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At F7 Studios, successful filmmaking begins with clarity, clarity of vision, clarity of communication, and clarity of responsibility. To support that vision, we have developed this comprehensive guide to outline the key roles and responsibilities involved in every phase of film production: pre-production, production, and post-production.

Each project we undertake relies on collaboration between skilled professionals across creative, technical, and logistical departments. Whether you're leading a team or stepping onto set for the first time, understanding who is responsible for what ensures smoother workflows, safer environments, stronger creative execution, and a more unified production culture.

This guide is intended to:

• Define each major role involved in our productions

• Clarify reporting structures and team interactions

• Distinguish responsibilities across each phase of production

• Provide a reference for essential documents and deliverables tied to each role

By clearly identifying these roles, we empower every team member, from the Studio Head to the Production Assistant—to work with purpose, accountability, and respect for the craft. This alignment not only supports individual success but strengthens our collective ability to tell powerful stories, on time and on budget.

Welcome to the team. Let’s make something extraordinary, together

 

Studio Head

Paragraph Summary:
The Studio Head oversees all operations and strategic direction of F7 Studios. This executive ensures that every department functions cohesively to meet the studio’s creative and business goals. They are ultimately responsible for company vision, high-level budgeting, studio branding, and greenlighting projects.
Department: Executive
Reports To: Board of Directors or Ownership
Frequently Works With: Executive Producer, Producer, Legal, Finance, Marketing
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Approves project slates and greenlights productions

  • Allocates budget resources across departments

  • Oversees studio hiring and long-term planning

• Production:

  • Monitors overall progress on studio projects

  • Ensures company culture, branding, and ethics are maintained

• Post-Production:

  • Reviews final product for brand alignment

  • Approves distribution and marketing strategies
    Important Documents: Strategic plans, budget allocations, greenlight approvals, company handbook

 

Executive Producer

Paragraph Summary:
The Executive Producer (EP) provides the financial backing and high-level guidance for a production. They secure funding, oversee big-picture planning, and ensure the project aligns with financial, legal, and creative goals.
Department: Production
Reports To: Studio Head
Frequently Works With: Producer, Legal, Finance, Studio Head
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Sources and secures project funding

  • Assembles the core production team

  • Approves major hires and scheduling

• Production:

  • Monitors financial oversight and maintains investor relations

  • Troubleshoots production challenges

• Post-Production:

  • Signs off on final cut

  • Approves marketing and distribution plans
    Important Documents: Funding agreements, contracts, final cut approvals, investor reports

 

Producer

Paragraph Summary:
The Producer manages the day-to-day execution of a film project. They coordinate logistics, budgets, and personnel to keep production on time and on budget, while maintaining the creative vision.
Department: Production
Reports To: Executive Producer
Frequently Works With: Director, Line Producer, 1st AD, Department Heads
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Develops schedules and budgets

  • Hires crew and manages contracts

  • Coordinates location scouting and permitting

• Production:

  • Oversees on-set operations

  • Resolves conflicts and manages crisis response

• Post-Production:

  • Coordinates post team timelines

  • Oversees final delivery and output
    Important Documents: Production schedule, call sheets, contracts, budget reports

 

Line Producer

Paragraph Summary:
The Line Producer is the chief operations officer of a film production. They are responsible for managing the physical aspects of the production, including budgeting, hiring crew, coordinating logistics, and keeping the project on time and within financial scope.
Department: Production
Reports To: Producer
Frequently Works With: Unit Production Manager, Department Heads, 1st AD, Accountant
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Creates and maintains the production budget

  • Approves hires, equipment rentals, and scheduling

  • Oversees location scouting and permitting logistics

• Production:

  • Manages daily operations and expenses

  • Troubleshoots logistical and personnel issues

  • Monitors department spending and scheduling

• Post-Production:

  • Finalizes post budgets and wrap-out

  • Ensures crew payments and tax filings are complete
    Important Documents: Budget breakdowns, cost reports, contracts, insurance documents

 

Co-Producer

Paragraph Summary:
The Co-Producer shares producing responsibilities alongside the lead Producer(s), often focusing on specific segments of production such as post-production, talent relations, or distribution. They may step in to fill operational or creative gaps depending on the project’s needs.
Department: Production
Reports To: Lead Producer
Frequently Works With: Director, Line Producer, Editor, Marketing Team
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Assists in pre-production planning and coordination

  • Helps secure key crew and vendors

• Production:

  • Monitors specific areas (e.g., cast management or B-unit)

  • Liaises between departments to solve issues

• Post-Production:

  • Manages post workflows, reviews cuts, or supports marketing efforts
    Important Documents: Production notes, talent contracts, marketing assets

 

Associate Producer

Paragraph Summary:
The Associate Producer supports the producer team with a mix of administrative, creative, and logistical tasks. This role often varies from project to project, offering critical support in coordination and execution.
Department: Production
Reports To: Producer or Co-Producer
Frequently Works With: Production Office, 1st AD, Post Supervisor
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Helps track schedules and meetings

  • Assists with clearances, contracts, or research

• Production:

  • Manages paperwork, travel, or vendor communication

  • May supervise select scenes or secondary units

• Post-Production:

  • Organizes edit reviews or festival submissions

  • Assists with final deliveries
    Important Documents: Clearance logs, production binders, post calendars

 

Supervising Producer

Paragraph Summary:
The Supervising Producer oversees the producer team, ensuring the creative goals and production logistics align. They act as a senior-level producer responsible for high-level execution, typically on series or multi-project slates.
Department: Production
Reports To: Executive Producer
Frequently Works With: All Producers, Director, Studio Executives
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Provides oversight of project development and pre-pro planning

  • Evaluates department readiness and integration

• Production:

  • Supervises high-level scheduling and team dynamics

  • Provides solutions for escalated production concerns

• Post-Production:

  • Supports delivery, marketing, and distribution readiness
    Important Documents: Department overviews, milestone reports, staffing grids

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Post Producer

Paragraph Summary:
The Post Producer manages the entire post-production process including editing, color grading, sound design, VFX, and final delivery. They act as a bridge between production and editorial, ensuring the final product meets creative, technical, and delivery standards.
Department: Post-Production
Reports To: Producer
Frequently Works With: Editor, Director, VFX Supervisor, Sound Mixer
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Helps plan post timelines and selects editorial vendors

• Production:

  • Coordinates media offloads and data management

• Post-Production:

  • Oversees edit schedules, versioning, QC, and final export

  • Manages post calendar and client review process
    Important Documents: Post schedule, editorial logs, delivery specs

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Creative Producer

Paragraph Summary:
The Creative Producer focuses on the artistic and narrative elements of the film, working closely with the director and screenwriter. They shape the story, casting, and stylistic vision during development and guide its execution through production.
Department: Creative/Development
Reports To: Executive Producer
Frequently Works With: Director, Screenwriter, DP, Art Department
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Develops the story and assembles creative team

  • Leads casting and visual world-building

• Production:

  • Provides on-set creative guidance

  • Ensures tone and themes remain consistent

• Post-Production:

  • Reviews cuts and gives feedback

  • Assists with trailers and promotional edits
    Important Documents: Script drafts, lookbooks, tone guides

 

Director

Paragraph Summary:
The Director is the creative leader of a film. They interpret the script, guide the performance of actors, and collaborate with department heads to bring the story to life visually and emotionally.
Department: Creative
Reports To: Producer
Frequently Works With: Director of Photography, Assistant Director, Art Director, Actors
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Develops shot lists and storyboards

  • Conducts casting and rehearsals

  • Works with department heads to establish style and tone

• Production:

  • Directs actors and crew

  • Approves takes and pacing

  • Makes on-the-fly adjustments to blocking and camera work

• Post-Production:

  • Reviews cuts and provides editorial feedback

  • Works with composer and sound teams for final mix
    Important Documents: Shot lists, storyboards, director’s notes, casting sheets

 

Director of Photography (DP)

Paragraph Summary:
The DP or Cinematographer is responsible for the visual look of the film. They make key decisions on camera work, lighting, and framing to achieve the director’s vision.
Department: Camera
Reports To: Director
Frequently Works With: Gaffer, Camera Operators, 1st AD, Director
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Plans camera setups and lighting strategies

  • Conducts camera and lens tests

  • Scouts locations for lighting feasibility

• Production:

  • Oversees all camera movement and lighting on set

  • Works closely with gaffer for lighting execution

• Post-Production:

  • May consult on color grading
    Important Documents: Shot lists, camera reports, lighting plans

 

Assistant Director (1st AD)

Paragraph Summary:
The 1st Assistant Director manages set logistics and ensures the film stays on schedule. They coordinate between departments, manage the crew, and maintain a safe and organized set.
Department: Production
Reports To: Producer and Director
Frequently Works With: Director, DP, Script Supervisor, All Departments
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Breaks down scripts and builds shooting schedules

  • Creates call sheets

  • Plans daily set operations

• Production:

  • Runs the set and maintains order

  • Manages background and movement

  • Ensures safety protocols are followed
    Important Documents: Shooting schedule, call sheets, script breakdowns

 

Script Supervisor

Paragraph Summary:
The Script Supervisor ensures continuity from scene to scene. They track script changes, camera coverage, and note any continuity errors during shooting.
Department: Script/Continuity
Reports To: Director
Frequently Works With: Director, Editor, 1st AD, DP
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Prepares script breakdowns for continuity and coverage

• Production:

  • Tracks continuity of props, costumes, and blocking

  • Takes detailed notes on each take

• Post-Production:

  • Provides logs to the editor
    Important Documents: Lined script, continuity logs, daily reports

 

Gaffer

Paragraph Summary:
The Gaffer is the head of lighting. They execute the lighting plan based on the DP’s vision and supervise the electric team.
Department: Lighting
Reports To: DP
Frequently Works With: Grip, DP, Director
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Assists DP with lighting design and gear needs

• Production:

  • Sets up and adjusts lights on set

  • Troubleshoots electrical issues
    Important Documents: Lighting plots, gear list

 

Grip

Paragraph Summary:
The Grip team rigs and supports lighting and camera equipment. They ensure stability, safety, and manage flags, diffusers, and dollies.
Department: Grip
Reports To: Key Grip / Gaffer
Frequently Works With: Gaffer, DP, Camera Team
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Preps rigs and movement systems

• Production:

  • Builds rigging, camera support, flags

  • Operates dollies, cranes, or sliders
    Important Documents: Rigging safety reports, equipment logs

 

Production Sound Mixer

Paragraph Summary:
The Production Sound Mixer is responsible for capturing all on-set audio, including dialogue, ambience, and sync sound. They operate the main sound recording equipment and ensure clean audio quality during principal photography.
Department: Sound / Production
Reports To: Producer / Director
Frequently Works With: Boom Operator, Script Supervisor, Assistant Editor
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Prepares gear list based on script and locations

  • Conducts location scouts to identify audio concerns

• Production:

  • Records all dialogue and ambient sounds

  • Monitors levels and addresses interference issues

  • Communicates with director on sound performance

• Post-Production:

  • Delivers organized audio files to editorial team
    Important Documents: Sound reports, track assignments, gear checklists

 

Boom Operator

Paragraph Summary:
The Boom Operator is responsible for microphone placement and operation on set. They hold and maneuver the boom mic to capture the best possible sound while remaining out of frame.
Department: Sound / Production
Reports To: Production Sound Mixer
Frequently Works With: Production Sound Mixer, Camera Department, Script Supervisor
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Reviews script and blocking for boom challenges

• Production:

  • Operates boom mic above actors

  • Adjusts for movement, blocking, and framing

  • Assists in placing lavaliers or plant mics
    Important Documents: Blocking notes, mic placement logs

 

Sound Designer

Paragraph Summary:
The Sound Designer creates and manipulates audio elements to enhance the atmosphere, emotion, and storytelling of the film. They are responsible for the creative interpretation of sound, including design of custom effects, textures, and tonal layers.
Department: Post-Production / Sound
Reports To: Director / Supervising Sound Editor
Frequently Works With: Director, Sound Editor, Composer
Responsibilities:

• Post-Production:

  • Designs unique sound effects, ambiances, and motifs

  • Builds immersive audio environments

  • Collaborates on the emotional tone and aural world
    Important Documents: Cue sheets, sound design references, mix templates

 

Supervising Sound Editor

Paragraph Summary:
The Supervising Sound Editor oversees the entire post-production sound department. They coordinate dialogue editing, effects, Foley, ADR, and music elements to ensure a cohesive mix for delivery.
Department: Post-Production / Sound
Reports To: Post Producer / Director
Frequently Works With: Sound Designers, Editors, Re-Recording Mixers
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Plans sound workflow and post schedule

• Post-Production:

  • Manages sound editing teams

  • Reviews all sound elements before final mix

  • Troubleshoots sync, quality, and timing issues
    Important Documents: Post audio schedule, QC logs, mix delivery specs

 

Dialogue Editor

Paragraph Summary:
The Dialogue Editor ensures clean, consistent, and clear dialogue audio. They clean up location recordings, align ADR, and prep dialogue for the final mix.
Department: Post-Production / Sound
Reports To: Supervising Sound Editor
Frequently Works With: Production Sound Mixer, ADR Supervisor, Lead Editor
Responsibilities:

• Post-Production:

  • Removes noise and mic rustle

  • Edits for pacing, consistency, and clarity

  • Syncs ADR and cleans transitions
    Important Documents: Dialogue cue sheets, ADR sync logs

 

Foley Artist

Paragraph Summary:
The Foley Artist recreates everyday sounds in a studio environment to enhance realism and storytelling. These include footsteps, clothing movement, props, and other natural sounds not clearly captured on set.
Department: Post-Production / Sound
Reports To: Sound Designer / Supervising Sound Editor
Frequently Works With: Foley Mixer, Sound Editor
Responsibilities:

• Post-Production:

  • Performs physical sounds in sync with on-screen action

  • Replaces or enhances existing production sounds

  • Records sound effects in a dedicated Foley stage
    Important Documents: Foley cue sheets, performance reference notes

 

Foley Mixer

Paragraph Summary:
The Foley Mixer records and mixes all Foley sounds performed by the Foley Artist. They ensure proper microphone technique, dynamic range, and integration into the full sound mix.
Department: Post-Production / Sound
Reports To: Supervising Sound Editor
Frequently Works With: Foley Artist, Sound Designer
Responsibilities:

• Post-Production:

  • Sets up microphones and acoustics on Foley stage

  • Captures and edits Foley performances

  • Mixes Foley elements into the session timeline
    Important Documents: Session templates, recording logs

 

Re-Recording Mixer

Paragraph Summary:
The Re-Recording Mixer combines all final audio elements—dialogue, effects, Foley, music—into a balanced final mix. They adjust volume, EQ, spatial placement, and dynamics for theater, broadcast, or streaming formats.
Department: Post-Production / Sound
Reports To: Supervising Sound Editor / Director
Frequently Works With: Dialogue Editor, Sound Designer, Composer
Responsibilities:

• Post-Production:

  • Mixes all audio stems into the final mix

  • Balances sound across scenes and formats

  • Prepares mixes for stereo, 5.1, or Dolby Atmos delivery
    Important Documents: Mix stem lists, format specs, delivery files

 

ADR Supervisor

Paragraph Summary:
The ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) Supervisor manages all dialogue re-recording sessions. They schedule, direct, and oversee the replacement of unusable or unclear on-set lines with studio recordings.
Department: Post-Production / Sound
Reports To: Supervising Sound Editor
Frequently Works With: Dialogue Editor, Talent, Director
Responsibilities:

• Post-Production:

  • Schedules ADR sessions with actors

  • Prepares cue sheets and loop guides

  • Directs actor performances for match and clarity
    Important Documents: ADR cue sheets, session notes, sync reference clips

 

Art Director

Paragraph Summary:
The Art Director manages the visual environment of the film. They design sets, oversee props, and coordinate the overall look in collaboration with the director.
Department: Art
Reports To: Production Designer or Producer
Frequently Works With: Director, Costume Designer, DP
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Designs sets and creates mood boards

  • Supervises set construction

• Production:

  • Oversees set dressing and prop placement

• Post-Production:

  • May consult on VFX set extensions or reshoots
    Important Documents: Set designs, prop lists, lookbooks

 

Costume Designer

Paragraph Summary:
The Costume Designer is responsible for all wardrobe elements. They create costumes that reflect characters and time periods in alignment with the story and director’s vision.
Department: Wardrobe
Reports To: Producer
Frequently Works With: Art Director, Director, Hair & Makeup
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Researches and designs costumes

  • Coordinates fittings

• Production:

  • Maintains continuity and adjusts wardrobe on set
    Important Documents: Wardrobe breakdowns, continuity sheets

 

Hair & Makeup

Paragraph Summary:
The Hair & Makeup team handles all aspects of personal appearance for actors. They support character transformation and ensure continuity across scenes.
Department: Hair & Makeup
Reports To: Producer / Director
Frequently Works With: Costume Designer, Script Supervisor
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Designs looks and tests makeup/hair for characters

• Production:

  • Applies hair and makeup before takes

  • Maintains continuity throughout shooting
    Important Documents: Hair/makeup continuity book, product inventory

 

Lead Editor (Picture Editor)

Paragraph Summary:
The Lead Editor is responsible for assembling all footage into a coherent story that reflects the director's vision. They manage the editorial process from dailies to final cut, shaping narrative pacing, performance, and overall tone.
Department: Post-Production
Reports To: Director / Producer
Frequently Works With: Assistant Editor, Director, VFX Supervisor, Sound Designer
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Collaborates with director on tone and style references

  • Sets up editorial workflow plans with Assistant Editor

• Production:

  • May start syncing dailies and rough cuts concurrently

  • Communicates with set about reshoots or missing coverage

• Post-Production:

  • Cuts scenes, assembles rough to final edits

  • Implements feedback from director and producers

  • Coordinates with sound, color, and VFX departments
    Important Documents: Edit decision lists (EDLs), cut notes, scene timelines

 

Assistant Editor

Paragraph Summary:
The Assistant Editor manages the technical and organizational side of editing. They handle media ingest, syncing, binning, project setup, and delivery prep, ensuring a seamless workflow for the Lead Editor.
Department: Post-Production
Reports To: Lead Editor
Frequently Works With: Lead Editor, DIT, Sound Team, VFX Coordinator
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Prepares project templates, drive structure, and backups

  • Sets up shared storage and sync protocols

• Production:

  • Offloads footage from the DIT or camera team

  • Syncs audio/video, organizes bins, generates proxies

• Post-Production:

  • Implements editor changes and version control

  • Preps for exports, turnovers, and archiving
    Important Documents: Media logs, syncing sheets, project folder maps

 

Assembly Editor

Paragraph Summary:
The Assembly Editor creates the first pass of the film using dailies, often without creative shaping. This role is more prominent on high-volume or fast-turnaround projects and supports Lead Editors by building the foundational structure.
Department: Post-Production
Reports To: Lead Editor
Frequently Works With: Assistant Editor, Director (occasionally)
Responsibilities:

• Production:

  • Assembles daily scenes or sequences

  • Flags takes with performance or continuity issues

• Post-Production:

  • Provides rough assemblies for review

  • Hands off structured timelines to Lead Editor
    Important Documents: Scene breakdowns, rough cut timelines

 

Dialogue Editor

Paragraph Summary:
The Dialogue Editor cleans, syncs, and refines all spoken audio in a film. They eliminate noise, select optimal takes, and prepare the dialogue track for mixing.
Department: Post-Production / Sound
Reports To: Supervising Sound Editor
Frequently Works With: Sound Mixer, Lead Editor, ADR Supervisor
Responsibilities:

• Post-Production:

  • Edits dialogue tracks for clarity and consistency

  • Syncs ADR with on-screen performance

  • Prepares session for final mix
    Important Documents: Dialogue cue sheets, sync reports, mix notes

 

Colorist / Color Editor

Paragraph Summary:
The Colorist refines the visual tone and color palette of the film. Working closely with the Director and DP, they enhance the visual mood, balance shots for consistency, and ensure the final image meets distribution standards.
Department: Post-Production
Reports To: Director / DP
Frequently Works With: DP, VFX Supervisor, Lead Editor
Responsibilities:

• Post-Production:

  • Color corrects and grades final picture

  • Balances exposure, contrast, saturation, and LUTs

  • Delivers final color passes for various formats
    Important Documents: LUT libraries, color grade presets, delivery LUTs

 

VFX Editor

Paragraph Summary:
The VFX Editor integrates visual effects into the edit, tracks VFX shots, and ensures timing, framing, and plate accuracy for handoff to the VFX team. They are essential in coordinating between editorial and effects workflows.
Department: Post-Production / VFX
Reports To: VFX Supervisor / Lead Editor
Frequently Works With: VFX Supervisor, Lead Editor, Assistant Editor
Responsibilities:

• Production:

  • Tracks all VFX needs from set reports

• Post-Production:

  • Inserts temp comps or placeholders

  • Tracks VFX progress and updates cuts with final versions
    Important Documents: VFX shot list, version tracking sheets, comp temp logs

 

Sound Editor

Paragraph Summary:
The Sound Editor builds the audio landscape of the film, editing dialogue, sound effects, Foley, and ambient layers. They shape the aural experience before it reaches the mix stage.
Department: Post-Production / Sound
Reports To: Supervising Sound Editor
Frequently Works With: Dialogue Editor, Sound Designer, Lead Editor
Responsibilities:

• Post-Production:

  • Edits and places sound effects

  • Enhances realism through sound layering

  • Prepares sound for final mix
    Important Documents: Sound libraries, SFX cue sheets, edit logs

 

VFX Supervisor

Paragraph Summary:
The VFX Supervisor oversees all visual effects, ensuring they align with the creative and technical demands of the project.
Department: Post-Production / VFX
Reports To: Director / Producer
Frequently Works With: Editor, DP, Art Director
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Plans VFX sequences with director

  • Prepares previsualization materials

• Production:

  • Supervises VFX plate and marker capture

• Post-Production:

  • Oversees VFX team and compositing
    Important Documents: VFX shot list, asset libraries, render queue

 

Production Assistant (PA)

Paragraph Summary:
The Production Assistant supports all departments by handling errands, setup, communication, and general tasks. They are the backbone of day-to-day operations.
Department: Varies
Reports To: 1st AD or Department Lead
Frequently Works With: Everyone
Responsibilities:

• Pre-Production:

  • Assists with setup, paperwork, and prep

• Production:

  • Runs errands, assists on set, supports departments

• Post-Production:

  • May assist in file management or production wrap
    Important Documents: Call sheets, delivery logs, task lists

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