A–Z Glossary: Television Production Crew & Roles
Television production is a team sport. From concept to broadcast, dozens of specialists collaborate to shape what viewers see and hear. Use the A–Z bar below to jump to roles and learn what each crew member does on a set, in a studio, or across post-production.
A
Anchor / Presenter: On-screen host who delivers news, guides segments, and connects with viewers while following cues and timing.
Art Director: Shapes the show’s visual world—sets, props, palette—aligning design with story and brand.
Associate Producer: Supports producers with coordination, paperwork, clearances, and cross-team communication.
Audience Coordinator: Manages studio audience check-in, seating, and reactions; syncs with floor cues.
B
Best Boy (Electric/Grip): Second-in-command to gaffer or key grip; handles gear, crew rosters, and logistics.
Boom Operator: Positions boom mic for clean dialogue, avoiding shadows and frame intrusions.
Broadcast Engineer: Maintains studio/transmission systems; ensures signal integrity and uptime.
C
Camera Assistant (1st AC / Focus Puller): Pulls focus, builds camera, maintains lenses and accessories.
Camera Operator: Frames and executes shots per shot-list and director’s notes; adapts to live cues.
Casting Assistant: Schedules auditions, handles sides, and liaises with talent and agents.
Casting Director: Identifies and auditions talent; proposes shortlists aligned to creative and budget.
Colorist: Grades footage for consistency and mood; balances exposure, contrast, and hue.
Composer (Music): Creates original themes and score; times cues to picture and story beats.
Costume Designer: Designs/selects wardrobe to express character, era, and network standards.
Co-Producer: Shares producing duties—finance, deliverables, or department oversight.
D
Data Wrangler: Offloads, verifies, and backs up media; maintains card logs and handoff to post.
Digital Imaging Technician (DIT): Monitors image pipeline on set; applies LUTs and exposure checks.
Dialogue Coach: Preps on-air talent/actors for clarity, pacing, accent, and tone.
Director: Interprets script into visuals; leads performance, blocking, and coverage strategy.
Director of Photography (DoP): Crafts visual style via lenses, lighting, and movement in tandem with director.
Drone Operator: Captures aerials; complies with flight rules and safety per location plan.
E
Editor (Video): Assembles story; manages rhythm, transitions, and graphics integration to final cut.
Executive Producer: Secures funding and partners; sets high-level creative and business goals.
F
Foley Artist: Performs bespoke sound effects synced to picture for realism and texture.
Floor Manager: Bridge between gallery and set; cues talent, times segments, maintains order.
G
Gaffer: Chief lighting tech; executes lighting plan, power distribution, and safety.
Graphics Designer: Builds lower-thirds, supers, infographics, and show branding.
Grip: Rigs camera support (dollies, sliders, flags); shapes light with stands and frames.
H
Hair Stylist: Designs and maintains hairstyles for continuity under studio lighting.
Health & Safety Officer: Risk-assesses sets; enforces protocols, especially stunts and electrical.
I
Intake / Transmission Controller: Monitors playout and live ingest; resolves timing and compliance issues.
K
Key Grip: Leads grip team; plans safe rigging and complex camera moves.
L
Line Producer: Runs day-to-day operations, budget tracking, and vendor management.
Lighting Director: Designs setups per scene mood; supervises gaffer and board ops.
Location Manager: Scouts, permits, and coordinates site access and community relations.
M
Makeup Artist: Prepares talent for camera; beauty, character, or special effects makeup.
Motion Graphics Artist: Animates titles, stings, and explainer visuals for segments.
P
Post-Production Supervisor: Schedules edits, mix, grade; manages deliverables and QC.
Producer: Owns scope, budget, and outcomes; aligns creative with network goals.
Production Accountant: Handles payroll, cost reports, and audit-ready documentation.
Production Assistant (PA): Entry-level utility; supports departments, runs errands, resets.
Production Coordinator: Issues call sheets, tracks releases, books travel and gear.
Production Manager: Oversees logistics, resourcing, and day-by-day execution plan.
Production Runner: Flexible support across set, locations, and post runs.
Props Master: Sources and manages hand props; ensures continuity and safety.
Public Relations (PR) Manager: Manages press, promos, and talent media requests.
R
Reporter / Correspondent: Researches, scripts, and presents field pieces to camera.
Researcher: Verifies facts, sources footage/stats, and prepares briefs for producers.
S
Scheduling Coordinator: Plans channel grids; places programs, promos, and breaks.
Screenwriter / Scriptwriter: Crafts story structure, scenes, and dialogue for screen.
Script Editor: Refines drafts for clarity, tone, and runtime; aligns with standards.
Script Supervisor (Continuity): Tracks action, props, and lines; logs takes for post.
Second Assistant Director (2nd AD): Preps call sheets; manages background and unit flow.
Set Designer: Produces set plans and supervises builds suited to blocking and camera.
Sound Engineer / Recordist: Captures clean sound; manages mics, mixers, and RF.
Sound Mixer (Re-Recording): Balances dialogue, FX, and music in final mix.
Stage Manager: Coordinates set changes and talent traffic in studio or live events.
Steadicam Operator: Delivers stabilized moves for dynamic coverage.
Stunt Coordinator: Designs and supervises safe stunt action; liaises with H&S.
T
Talent Coordinator: Books guests, coordinates contracts, travel, and timings.
Technical Director: Leads gallery tech; switches sources and solves live issues.
Teleprompter Operator: Scrolls scripts at presenter pace; updates last-minute changes.
Transmission Controller: Oversees playout; handles overruns, blackouts, and compliance.
Transportation Coordinator: Schedules vehicles for cast, crew, and equipment.
U
Unit Manager: Manages on-location logistics—catering, facilities, basecamp.
V
VFX Supervisor: Plans and oversees visual effects shots from set to comp.
Vision Mixer (Switcher): Cuts live between cameras, replays, and graphics feeds.
Voice-Over Artist: Records narration or character voices with timing to visuals.
W
Wardrobe Assistant: Maintains costumes, fittings, and continuity on set.
Writer’s Assistant: Tracks beats, updates revisions, and maintains script bibles.
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