Roles of Production

I am researching into roles of production, to help me with the production of my opening sequence.

Camera - The camera person is in charge of filming the scenes, making sure the shot is in focus and that the angle matches what is storyboarded.  The camera person controls depth of field, lens, angles, particular shot types, and to ensure all things related to camera and in order and on track. A famous camera opperator is Roger Deakins born in 1949. He filmed movies such as 1917, Blade Runner, Sicario, and Skyfall to name a few. He was known for his collaborations with Croen brothers, Denis Villeneuve and Sam Mendes. He was nominated for 14 Oscars. Deakins says 'I don't really believe in mystery of cinematography - what happens in the camera is what the cinematographers create and all that nonsense.' he also says 'I think of film making as a form of communication. Maybe it's also an art, but that for somebody else to decide.' I believe quotes are valuable he talks about how cinematography is a form of talent and possibly art but also a way of communication, without a good cinematographer the film will have no message and fall apart.  

Director - The director keeps all the roles in order and on track. The director should be organised and maintain the creative image and story line right through from pre-production to post production. The director should have an overall eye on all aspects of the process, they should direct or collaborate with actors, camera crew, and other roles within the production. The director should always have the final say. Martin Scorsese, a famous film director is respect in the film industry. He created films such as Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Shutter Island and The Wolf of Wall Street. A quote from him says “Movies touch our hearts and awaken our vision, and change the way we see things. They take us to other places, they open doors and minds. Movies are the memories of our life time, we need to keep them alive.”

Producer - The film producer starts up the project of the film. They are usually in charge of funding the film, what the budget is and to decide which companies they want to collaborate with. They also hire directors, writers, and organise other important high roles within the creation of the film. They are usually at the top and oversee the film through pre-production, filming, post-production and release. Kathleen Kennedy is a well known female producer, she was born in 1953 and has produced films such as Star Wars, Jarassic Park, Indiana Jones, E.T and War Horse to name a few. She is highly regarded for good work ethic and creativity within the industry. Star War is in one of the top 10 highest grossing films of all time. Here is an interview where she explains in depth her involvement with the film. 

Editor - The editor takes all the raw footage from the shoots, and puts them into an order to create a story following the script. Not only does the editor sequence the clips but adds CGI and visual effects. The editing happens in the post production where they balance the sound, dialogue, colour grading, effects, graphics and more. A famous American editor, Micheal Kahn often collaborated with Steven Spielberg, one of the most successful film directors in history. He edited films such as, War Horse, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park and Catch Me If You Can. Kahn says 'Don't edit from knowledge, edit from feeling.' He also says 'keep fresh by walking away from your edit; you'll come back the next day and see a different scene.' I think these quotes are valuable to those wanting to learn or improve their editing. 

DOP/Art direction-light- The Director Of Photography is in charge of the feel and look of the film, they work closely with the other roles of production to ensure the lighting and shot type is as visioned. The DOP brings the creative art of the shot imagined to life. They may also supervise the camera crew and make final decisions about framing and camera angles. Steven Soderbergh, is not only a well known film director but he is also his own DP as well as other roles within the production of films. He was involved in the production of Ocean's Eleven, No Sudden Move, Side Effects and Magic Mike to name a few. Soderbergh says ' “You’re supposed to expand your mind to fit the art, you’re not supposed to chop the art down to fit your mind.”

A extended interview with Steven Soderbergh and his work: