Mysterious Job Titles on Movie Sets

March 31, 2023

Understanding what each person does is crucial for bringing a film to life. Here are some of the lesser-known job titles on a movie set:

First up, we have the "best boy". Despite the impressive title, the best boy is actually just the second-in-command of the electrical department. They're responsible for setting up and maintaining all the equipment that supports the camera, and they work closely with the gaffer to ensure that the lighting is just right for each shot.

Speaking of the gaffer, that's another job title that might leave you scratching your head. The gaffer is the head of the electrical department, and they work closely with the director of photography to create the perfect lighting for each scene. They're kind of like the lighting wizard on a movie set, using their expertise to create just the right mood and atmosphere.

But what about the "script girl"? This person isn't actually responsible for writing the script, but rather for taking notes on the set and keeping the script organized. They're kind of like the keeper of the script, making sure that everyone knows what changes have been made and that the actors have the latest version of their lines.

And let's not forget the "dolly grip". This person is responsible for moving the camera on a dolly or tracks, making sure that each shot is smooth and steady. It's not quite as glamorous as it sounds, but it's definitely a crucial job for ensuring that the audience doesn't get motion sickness!

Another important job on a movie set is the "boom operator". This person is responsible for holding the boom microphone, which is used to capture the audio for each scene. They need to be able to follow the action and keep the microphone close to the actors' mouths without getting in the shot.

Last but not least, we have the "craft services" department. This is the group that keeps the cast and crew fed and watered on set. They provide everything from coffee and snacks to full meals, and they need to be able to accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions and preferences.

So there you have it - a few of the strange and wonderful job titles you might encounter on a movie set. It takes a lot of different skills and expertise to make a film, and every member of the crew plays a crucial role in bringing the director's vision to life. And who knows - maybe someday we'll see even more strange job titles on movie sets!