with equipment rental companies and the production office.

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2nd Assistant Camera

Department: Camera Department

2nd Assistant Camera: Responsible for camera accessories, camera data (i.e. memory cards), and the “clapboard” or “slate.”

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Makeup Artist

Also known as: Key Makeup Artist

What is a Makeup Artist?

What does a Makeup Artist do?

A Makeup Artist is responsible for transforming people’s appearance via makeup, paint, and other substances (putty, silicon, fake blood, etc.)

The Makeup Artist usually works with Directors and performers in order to determine the desired appearance of each character. They often examine sketches, photographs, and other references from Concept Artists to get inspiration for the desired look. They read and analyze scripts in order to determine the necessary makeup and changes depending on different scenes and settings.

Some Makeup Artists also specialize in doing Special FX Makeup, which can include everything from putting a prosthetic nose on an actor’s face to creating fake wounds or a ghoulish monster mask.

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How Movie Makeup Comes To Life At Cinema Makeup School

What's a Makeup Artist good at?

Communication
Be clear with clients regarding specific requirements and concerns.
Drawing
Be able to sketch design ideas.
Teamwork
Make sure all members of the makeup team are on the same page creatively.
Visual Perception
Keep in mind lighting, colors, and the photographic process.
Health and Safety
Maintain an awareness of health and safety guidelines that need to be followed.
Research
You’ll want to stay on top of the latest kits, products, and tools.
Time management
Make sure your work is done on time so that the production can meet deadlines.

Who does a Makeup Artist work with?

The Makeup Artist works closely with the Costume Designer, Production Designer and Director in order to create a look for each actor that best captures the character.

How do I become a Makeup Artist?

Here are some tips:

Take a makeup course: Improving your skills means getting an education. This is where beauty school comes in – there, you’ll learn the skills and techniques necessary to be successful in the beauty industry.

Build your portfolio with makeup photos and other visual effects: Like any artist, your portfolio shows what you’re capable of. Use attractive visual effects to highlight all the things you can do. For a high-quality, professional look, be sure to take the best photos.

Learn new makeup styles and trends: Stay curious and understand the latest trends and technologies, and practice them to enhance your skills.

More tips

For more tips on finding job opportunities, lists of training programmes, and other great resources, check out our Career Resources page.

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Professional Organizations Associated With This Role

Click on your region to find out which professional organizations in your area are associated with this career and watch videos to learn more about them.

Hair and Makeup

A Makeup Artist works in the Hair and Makeup Department

Special Effects Makeup Artist

Department: Hair and Makeup

Special Effects Makeup Artist: Specializes in prosthetics and other specialized make-up design, for creating wounds, as well as monsters or fantastical creatures.

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Hair Stylist

Department: Hair and Makeup

Hair Stylist: A Hair Stylist is part of a team of artists in charge of designing character hairstyles and styling actors’ hair or wigs on set.

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Hair Stylist

What does a Hair Stylist do?

The Hair Stylist is part of the Hair & Make-up department and reports directly to the Key Hair Stylist. The Key Hair Stylist is the head of the hair department and collaborates with the Director, Production Designer, and Key Make-up Artist to create unique designs that complement the overall look of the film.

They begin working full-time on designs long before the film begins production and before additional Hair Stylists are hired to join the crew on set. They may also be in charge of any wigs required & on a larger set, this is usually handled by the Hair Stylist specifically assigned to the wig-wearing actor. They are in charge of the hair look for everyone on screen, which can involve designing and execution, including hiring a hair team to cover every actor and extras.

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What's a Hair Stylist good at?

Hair
Be adept in the craft of cutting and colouring, wigs, extensions, and beards.
Hair history
Know the story of hair throughout the ages, be able to research.
Styling
Understand the Director’s vision, know what that means for hair, have a good eye for the look.
Communication
Share the vision of the style with team members, be the liaison between the Director and the rest of the team, put actors at ease.
Organization
Break down a script into hair requirements, schedule the hair needs, manage the team, budget, and daily call sheet.

Who does a Hair Stylist work with?

The Hair Stylist will work closely with the Production Designer and the hair and makeup team to deliver on the Director’s vision.

How do I become a Hair Stylist?

Many colleges provide diploma programmes in hairstyling, where health and safety issues, professional ethics, communication skills, and entrepreneurial practices are taught alongside the skills of haircutting, styling, and colouring. Hairstyling is a skilled trade, so an apprenticeship is often required. There are always new styles and trends to follow, so keeping up-to-date is important too. Volunteering for small theatre or film productions in high school is a great way to start applying your skills in hairdressing within the setting of the performing arts.

More tips

For more tips on finding job opportunities, lists of training programmes, and other great resources, check out our Career Resources page.

Learn More

Professional Organizations Associated With This Role

Click on your region to find out which professional organizations in your area are associated with this career and watch videos to learn more about them.

Hair and Makeup

A Hair Stylist works in the Hair and Makeup Department

Costume Designer

Department: Wardrobe Department

Costume Designer: Designs the costumes and wardrobe for all the cast on a film or TV show.

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Makeup Artist

Department: Hair and Makeup

Makeup Artist: Creates the makeup looks for all performers on the production and applies the makeup on set.

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