Agency Creative's
Copywriters/Scriptwriters

Advertising Agency
Have devised a marketing campaign for the ‘Clients’ product which has may include both TV commercials and Print Media.

Art Director
Responsible for the commercial’s physical look, for creating sets and styling locations.
Possibly also has the responsibility for the selection of clothing to be worn by the ‘Talent’.
Also Known as the ‘Production Designer’.

Assistant Camera Operator
Working directly for the ‘Cameraman’, loads film, follows focus, marks the spot where the actors stand, and keeps the camera in proper working order.
Also known as ‘Focus Puller’.

Best Boy
The first assistant to the ‘Gaffer’.

Boom Operator
The member of the sound crew who positions a microphone, mounted on a hand-held pole 'boom', as close to the speaker without getting it into shot or casting a shadow that can be seen.

Camera Operator
The member of the crew who actually runs and maneuvers the camera under the direction of the ‘Director of Photography’.

Clapper Operator
Holds the clapboard or slate in front of the camera at the beginning of each scene to record the scene number for editing.

Client
The manufacturer of the product to be advertised.

Crew
All personnel working behind the camera.

Crew Contact
The nominated crew member, usually the ‘Production Manager’, who liaises with the ‘Location Owner’ and members of the public.

Director
The person with the overall responsibility for all the creative aspects of the production.
Directs the efforts of the ‘Location Scout’, the ‘Talent’, the ‘Camera Operator’ and the ‘Editor’. Often owns the Production Company in partnership with the ‘Producer’.
Also known as ‘God’

Director of Photography
Responsible for the operation of the cameras and their mechanical condition and associated hardware. Selects the appropriate film stock, supervises the lighting of the scenes, selects camera positions liaising with the Director. Makes exposure readings, focuses the cameras, compose the shot, and chooses necessary filters.
Also known as ‘DP’

Dolly
The ‘train tracks’ that the camera can be mounted on for smooth moving shots.

Editor
Responsible for assembling all the raw material (filmed footage and assembled sound) and composing it into a coherent whole.

First Assistant Director
Assists with the ‘Talent’ and works as an intermediary between ‘Director’ and the ‘Talent’ and the ‘Crew’, and is in charge of the ‘Set’ and coordinating all aspects of filming activity.
Also known as ‘First AD’, ‘First’.

Gaffer
The chief lighting technician, in charge of placement and movement of lights before and after shooting.

Grip
Skilled laborer who assists the camera and lighting and art departments by moving or lifting equipment pertaining to that department.

Key Grip
The head laborer who works with the ‘Gaffer’ and ‘Director of Photography’ and who supervises the grip department.

Location
The property selected for the filming of the scene.

Location Confirmation Letter / Agreement
Sets out the details of the ‘Client’, ‘Product’, ‘Production Company’, the ‘Shoot Date/s’, ‘Weatherhold Date’, areas to be used, ‘Location Fees’ payable, ‘Crew’ size, ‘Unit’ size, ‘Crew Contact’ and a copy of the ‘Production Company’s’ public liability.

Location Fee
The monies paid to the ‘Location Owner’ for the use of their property for filming, to be paid on the day of filming.

Location Owners
The very nice people who own the property selected for the filming of the scene.

Location Scout
The most pre-eminent member of the team. Responsible for scouting the locations called for in the script, as briefed by the Director, evaluating their suitability and photographing them. Reports to the ‘Production Manager’ or ‘Producer’.

Make-Up Person
Applies make-up to all on-camera ‘Talent’.

Point of View
Describes the camera position to emulate the aspect that would be seen from a particular position.
Also known as ‘POV’

Producer
The liaison between the ‘Advertising Agency’, ’Client’ and the ‘Director’ and the ‘Crew’. responsible for budgets, casting, Locations and in general is the overall supervisor of all activity. Often owns the ‘Production Company’ in partnership with the ‘Director’.

Production Assistant
Working for the ‘Production Manager’, handling a variety of tasks such as stopping people walking through shot when the camera is turning.

Production Company
Engaged by the ‘Advertising Agency’ to film the Commercial.

Production Coordinator
Working for the ‘Production Manager’, acting as liaison between the production office and all other departments.

Production Manager
The on site executive in charge of all financial, administrative, and physical details of production. Represents the ‘Producer’ when the ‘Producer’ is not on ‘Set’. Controls finances during ‘Location’ shooting. Is the crew contact for ‘Location Owner’.

Second Assistant Director
Working for the ‘First Assistant Director’, helps organize and move large numbers of ‘Talent’ or vehicles, if required.
Also known as ‘2nd AD’

Set
Describes the area of filming.

Shoot Date
The agreed date for filming.

Stylist
Dresses the hair on all on-camera ‘Talent’.

Talent
A term which covers all performers, including animals.

Unit
The convoy of trucks that bring all the equipment that could possibly be needed in any eventuality by the ‘Director’ on the day of filming.

Weather hold
The agreed date for filming if the ‘Shoot Date’ is rained out.

Wrangler
Specialist who trains animals to perform on command and who has control of them on set.