lets make

FILMS

How the films are done

Positions & Tasks description

Producer

Develops the Idea or Acquires IP – Initiates the project, secures options / agreements
Hires Key Creative Talent – Director, screenwriter (if not already attached), and other above-the-line creatives.
Secures Development Funding – Raises or allocates initial funds for script development, casting, and packaging.
Oversees Script Development – Provides creative notes, guides rewrites, and ensures the script is production-ready.
Packages the Project – Assembles cast, director, and financiers to attract distribution or studio backing.
Builds the Production Team – Hires or oversees hiring of department heads (DP, PD, Costume Designer, etc.).
Oversees Production Financing – Negotiates with investors, studios, grants, or other funding sources to finance the film.
Projects for Distribution / Sales – Engages distributors or pre-sales partners to ensure the film reaches audiences.
Oversees Casting Process – Collaborates with casting directors and the director to secure lead and supporting talent.
Manages High-Level Budget Decisions – Works with the Line Producer to balance creative vision with financial realities.
Monitors Pre-Production milestones and ensures the director and creative team are aligned.
Maintains Creative Oversight During Production – Ensures the director is supported and the vision stays consistent with the project’s goals.
Problem-Solves Major Issues – emergencies or conflicts that could affect the film’s viability or reputation.
Monitors Dailies/Footage – Reviews raw footage regularly to ensure quality and alignment with the creative direction.
Manages Relationships with Financiers/Stakeholders – Provides regular updates and protects the interests of investors and backers.
Oversees Post-Production Strategy – Guides the editing process, music composition, color grading, and overall tone.
Supervises Test Screenings & Feedback – helps make creative adjustments based on audience response.
Leads Festival Strategy & Awards Campaigns – Selects which festivals to submit to and oversees promotional efforts if the film qualifies for awards.
Manages the Marketing & Publicity Plan – Coordinates with marketing teams or publicists to craft the film’s external image.
Protects the Film’s Long-Term Value – Ensures proper deliverables are archived, handles rights management, and explores ancillary revenue streams (VOD, international, remakes).

Line Producer

Prepares Script Breakdown & Initial Shooting Schedule – Breaks down the script into scenes, sets, cast, and other elements to create a working production plan.
Creates Departmental Breakdowns – Distributes tailored breakdowns to each department (camera, wardrobe, art, etc.) for early prep and budgeting.
Builds the Preliminary Budget – Prepares a detailed budget aligned with the Producer’s vision, timeline, and financial constraints.
Develops a Production Calendar – Establishes key milestones from prep through post, including shoot dates, equipment rentals, casting deadlines, and delivery.
Negotiates Deal Memos & Union Agreements – Handles cast/crew contracts and ensures compliance with SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE, or other union requirements as applicable.
Oversees paperwork and processes for legal filming, including insurance certificates, location agreements, and municipal permits.
Ensures Legal & Regulatory Compliance – Makes sure all production activities adhere to federal, state, and local laws, labor guidelines, and safety regulations.
Hires & Coordinates Crew – Works with the Producer to staff all departments and ensure proper onboarding and HR paperwork.
Manages Day-to-Day Production Operations – Oversees all on-set logistics, including transportation, catering, call sheets, and equipment usage.
Tracks Budget & Spending – Continuously monitors actuals against budget, flags overages early, and reports updates to producers/EPs.
Supervises Payroll & Accounting – Manages payroll services and ensures crew and vendors are paid on time, often working closely with a production accountant.
Oversees Equipment & Vendor Coordination – Assists department heads with sourcing gear and negotiating vendor contracts within budget.
Coordinates Reshoots or Pickups – Plans and executes additional photography if needed, ensuring crew and resources are available efficiently.
Leads Problem-Solving During Production – Acts quickly to resolve logistical and budgetary issues, weather delays, equipment failures, etc.
Supervises Wrap Procedures – Ensures all rentals are returned, paperwork closed out, final payments made, and production reports delivered.

