Production (cont'd)

• Background – Extras are cast by the extras casting agency and are chosen based on what the scene requires and how many are needed. All extras need wardrobe, hair and make-up so they blend in with the look of the scene, which is why they are often referred to as background artists.

• The Assistant Directors (A.D.’s) – With a team of second A.D., second second A.D. and production assistants, or P.A.’s, the first A.D. keeps the set running smoothly, trying to allow enough time for creative needs while at the same time maintaining the schedule and budget. With the production office staff, the A.D. department generates the daily call sheets and production reports. The P.A.’s often act as runners on the set and keep all entrances to the set locked down and quiet when the camera rolls.

When the director yells "Action!" the sound mixer’s bell rings and the cameras start rolling. The set is quiet until the shot is complete and the director yells "Cut!" All activity on the set revolves around those "magic" words. The crew knows the end of the day is near when they hear the "martini," or next to the last shot, is up. And though it’s been seen in the movies countless times, filming really does stop when the A.D. yells, "That’s a wrap!"

There is no end to the array of services that may be called upon during production, from baby wranglers to circus performers. Unforeseen problems can also arise, like inclement weather, actor illness, or unavailable locations. The controlled chaos of filmmaking would not come together so effectively without the total cooperation of the hundreds of people involved: crew, cast, director, producers and executives. But the filmmaking process is far from over, however, as the next phase of post-production begins.