I was an extra about a year ago for a Fox TV show called 'Shots Fired', just for one LONG day (8am-10pm). The opportunity was passed along to me in an email and I decided to seize the experience opportunity (and $250). It blew my mind seeing the absurd amount of equipment/manpower involved in a TV show. Now whenever I watch a TV show/movie I have such a better understanding - than whoever I'm watching with - what it really took to create it. This video filled in all the gaps of knowledge I didn't learn/remember from that long, hectic day. Bonus: I ended up in the show! Season 1 episode 5 around 11 minutes in I walk right behind Sanaa Lathan in a heated argument. Also got to meet Tristan Wilds, Richard Dreyfuss and Stephen Moyer that day! If you ever get a chance to play an extra in anything, do it. It was so worth it.
how did fox tv email you? did u subscribe to something? did u have any experience in acting? I'm sorry for bombarding you with questions but I'm a 14 year old and I live in Australia. I would like to become an actor. I think its kinda late for me to start but I would like to make my dreams come true. i want to start small like being an extra on a film or tv show. do u have any advice for me?
caitlyn li There is a lot of "hurry up and wait" when it comes to principle photography. When it comes to being an extra, you can be waiting for hours and hours in a holding room and then told to go home for the day without ever being in front of the camera. If it is a night time outdoor scene, they can be setting up starting in the early evening through midnight. You can be waiting in the cold throughout the middle of the night and they won't camera until after 2 AM.
RaymondHng thank you for your advice if being an extra is like that do u have any advice for me to start my career i currently have no experience but im willing to go to workshops and things like that to build my experiences.
I disagree. A filmmaker who is making "Guardians of the Galaxy" needs money. But I think it's more appropriate to think of "resources" as opposed to money. A low budget, guerrilla film doesn't need as much in the way of money (especially in 2017) as it does in passion and time and people who care. - Nick J.
Oh God so I have to get an army well let me call Hitler. [ jk], on a serious note I am still working on a movie and my dream is to get to Hollywood one and ill never give up on my dream.
This was probably the most comprehensive guide to filmmaking yet, I've been asking myself what a director of photography even does for AGES. Great video, cheers to the entire crash course team for this one! Oh, also, if Lily's reading this, that's one SPIFFY outfit. xx
Hello Serious Request: Is there any chance we could get a download copy of that flow chart? Filmmakers (Like myself) could really use a Cheat sheet like that.
3 years of film school summarised in one video. I mean literally, if u know how the engine of a film production works anyone can work on a film. Just don't expect to have a top-dog role, unless you're super rich or know the right people
MarkFilipAnthony I mean true, but it also helps to know how to like not kill people with lights and rigs or break a camera that costs more than your life.
Sure, that really depends on what department you're working in though A rule of thumb: Do what you're told to do, be where you're supposed to be and keep away at a safe distance if you're not needed and always offer your help if needed. it Depends on the film school, but you most likely won't be near any of the most expensive equipment anyway, so you learn only the basics and the rest you'll learn on the job. The most important thing to learn (according to me, in the perspective of a just graduated Producer and 1stAD) is how the work flow and dynamic functions on a film production: Teamwork and communciation across the different departments Time is sacred, mistakes happen and health&safety first. There is always someone who knows something better than you, and everyone needs advice and help some times. The one main value of film school is to work in a safe environment where you are allowed to do mistakes. Everything else is mainly practice and experience based.
MarkFilipAnthony I'm a senior and as am AD, I agree that knowing the intercommunication is super useful, as an electric tho that does nothing for me, knowing how to not burn down a building or drop things on actors does. I get what you're saying I just hate when people come into it and assume because they took Foundations of Cinema they know everything and are just unsafe because of it
Senior? sorry I work through the British model, I am a fully educated filmmaker, I am beyond just 'Foundation course' And I apologise if you misunderstood me, following the 'Health and safety'-protocol includes 'knowing how to not burn down a building and drop things on actors', I have lots of experience with filmmakers who think 'only knowing my own job is enough' But after my experience, the one filmmakers who work the best are the ones who work the best together with a team, not the ones who work solo. I also know that is a very stereotypical producer/Above-the-line mentality, which many below-the-line (Especially the light/Cam dep) disagree on. A very common view among filmmakers is that whoever isn't a team worker usually goes against the film production instead of with it. Afterall, we are there to make the best film and product together, not just to show up, do your job, get paid and go home. (Even though I've worked with plenty of filmmakers that has that philosophy)
Thanks for changing guys she is not only gorgeous and charming, but she explains things so well that I feel like watching the whole thing now to go back to my script I abandoned...
