Film set roles – With some humor
Among zodiac sign systems and the Enneagram, it would be great if someone made a system to help film students know where they belong on the film set!
Before you even wonder where you belong, you need to know that a film set is some sort of an orchestra- There has to be great collaboration and close listening to each other for this to work, so that in the end there is a good film – or music piece. On a film set, there are no solo players—because just like with an orchestra, it is the collective effort and tuning into each other that creates the masterpiece at the end. Every single person on set is valuable and can make a difference.
Maybe the soloist of the film set could be the scriptwriter. Without the initial idea, there would be no film set in the first place. But this also works the other way around. Without a film set, the script would never become an actual movie. So being humble, collaborative, and maintaining a high work ethic are what will help you learn the most and contribute in a project as a film student.
Who shall I be on the film set?
Director, gaffer, camera, Aufnahmeleiter, or… or… the list goes on.
Maybe you know all the answers, maybe you don’t. I wrote this little article to assist by sharing my experience.
I have participated in many film sets for student productions. One can go through many different roles before choosing a certain direction.
If you are not sure yet what fits you best, it can be helpful to do some research on these roles—but this is really only a small appetizer compared to the real experience. You have to get your hands into the work on set to know for sure.
Here is a short, sometimes humorous description of some of the roles on the film set (among many others that also exist and are very important—because making a movie is a group effort as I mentioned before).
Director and Scriptwriter
(Here in Germany, it is frequently the same person)
Loads of creativity and loads of work come with this role. Without a good script, there will be no great movie. They work closely with the actors to help them tap into their talent—another prerequisite for a great film. And last but not least, they always have an eye on the whole production.
Especially in student productions, there may be no producer involved—or not an experienced one. In that case, the director is condemned to constant worry, carrying their cross alone in a field of uncertainty and constant challenges. All of this settles down after the film is done, and it will hopefully all be worth it one way or another—either as a final result or as a great learning experience.
1st Camera & Director of Photography (DOP)
(The director can also be the DOP if they already have a very clear visual plan for each scene, for example through the storyboarding process. There are many different ways to do this.)The big boss of the lens! All look up to them with eyes full of respect. They are an interesting balance between a tech geek and an artist (at least I think they should be an artist!). They work closely in an artistic collaboration with the director and help bring ideas and visuals into material form.
If the camera is not rolling, there will be no film coming out. A great responsibility.
Gaffer (Oberbeleuchter)
The master of light! With no light, there is no film. Light can make a huge difaference in how the film can be transformed in post-production. Artistically, a lot can be done with light—but oh boy… it takes quite some effort to design those lighting setups and build them!
But when the job is done, one can take a breath for a moment before they jump to the next setting change—which means a new lighting setup has to be realized as quickly as possible.
Aufnahmeleitung
The gatekeeper of time, safety, communication, and concentration on set. This role is essential for the whole set to work harmoniously together. If they struggle with confrontation or are not good communicators, the game is lost. When the job is well done, it feels like a marathon with a sprint at the end. They expend all their energy on set and still risk that people may not like them, because they call out inefficient work or laziness. They do not have to be harsh—but they must be firm and flexible at the same time, a balance that is sometimes difficult to keep. Sometimes it feels like they are a big mother on set: they care about you, but they also have to call you out when you need to concentrate on the task at hand.
There are many more roles on the film set. Here I mention some of the most interesting roles for me personally—but you can continue exploring through your own experiences to find what fits you best.
There are many different stages in a film production where you can be involved:
Pre-Production
All the organization required for filming to take place. This is a huge amount of work. It includes scouting locations, choosing actors, and dealing with the legal frameworks related to all of this. One needs to be highly multitasking and a great communicator to do this job well.
On set (I mentioned some of the roles on set above)
This phase requires high performance, both mentally and physically. One must be able to navigate stressful circumstances with grace. There are always limitations in filmmaking, such as daylight and budget. Therefore, compromises are always necessary. Everyone tries hard to make the best out of the situation before adjusting expectations.
Post-Production
This is the phase where the film is processed. The editor patches all the shots together in a way that fits the director’s vision. The colorist gives the footage its final aesthetic touch. I see this stage as a form of sculpture. Music, sound design, and special effects are added here to create the final mix. People in these roles often enjoy working alone in their cocoon. It is the opposite of the adrenaline rush on set—but you must be able to stare at a screen for many hours and still notice the differences.
Marketing and Distribution
This is the big shout-out phase of the film. Very often, around 50% of the entire budget goes into this stage, which can be frustrating—but it is understandable. If no one hears about a great film, it is hard for it to be discovered, especially in a world overflowing with information.