Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!
To
Behind the Scenes on The Murder, She Wrote Set
Ever wonder what each crew member does on a movie or TV stage set?
Well, here are a few answers...
Actors-These are the people working in front of the camera on screen. Actors
and actresses do just that. The stuntmen and stunt doubles step in to act
out the dangerous scenes, like Angela hitting the ground to dodge a bullet, or a fight scene.
Atmosphere refers to silent actors called "extras" used to fill in the background
of a crowded street or restaurant scene. Stand-ins are actors who take the place of the cast members during the setup of lighting and camera angles.
They also read lines for actors who may not be present during the shooting of a scene.
Art Director-Working closely with the production designer, the art director oversees the art
department and coordinates the sets and selects the signage and all other visual elements of the stars.
Atmosphere-See Actors.
Best Boy-See Set Lighting.
Boom Man-See Sound.
Camera-This department includes the first assistant camera, second assistant
camera, and all the camera operators. They are responsible for anything that has to
do with operating the camera itself. This includes getting film and maintaining
the cameras. Murder, She Wrote generally used one or two cameras for shooting.
The head of this department is the director of photography.
Carpenter-See set Dressers.
Computer Graphics-When a computer screen appears on film either in
the background to add realism, or on display to convey a specific message
or image, the computer graphics person sets that up.
Construction-See set Dressers.
Costumers-Key costumers shop for and fit all the actors. Set
costumers maintain all the accessories, put the wardrobe in the actors' dressing rooms,
and keep a continuity book with photos of every costume change. As most television
shows and films are shot out of time sequence, this job becomes very important. This department
includes supervisors, key costumers, and set costumers.
Craft Service-They provide snacks for the hungry actors and crew on the
set throughout the day. They also keep the set clean and are allowed by the union
to help out when anything needs to be moved or operated on the set.
Director-Working closely with the producers, the director takes the actors
through each scene. Murder, She Wrote throughout the years used different directors
for different episodes. The director OKs virtually everything concerning the movie
or television show.
Director of Photography-Working closely with the director, the director of photography directs
the cameramen where to shoot, from what directions, and from what angles.
The director of photography ensures that everything that is seen through
the camera appears just right.
Dolly Grip-See Grips.
Electrician-See Set Lighting.
Estimator-This is the person who works out the budget for the show and
lets the producers and directors know whether or not they can afford to film
on location in Paris or on the back lot.
First Assistant Director-Next in line after the director, the first
assistant director keeps the show moving and prepares a schedule of the
movie or episode. This person is typically a cross between a second-grade
teacher and a traffic cop.
Foodstylist-The foodstylist designs and displays all the food that will
be seen on the show. This includes anything the actors will be eating at a party,
in a restaurant, or in their kitchen.
Gaffer-See Set Lighting.
Grips-Grips work directly with the cameraman and gaffer to light
and shoot a scene. The responsibilities of the dolly grip include camera movement
using cranes and dollies. The other grips assist with lighting by the use of
scrims and flags; taking apart and putting together the set while filming;
and numerous other duties.
Lighting Technicians-See Set Lighting.
Location Manager-When off the set and on location, the location manager is
responsible for taking care of everything at the site. This person's
responsibilities include ensuring that nothing on location gets damaged
or ruined during the filming and scouts the location in order to know how
to get in and out and where to park.
Location Police and Security-They keep the set safe for the actors and
crew and keep unauthorized personnel off the set. They also control the
traffic flow when shooting.
Makeup Artists and Hairstylists-Each actor is assigned a makeup artist and
hairstylist who works with them to maintain the look of the show. Makeup artists
and hairstylists work closely with wardrobe. There is always a makeup artist
and hairstylist on the set while shooting to retouch the actors', hair and
makeup and generally maintain the continuity of their appearance throughout the episode.
Producers-Executive producers, associate producers, supervising producers,
coproducers, and assistant producers all oversee the project from concept
to delivery. They rule the show.
Production Assistants-They are in training to climb the director's ladder and do
a variety of tasks that support the entire production.
Production Coordinator-The production coordinator brings together
everything for the show in order to take care of the cast and crew.
This person is ground zero for the whole show, meaning everything from paychecks
to script revisions.
Prop Master-The prop master is in charge of the prop department. The
prop department deals with anything that the actors handle during the shoot,
such as cigarettes, food, drinks, guns, papers, and pencils--anything that
is not nailed down. The set prop persons are on the set during the entire
shooting process and they take over where the set dressers leave off. Working
closely with the production designers and their department, the prop master also
picks out special pieces the actors will work with. The bigger the production,
the larger the crew and the more props. Directly under the prop master are
usually two or three propmen or women who move furniture and give actors their
props, be it guns, watches, or name tags.
Script Supervisor-Working closely with the director to maintain continuity
throughout the entire movie or television episode, the script supervisor carries
a book to keep of everything that is shot and what is needed for the next scene.
This person is also responsible for checking all the dialogue and always
knows which shoulder the purse was on. This job is details, details, details.
Second Assistant Director-Next in charge after the first assistant
director, the second assistant director knows everything that's going on with
the show. Usually extremely busy, this person handles the extras, informs
the actors of the daily scheduling, and makes sure they are ready for their
next scene and are on the set. If you ever need anything on the set you can
always ask the second assistant director.
Set Decorator-With guidance from the production designer, this person
shops for furniture, drapes, wallpaper, lighting fixtures, and props.
Set Designer-The set designer is a draftsman who designs the set on paper.
Set Dressers-They do the actual work of putting furniture, pictures,
rugs, and all other fixed props in place on the set. Carpenters, construction,
and set painters are part of this department. They build the sets and paint the
walls and work closely with the set decorator. The chief set dresser is the leadman.
Set Lighting-A gaffer--the chief lighting technician--assists the director
of photography in lighting the set and is responsible for the people and
equipment to carry this out. The best boy is second in charge after the gaffer.
The gaffer's crew includes lighting technicians and electricians who adjust
and move around all the lights on the set. They light night for day and day for night and make
sure the light is just right for the actors.
Set Painter-See Set Dresser.
Sound-The sound mixer records the sounds and dialogue for the show. The
utility sound technician assists the sound mixer. Sound and video playback
repeats any sounds or video images played in the scene. The boom man operates
the long booms holding the microphones above the actors' heads and out of
view of the cameras. Other sound people put body microphones on the actors.
Sound Mixer-See Sound.
Sound Playback-See Sound.
Special Effects-The people in this department are masters at creating
atmosphere--rain, soft breezes, wind, fire, explosions,
simulated bullet hits, and fog. They also set up any mechanical rigging needed
for the story line, like elevators or blinking lights.
Stand-Ins-See Actors.
Stuntmen-See Actors.
Transportation-The transportation captain, co-captains, and drivers are
the real movers in the business. Anything that moves to and from or around
the lot or on a location is their territory. They are typically the first on the set and the last to leave.
Utility Sound Technician-See Sound.
Video Playback-See Sound.
Wardrobe-See Costumers.
*Above Information by Tom Culver and Nancy Goodman Iland
Thank you for visiting "The Murder, She Wrote" Web Site
Please stop back again...
Return to Top
Site Owner/Designer: SRW