How many people are in the average film?

Answer 1

The basic answer to this is "a lot." There's really no way to have an accurate count as the fundamental nature of the professional film industry is that every project is essentially a temporary "factory" that employs several hundred freelancers for the duration and then everyone is "laid off" and they are each responsible for finding their own next job. Toss in full-time employees, like those who work in movie studios and in smaller production companies or other support vendors (like film processing, visual effects, makeup effects, trailer houses, EPK/DVD vendors, etc) and the number of "people who work in the film industry" easily totals in the thousands just in the USA alone.

There are other major film industries operating in nearly every industrialized nation, like India (Bollywood), Africa (Nollywood), Canada, Mexico, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Russia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, etc. Though many of those are not as prominent as the film industries in the USA and India, they do produce local productions as well as have crew who service "Hollywood" movies when necessary.

Here is a list of the most typical "jobs" one finds in the professional film industry:

JOBS OFF SET

Jobs done primarily away from the set during actual production include the following:

● Writer-changes intangible ideas into words, providing a blueprint for every aspect of production

● Studio Executive-part of the financing and distribution arm of the industry; oversees production of a project as a whole from the development stage to exhibition

● Producer-oversees all aspects of production

● Agent-secures work for those with creative and technical talent...and takes 10 percent of the earnings

● Manager-much like an agent, but gives more personal attention to the client for 15 percent of the earnings

● Unit Production Manager-in charge of all logistics including, but not limited to, day-to-day planning, production scheduling, terms of employment for cast and crew, supplies, equipment, locations, permits, travel, transportation, and financial considerations for production

● Studio Accountant-handles the financial considerations of a studio

● Production Accountant-manages the day-to-day financial details of a specific production

● Production Coordinator-handles the logistics of scheduling and paperwork

● Production Designer-translates the ideas expressed in the script into the elements that will be seen

● Art Director-working under the Production Designer, coordinates the Art Department

● Construction Coordinator-plans and coordinates the construction schedule and crew requirements

● Construction Foreman-supervises construction work

● Visual Effects Supervisor-coordinates the various effects requirements

● Visual Effects (CGI)-uses computers to create any number of illusions that are impossible to achieve practically on set or are simply less expensive to create digitally

● Editor-syncs sound and image and then cuts shots into a logical order to tell the story

● Assistant Editor-maintains editing equipment and deals with related paperwork

● Postproduction Sound-"sweetens" (improves sound quality) and edits dialogue, sound effects, and music tracks

● Film Lab-processes the shot negative then checks it for damage or exposure problems

● Composer-creates musical score to accompany images onscreen

● Musician-performs instrumentals to help create the musical score

JOBS ON SET

Jobs done primarily on set during actual production include the following:

● Director-generally in charge of the creative decisions made throughout production

● Script Supervisor-keeps a detailed log of each shot and tracks continuity

● Actor-performs a character as written in the screenplay; generally has lines of dialogue to speak

● Extra-an Actor without dialogue; fills in the background to support the principal action

● Stand-in-placeholders for principal Actors while the crew lights the set

● Stunt Coordinator-coordinates and designs sequences or actions considered dangerous

● Stunt Performer-skilled and trained performers capable of executing dangerous actions

● First Assistant Director-coordinates each department on a shot-by-shot basis to keep the production on schedule

● Second Assistant Director-assists the First Assistant Director and completes necessary paperwork

● Second Second Assistant Director-lends assistance to the Second Assistant Director

● DGA Trainee-an on-set Assistant Director trainee

● Production Assistant-generally runs errands for any number of department personnel

● Director of Photography-responsible for technical and creative decisions regarding lighting and camera setup

● Digital Imaging Technician (DIT)-video engineer specializing in high-definition cameras

● Camera Operator-points the camera and frames the shot using a variety of tools

● First Assistant Camera/Focus Puller-responsible for technical upkeep of camera and keeps subjects in focus during each take

● Second Assistant Camera/Clapper-assists the First Assistant Camera in camera setup and keeps track of all camera equipment

● Loader-loads and keeps track of all film used throughout production

● Camera PA-trainee who assists the rest of the camera department

● Aerial Pilot-flies a variety of aircraft with camera mounted onboard

● Stabilized Camera Operator/Technician-operates a gyroscopically stabilized camera system, usually attached to an aircraft

● Key Grip-coordinates all grip personnel in working with the Electric Department to set lighting and with the Camera Department to move and secure camera equipment.