I'm really loving this particular series, as I've always had an interest in how films come together. Many thanks to Lily Gladstone and everyone else involved in putting these videos together; keep up the good work!
Boone Keller I think that would be a whole separate series because not only are all the jobs and processes different, all the jobs and processes change depending on what kind of animation. It's as complicated as teaching film so it would extend far past one or two episodes
I work as a Sound Recordist in Australia and an important note about the sound department that was overlooked but you could add in a video discussing specifics is that the boom operator like the makeup artist often has to put wireless mics on actors and are another point of contact and have to provide a level of comfort for them before they get on set as well as being the sound recordist eyes on set and communicating to the recordist how they think a scene will be captured [kind of like an on set audio person]. And on top of capturing sound which of course is its own beast the sound recordist manages the distribution of the sound mix to other people on set like the Director, AD, Camera, Boom Ops and sometimes Actors for specific scenes. Also that same mix is often given to either the camera department as a guide for camera or for video village for playback. Another important role the sound recordist plays is the syncing of audio to camera for the editor whether that be through timecode, slates, meta data or guide feed. Of course there have been books written on capturing sound and what a sound recordist does but a few of these points really express the importance of a sound recordist that can be overlooked. Especially in the lower budget. Anyway hope this helps and feel free to contact me via www.notchilliproductions.com if you have any questions. Cheers, Piotr
We'll be talking about that in our video about the sound department :) Thanks for the input and keep up doing the great work of the unsung sound department!!! - Nick J.
And don't forget the Sound Utility! That's what I've been doing , we primarily handle wireless mics and putting them on the talent, and acting as the equivalent "best boy" of the sound department. We also boom whenever a second boom operator is needed. This allows the boom op to stay on set at all times. You've got my number ;)
Yes absolutely. As a recordist at my stage with my career I have just been given a boom operator. But yes! here in Australia we usually refer to Sound Utility as a Sound Assistant. I have been a Sound Assistant and i wish so much that i could have them regularly on set!
Thanks for saying Chris! Us sound people are a certainly level of insane! We are certainly fueled by an odd passion which is difficult to explain. Cant wait to see and hear the episode :-]
Yo, any chance we could get that graphic as a download? I'm doing Film and Media Production at uni and I'd love to have it on my wall to show how everyone on set interacts! :)
You rock film lady! Doing podcasts and videos now. Getting ready to start working on some shorts. Finding these vids by accident was awesome. PBS rocks!
The graphic sorta makes it seem as though the Set Medic is only there for stunts and other dangerous things. When we're actually there caring for the health and safety of the crew full time, every day of the shoot. So medics are generally a one person department (Like Scripty) and not under the SFX Dept. Though mentioning medics in the way you did WAS a very nice way to fit us in. Otherwise this video was pretty darn awesome. Great job!
Kind of. We've got an episode filmed about deciding on film school or no film school and how they're both valid choices depending on how you work/learn best and the benefits/limitations of each choice. - Nick J.
Been an extra on Vikings for a couple years now and she is not exaggerating about the importance of catering especially on location. If people aren't feed well things can really deteriorate on set. Luckily they do a great job most of the time 😊
This was so informative, but as a high school junior (I graduate in 2021), it scares me because I want to be a film director but I don’t have enough experience to go to film school and I’m just getting a bachelor degree in English. So, I have no idea how to work my way up to a director.
Loved this! If I want to be apart of the storytelling process, but I don’t necessarily want to be a writer what are some other roles you would suggest?
Is there a place where where the infographics like the chart in this video are available? So one can reread or study or put into use what we've learned?
Could I please have a PNG/BMP/JPEG of that flowchart? or a link to it? I find that stuff fascinating, and it's fun to think about/understand (The chart about who feeds who, and who finds the location, and who's above the line and who's below the line, and how directly involved the director is, and all that, that was cool!!!)
