Non-Technical Production Personnel

Associate Director

Assists director during the actual production. In studio productions, does timing for director. In complicated productions, helps "ready" various operations (such as presetting specific camera shots or calling for a video recorder to start.) Also called assistant director.

Production Assistant

Assists producer and director during the actual production. During rehearsal, take notes of producers and/or directors suggestions for show improvement.

Field Producer

Assists producer by taking charge of remote operations. At small stations, function may be part of producer's responsibilities.

Associate Producer

Assists producer in all production matters. Often does the actual coordinating jobs, such as telephoning talent and confirming schedules.

Sound Designer

Constructs the complete sound track (dialogue and sound effects) in postproduction. Usually hired on a freelance basis.

Costume Designer

Designs and sometimes even constructs various costumes for dramas, dance numbers, and children's shows.

Makeup Artist

Does the makeup for all talent. Usually hired on a freelance basis.

Wardrobe Person

Handles all wardrobe matters during production.

Floor Manager

In charge of all activities on the studio floor. Coordinates talent, relays directors' cues to talent, and supervises floor personnel. Except for large operations, is responsible for setting up scenery and dressing the set. Also called floor director or stage manager.

Producer

In charge of an individual production. Responsible for all personnel working on the production and for coordinating technical and non-technical production elements. Often serves as writer and occasionally as director.

Director

In charge of directing talent and technical operations. Is ultimately responsible for transforming a script into effective video and audio messages. At small stations, may often be the producer as well.

Executive Producer

In charge of one or several large production or program series. Manages budget and coordinates with clients, station management, advertising agencies, financial supporters, and talent and writer's agents.

Art Director

In charge of the creative design aspects of show (set design, location, and/or graphics.)

Writer

In smaller stations and in corporate television, the scripts are often written by the director or producer. Usually hired on a free-lance basis.

Property Manager

Maintains and manages use of various set an hand properties. Found in large operations only. Otherwise, props are managed by the floor manager.

Graphic Artist

Prepares computer graphics, tiles, charts, and electronic backgrounds.

Production Manager

Schedules equipment and personnel for all studio and field productions. Also called director of broadcast operations.

Floor Persons

Set up and dress sets. Operate cue cards and other prompting devices, easel cards, and on-camera graphics. Sometimes help set up and work portable field lighting instruments and microphone booms. Assist camera operators in moving camera dollies and pulling camera cables. At small stations, also act as a wardrobe and makeup people. Also called grips, stagehands, and utilities personnel.

Line Producer

Supervises daily production activities on set.