What is the film crew hierarchy?

Above-the-line film professionals, such as directors and cinematographers, involve all of the most well-paid crew members and contribute creatively to a film project.

"Below-the-line" film professionals refer to the members of a film crew that generally earn less money and perform manual labor or lower-level tasks, such as grips and production assistants (PAs).

While the film crew hierarchy can vary depending on the project, the director and producers are almost always at the top of a film crew hierarchy.

Here is a common film crew hierarchy, starting with the most senior professionals on a film set and descending to lower-ranking crew members:

• Film directors or directors

• Producers (Executive producers, producers)

• Line Producers

• Cinematographer

• Art Director

• Production Designer

• Costume and wardrobe professionals

• Key Gaffers

• Key Grips

• Gaffers

• Grips

• Production Assistants (PAs)

Nearly all of these positions have their sub-hierarchies on a film set. Here are two examples:

Director

• Director

• 2nd Unit Director

• 1st AD (Assistant Director)

• 2nd AD

• 3rd AD

• Assistant to the Director

Cinematographer

• Cinematographer or Director of Photography

• Camera Operator

• Stedi-cam Operator

• 1st AC (Assistant Camera)

• 2nd AC

• 3rd AC

The amount of professionals in each sub-hierarchy on a film crew depends on the size of the production and the specific needs of that production. Some crew members might work on the film from start to finish, while others might only be needed on specific shoot days.