What does a Film Crew do?
A film crew member is responsible for using a camera to take footage of an event or project. They are responsible for ensuring that there are no missed shots for the end production. A few of the main duties of a film crew member are setting up the camera for a shot, performing any routine maintenance, helping the director with a shot, and fixing any problems with the camera. They also have to ensure that the camera is always ready to go. Some of the jobs titles that a film crew member could grow into are director and producer.
A film crew member should have two years of experience working in similar position as well as a Bachelor's degree in a related field. One of the most important skills that a film crew member will have is attention to detail. Another skill is focus as the film crew member will have to ensure that they do not miss any crucial scenes.
- Ensure that the camera is in working condition
- Perform routine maintenance on the camera
- Set up for a scene
- Help the director shoot scenes
- Recommend a set up for the scene
- Participate in pre-production phases of the project
- Maintain knowledge of camera setups
- Request repair for any damaged cameras
- Bachelor's degree in a related field
- Very detail oriented
- Deep knowledge of the film industry
- Ability to collaborate with many different teams
- Great organizational abilities
- Interpersonal skills to work with many teams
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
- Able to stand on your feet for at least 8 hours
- Good knowledge of lighting and film
Film Crew Salaries near Canada
Average Base Pay
Film Crew Career Path
Learn how to become a Film Crew, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Film Crew Insights
Walt Disney Company“I love the team of people I worked with and working with costumes and doing shows was exciting and fun.”
“You get to work with a friendly and helpful team who wants to see you grow.”
Station Casinos“I enjoy my line of work and was able to learn and grow from great mentors”
“Small firm which means not much cases given and no career progression other than being retained as a lawyer.”
Walt Disney Company“Opportunity for promotion is based on salary leaders favorite picks instead of who is better qualified.”
Kamera Express“Good place to work and friendly”
Lamar University“The work wouldn't be so bad if we actually got paid a livable wage which won't happen any time soon.”
First Station Media“I have worked with alot of companies as a contractor and this one is by far one of the best.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of film crew members
Film crew members spend their workday filming and preparing a project for production. Some of their common daily tasks include many pre-production filming tasks such as assisting the director, maintaining all filming equipment in working order, and preparing the equipment for the next recording session.
The film crew field can be a creative and interesting career, especially for those who enjoy the movie and entertainment industry. It can provide a fascinating workplace, allowing the film crew member to associate with a diverse variety of specialists such as costume and sound designers, directors, and scriptwriters. Becoming a film crew member may also allow for travel opportunities.
A film crew member gets paid fairly well, and the average base pay of a film crew member in Canada is $56,177 per year. Opportunities for advancement within the industry include becoming a principal film crew member or shifting to film editing or directing.
There can be challenging aspects of working as a film crew member. It requires trying to achieve a creative vision while sticking to limited budgets, which may be difficult at times. It might also require long production hours at times, especially when deadlines are close.
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