Expressive Kim Keeping it all together. It'd be a mess without the director's vision. It's not like everyone is just doing their own thing, it's all in accordance to what the director wants. The director can't be a specialist in every field, and therefore have all these heads of different departments using their knowledge to achieve and improve the directors vision. Also gives the director the time and energy to work with the actors, instead of dealing with everything else themselves.
It's amusing that this single episode contained HEAPS more correct information than an entire 2 year Video Production program at Portland Community College ever did. And that was supposedly taught by "Industry Veterans", though we were never able to verify that with anyone.
As you were going through this, I was able to remember the heads of each of these departments for the Lord of the Rings films thanks to the special edition extras. The only ones I think never got a focus was transport or catering, which I suddenly feel was a real shame.
I know this is a bit of a cropped list but it feels weird not to point out the 2nd AC as different from the first because their tasks are different and it's hard for just one person to do. In film school our crews are pretty combined but we always have both. Also where's DIT at?
I imagine since DIT's transition form on-set production to post they'll bring them up with a lot of the other post jobs and all the others who sort of have a dual role of both on and off set. They mainly discussed on-set only jobs here.
You forget to speak of the additional people in the production office such as all the coordinators under the UPM. And you forgot to mention that the UPM is of course picked by the producer or the production company. You also forgot the person resposable for setting out the Video Village and put up all the monitors for the crew and is responsible for recording playback. The so called Video Assist Operator *raises hand* Oh and you also forgot to speak of so many in the art department. On set props for example, very important for the continuity of all the characters props!
I was an extra about a year ago for a Fox TV show called 'Shots Fired', just for one LONG day (8am-10pm). The opportunity was passed along to me in an email and I decided to seize the experience opportunity (and $250). It blew my mind seeing the absurd amount of equipment/manpower involved in a TV show. Now whenever I watch a TV show/movie I have such a better understanding - than whoever I'm watching with - what it really took to create it. This video filled in all the gaps of knowledge I didn't learn/remember from that long, hectic day.
Bonus: I ended up in the show! Season 1 episode 5 around 11 minutes in I walk right behind Sanaa Lathan in a heated argument. Also got to meet Tristan Wilds, Richard Dreyfuss and Stephen Moyer that day! If you ever get a chance to play an extra in anything, do it. It was so worth it.
James Bone
At least you got paid. I extraed on two productions unpaid.
how did fox tv email you? did u subscribe to something? did u have any experience in acting? I'm sorry for bombarding you with questions but I'm a 14 year old and I live in Australia. I would like to become an actor. I think its kinda late for me to start but I would like to make my dreams come true. i want to start small like being an extra on a film or tv show. do u have any advice for me?
caitlyn li
There is a lot of "hurry up and wait" when it comes to principle photography. When it comes to being an extra, you can be waiting for hours and hours in a holding room and then told to go home for the day without ever being in front of the camera. If it is a night time outdoor scene, they can be setting up starting in the early evening through midnight. You can be waiting in the cold throughout the middle of the night and they won't camera until after 2 AM.
RaymondHng thank you for your advice if being an extra is like that do u have any advice for me to start my career i currently have no experience but im willing to go to workshops and things like that to build my experiences.
@@caitlynli1701 hey I'm a year late (I'm 15 also) and I wanted to know if you ever learned about how to get contacted for being an extra??
I nominate this video as the Best Crash Course 2017 award winner!
Glad to see Lily get acting accolades now! She was giving back way before she received fame :)
a writer needs a pen, an artist needs a brush, and a filmmaker needs money.
I disagree. A filmmaker who is making "Guardians of the Galaxy" needs money. But I think it's more appropriate to think of "resources" as opposed to money. A low budget, guerrilla film doesn't need as much in the way of money (especially in 2017) as it does in passion and time and people who care.
- Nick J.
Oh God so I have to get an army well let me call Hitler. [ jk], on a serious note I am still working on a movie and my dream is to get to Hollywood one and ill never give up on my dream.
an artist (painter) also needs money, you have no IDEA
If a giant poster of all of the roles was made, I'd totally buy it.
Sole Guy Im just going to make one lmao
Hey Crash Course! I work in TV and Film Production. Love what you guys are doing.
Thanks so much! :D
- Nick J.
This was probably the most comprehensive guide to filmmaking yet, I've been asking myself what a director of photography even does for AGES. Great video, cheers to the entire crash course team for this one!
