I don’t get to pick what movie is made or who stars or what it is called or when it is released, but it is all mine. I care about awareness and likelihood and key demographics and test screening results. I agonize over one sheets and teasers and trailers and TV spots and banner ads and every other element of the campaign to get those seats filled on the theater opening weekend and beyond. Because the Monday after a release is a mightly long and painful day if no one comes to see my movie. 

 I am the VP, Marketing at a film studio.

 Photos by JannieT and photoNiki.

I make sure our company handles the biggest and best in the business. Sign em and get em the big film deal of their dreams… and then another… and then another. Everyone gets paid and they never ever stray from us. Until they do. (Yes, poaching clients is the name of the game. How do you think we got em?)

I am the head of motion picture talent at an agency.

Photos by: JannieT and Michael_McDonough.

I am one of the leaders of the army that is a film or TV crew. I command with a walkie talkie and sometimes a megaphone. I make sure that everyone is where they are supposed to be, that people are fed and wrapped for the day when they are supposed to be, and that, in the best of times, come rain or shine, we get all of the shots we have scheduled for the day. I sometimes say “Action” and “Cut,” but I am not the director.

I am the Assistant Director, or AD.

Photos by: JannieT and Michael_McDonough.

By networking around town, I keep track of the hot scripts and know who’s interested in what so my bosses know what to buy, when, and for what price. I give notes on scripts in development hoping to make them better before they go into production. In addition to tracking, I roll calls, take meetings, and do drinks. And my call sheet is always a mile long, if I am doing my job right, because everyone in town knows I know everyone in town.

I am a Creative Executive.

Photos by JannieT and Vikki heartbreak.

I am the liaison between my company and the crew. I coordinate hiring above-the-line personnel such as the production designer and line producer and, when the project is shooting, the reports are issued from my office. I get the call when the star has a headache and is lying in his trailer and then I get a headache. But when filming wraps and the project is in the can, the headaches are gone and I breathe a sigh of relief.

I am the VP, Physical Production at a film production company.

Photos by: JannieT and Michael_McDonough.

I am the one who gives permission. As the car drives along the country road, the puma stalks his prey, or the hero gets the girl, that perfect song we rep could be playing on the soundtrack. For the right price. And I’ll let you know what that right price is.

I am the executive in charge of licensing at a music publishing company.

Photos by JannieT and [nati].

I am the center of attention. All eyes are focused on me… the way the light hits my face, the angle of the camera trained on me. I am studied, talked about in hushed tones. Adjustments are made around me. I am IT… until it is time to shoot and the actors are brought in and I can rest after a job well done.

I am the Stand In.

Photos by JannieT and Jonnimont.

There is a place for everything and, on the set, I know where that place is. I have both an eye for style and an eye for detail. If the room where the scene takes place looks cluttered, that’s my handiwork and it’s all artfully deliberate. But unfortunately it’s also my responsibility if the vase on the mantle behind the actor’s head shifts position from one shot to the next. Not only is there a place for everything, but everything must stay in its place!

I am the On Set Dresser.

Photos by: JannieT and Michael_McDonough.

I am the recording studio’s techno wiz. I can rewire and rework the system as needed for recording, mixing, sequencing, and mastering, always knowing how to fine tune the sound the client wants. When things go wrong, everyone looks for me. When things go right, it’s music to all of our ears.

I am the Chief Technical Officer.

Photos by JannieT and [nati].

I am the one wearing headphones and frowning. I have the power to pause the action for a plane flying in the distance, or a jackhammer being used by a construction crew three streets over. These are sounds that no one else can hear but me– until they hear them on the soundtrack behind the actors dialogue. That’s when I really get an earful.

I am a film or TV production sound mixer.

Photos by: JannieT and Michael_McDonough.