Production Below-The-Line
EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS
Departments and Roles
Accounting
The accounting department manages the financial aspects of a busy production. Just like regular accountants and bookkeepers, production accountants and their team of clerks process thousands of transactions and support financial functions such as budgeting, payroll, cost reporting, and banking. Much of the work takes place in an office-style setting and involves interacting with the departments involved in film or television production.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Accounting Clerk 1
-
Accounting Clerk 2
Animal Handlers and Wranglers
This department works with a wide range of animals, directing their action in a scene. From cats, dogs, birds and horses and all other animals, the handlers, trainers and wranglers are responsible for delivering animal performances.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Trainers (Stable)
Art
This department works with a team of artists to determine which designs, colours, and textures will be used in props, set builds, and set dressing. The art department brings together elements to achieve the desired ‘look’ of the film or television – whether a period piece or set in outer space.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Art Department Assistant
Automotive, Marine, Miscellaneous
This department works with a team of artists to determine which designs, colours, and textures will be used in props, set builds, and set dressing. The art department brings together elements to achieve the desired ‘look’ of the film or television – whether a period piece or set in outer space.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Art Department Assistant
Camera
The work in this department covers all aspects from creative, technical, and physical. Various techniques include setting up the shot, making sure the shot is in focus, handling and operating equipment, as well as coordinating with the Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) in preparing dailies.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Drone Camera Assistant
-
Motion Picture Video Assistant 1 (MPVA1)
-
Camera Trainee
-
2nd AC (Assistant Cameraperson)
Catering
This department of chefs and cooks keep the crew well fed, serving up meals on location, meeting the many dietary needs for the cast and crew.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Assistant Chef/Caterer
Construction
This department of carpenters, metal fabricators, buyers, painters and sculptors to plan, manage and build all sets and constructed elements of a film.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Laborer (Construction)
Costumes
The costume department designs, creates, buys and maintains all costumes worn by the performers, including fitting and dressing. From period costume design to thrifting, cutting, sewing and cataloguing all the costumes ready for camera, this department works closely with performers, hair, make-up and continuity.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Stitcher
Editing
The Editing Department assembles shot footage into a rough assembly and using complex editing software in an office setting, brings the final story together in a coherent narrative that fulfills the director’s vision. Editing roles can found at a post-production facility, or can be freelance positions, either union or non-union.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
2nd Assistant Editor
First Aid/Craft Services
This department provides drinks and snacks to sustain the crew through to the catered meal break and administers occupational first aid on set.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Craft Service
Greens
The Greens department works with plants and landscape materials to create the look of the film, whether a plant in a pot or a building a jungle on a soundstage. Landscapers and loggers alike can find a place in the greens department.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Greens Helper
Grips
The grips provide scaffolding for hanging the lights, and flags and silks to soften lights and create shade. They also provide means for creating high angle, low angle or unusual shots, and dollies and cranes for camera movement.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Grip Technician
-
2nd Grip
Hair
The Hair department dresses the hair of all performers, appropriate to their character. They also provide and dress wigs and sideburns when required and aid the Costume Department in the placement of hats.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Hairstylist
-
2nd Assistant Hairdresser
Lighting/Electrics
The Lighting/Electrics department works with the Director of Photography (DOP) to design, set up and control the lighting. This team also supports the camera department’s electrical needs.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Lighting Technician/Lamp Operator
Makeup
The Make-Up department works with the director(s) and performers to develop the desired look for each character. Special Make-Up effects include prosthetics and other make-up effects such as airbrushing.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Make-Up Artist
-
2nd Assistant Make-Up Artist
Paint
The Painting department works closely with the Construction department, from painting a large background surface, to applying fine specialist finishes such as replica marbling and graining effects to sets.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Paint Laborer
Production Assistants
A DGC BC member PA performs similar duties as the PA Helper, with some additional responsibilities and expectation of more experience and knowledge.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Production Assistant
Production Office
The Production office responsibilities include logistics, scheduling, liaising with studios, organizing travel for cast, and communication with all departments.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
2nd Assistant Production Coordinator
Props
The Props department makes, stores and prepares the props for each days shoot. Works closely with the performers, the Director and the Set Decorating department on set.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Prop Person
Publicity
Publicists work closely with both studio/network contacts to determine the list of project deliverables and confidently liaise with producers, actors/talent reps, still photographers and the EPK and on-set crew to determine the best opportunities during production. A key part of this role is to ensure the required promotional content and opportunities are captured when moving forwards to the distribution phase.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Junior Unit Publicist
Script Supervisor
The Script Supervisor and Assistant work with all departments on set to ensure that everything that is shot can be used by the Editor when cutting the film back into story continuity. They keep details of every shot, all action, camera details, length in time of shot, and any deviations from script.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Assistant to the Script Supervisor/Continuity Coordinator
Security
Security ensures that all exits and entrances are accessible by authorized persons only and reports any incidents to authorities.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Security
-
Security Personnel
Set Decoration
The Set Decorating department is responsible for the background look of the action, dressing sets and locations for shooting, using furniture, drapery, artwork and decorative items.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Assistant Set Dresser
Sound
The Sound department is responsible for capturing the performers dialogue and location sounds during production.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Sound Assistant
Special Effects
The Special Effects department is responsible for real-time practical effects on set, such as pyrotechnics, explosions and atmospherics such as wind, snow and rain.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Special Effects Technician/Laborer
Transportation
A driver on a production crew is an essential part of the team. Drivers transport cast or crew, either to and from the set, or between different shooting locations throughout the day.
Entry-Level Positions in Demand
-
Truck Driver – Over 1 Ton
-
Tractor Trailer (Prod. Van)
-
Special Equipment Driver
-
Mini Bus Driver (Class #4)
-
Driver Captain
-
Construction Driver
-
Catering Vehicle Operator – Cook
-
Bus Driver (Class #1)
-
Truck Costumer/Wardrobe
-
Set Decorator Driver
-
Forklift Driver
-
Car Chauffeur and/or Econoline Truck Driver
-
Bus Driver (Class #2)