Oh, also, if Lily's reading this, that's one SPIFFY outfit. xx
+
Hello Serious Request: Is there any chance we could get a download copy of that flow chart? Filmmakers (Like myself) could really use a Cheat sheet like that.
+
Commenting here to be updated - definitely want that too
Me too
True
Since they liked this comment expect a pic of it posted either in these comments or in the description sometime soon.
No wonder the credits are so long
This episode is filled with awesomeness!
CC does raise its own bar with every new video.
So organized and informative!
Why thank you. It was A LOT of info we'll be breaking down further in more episodes.
- Nick J.
This just came out I'm so happy
+
3 years of film school summarised in one video.
I mean literally, if u know how the engine of a film production works anyone can work on a film. Just don't expect to have a top-dog role, unless you're super rich or know the right people
There are more ways to get to the top. But, starting out, I think it's super helpful to just have a map of everything.
- Nick J.
MarkFilipAnthony I mean true, but it also helps to know how to like not kill people with lights and rigs or break a camera that costs more than your life.
Sure, that really depends on what department you're working in though
A rule of thumb: Do what you're told to do, be where you're supposed to be and keep away at a safe distance if you're not needed and always offer your help if needed.
it Depends on the film school, but you most likely won't be near any of the most expensive equipment anyway, so you learn only the basics and the rest you'll learn on the job.
The most important thing to learn (according to me, in the perspective of a just graduated Producer and 1stAD) is how the work flow and dynamic functions on a film production: Teamwork and communciation across the different departments
Time is sacred, mistakes happen and health&safety first. There is always someone who knows something better than you, and everyone needs advice and help some times. The one main value of film school is to work in a safe environment where you are allowed to do mistakes. Everything else is mainly practice and experience based.
MarkFilipAnthony I'm a senior and as am AD, I agree that knowing the intercommunication is super useful, as an electric tho that does nothing for me, knowing how to not burn down a building or drop things on actors does. I get what you're saying I just hate when people come into it and assume because they took Foundations of Cinema they know everything and are just unsafe because of it
Senior? sorry I work through the British model, I am a fully educated filmmaker, I am beyond just 'Foundation course'
And I apologise if you misunderstood me, following the 'Health and safety'-protocol includes 'knowing how to not burn down a building and drop things on actors',
I have lots of experience with filmmakers who think 'only knowing my own job is enough' But after my experience, the one filmmakers who work the best are the ones who work the best together with a team, not the ones who work solo. I also know that is a very stereotypical producer/Above-the-line mentality, which many below-the-line (Especially the light/Cam dep) disagree on.
A very common view among filmmakers is that whoever isn't a team worker usually goes against the film production instead of with it. Afterall, we are there to make the best film and product together, not just to show up, do your job, get paid and go home. (Even though I've worked with plenty of filmmakers that has that philosophy)
Thanks for changing guys she is not only gorgeous and charming, but she explains things so well that I feel like watching the whole thing now to go back to my script I abandoned...
Came here by curiosity, got lost in Lily's eyes. Had to rewatch.
Great work everyone at crashcourse, cheers.
I'm really loving this particular series, as I've always had an interest in how films come together. Many thanks to Lily Gladstone and everyone else involved in putting these videos together; keep up the good work!
Always wondered who "Grips" and Best Boy/Girl" were whenever I watch credits. Now I know. :P
I want to work in film production someday so this whole series is much appreciated, please make a bunch of these
We've got 12 more episodes shot and ready to go :)
- Nick J.
Can you talk about animation and how it's DRASTICALLY different from how live action movies are made
Boone Keller I think that would be a whole separate series because not only are all the jobs and processes different, all the jobs and processes change depending on what kind of animation. It's as complicated as teaching film so it would extend far past one or two episodes
This needs to be top comment
+
I work as a Sound Recordist in Australia and an important note about the sound department that was overlooked but you could add in a video discussing specifics is that the boom operator like the makeup artist often has to put wireless mics on actors and are another point of contact and have to provide a level of comfort for them before they get on set as well as being the sound recordist eyes on set and communicating to the recordist how they think a scene will be captured [kind of like an on set audio person]. And on top of capturing sound which of course is its own beast the sound recordist manages the distribution of the sound mix to other people on set like the Director, AD, Camera, Boom Ops and sometimes Actors for specific scenes. Also that same mix is often given to either the camera department as a guide for camera or for video village for playback. Another important role the sound recordist plays is the syncing of audio to camera for the editor whether that be through timecode, slates, meta data or guide feed. Of course there have been books written on capturing sound and what a sound recordist does but a few of these points really express the importance of a sound recordist that can be overlooked. Especially in the lower budget. Anyway hope this helps and feel free to contact me via www.notchilliproductions.com if you have any questions. Cheers, Piotr
We'll be talking about that in our video about the sound department :) Thanks for the input and keep up doing the great work of the unsung sound department!!!
