The Roles Within a Film (Booklet)

 The Director.
 The Producer.
 The Screenwriter.
 The Production Designer.
 The Costume Designer.

The Director

Who is a Film Director? A film director is someone who is in charge of making sure that every
component of a movie runs smoothly. Generally, these directors work on a movie from its conception
stage to its delivery stage. They have a say in how the scenes unfold, what props are going to be used,
how the characters should look, and who should play specific parts. Directors also work with
individuals in charge of lighting, scenery, writing, and so forth, to make sure that all of the elements
come together. The director is in charge of the three main phases, which are pre-production,
production and post-production. Generally, he or she does not actually do the work for post-
production, but is in charge of overseeing it. A director is responsible for developing a creative
vision, which leads film to success. He is also responsible for changing the scripts into wonderful
shots. The director gives direction to the actor and actress so that the look of film will be amazing. He
is responsible for managing tone of movie.

A couple of my favourite directors are James Cameron and Steven Spielberg. James Cameron is a
famous director known for his work in Avatar, The Terminator, Titanic as well as many others. The
way in which he has produced so many amazing pieces of work is why he’s one of the iconic
directors. Steven Spielberg is labelled as ‘One of the most influential personalities in the history of
cinema, Steven Spielberg is Hollywood's best known director and one of the wealthiest filmmakers in
the world. He has an extraordinary number of commercially successful and critically acclaimed
credits to his name, either as a director, producer or writer since launching the summer blockbuster
with Jaws in 1975’ However, his work in films like Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park are big reasons
why I find him a legend of directing.

What Responsibilities does a Film Director Have?

 To give direction to an actor and actress, modify script and financing is also a part of film
director responsibility.
 The responsibility of film director is to encourage the crew member to work efficiently.
 The responsibilities of film director include several activities like search superb location,
select casting, arrange lightening.
 The responsibility of film director is to conduct rehearsals before film production.
 He is responsible for managing the shots according his own storyboard.
 The responsibility of film director is to make his movie success by directing photographer,
choreographer, and fashion designer.
 He is responsible for coordinating producer so that appropriate scene would be taken.
 Film director is responsible for choosing actor, actress and other stage member for his movie.
 He is responsible for coordinating editor so that real touch could be given to movie.
 Especially film director is responsible for directing camera man to set camera at right angle.

Alfonso Cuarón (Director)

Alfonso Cuarón Orozco was born on November 28th in Mexico
City, Mexico. In 2019 he won Oscars for the best director and best
cinematography for “Roma,” which also won best foreign
language film. ‘Some of his most famous films include A Little
Princess (1995), Y Tu Mamá También (2001), Harry Potter and
the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Children of Men (2006), Gravity
(2013) and Roma (2018)’.
His Career: ‘He began his career as a television technician and
director in Mexico, and moved on to being an assistant director
for some Latin American films. He landed his first solo directing
job in 1991 with the film Sólo Con Tu Pareja. In 1995, he released
A Little Princess, his first feature film directed in the United
States. This catapulted him into the Hollywood spotlight, and he
continued to release popular films throughout the early 2000s. His
next film was a modern adaptation of Great Expectations starring Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow.
After this, he returned to Mexico to direct Y Tu Mamá También, one of his best-known films, which
earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. He directed the film
adaptation of the third Harry Potter novel, which received wider critical acclaim than its predecessors
and is still considered the most critically acclaimed film in the franchise save for the final instalment,
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.
 The Producer

Who is a Film Producer? A producer is the person responsible for finding and launching a project;
arranging financing; hiring writers, a director, and key members of the creative team; and overseeing
all elements of pre-production, production and post-production, right up to release. It is not
uncommon for a film production or TV show to have several producers. Some producers hold the title
in name only, in exchange for ceding rights to the story, for example, or contributing financing to the
film. But most producers actively work on set, overseeing production logistics from start to finish, in
close collaboration with the director.
The Responsibilities of a Producer.

