Construction
The Construction Department not only builds the scenery shown on camera but often the stage that it stands upon. They are responsible for the construction needs of the entire production. A large crew of skilled carpenters work under the direction of their Head of Department, the Construction Coordinator. The Construction Coordinator works closely with the Production Designer to interpret set designs.
Costume
The Costume department is heavily involved in creating the look of the production. This department is led by the Costume Designer, whose artistic input creates the look and feel of each character. They have a crew of skilled technicians who work with them to fabricate and supply the clothing for the actors.
As the film industry grows so does the need for specialties in each department. There are currently over fifteen skilled positions within Costume.
Craftservice
This department supplies extra labour for all departments. They may be called upon to perform specific tasks required by a department or for general labour.
Grip
The Grip Department is responsible for creating supports and diffusion for all lighting needs. They are also responsible for the safety protocols with regard to lighting designs, camera support and camera movement. They assist in creating stages and securing scenery– often hundreds or thousands of pounds overhead.
The Key Grip is the head of the Grip Department, they are usually hired by the Director of Photography (DOP). Together with the DOP, the Key Grip and Head Lighting Technician facilitate the visual style of the show photographically.
Hair
The Hair Department creates the look of the hair on every actor. This includes wigs and hair pieces. The Head of the Hair Department and their crew have a long list of duties beyond the knowledge in all workings of hair. They collaborate with the Director, Producer, Costume Designer, Head of Makeup and the actors to create the characters for the production.
Lighting
The Lighting Department provides the support for the electrical power for all departments on and off set. The Head Lighting Technician is the head of the Lighting Department. They are usually hired by the Director of Photography (DOP) and are instrumental in the look of the show. They work side by side with the DOP, to help design and oversee the installation of lighting by their crew.
Makeup
The Makeup Department covers two areas; Makeup and Prosthetics. The Head of the Makeup Department is part of the creative team who design and establish the physical look of the characters for the production. Along with their crew, they make and apply scars, prosthetics, facial hair, blood, tattoos as well as traditional makeup.
Props / Set Dec / Greens
This department is responsible for dressing the set; including supplying objects that the actors interact with on-camera. These three categories work closely together to maintain the look of the set.
The Props Master is the head of the Props Department. They work closely with the Production Designer and Art Department. They provide all objects that the actors interact with on-set.
The Set Decorator is the head of the Set Dec Department. This person works under the Direction of the Production Designer. The Set Dec crew will then ensure the safe and aesthetic movement and placement of the set dressing.
The Key Greens is the head of the Greens Department and works with the Set Decorator and Art Department to design the look of all the foliage and landscaping for the production. Their department will then dress the set with any necessary greenery.
Scenic
The Scenic Department paints the set pieces shown on camera. This includes creating faux finishes like ageing, marbling and sculpting pieces. The head of this department, the Key Scenic Artist, works closely with the Production Designer to interpret technical drawings and elevations into colour palettes and textures.
The Scenic Department has many specialists including a Key Mould Maker, Sign Writers, Painters and Scenic Artists.
Script Supervisor
Unlike many other departments, the Script Supervisor Department usually consists of one person. They are responsible for protecting the integrity of the script to ensure the film can be edited with accurate on-camera continuity. They are the on-set liaison between the Director and Editor.
Sound/Boom
The Sound/Boom department is responsible for capturing the audio on-set. This department is often a team consisting of the Production Sound Recordist, Boom Operator and Sound Utility. They work to achieve the best possible sound recordings, no matter the location. They must capture all production sound recordings including dialogue from actors, and all ambient sound.
SPFX
The Special Effects or SPFX Department fabricates and supplies the equipment required for physical effects seen on camera. Everything that is a physical effect is delivered by Special Effects. This includes but is not limited to atmosphere, weather, fire, explosions, the presence of water and moving objects like rolling cars or elevator doors opening.
Transportation
The Transportation Department provides both the vehicles and operators necessary to complete a motion picture on and off-screen. This includes vehicles seen on-camera as well as vehicles and drivers for all other departments, and Unit Moves. The Transportation Coordinator is the Head of the Department. They work with all the departments to ensure required trucks and other vehicles are available. They help to plan the logistics of moves, the set up of the unit and the tracking of rentals and returns.