- Nick J.
And don't forget the Sound Utility! That's what I've been doing , we primarily handle wireless mics and putting them on the talent, and acting as the equivalent "best boy" of the sound department. We also boom whenever a second boom operator is needed. This allows the boom op to stay on set at all times. You've got my number ;)
Yes absolutely. As a recordist at my stage with my career I have just been given a boom operator. But yes! here in Australia we usually refer to Sound Utility as a Sound Assistant. I have been a Sound Assistant and i wish so much that i could have them regularly on set!
Thanks for saying Chris! Us sound people are a certainly level of insane! We are certainly fueled by an odd passion which is difficult to explain. Cant wait to see and hear the episode :-]
Thank you, Crash Course Film Production with Lily Gladstone :)
Ever since I saw it in the end credits of a movie, I've been completely amused by the title "best boy grip".
Not a single word on coffee, what madness is this!
Great vid.
Yo, any chance we could get that graphic as a download? I'm doing Film and Media Production at uni and I'd love to have it on my wall to show how everyone on set interacts! :)
Going to let Thought Cafe know about this comment :)
- Nick J.
Awesome, thanks! Tell them they're awesome too ;)
+
+
+
Really relaxing voice...
The most clear video about film production ever👍👍👍
The gaffer and best boy are such fun names. I get an image of my dog trying to set up lighting as I consistently call him my best boy.
I don't know how to tell you this, but the name Lily Gladstone fits you perfectly. You're the most Lily Gladstone to ever have Lily Gladstoned.
Thank u for including this subject !
From now on, I'll stay to check the credits after each movie o_o
Thank you so much for this course.
I'm a one man army
Indeed.
- Nick J.
hey, you rock
Aren't you dead? Aren't you an army of the dead then?
You rock film lady!
Doing podcasts and videos now. Getting ready to start working on some shorts. Finding these vids by accident was awesome.
PBS rocks!
I work in film. I recommend this to all my film ed friends. We were wondering if Thought Cafe could release a poster to go along with this video?
Not only does he work at S-Mart, Ash also moonlights in the sound department. So multidimensional!
I was so happy to see that reference!!!
- Nick J.
You forgot about the invisible glue holding everything together: the production attorney
Enjoying the videos! Keep up the great work on these.
NOW THIS IS DOING YOUR HOMEWORK! Who it takes to make a movie. WOW!
Very Nicely Done! Bravo to the team.
this totally reminds me of planning and the execution of a wedding :P
this is like pure gold, thank you!
I can't be the only one who laughed at "best boy grip" xD
It's a darn miracle that any movie is ever made.
The graphic sorta makes it seem as though the Set Medic is only there for stunts and other dangerous things. When we're actually there caring for the health and safety of the crew full time, every day of the shoot. So medics are generally a one person department (Like Scripty) and not under the SFX Dept. Though mentioning medics in the way you did WAS a very nice way to fit us in. Otherwise this video was pretty darn awesome. Great job!
Wish I discovered this video sooner. It would have made my midterm exam much easier.
This is my boomstick! 😍
Great video. I really hope you do a video on how to actually get those jobs and finding/applying to jobs in the industry in general!
Kind of. We've got an episode filmed about deciding on film school or no film school and how they're both valid choices depending on how you work/learn best and the benefits/limitations of each choice.
- Nick J.
My respect for films have increased today.
Awesome video, in fact it would be even more helpful if you'd now provide a full sized view of the chart for download!
Smart and simple. Bravo!
I love this :D This was neat. I loved the friendly presentation and of course, the beautiful animation :D Thank you so much n_n
the actor at 1:16 was J Law!
Where was this video when I was starting out!
Nice work folks!
I would like a full infographic or poster of all the jobs! that would look so cool!
