Roles and responsibilitiesThe director

Film-making is a collaborative process and many different people must work together to create the final product.

Part ofMoving Image Arts (CCEA)The film industry

The director

A director overseeing a film shoot

A screenwriter is responsible for writing the screenplay but it is the director’s job to turn that script into a film. The director is ultimately responsible for a film’s commercial and artistic success.

If a film is successful they will be praised and their services will be in demand. If a film is unpopular they may be blamed for its failure.

Roles and responsibilities:

During a director must devise a shotlist and storyboard for the film, oversee the casting of actors, select locations and work with the production designer and cinematographer to devise the intended look and tone of the film.

At this stage the director might also work with the writer to fine tune the script.

During the director must oversee the performances of their actors and manage technical aspects of filming including the camera, sound, lighting, and production design.

During the director must work closely with the editor and sound designer to craft the footage into a finely polished final cut.

The producer

A film producer meeting with the production team

Directors and writers often get the most credit for a successful film but neither would be able to do their jobs without the work of the producer. It is the producer’s job to initiate films and oversee their production.

Roles and responsibilities:

A producer’s role often begins with developing a project. They might buy the rights to a pre-existing script or story idea. Or they might commission a screenwriter to create a new script.

Once the script is in place the producer then tries to secure the funding needed to make the film.

During pre-production the producer will work with the director to cast actors and hire key personnel.

They must also create a shooting schedule and budget for the entire film, secure an insurance policy to cover the production against accidents, and handle any necessary paperwork such as contracts with actors.

During production the producer must work with the director to keep the production on schedule and within budget.

They must also oversee payments to cast and crew, remain in contact with the director and each to make sure that the shoot is running smoothly.

During post-production the producer must work with the director and post production crew members such as the editor.

The producer must also seek out distribution for the finished film and oversee how it will be marketed and promoted.

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