Research into Roles of Production

Research into Roles of Production 

There are many roles when it comes to creating a film, however they can be narrowed with thorough inspection. The following roles are most essential to roles in production; director, camera operator, editor, art director / DOP and producer. I will now be exploring each of these roles in detail, to gage a detailed understanding of each role. 

Director 

When it comes to production, the director is a critical role within the development of the film. They are the creative leads of the film, they obtain the creative vision of the film throughout the whole process from pre-production to post-production. 

An excellent example of a magnificent director is Ryan Murphy. He is the creator, executive producer, writer and director of 'American Horror Story'. 

Here is an interview, where Ryan Murphy surrounded by other directors, explains his filmmaking to the table and expresses his fondness within elements of particular filming. It is insightful to understand the difficulty the director must go through. 

Some tips for being a good director would be clear direction, ensuring actors are aware of what you want. Don't always stick to the script, this can make for authentic and vulnerable performances that can enable the prospect of awards and find a clear way to communicate your goal. Communication is key to excellent filmmaking. 

 Camera Operator

Camera operators are responsible for capturing the action. They shoot no matter the given circumstance, using tips from the director of the film. Ensuring all that is captured, can be used. 

A camera operator that really astonished me, working on the popular film 'San Andreas'. Was camera operator, Keir Beck an Australian film director based on the Gold Coast.  There were a lot of camera operators, broken up into units for this major film. However, Beck appeared to be the main camera operator. 

My tips for being a camera operator include; professionalism, confidence and punctuality. Those three things will ensure you promising work if you abide by them. 

Editor

An editor is responsible for taking the footage previously made, using sound effects, graphics and special effects to produce a final film that is of great quality. 

The editor for 'Mean Girls' Wendy Greene Bricmont, an American film editor. She did a splendid job on this movie, making it the iconic film that it is today. 

My tips for editing would be, use good judgement, ensure you're detail oriented and use your writing and language skills. 

Art Director / DOP

Art directors are responsible for the visual style of the film or animation, ensuring the style aesthetics of the film are in correlation to what the director agrees with. 

When I think of a film that's visual style is alluring, I think of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'. There were a sizeable amount of art directors working on the film, which is why the film is as magnificent as it is today. There were 10 DOP's for that Harry Potter film. 

Tips for becoming a good art director, would include; never stop learning, learn how to give useful direction and don't lose your love for art. 

Producer

A producer is responsible for finding and launching a project, arranging finances, hiring writers and a director as well as key members of the creative team. Over-seeing all elements of pre-production, production and post-production, right up to release. 

A pair of producers that I think are incredible, are Cathy Konrad and Douglas Wick who both produced the popular film of the 2000's, 'Girl, Interrupted'. They did a spectacular job with this film, which is one of my favourites. The portrayal of mental illness within this film is depicted well, the DOP's did an excellent job ensuring all elements of visual style were correct for the time period the film is set in. The director / writers / editors did an incredible job, ensuring all characters had a distinct persona with characteristics. Furthermore, all of the elements of this film would have been overseen by Konrad or Wick. They're responsible for the final cut. 

To be a successful producer, you must have desire and passion to make films or TV. You must obtain creative thinking and have a problem-solving ability. Lastly, you must have drive, persistence and assertiveness.