Production Manager

Attends Tech Scouts & Location Scouts – Assesses logistical and operational needs for each location, including access, safety, basecamp setup, and department staging.
Coordinates Crew Travel, Lodging & Meals – Oversees transportation, accommodations, and catering for cast and crew, ensuring efficiency and budget adherence.
Plans & Oversees Basecamp, Parking & Holding Setups – Ensures appropriate staging for trailers, equipment trucks, restrooms, and crew vehicles.
Supervises On-Set Logistics & Problem Solving – Serves as point of contact for resolving logistical issues that go beyond the AD team’s responsibilities.
Authorizes Last-Minute Purchases & Rentals – urgent requests for gear, expendables, or supplies during production as needed.
Manages & Approves Overtime (with 1st AD) – Tracks working hours, approves OT within budget constraints, and ensures compliance with union rules.
Oversees Health & Safety Compliance – Ensures all safety measures (COVID protocols, stunts, fire lanes, medics, etc.) are in place and legally compliant.
Approves & Onboards Hires and Day Players – Reviews timecards, onboarding paperwork, and coordinates with production accountants and payroll.
Coordinates Company Moves – Plans logistics for moving cast, crew, and equipment between locations efficiently and within timeframes.
Oversees HMU, Wardrobe & Holding Setups – Ensures those departments have the space, access, and resources they need at all locations.
Assists Department Heads with Equipment Staging – Coordinates load-in/load-out and access for departments like camera, grip, electric, and art.
Supervises Wrap Procedures with Departments – Coordinates return of rented gear, disposal of expendables, and proper close-out of each department’s operations.
Tracks On-Site Resource Use & Cost Impact – Monitors use of fuel, utilities, and production supplies to flag overspending early.
Works with Line Producer to Monitor Budget Impact of Daily Operations – Provides cost reports and identifies logistical inefficiencies.

1AD

PRE-PRODUCTION

Creates the Shooting Schedule
Works closely with the director and producers to build a practical, scene-by-scene shooting plan based on script requirements and location availability.
Leads Tech Scouts & Production Meetings
Participates in location scouts and hosts the production meeting to align all departments on the daily plan and expectations.
Coordinates with Department Heads
Ensures each department understands timing, logistics, and setup needs for every shoot day.
Prepares Preliminary Call Sheets with 2nd AD
Lays the groundwork for smooth shoot days by outlining crew calls, cast calls, scenes to be shot, and special notes.

PRODUCTION

Runs the Set
Directs the flow of each shoot day, from blocking to wrap, ensuring the crew is focused and the director’s vision is executed efficiently.
Maintains the Shooting Schedule
Tracks progress in real time, adjusts for delays or changes, and communicates updates to all departments.
Manages On-Set Communication & Coordination
Serves as the primary communicator between departments, keeping everyone aligned on timing, readiness, and transitions.
Oversees Background Action
Works with the director and background team to block and manage extras for scenes involving crowds or movement.
Ensures On-Set Safety Compliance
Monitors safety protocols, especially during stunts, special FX, or large-scale setups, and ensures cast/crew readiness.
Supervises Cast Movement & Timing
Ensures actors are in place and prepared, coordinating closely with HMU, wardrobe, and the AD team.
Coordinates Breaks, Moves, and Daily Wrap
Manages the timing of lunch, company moves, and daily wrap to stay compliant and on schedule.

2AD

PRE-PRODUCTION

Prepares and Distributes Preliminary Call Sheets
Works with the 1st AD to draft and circulate daily call sheets based on the shooting schedule and department needs.
Coordinates Cast Fittings, Rehearsals & Testing
Schedules and confirms availability for fittings, rehearsals, makeup tests, and any other pre-shoot cast-related appointments.
Collects and Maintains Talent Info
Tracks cast contact information, arrival times, call times, and special requests, ensuring efficient communication with all departments.
Assists with the Day-Out-of-Days (DOOD) Report
Updates and distributes actor work schedules as needed to reflect changes in the shoot plan.

PRODUCTION

Distributes and Finalizes Daily Call Sheets
Ensures accurate call times, parking info, location notes, and schedule details are delivered to cast, crew, and department heads each day.
Manages Talent Movements
Oversees cast check-ins, escorts to and from set, and coordinates with HMU, wardrobe, and transport to keep talent running on time.
Handles Set Paperwork & Reports
Tracks production reports, daily timesheets, and set notes, ensuring records are accurate and turned in promptly.
Supports Background Coordination
Assists the 1st AD in managing background actors, particularly in prepping and cueing them through the background PA team.
Communicates Changes Across Departments
Acts as a relay between the 1st AD and departments regarding any updates to the day’s plan, including cast needs or timing adjustments.
Helps Maintain Set Flow & Readiness
Ensures talent and departments are ready for each setup, helping the 1st AD maintain pace and order.