Schirmer Encyclopedia of Film

Cast and crew (director John Sturges pointing) on the set of The Magnificent Seven (1960). EVERETT COLLECTION.
REPRODUCED BY PERMISSION.
it is conducted safely. An action vehicles coordinator or
fight director may also be employed. A creative consultant
or technical adviser may offer specialized advice
about a range of topics.
Many films use a second unit, headed by a second
unit director. This self-contained subsidiary crew comes
complete with all the personnel required for filming. It is
normally used for shooting such material as street scenes
that do not feature the main actors.
PRE-PRODUCTION: THE SCRIPT,
CASTING, AND LOCATIONS
The first draft of a script is produced by a screenwriter,
who may create original material or adapt existing material,
such as a novel or a play. A script invariably goes
through many drafts before its final version, and other
writers are often brought in to assist with this process.
Additional writers are sometimes known as script editors,
or script doctors, and may specialize in polishing a
Crew
particular element of the script, such as the dialogue. A
storyboard artist may work with the director to translate
all or part of the script into a series of still pictures to be
used as a template for shooting.
The casting director is responsible for auditioning
and selecting the actors, as agreed with the director and
producer, and for negotiating their contracts. Sometimes
one casting director auditions major roles, while one or
more local casting directors hire supporting actors for
location filming. Extras casting may be performed by
yet another person or agency.
If any parts of a film need to be shot outside the
studio, sites are selected by a location manager, whose
research is often aided by a location scout. The location
manager obtains permission to film from authorities or
private owners and negotiates any fees that must be paid.
Throughout the shoot the location manager is responsible
for liaison with area film councils or other relevant
authorities.
SCHIRMER ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FILM 393