Stage of Production Responsibilities

Pre-Production The producer is one of the first people to start
working on a film. During pre-production, the
producer works to gather investment and
financing in the film. In trying to sell the
project, the producer assembles a small creative
team to help package the pitch to production
companies and studios. Along with a team of
writers, the producer works to find a director (if
one hasn’t been attached to the project already)
and may reach out to a few big-name actors for
the leading roles. A successful producer will get
the green light from a production company or
studio, or manage to arrange financing from
investors to launch the film or TV show.
Production Work with the director to bring on key creative
partners such as a cinematographer (director of
photography), a production designer, and
casting agents. Hire a line producer to put
together a budget and schedule. Offer advice
and sign off on all major creative decisions.
Manage all logistics and business operations.
Supervise all aspects of physical production
 through the production staff and finally make
sure a production is on schedule and under
budget.
Post-Production The producer makes the key decisions on
marketing plans, including public relations,
advertising, distribution, and release.

Believe it or not there are many different variations of producer. This is usually seen via the movie
credits often list a number of different producers, but rarely is it clear what exactly each contributed to
the film. Producing encompasses a range of roles, and in some cases, one person wears all the hats. In
most cases, however, the roles are divided and shared amongst different people, each with a different
title. Amongst the types of producers there are:

 Executive producers typically contribute a considerable sum of their own money to a

project, and thus earn a top credit in the film. They may also secure additional financing and
handle accounting and legal issues.
 Producers actively work on set, overseeing production logistics from start to finish, in close
collaboration with the director.
 Line producers are the task-masters of a film, making sure it stays on time and budget. They
are responsible for breaking down the script to create line items in a budget, planning a
production timeline, coordinating the schedules and activities of various departments, and
handling human resources.
 Creative producers partner closely with the director on artistic matters. They facilitate the
hiring of talent, supervise script revisions, communicate director notes, and coordinate a
unified style and approach between departments.
 Showrunners are television producers who have an overall creative vision for a series, and
who have authority and management responsibility over the various directors who have been
hired for specific episodes.
 Co-producers and associate producers often help with fundraising, oversee a specific area
of production, or share duties with a lead producer.
 Impact producers, also known as an engagement strategist, are producers of marketing and
distribution (PMDs). They focus on getting the word out, attracting press and media coverage,
and finding a distributor to get a film in front of as many audiences as possible.
 Field producer. In film, a person who assists the producer in production that takes place in a
non-studio location. In TV, a video producer who works remotely to assist in the production
of a piece of an overall production.
 Steven Spielberg (Producer)
Steven Allan Spielberg was born in 1946 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to
Leah Frances (Posner), a concert pianist and restaurateur, and
Arnold Spielberg, an electrical engineer who worked in computer
development. Later on in his life he would become recognized as
one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. With prodigious talent,
the director has arguably brought to the screen more iconic films
than any other filmmaker, vacillating between genres to great
success. But Spielberg’s talent behind the camera isn’t limited to
just one job. He wrote the screenplays for his films Close
Encounters of the Third Kind and A.I.: Artificial Intelligence, but
there’s an aspect to Spielberg’s career that goes somewhat
underrated: his producing efforts. Steven has produced An
American Tail: Fievel Goes West and it is a 1991 British-
American animated comedy western film produced by Steven
Spielberg's Amblimation animation studio and released by
Universal Pictures. A sequel to An American Tail (1986), the film follows the story of the
Mousekewitzes, a family of Jewish-Ukrainian mice who emigrate to the Wild West. In it, Fievel is
separated from his family as the train approaches the American Old West; the film chronicles him and
Sheriff Wylie Burp teaching Tiger how to act like a dog.
 The Screenwriter

Who is a Film Screenwriter? A screenwriter writes content for visual mediums. They write
screenplays for feature films, short films, television, commercials, and video games. They create the
dialogue, the characters and the storyline of a script. Screenwriters work with directors and producers
to write scripts for films or TV shows. Some may begin their careers as copywriters or writers for
production companies. Screenwriters need to be able to work in a team and under pressure. A degree
is not necessary, but many screenwriters perfect their skills through bachelor's degree programs or by
enrolling in screenwriting certificate programs. The screenwriter has several responsibilities such
as developing scripts derived from their own ideas or other existing ideas or work. When writing
scripts, screenwriters are responsible for describing the stories in detail, including physical
environments and the moods of the characters. Films and televisions show require the use of these
scripts. Prior to production of a film or show, screenwriters might produce a synopsis and several
scenes of a story. A shooting script is then prepared. The shooting script entails camera, lighting and
shot instructions. During the preproduction process, screenwriters must consider the ideas of directors
and producers they are working with. They should possess the ability to work and collaborate with
others. Screenwriters may be asked to rewrite or make various versions of the scripts they are working
on.
What Requirements Does a Screenwriter Need to Fulfil?

