The Black and Blue

Filmmaking Tips for Camera Assistants

  • Blog
  • Camera Guides
  • Menu
  • 
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Free Ebook
  • Pocket Guides
  • Topics
    • Behind the Lens
    • Camera Assisting
    • Cameras
    • Getting Work
    • Industry News
    • Miscellaneous Tips
    • Production Stories
    • Toolkit
    • Website
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About The Black and Blue
  • Sponsorship
  • Comment Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • 
  • U
  • 
  • R
  • @
  • Q
  • ˆ
  • ‰
×
Anatomy of a Film Crew in Pictures
Creative Commons License Photo: Karen Roe

Anatomy of a Film Crew in Pictures

On my first set, I needed something like a crew diagram to help me navigate through the set. And now I've created my own. I've taken five photos from various sets and labeled each one for your entertainment – or education.

by Evan LuziBehind the Lens

  • 26
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What I’d give to travel in the past to the exact moment I stepped on a film set for the first time. As I walked through the set, there was a genuine feeling of fascination and the keen bite of anticipation and fear.

I remember how my mind surged with curiosity and filled with questions like a balloon.

Over the course of the shoot, I was given answers and my fears were quelled, but the memory of those first few days are still crisp as fresh lettuce. In particular, among the millions of other questions racing through my head, there was one that stuck out.

I couldn’t help but wonder: “What do all these people…do?”

On the Outside Looking In

From an outside perspective, where I had been, the film set is a strange world populated by a complex hierarchy of talented crew. Figuring out what’s going on can be an overwhelming prospect.

When that question was finally answered for me, my entire perspective of filmmaking changed. Suddenly those random names in the credits became personalized and finding out who does what helped me figure out how films get made.

But that first day, I needed something like a crew diagram to help me navigate through the set.

And now I’ve created my own.

Inspired by Oliver Stapleton’s idea of diagramming a production still, I’ve taken five photos from various sets and labeled each one for your entertainment — or education.

(Click to enlarge any of the photos)

1. Shooting Exteriors for a Short Film

Shooting Exteriors for a Short Film

From the short film “Heather” shot in Richmond, VA. This particular day was hot and noisy — two elements that seem to appear wherever film productions may be.

2. The Set During Arrival Time

The Set During Arrival Time

This photo gives a good glimpse into what it’s like when you first arrive on set: a lot of people doing nothing and just as many people doing something.

3. Scene with Dolly Track

Scene with Dolly Track

The following picture is a continuation of the one from above and shows the other side of the narrow street. Notice the pink tape on the wheels for dolly marks.

4. During a scene on “Ghosts Don’t Exist”

During a scene on "Ghosts Don't Exist"

It’s not everyday that you have a professional football player like Chris Cooley arrive on your set. It’s also not everyday the same person happens to be the Executive Producer.

5. On the Set of “Below the Beltway”

On the Set of "Below the Beltway"

Below the Beltway was one of the first features I ever did and at times it challenged my ability to sleep. Exhibit A: this picture was taken around 3 A.M.

Did You Like These Pictures?

If you enjoyed looking at these, let me know in the comments if you thought they were cool or please hit that “Like” button on the left and I will do more if the response is strong.

In the meantime, you can see more great production stills submitted by you or even learn how to take some of your own.

Evan Luzi

  • U
  • Q
  • 
  • z

Editor and founder of The Black and Blue. Freelance camera assistant. Available for work: Contact Evan here. Learn more about Evan here.

An Essential Resource for Digital Cinema Filmmakers

Get the Complete Library of 30 Digital Cinema Pocket Guides

  • Canon C500 Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Blackmagic Cinema Camera Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Nikon D800 Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Canon 5D Mark II Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Sony FS700 Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Sony F65 Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Phantom Miro 320s Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • RED Epic Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
Click Here to Learn More

Read Next

No related posts found.

Popular posts not found.

Assassinaut Day 11: What Would You Do for a Kuni Buck?

Assassinaut Day 11: What Would You Do for a Kuni Buck?

Today was payday on day 11 of Assassinaut and while all of us received checks or deposits, some lucky crew received some bonus payments in the form of a fresh currency known as "Kuni Bucks"

  • Assassinaut Day 10: Tips for Working in the Rain
  • Assassinaut Day 9: A Relaxing Day at the Beach
  • Assassinaut Day 8: Ending the Week with a Bang
  • Assassinaut Day 7: Treacherous Waters
  • Related
  • Popular
  • Recent
Becoming the Reel Deal eBook Cover on iPad

It Only Takes One Gig.

Becoming the Reel Deal is a free downloadable eBook written to help you get your first job on set in the camera department so you can launch your film career.

Sign up now to get your free copy and exclusive tips from The Black and Blue.

Get Your Free Copy
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Credits
  • Contact

Copyright © 2019 The Black and Blue, LLC