ABOVE & BELOW THE LINE

ABOVE & BELOW “The Line” – What does that mean?

“Above the line” positions in film refer to the key creative positions that have a major impact on the direction, style, and overall success of a film. These positions typically include:

1. Director: The director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the film production, from casting to cinematography to post-production. They work closely with the producer, screenwriter, and other key creative personnel to bring their vision to life on the screen.
2. Producer: The producer is responsible for the business and financial aspects of the film production. They oversee the budget, schedule, and logistics of the shoot, and work closely with the director to ensure that the film is completed on time and within budget.
3. Screenwriter: The screenwriter is responsible for writing the script for the film. They work closely with the director and producer to develop the story and characters, and often make revisions to the script throughout the production process.
4. Actor: At the highest level people think of actors on red carpets and late night talkshows, more often this job is 3am call times and two hours in a makeup chair or having prosthetics fitted in a dingy trailer during the wee hours of the morning. The role of an actor on a film set is to bring a character to life through their performance. They work closely with the director to interpret the script and develop their character’s personality, motivations, and emotions. During filming, actors must memorize their lines and hit their marks while also conveying their character’s physical movements, facial expressions, and vocal intonations. They may also work with a variety of crew members, including the cinematographer, sound engineer, and costume designer, to ensure that their performance is captured in the best possible way. Off-set, actors may participate in script readings, rehearsals, and table reads to prepare for filming. They may also engage in publicity events, such as press interviews and those red carpet appearances, to promote the film but it’s more often having to memorize sides slipped under their hotel room door during the night for the subsequent day’s filming and rolling with all kinds of last minute changes as the show must go on.

Above the line positions are typically higher-paying and more prestigious than below the line positions, and are often filled by established professionals with a track record of success in the industry.

In the film industry, the term “Below the line” refers to the budget categories for the technical and creative personnel involved in the production of a film or television show, such as the crew members who work behind the scenes. These categories typically include expenses related to the physical production of the project, such as salaries, equipment rentals, location fees, and special effects. In contrast, the “above the line” budget refers to the costs associated with the creative talent that drives the project, such as the writers, directors, and actors, who often negotiate their fees separately from the production budget.

Here are 50 below-the-line positions on a film set and a brief description of each:

1. Production Assistant (PA) – Entry-level position that provides general assistance to the production crew.
2. Grip – Responsible for setting up and moving equipment on set, including lighting and camera rigs.
3. Electrician (Gaffer) – Works with the grip to set up and operate lighting equipment.
4. Camera Assistant (Focus Puller) – Assists the cinematographer with camera setup and operation, including pulling focus.
5. Sound Mixer – Records and mixes audio on set.
6. Boom Operator – Holds the boom microphone and positions it to capture sound during filming.
7. Set Decorator – Designs and decorates the set to fit the desired aesthetic and tone.
8. Set Dresser – Assists the set decorator with set design and dressing.
9. Property Master – Manages all props used during filming.
10. Costume Designer – Designs and creates costumes for the cast.
11. Costume Assistant – Assists the costume designer with costume design and creation.
12. Hair and Makeup Artist – Designs and creates hair and makeup looks for the cast.
13. Location Scout – Finds and secures filming locations.
14. Locations PA – Posts signage to set, stages spaces for lunch & crafty, opens/ locks up the location.
15. Location Manager – Manages the logistics of filming on location.
16. Art Director – Oversees the art department and is responsible for the overall look of the film.
17. Art Assistant – Assists the art director with art department tasks.
18. Script Supervisor – Keeps track of continuity and makes notes on each take.
19. Production Designer – Works with the director and art director to design the overall look and feel of the film.
20. Foley Artist – Creates sound effects in post-production.
21. Visual Effects Supervisor – Oversees the creation of visual effects.
22. Assistant Editor – Assists the editor with tasks such as organizing footage and creating rough cuts.
23. Sound Editor – Edits and mixes audio in post-production.
24. Colorist – Colors and corrects the footage in post-production.
25. Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) – Manages digital footage on set.
26. Stunt Coordinator – Coordinates and designs all stunts on set.
27. Animal Wrangler – Manages and trains any animals used during filming.
28. Caterer – Provides meals and snacks for the cast and crew.
29. Transportation Coordinator – Coordinates transportation for the cast, crew, and equipment.
30. Production Sound Assistant – Assists the sound mixer with recording and mixing audio on set.
31. Foley Mixer – Mixes the foley and sound effects in post-production.
32. Visual Effects Artist – Creates and animates visual effects.
33. Assistant Sound Editor – Assists the sound editor with tasks such as editing dialogue and sound effects.
34. Music Supervisor – Oversees the selection and licensing of music for the film.
35. Music Editor – Edits and mixes the music in post-production.
36. Composer – Writes and composes the film’s musical score.
37. Assistant Colorist – Assists the colorist with coloring and correcting the footage in post-production.
38. Key Grip – The head grip responsible for supervising the grip department.
39. Best Boy Grip – The second-in-command of the grip department.
40. Best Boy Electric – The second-in-command of the electric department.
41. Digital Loader – Manages digital footage on set and creates backups.
42. Set Medic – Provides first aid and medical assistance on set.
43. Assistant Director (AD) – Assists the director with managing the cast and crew and scheduling.
44. Director of Photography (DP) – Oversees the cinematography and camera operation.
45. Camera Operator – Operates the camera on set.
46. First Assistant Camera (1st AC) – Assists the DP
47. Production Accountant: Prepares budget, tracks expenses, and ensure that the film stays within its financial constraints.
48. Crane Operator: Works with the director of photography to position the camera and create the desired shots.
49. Steadicam Operator: Operates a specialized camera stabilizing system that allows for fluid movement to create the desired shots.
50. Video Assist Operator: Manages video playback system so footage can be reviewed ensuring the desired shots are captured.