 Though no formal education is required, screenwriters usually gain knowledge and skills from
previous experience.
 Possess prior experience as freelance writers or editors. Creativity and talent are essential
when seeking a career in screenwriting.
 Patience, self-motivation and the ability to accept criticism are also essential.
 Understand filmmaking, possess creative writing skills and be an expert in film language.
Screenwriters adapt or write scripts for film or television, providing synopses and shooting scripts,
and collaborating and rewriting on deadlines. No formal training is required for screenwriters, but
some hold degrees or attend training programs, and prior experience as a freelance writer is helpful.
Screenwriters must be motivated, patient and resilient, and writers and authors can expect to see little
or no change in the number of job opportunities available in the upcoming years.
Quentin Tarantino (Screenwriter)
Quentin Jerome Tarantino was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. His
father, Tony Tarantino, is an Italian-American actor and musician
from New York, and his mother, Connie (McHugh), is a nurse from
Tennessee.
His Screenwriting Career: ‘Quentin Tarantino is known for
writing drafts of his screenplays in longhand and not outlining plot
twists, setups and payoffs. But the writer-director has his own
method of dramatic structure: He’s used the script of one of his
films to guide him as far as the length and dramatic flow of another.
Tarantino said he’s included a lot of extra material, such as internal
monologues, in his scripts because he loves the writing—and he’s
also directing his projects. “I always actually still say this, you
know. Scripts are meant to be read. Movies are meant to be shot.”
You need to believe when you’ve written something good that
inspires you. “I put it under the microscope to make sure that it’s
not indulgent,” he said. “I don’t know if I’d feel that way about if I was handing it to somebody else
to direct, but since I know I’m going to direct it…”
 Production Designer

‘Production designers may not be as well-known outside the film industry as directors, writers, and
producers, but aspiring filmmakers learn very quickly that movies can never go from idea to the big
screen without a talented production designer. If you’re a creative person with sharp visual awareness
and great design skills, this career path might be perfect for you. To help you explore this option, here
we’ll answer the first important question when considering production design:
What exactly does a production designer do? ‘As the head of the art department, the production
designer is in charge of making sure each shooting location is perfect, prepared, and on point with the
vision of the film. Film is a language of visual storytelling, and so the visuals captured by the camera
matter immensely. Your locations, sets, costumes, lights, etc. all work together to create a world on
screen, and this world is a crucial part of telling your film’s story. Having an incredible script and cast
of actors on board won’t be enough if what the audience will be looking at doesn’t tell a cohesive
story. This is why the production designer’s job starts during pre-production alongside the director
and producer of the project. The production designer takes the writer’s work, the director’s vision, and
the producer’s plan, and synthesizes it into a visual story. - Together, the pre-production team
formulate ideas and plan for the visual context that will be used to tell a captivating story. This
includes deciding on colours, themes, compositions, and other visual elements that work best to evoke
the emotions, themes, and actions of each scene and the project as a whole. With their strong
knowledge of art and design, including colour theory, lighting, and more, the production designer will
have a significant influence on the final look of the movie — and, indeed, on how the audience
experiences the story’. - https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/what-does-a-production-designer-do/
The Responsibilities of a Production Designer.
•Brainstorm with the director: The production designer reads the scripts and discusses their ideas with
the director, developing an understanding of the director’s vision. During this time, the production
designer works out overarching creative decisions, such as: whether to build sets or shoot on location;
what the mood, tone, or visual theme of the film will be; whether to use CGI animation or live action
special effects, etc.
•Discuss budget with the Producer: The production designer works with the producer and line
producer to bring the director’s vision within budget.
•Research: The production designer researches the visual elements they originally discussed with the
director. During this time, they might need to research a historical period, read art books, consult
other films in the genre, or source images from the internet. A period piece set in Victorian England
might require a longer research period than a contemporary romantic comedy set in New York city,
for example. Directors and production designers often communicate with each during this phase using
mood boards or look books.
•Design: The production designer will create design sketches or models that communicate the mood,
atmosphere, lighting, composition, colour, and texture of a film so that all members of the department
are on the same page. The production designer will usually have the art director turn these design
sketches into technical drawings or models that the construction department will use to build the sets.
•Hire a team: The production designer hires and manages the entire art department, often the largest
department on a film crew. The production designer also maintains the art department budget and
creates the department’s daily work schedule. The art department consists of: set designers, art
directors, illustrators, graphic artists, wardrobe supervisors, set decorators, prop masters, make-up
artists, special effects supervisors, and more. The production designer needs to effectively
communicate with all individuals in the art department in order to collectively interpret a cohesive
visual style.

