If you need a video project made—a film, music video, commercial, etc.—you'll likely need to hire a video production team to help you. However, you may be unsure about the different positions in the crew and what each of them does. It's vital to realize that each crew member brings something meaningful to the table; without everyone contributing, the entire project will likely come to a screeching halt.

Here are some of the essential members of a video production crew and what they each do on set: 

Director

The director is usually viewed as the most important person on set, although the producer is arguably at the top of the video production crew hierarchy. However, the director handles most things at an artistic level, and their input hugely impacts the final product. They direct actors during their scenes, tell them how they should perform at any moment, and make choices on camera angles, lighting, etc. 

Producer

The producer oversees the entire project from pre-production to post-production. They typically hire everyone on the crew, including the director, and they handle all the technical aspects of the project. They're usually not as involved in the creative process, but they make sure everyone is doing their job and the project is moving forward at all times. 

Production Assistant

The production assistant does a lot of the hands-on work on set. They're the ones who will ensure the props are moved to the correct location, get the director their coffee, ensure there are enough extras for a scene, etc. It's a demanding position, and they don't always get the credit they deserve, but it serves as a stepping stone for folks who want to move up in the industry.

Camera Operators

Camera operators will operate the cameras during filming, at the director's control. They do their best to get smooth, natural shots and film at the best angles to get great results. There are usually a few camera operators on set, depending on the size of the project.

Lighting Specialists

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of video production, and you need great lighting specialists to ensure it's done right. You can have the best director, actors, and camera equipment, but the final product won't look good if the lighting is off.

Audio Technician

Many people forget about audio when they think about a video production crew, but the sound is often just as important as video. An audio technician will capture the audio and ensure levels are correct and there's not too much background noise.

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