Crediting for Multimedia

Cornell Lab senior staff who contribute to the creative development and production of a film in essential ways, such as providing editorial input, fundraising, legal matters, or distribution strategy, should be given executive producer credits. The executive producer may also be an early champion and validator of the project, willing to offer initial backing before other entities take on the risk. The position affords an end credit associated with the Cornell Lab.

The producer works to realize the artistic vision and overall goals of the film, ensuring that the production is funded and appropriately staffed, and also completed on time, within budget, and according to the legal and technical standards required by its distribution. While the producer may be the initiator and/or co-creator of a film, or join a film that has already commenced production, the producer is ultimately responsible for, in part or in full: initiating and/or supporting fundraising efforts; securing permissions and insurance; managing contracts and budgets; maintaining legal, HR, and tax compliance; negotiating wages and contracts, including interaction with collective bargaining organizations (i.e. unions); engaging with production/post-production facilities; submitting the film to festivals; strategizing distribution and audience engagement opportunities; overseeing the film’s release, public relations, and marketing; and archiving the project. The producer often works in all phases of the creative process to develop the story; build relationships with subjects; shape the narrative; assist in decisions regarding creative hires, graphics, and music; and review dailies and cuts. As noted previously in these guidelines, the producer credit should be reserved solely for the person/s who are hands-on throughout the process of making the film. This credit should be reserved for Cornell Lab employees only.

A film writer’s primary responsibility is to craft a compelling and informative narrative that tells a true story or explores a particular subject matter. This involves extensive research to gather accurate information, interviews with relevant experts or individuals, and the organization of the collected material into a coherent script or storyline.

A film’s editor is responsible for shaping the narrative and visual flow of a film project. Their role involves the creative and technical process of selecting, organizing, and assembling footage and audio to create a cohesive and compelling storytelling experience.

A film’s director of photography is responsible for capturing the visual elements of a film project. Their primary role is to translate the producer’s vision into compelling and aesthetically pleasing visual storytelling.

A science editor specializes in shaping and refining films that focus on scientific topics, discoveries, or issues. Their role involves a combination of creative storytelling and scientific accuracy to present complex subjects in an accessible and engaging way. In essence, a film’s science editor combines their expertise in science with storytelling and editing skills to create informative and captivating documentaries that educate and inspire viewers about the subject matter. The science editor is responsible for all factual accuracy and proper sourcing of facts.

The production manager assumes the responsibilities of the production organization and those delegated by the producer. The production manager’s duties are almost entirely operational: organizing business, finance, and employment issues to facilitate efficient management throughout all stages of production. The production manager contributes to, in part or in full: initiating and/or supporting fundraising efforts; securing permissions and insurance; managing contracts and budgets; maintaining legal, human resources, and tax compliance; negotiating wages and contracts, including interaction with collective bargaining organizations (i.e. unions); engaging with production/post-production facilities; submitting the film to festivals; and archiving the project.

A film’s accountant, also known as a production accountant, serves a vital financial role within the filmmaking process. Their primary responsibility is to manage and oversee the financial aspects of a production to ensure that it stays within budget, adheres to financial regulations, and operates efficiently.

The associate producer assumes responsibilities delegated by the producer, and may work on the development and pre-production stages, the production in the field and/or in the production office, or in post-production. The associate producer’s duties may include story research and development; casting; shoot coordination; archival research; production-to-post workflow management; rights clearances; festival submissions; and final deliverables coordination. Like the producer and co-producer credit, the associate producer credit is not for individuals whose primary role is financing.

The field producer serves as the producer acting in the field maintaining relationships with subjects, tracking the story, and offering overall field support to the larger production team. The field producer may help research and develop a story, maintain relationships with subjects, hire crews, coordinate shoots, and direct shoots under the guidance and oversight of the Producer.

A film’s field audio recorder, also known as a sound recordist or location sound mixer, is responsible for capturing high-quality audio during on-location shoots. Their primary role is to ensure that all spoken dialogue, ambient sounds, and other audio elements are recorded with clarity and precision to enhance the overall audio quality of the film.

A local individual, the fixer researches and secures production assets including locations, permits, local crews, equipment, and offers overall field support to the production. When a fixer takes on additional responsibilities such as identifying, securing, and maintaining relationships with subjects, and/or researching, developing, and tracking the story or negotiating access, a credit more reflective of their contribution, and aligned with industry standards, such as field producer, associate producer, or even co-producer, may be more appropriate.

The “Special Thanks” section in a film typically acknowledges individuals or entities who made significant contributions or provided exceptional support during the filmmaking process. The section is a way to express gratitude and acknowledge the collaborative effort behind the film, ensuring that those who played a vital role receive recognition for their contributions. Individuals or organizations listed under “Special Thanks” typically have no financial interest in the production.