DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY or DP
The DP works with the director on bringing the image, style, and message to communicate to the audience. DPs are in charge of all lighting decisions and the tone of the light. They provide directions on angles and shots, choice of lens, and movement. DPs will also provide input on which equipment to use, depending on many factors.
Most DPs will prefer different approaches depending on the type of production, commercials on set and documentary on location require different gear. These specific videographer hourly rate depend on how professional this person is and what gear is he using.
CAMERA ASSISTANT
Low-budget productions will have an assistant, or “1st AC,” before having a professional videographer. ACs are responsible for helping the DP with focusing, get the right lens for the shot, also making sure any batteries, media cards are ready for the next frame or scene. They’re typically tasked with building the rig for videographer at the start of the filming day and making sure nothing was left on the set at the end.
CAMERA OPERATOR
On smaller productions, the DP can also be an actual videographer. However, on bigger productions, this task is often given to a camera operator who can help run the footage production smoothly and increase film crew efficiency.
GAFFER
Gaffers work with DP to help shape the light right. Basically, gaffers are responsible for all lighting and will place filters on lights to control their tone, color, and intensity. Gaffers usually manage the grips and electricians on set and usually work their way up to being DPs.
GRIP
The grips are responsible for building and rigging lighting, dolly tracks and other lighting accessories. The key grip is in charge of other grips and reports to the gaffer. It’s normal to have the same person handling both the gripping and the gaffing.
ELECTRICIAN/ BEST BOY
The electricians handle getting electrical power for the lights or generators if the filming is outdoors. Electrician team should run distribution boxes strategically so that they’re safe and out of the way from other video crew members.
DIT
The DIT is responsible for transferring the footage on the cards to HDDs or laptops. DITs have to work fast and perform quality control checks during the process to be sure nothing’s lost. On lower budget projects, Project Assistant is in charge of this task.
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
The PA serves as an important position to ensure production is occurring in a timely manner and meets the strict quality metrics outlined in the brand identity guide. On smaller productions, PA becomes a crucial position providing help in almost all aspects: setting up audio and video equipment, microphones, sound speakers, screens, projectors, recording equipment, connecting wires and cables.
SOUND GUY/BOOM OPERATOR
This person is responsible for correct positioning of the microphone boom pole during the filming. The boom operator is the assistant to the sound mixer. He also must be able to follow the actor’s movements while staying out of the frame and lights. This makes it a challenging job for accomplishing the best possible audio.
SOUND MIXER
The audio operator take all the audio inputs generated by the filming process and record them to flash media cards. He/she decides which microphones to use as well as placements of the microphones. The experienced audio engineer will make sure that all audio is recording smoothly, securing much more flexibility in further post-production.