Been an extra on Vikings for a couple years now and she is not exaggerating about the importance of catering especially on location. If people aren't feed well things can really deteriorate on set. Luckily they do a great job most of the time 😊
LOVE THIS SERIES THANK YOU
Film Production. Film Production never changes.
I work in games and I find it fascinating how much crossover there is between film production and game production.
a whole world behind the screen :)
I gained a lots of knowledge about Film Making and a Crush from this video. She is so beautiful.
Thanks, I've learned a lot with this videos
I totally love this!
This was so informative, but as a high school junior (I graduate in 2021), it scares me because I want to be a film director but I don’t have enough experience to go to film school and I’m just getting a bachelor degree in English. So, I have no idea how to work my way up to a director.
Loved this! If I want to be apart of the storytelling process, but I don’t necessarily want to be a writer what are some other roles you would suggest?
whoa. this was amazing.
wow this video is amazing
This is such a cool and useful video, but I would really love to see that amazing graphic showing all the departments and roles as a poster.
Can I find anywhere a picture with the final schema ?
i feel like this video has just changed my life
Is there a place where where the infographics like the chart in this video are available? So one can reread or study or put into use what we've learned?
We're talking about it with Thought Cafe :)
- Nick J.
3:34 on an independent film the cinematographer might also be the whole film crew
thank you ! well-informed
Wow, that was... dense :D
Right?
- Nick J.
It was great right!
Could I please have a PNG/BMP/JPEG of that flowchart?
or a link to it?
I find that stuff fascinating, and it's fun to think about/understand
(The chart about who feeds who, and who finds the location, and who's above the line and who's below the line, and how directly involved the director is, and all that, that was cool!!!)
Finally I know what a Gaffer and a Best Boy is!
IM DYING FOR A POSTER OF THIS
Can we a get a pdf document of the chart used in the video pls??
Is that chart available as a full picture?
so many people in charge of so much different stuff it makes me wonder what the Director of a film actually does other than so 'yes' or 'no' to people
Expressive Kim Keeping it all together. It'd be a mess without the director's vision. It's not like everyone is just doing their own thing, it's all in accordance to what the director wants. The director can't be a specialist in every field, and therefore have all these heads of different departments using their knowledge to achieve and improve the directors vision.
Also gives the director the time and energy to work with the actors, instead of dealing with everything else themselves.
It's amusing that this single episode contained HEAPS more correct information than an entire 2 year Video Production program at Portland Community College ever did. And that was supposedly taught by "Industry Veterans", though we were never able to verify that with anyone.
As you were going through this, I was able to remember the heads of each of these departments for the Lord of the Rings films thanks to the special edition extras. The only ones I think never got a focus was transport or catering, which I suddenly feel was a real shame.
Crafty are a bunch of HEROES!!!!
- Nick J.
Love You GUYS!!!
Yeah! DEXTER!
I like this Craig
Hello, is there anyway that we can get the poster/graph? I really need it as I am a beginner filmmaker. 🥺
I've been a PA too.
🎬🎥
Is the graphic breaking down the roles available as a picture or reference sheet?
The title of this got Tom Lehrer's "The Folk Song Army" playing in my head.
she never blinks
Is there any way we could get a pdf download of that flowchart? I'd really apprechiate it :)
I really need to get this chart to understand it better...
Can we get a poster or at least a PDF of that credits tree?
These terms are heaven to me! Hehe.
You should make that graphic of film jobs and titles available!
Makes me wanna play The Movies again
Where can we get a copy of that flowchart?
I know this is a bit of a cropped list but it feels weird not to point out the 2nd AC as different from the first because their tasks are different and it's hard for just one person to do. In film school our crews are pretty combined but we always have both. Also where's DIT at?
I imagine since DIT's transition form on-set production to post they'll bring them up with a lot of the other post jobs and all the others who sort of have a dual role of both on and off set. They mainly discussed on-set only jobs here.
honestly though, one of the best parts of being on set is craft services XD
You forget to speak of the additional people in the production office such as all the coordinators under the UPM. And you forgot to mention that the UPM is of course picked by the producer or the production company.
You also forgot the person resposable for setting out the Video Village and put up all the monitors for the crew and is responsible for recording playback. The so called Video Assist Operator *raises hand*
Oh and you also forgot to speak of so many in the art department. On set props for example, very important for the continuity of all the characters props!