In order to make the production come to life the production designer designs a countless number of
sketches and has discussions with art directors, the art team is finally ready to turn all those drawings
and ideas into reality. Since the art department is usually the largest on any film set, the product
manager must have good management skills to make sure everything is being made with the same
creative vision. This includes working with set designers, illustrators, graphic artists, wardrobe
supervisors, set decorators, prop masters, makeup artists, special effects supervisors, and more. Like
any creative project, things don’t always go as planned. A product designer is often called upon to
come up with quick, effective solutions on set, all while making sure the whole team stays motivated,
creative, and productive. The best product designers have enough patience to lead their team amidst
script changes or unexpected issues so that each milestone is reached no matter what.
 Rick Carter (Production Designer)
‘Rick Carter was born in 1952 in Los Angeles, California,
USA. He is a production designer and art director, known
for Avatar (2009), Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force
Awakens (2015) and Lincoln (2012)’.
His Production Design Career: While Carter’s first credit
as production designer was on Francis Veber’s the Three
Fugitives (1989), it was Spielberg’s TV series Amazing
Stories that cemented their relationship and also led to an
encounter with Robert Zemeckis. Carter proceeded to work
exclusively with Spielberg and Zemeckis for the next 20
years, on everything from Back to The Future Part II and
Part III and Death Becomes Her to Jurassic Park and its
first sequel The Lost World, Forrest Gump, Amistad, What
Lies Beneath, Cast Away, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, The
Polar Express, War of the Worlds, and Munich. Carter then
took up the three-year challenge that was the giant, ground-
breaking production of Avatar for another Hollywood
titan—James Cameron—and his most recent credits are
Sucker Punch (for director Zack Snyder, and War Horse and Lincoln, both for Spielberg. Carter has
been nominated twice for an Academy Award. The first time was for his work on Forrest Gump in
1994, and he won the Oscar for Art Direction for Avatar in 2010 (an honour he shared with Robert
Stromberg).
 Costume Designer

Who is a Costume Designer? A costume designer is the individual in charge of designing the
clothing elements worn by actors in a film or stage production. Costume Designers possess a similar
skill set to that of traditional fashion designers but must also satisfy the unique demands of designing
clothes for theatre or film. The responsibilities of a costume designer feature:
•Costume designers start their process by doing a close reading of the script and making a careful
analysis of the plot, tone, and period of the story being told.
•After preliminary conversations with the writer, director and other members of the production team,
the costume designer will begin researching the fashion history and trends of the relevant time period
and location.
•During this process they’ll compile a collection of visual references for specific materials, patterns or
clothing pieces that they wish to draw on in devising their own final designs.
•Once the director and production team have signed off on the costumes, the designer gets to work
putting them together. Sometimes costumes are constructed from scratch, but oftentimes pieces may
be purchased from retailers.
•Most costumes are then altered after fittings with the cast.
There are several skills needed to become a costume designer. They must have a deep knowledge
and appreciation of clothing and fashion across history and locale. Before the designer begins
devising their designs, they must spend a great deal of time researching and compiling reference
materials. As well as this, costume designers must also possess the ability to draw freehand and
oftentimes with computer aids. The blueprint for every costume is generally a hand drawn sketch that
the designer creates and is seen as an essential skill for costume designers.
Mary Zophres (Costume Designer)
Mary Zophres was born on March 23, 1964 in Ft. Lauderdale,
Florida, USA. She is known for her work on La La Land (2016),
Hail, Caesar! (2016) and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018).
She has been married to Murray Valeriano since March 9, 2006.

She has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best
Costume Design thrice for True Grit (2010), La La Land (2016),
and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018). She has also been
nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Costume Design four
times for Catch Me If You Can (2002), True Grit, La La Land,
and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs