6. Art, Set Decoration and Lighting Departments

Art Department

"It's not good art direction if you go "Oh, that's great art direction!" It really should be invisible. It should be like chilies in a sauce where it adds so much incredible depth and richness without bringing attention to itself." - Mary-Ann Liu - Production Designer

Production Designer: The person responsible for the entire visual look of a film. Oversees the art, construction, set dec, wardrobe, props, hair and make-up departments.

Art Director: Reports to the production designer. The person responsible for designing and supervising the construction of all sets and scenery, overseeing the painting and dressing of all sets, and coordinating much of the logistical elements for the art department.

Paint Coodinator: Head of the paint department. Responsible for painting all the sets on a production, as well as backdrops as needed.

Set Decorating Department

"Set dec is probably the most varied of all the deparments in terms of the things you'll get asked to do. I've done everything from digging ditches to rigging things that are going to hang over people or people are going to hang from" - Kennedy Telford - Set Dresser

Set Decorator: Responsible for overseeing research, acquisition and allocation of items required to dress the various sets.

Buyer: Responsible for purchasing and renting elements of set dressing.

Set Dresser: Crew members who "dress" the actual sets, doing all the work required of the department.

On-set Dresser: Responsible for set dec placement and continuity during shooting.

Lighting Department

"The gaffer is basically the cinematographer's right-hand man. He is in charge of the lighting crew to illuminate exteriors and interiors." - Yves Bernadet - Gaffer

Gaffer: The head of the lighting and electrical departments on-set. S/he determines electrical and power requirements, and oversees all electrical aspects of the production, particularly those associated with lighting.

Best Boy: Next in command to the gaffer. In charge of ordering equipment and loading vehicles used by the lighting department, and responsible for having on-set all equipment and personnel required by the lighting department.

Lamp Operator: A technician who sets the lights and related equipment under the direction of the gaffer.

Generator Operator: Also known as the "genny op" - the person responsible for the proper running and maintenance of the power generator on set.