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Film Crew Overview by Craig Richards, producer/director
We believe a great crew is vital to making a great film. The right person in each position contributes to an organized and productive set, so that creativity can result. This is how we do it here at Dolphin Heart Productions...
director |
production manager |
production coordinator |
first assistant director |
second assistant director |
script supervisor |
director of photography |
1st assistant camera |
assistant camera operator |
grips |
gaffer and electricians |
sound crew |
production designer |
set dresser |
property master |
wardrobe |
production accountant |
production assistant
Director
The principal creative artist on the production, all members of cast and crew ultimately report to the director. The director is the visionary behind the filming process and communicates to actors and crew the way that he/she would like a particular scene performed and captured. A director's authority also includes casting, script editing, shot selection, shot composition, editing and other post-producton tasks and essentially any element that may appear in the final film. As the film's "chief operations officer," a director must have complete creative control over all aspects of the moviemaking process because he/she is directly responsible to the producers for the film he/she delivers. During development and pre-production phases, the director is completely in a tactical mode, working with the producers, the production manager and the production designer to gather information, to consider creative options and to make decisions about how the film is to be made. The director selects the crew that will best help execute that plan. During production and post-production phases, the director is mostly in an operational mode, attempting to execute the plan created during the previous phases, while adapting to the realities each new day brings. The director may delegate to a second unit less critical scenes that don't involve the principal cast members, any B-roll footage, insert shots and sometimes non-pivotal action sequences. It is customary (and is sometimes required by contract) for the director to be consulted for input by the producers during marketing of the film and may also supervise the creation of trailers and promotional clips.
Production Manager
Organizes, budgets, schedules and prepares the entire film production for the film crew. Main responsibility is to blueprint the entire shoot by breaking down the shooting schedule, while coordinating the budget so that the goals of the Producer and Director fit within the project's means. Duty is to provide tactical and operational support to the director so the production can be completed on time and on budget.
Production Coordinator/Production Secretary
Assists the Production Manager in the organizational tasks of the production office. Facilitates the flow of production documents to the appropriate production teams. Maintains secure storage of all production-related documents for the company. Main liaison for the entire film crew.
First Assistant Director
In pre-production, the 1st AD assists the PM in organizing film crew, breaking down the script, and preparing the production board and shooting schedules. In production, the 1st AD directly assists the Director with on-set production details and coordinates and supervises activities of cast and crew. The 1st AD also runs the production meetings. Works with the 2nd AD to prepare daily call sheets, manage extras requisitions and other required documents. They also prepare the daily production report at the end of each shooting day, distribute scripts and changes to cast and crew, distribute extras vouchers, communicate advance schedules to cast and crew, aide in scouting and managing locations, and facilitate transportation of equipment and personnel. They always coordinate with the production staff so that everyone, including cast and crew, are ready at the beginning of each shooting day.
Second Assistant Director
The 2nd AD serves as a helper to the 1st AD, with an emphasis on providing support to the cast. Works with the 1st AD to prepare daily call sheets, manage extras requisitions and other required documents. They also prepare the daily production report at the end of each shooting day, distribute scripts and changes to cast and crew, distribute extras vouchers, communicate advance schedules to cast and crew, aide in scouting and managing locations, and facilitate transportation of equipment and personnel. They always coordinate with the production staff so that everyone, including cast and crew, are ready at the beginning of each shooting day.
Script Supervisor
A Script Supervisor is the Editor's representative on set. Since most films are not shot in sequence, one of the Script Supervisor's primary functions is to ensure that visual (and audio) continuity is maintained. This means advising the Director and key crew on everything from the props to wardrobe to dialogue to eyelines, and any of the other factors that will affect an edit. Usually maintains the shot log and, as needed, a photo record of performers and key elements in each scene. In pre-production they coordinate with all concerned departments in advance to plan for any potential continuity issues, and they work after wrap to create a detailed as-read lined script with notes for the editor. Their primary function in the larger sense is to save the production money and time through communication, organization and troubleshooting.
Director Of Photography
Collaborates closely with the director to create the visual mood of the film. Is in charge of the camera department and gives instructions to the grip and gaffer. In pre-production, will break down the script with the director and design individual scenes, including set-ups, lighting and camera requirements on sets and on locations.
1st Assistant Camera
Responsible for continually maintaining the camera's focus during a shoot. Measures the distance between the camera and the main object and dissects the proper stops that require focus. This extremely difficult job must be performed precisely or the film will be out of focus and unusable.
Assistant Camera Operator
Responsible for handling all camera equipment and the camera truck, properly storing film, loading film into magazines and the camera, making sure the camera is clean and in perfect working condition, modifying the slate with the correct information between takes and transporting exposed film safely to the lab. In digital filmmaking, transfers video files and sound files to the storage array at the end of each day's shoot and, after verifying the transfer, clears the memory sticks for use the next day.
Grips
They work under the instructions of the Director of Photography, and under the direct supervision of the Key Grip. Responsible for the rigging, mounting and construction of all camera and lighting support equipment, including stands, boxes, flags, cranes and Steadi harnesses. The Dolly Grip is in charge of the tracks, dolly and supporting equipment.
Gaffer and Electricians
In charge of all electrical equipment, the lights and the generator, as per the gaffer instructions of the Director of Photography. Once the scene is blocked, the Director of Photography instructs the Grip and Gaffer on how to set up their equipment to achieve the appropriate mood.
Sound Crew
Two on-set positions, the Sound Mixer/Recordist and the Boom Operator, are responsible for capturing the on-set location sound for editing, including the surrounding area sounds and the actors' dialog.
Production Designer
Collaborates closely with the director to create the overall look of the film. Creates the physical environment in which performances are shot. Works with the props, set builders, location manager, wardrobe, makeup and hair stylists to make that happen.
Set Dresser
Works with the production designer to rent or purchase all materials needed to dress a set or a location to give it the required look.
Property Master
Is responsible for the acquisition, maintenance, storage, issuance to and collection from actors of all props during each scene of production. A props is any object handled by an on-camera performer.
Wardrobe
Besides designing and sewing the wardrobe for cast members, the Wardrobe Person is in charge of all wardrobe rentals and purchases. Collaborates with the Production Designer on the overall costume design for each cast member and ensures each performer is attired in the wardrobe and accessories required for each shot. Maintains and refereces as needed a library of images for each performer in ach scene.
Production Accountant
All funds needed for rentals or purchases, once approved by the Production Manager, are processed by the Production Accountant, who is authorized to release funds from petty cash or to issue checks. Examines all expenses and evaluates their appropriateness. Is in charge of issuing the crew's, and perhaps the actors', paychecks (though only the director hand distributes them). Each department is responsible for wrapping and properly returning rented equipment, props and wardrobe after production. The accountant pays outstanding balances, which are invoiced after completion of principal photography.
Production Assistant
Sometimes credited as a Set Production Assistant, PA, Gopher, Personal Assistant, Assistant To, Assistant To Producer, a person responsible for various odd jobs. Typical tasks assigned range from delivering messages, running errands, stopping traffic, acting as couriers, fetching items from craft services, moving equipment and vehicles, etc. Levels of responsibility can vary greatly, depending on the film, the needs of the rest of the team, and the skills and experience of the individual PAs themselves. Often Production Assistants are attached to individual actors, the director, production manager, director of photography, etc.  This site requires Adobe Flash Player 9 or higher and a minimum screen resolution of 1024x768 View Dolphin Heart Productions Unsolicited Materials Policy ©2006–2012 Dolphin Heart Productions LLC. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Upcoming and Recent Projects
 Infidel dramatic film (in post-production) ![[-]](/images/icon-minus16x12.gif){kind=icon} ...collapse
status: post-production
format: 16:9 HD genre: drama producton company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC written by: Leonard Law and Craig Richards story by: Leonard Law executive producers: Craig Richards and Leonard Law associate producer: Samantha Brooke Bennett director: Craig Richards director of photography: Rick Cullis assistant director: Julius Kuziemski assistant camera: Brian Johnson script supervisor: Philip Conner musical score: John Stuthard After 15 years of marriage, Jess and Laurie's relationship is stressed to the breaking point when she suspects him of infidelity, while his secret is too big to keep and too big to tell. "Infidel" is the story of their date night gone terribly wrong. For all the details on this project, click here
To view this and other Flash content on this site,
you need to have Flash 9 or greater installed on your computer. Download Flash Player free This is the animated title production produced by Dolphin Heart Productions for the feature film "Kanapi" produced by Castaway Pictures. ...collapse
status: complete
genre: title graphics for feature-length thriller format: 16:9 HD production company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC directed by: Rick Cullis Summary: Director Rick Cullis asked Craig Richards of Dolphin Heart Productions to design and produce a chilling animated title treatment for his feature film "Kanapi."  Amazing Custom Homes home & garden television series (in development) ...collapse
status: development
format: 16:9 HD genre: home & garden reality producton company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC created by: Craig Richards executive producers: Craig Richards and Rebecca Richards produced by: Craig Richards and Lori Sampson director: Craig Richards Amazing Custom Homes is the 1/2-hour reality content that showcases achievements of top custom homebuilders in some of the most desirable locations throughout the United States. Each episode of Amazing Custom Homes highlights a community's lifestyles, character, activities and other appealing aspects while our host interviews an expert custom homebuilder who shares the techniques and methods he or she uses when building custom homes in their specific markets. Audiences will discover creative ideas, cost-saving tips and ways to avoid potential pitfalls while learning how architects, designers, vendors and suppliers collaborate to achieve their inspiring results. A particularly compelling segment of each episode is when customers go on-camera to share their experiences through the process of building their custom homes. Amazing Custom Homes is created and developed by Dolphin Heart Productions in HD for a wide audience of families who are either considering a custom home, for those who hadn't considered the idea and audiences who appreciate fine architecture, flawless craftsmanship and innovative homebuilding techniques and materials.  Kent State feature-length historical drama (in development) ...collapse
status: in development
format: 16:9 HD genre: historical drama producton company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC written by: Craig Richards and Matt Pinard produced and directed by: Craig Richards May 4, 1970, less than one year after the "Summer of Love," students at Kent State University stage a passionate yet peaceful protest against America's invasion of Cambodia. Fearing the students could become unruly and perhaps destructive to property, Kent Mayor Leroy Satrom declared a state of emergency and called Governor James Allen Rhodes who responded by calling the protestors un-American and dispatching the National Guard, armed with tear gas and loaded M-1 rifles. It took them about 13 seconds to fire 67 rounds into a crowd of unarmed students, 4 lay dead and another 9 were wounded. The "Kent State" screenplay by Craig Richards and Matt Pinard is a intimately-told story with national and international implications. 
Produced by Dolphin Heart Productions LLC Clark Griswold is desperate to reconnect his family after six years of neglect while earning his degree, so he decides what they all need is the ultimate family vacation – a Hawaiian cruise. (see official website) ...collapse
status: screenplay
genre: feature-length comedy format: 16:9 HD production company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC executive producers: Craig Richards and Rebecca Richards written and directed by: Craig Richards producers: Lori Sampson, Kim Patterson, Christian Elias locations: San Diego, California; Chicago, Illinois; the Hawaiian Islands 
Logline: Clark Griswold is desperate to reconnect his family after six years of neglect while earning his degree, so he decides what they all need is the ultimate family vacation – a Hawaiian cruise.
To view this and other Flash content on this site,
you need to have Flash 9 or greater installed on your computer. Download Flash Player free  Extremely Used Cars: There Is No Hope feature-length comedy Craig Richards directed this independent comedy film. Three other films (one prequel and two sequels) are planned for this franchise. (see IMDb listing) ...collapse
status: complete
genre: feature-length comedy format: 16:9 HD production company: Triple-X-celent Films, LLC in association with Dolphin Heart Productions LLC directed by: Craig Richards written and produced by: Mark Donnell executive producers: Bill Thomas and Matt Thomas director of photography: Greg Ouellette second unit cinematographer: Brian Johnson 1st assistant director: Aaron Kissinger 2nd assistant director: Molly McHenry line producer: Patti French lighting technician: Peter Daucsavage sound recordist: Ben Salvetti post-production: Craig Richards, Dolphin Heart Productions editor: Albert Rascon visual effects: Albert Rascon, Noka Aldoroty, Jason M. George, Mike Chastain, Spencer Skeen sound editor: Luis Reyes graphic artist: David Vigil Logline: Mark Donnell, Ian Reed Kesler and Aaron Kissinger star in this outrageous comedy about an increasingly difficult economy and a simple man's dream to become a used car salesman.  End written and directed by Craig Richards Produced by Dolphin Heart Productions. ...collapse
status: development
genre: feature-length thriller format: 16:9 HD producton company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC written and directed by: Craig Richards executive producers: Craig Richards and Rebecca Richards Well-meaning researchers develop a new drug that is 100% effective at pain relief with 0% side effects. Before they even begin to consider its implications, word gets out and bidding wars begin that quickly become unbridled warfare. As demand increases astronomically, "stimulation" is required to increase production from a growing number of donors. Initial benevolence gives way to greed and before you know it... 
Hans Skjersaa's comedy short "Lucky Star" starring Craig Richards has earned the two top awards (Best Short Film and Audience Choice) in BendFilm's 1st Annual 72-Hour Shootout competition. "Lucky Star" will screen in October during the sixth annual BendFilm Festival in Bend, Oregon. (see IMDb listing) ...collapse
status: complete
format: 16:9 HD producton company: Flick Five produced and directed by: Hans Skjersaa written by: Wes Coughlin and James Chick Mobster: Craig Richards Eric: Caleb Neet Sam: Olivia Haro Chris: Brandy Philip Jeff: Jason Hefner Junkie: Todd Hanson Newscaster: Kate Paul Waitress: Joey Cooper Friend: Ashley Chick
To view this and other Flash content on this site,
you need to have Flash 9 or greater installed on your computer. Download Flash Player free This is the first 30-second teaser for the feature film "Open" currently in development by Dolphin Heart Productions. ...collapse
status: in development
genre: feature-length suspense/thriller format: 16:9 HD production company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC directed by: Craig Richards written by: Craig Richards and Matt Pinard based on a short story by: Elsin Ann Perry director of photography: Virgil L. Harper, ACE (in discussions) Synopsis: When her husband Jack must go out of town on business, Alex attempts to confront her fear of being alone (monophobia) amid breaking news of a serial killer on the loose.  One Destiny award-winning television commercial Produced for Film Oregon Alliance by Dolphin Heart Productions in association with Far From Earth Films and Captskipper Productions, Craig Richards wrote and directed this impactful award-winning 30-second commercial which featured Marzell Sampson and Annie Holdrich. ...collapse
status: complete
format: 16:9 HD client: Film Oregon Alliance producton company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC in association with FAR from EARTH Films and Captskipper Productions written and directed by: Craig Richards director of photograpy/editor: Tim Cash production manager: Skip Clark makeup: Erin Roper Assistant Camera/Production Assistant: Sarah Chipowsky Production Assistants: Sharon Kay and Arnold Wolfe featuring: Marzell Sampson and Annie Holdrich voiceover: Paul Quinn On March 12, 2010, Advertising Federation of Central Oregon (AdFed) awarded the "One Destiny" television spot its prestigious Drake Award. Produced by Captskipper Productions in association with Dolphin Heart Productions, Craig Richards performs post-production services including editing, titles and color-correction on this short film directed by Skip Clark. Amazing Custom Homes home & garden reality television (in development) Synopsis: "Amazing Custom Homes" is the 1/2-hour reality show that showcases achievements of top custom homebuilders in some of the most desirable locations throughout the United States. ...collapse
status: in development
format: 16:9 HD genre: home and garden reality series television producton company: Dolphin Heart Productions LLC developed and produced by: Craig Richards directed by: Craig Richards director of photograpy: Rick Cullis, S.O.C. (in discussions) editor Brian Johnson Each episode of "Amazing Custom Homes" highlights a community's lifestyle and other appealing elements while our host interviews an expert custom homebuilder who details the latest techniques and methods employed when building custom homes for their customers. Discover creative ideas, cost-saving tips and ways to avoid potential pitfalls and learn how architects, designers, vendors and suppliers uniquely contribute to these magnificent homes.  Taking Flight: The Making of Wings of Faith (documentary) A behind-the-scenes documentary chronicling the making of the independent dramatic film Wings of Faith for inclusion in the Bonus Materials on the DVD distribution of the film. Produced and directed by Craig Richards of Dolphin Heart Productions.
Decades of Experience
For more than 30 years, producer/director Craig Richards has excelled at creative storytelling through film and television. Specializing in drama, comedy, suspense and action, Craig Richards is highly regarded as an "actor's director" who, through calm leadership and technical expertise, brings out the very best in all collaborators to the filmmaking process. Extremely knowledgeable in all crafts including storyboarding, HD workflow, lighting, choreographing multiple elements, visual effects, digital post-production and marketing processes. A summary of clients and associates over the years have included:
Warner Bros. Paramount Pictures Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Academy of Television Arts and Sciences John Dykstra/Apogee Productions Seiniger Advertising Scott Mednick & Associates CBS MGM/UA Soundelux Image Entertainment CruiseMasters The Art Store many more... For more information or to determine availability for your project, contact Dolphin Heart Productions |
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