● Best Boy Grip-keeps track of all paperwork and equipment used by the Grip Department

● Company Grips-provides safe rigging for lighting and camera equipment

● Dolly Grip-lays track or flat surface on which to push a dolly-mounted camera

● Gaffer-coordinates the actual nuts and bolts of lighting the set

● Best Boy Electric-prepares and tracks all lighting equipment

● Electricians-run electrical cable and set lights

● Generator Operator-maintains correct electrical output for set lighting and power

● Location Mixer-maintains proper sound levels during a take

● Boom Operator-holds a microphone over the action, out of site from the camera

● Cable Puller-assists the Mixer and Boom Operator during setup and each shot

● Costumer-assists the Wardrobe Supervisor and dresses Actors

● Wardrobe Supervisor-organizes and maintains costumes and also tracks costume continuity

● Costume Designer-designs and/or buys clothing that the Actors should be wearing per the script

● Makeup Artist-applies cosmetic makeup in accordance with the requirements of the story

● Hair Stylist-designs and styles hair in accordance with the requirements of the story

● Property Master-acquires, maintains, and tracks all props

● Set Decorator-in charge of all furnishings seen on set

● Leadman-coordinates physical set decoration with the Set Decorator and the Set Dressers

● Set Dresser-works with the Set Decorator to place items on the set

● Standby Painter-creates signage and touches up damaged painted surfaces during production

● Greensman-creates and maintains any vegetation and/or landscaping on a film set

● Craft Service-provides a table of snacks that is close to the set throughout the day

● Catering-provides at least one or two hot meals per shooting day at location

● Special Effects-constructs on-set rigging of props to perform a variety of real effects (not computer graphics) and is usually a specialist in creating explosions, fire, and bullet hits

● Transportation Coordinator-supervises the transportation of personnel, equipment, and vehicles

● Transportation Captain-assists the Transportation Coordinator

● Truck Drivers-trained and licensed to operate a variety of large vehicles

● Crew Cab Driver-primarily assigned to drive crew passenger vans

● Location Manager/Scout-finds suitable locations for filming and secures proper permissions and permits

● Set Medic-trained Registered Nurse (RN) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) who is on set just in case of illness or injury

● Set Teacher-on-set schoolteacher when child Actors are present

● Unit Publicist-coordinates all elements required for successful marketing of the film

● Unit Still Photographer-obtains photos to be used primarily in the marketing of the film

● Behind-the-Scenes Cameraman/Videographer-shoots behind-the-scenes footage and interviews for Electronic Press Kit (EPK) or DVD use

● Security-maintains a secure work environment for cast and crew and keeps watch over sets and equipment after wrap

While there is generally just one DIRECTOR on any specific project, every other crew position may employ multiple people, so a single movie may employ several hundred over the course of it's production. But knowing that MANY movies are produced simultaneously around the world at any given time, we can conclude that the number of people who maintain a viable career by working in the film industry worldwide is easily in the multiple thousands.

For more complete information about who works in the industry and what they all actually do all day long, read "What I Really Want to Do: On Set in Hollywood."

Answer 2

The number of people in a film can vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the production. In general, a typical film can involve hundreds to even thousands of individuals, including actors, directors, producers, crew members, editors, and other supporting roles.

Answer 3

Due to my sorces the average amount of people you need to make a movie is 2 you do all the acting directing and sound and editing and the other guy gets you juice when you want it LOL!