Explainer: All about the role of a leadman in films
What's the story
When a Hollywood/Bollywood film is ready for release, there are a few faces that are prominently visible everywhere—the lead actors, the director, and sometimes, the supporting cast.
However, someone we don't see as often but is an indispensable part of filmmaking and has plenty of responsibilities to shoulder is a leadman.
They spend hours on the set, ensuring that everything is as it is, and that nothing halts the shooting process.
Definition and meaning
Understand the term through this definition
Per Studio Binder, "A Leadman is responsible for managing and overseeing the work of the set decoration team on a film or television production. They work closely with the Production Designer to bring their vision to life and are responsible for organizing, coordinating, and supervising the set decoration department."
It should be noted here that "Leadman" applies to both men and women in that position.
Responsibilities
What does a leadman do?
The leadman can be called the heart of a film set, a movie's binding thread, and is tasked with managing and directing the set decoration team in film or television production.
This individual's role, while often invisible, is vital for seamless production, ensuring the director's vision is flawlessly brought to life.
While directors have a team of assistants, they also often rely on the leadman to ensure that everything is perfectly set.
Duties
The scope and expanse of their work
A leadman's responsibilities are diverse and integral to the production process.
They supervise set dressers, ensure props align with the production design, and collaborate with the art director to implement the film's visual style.
Additionally, they manage prop inventory before, during, and after filming.
A leadman also handles budgeting for set decoration, procures materials for the set, oversees crew efficiency, and liaises with other departments like lighting and costume.
Their work, thus, extends during pre-production and production.
Career progression
How to become a leadman?
Admittedly, the bustling energy of a film set cannot be found anywhere else, and the best way to learn about sets is to work on them.
If you want to work in this position, formal education in fields like film studies, art, or interior design is required, along with practical experience gained through internships or apprenticeships.
A deep understanding of production design is essential for this role, as are management skills.
Expert opinion
Know more about the profession through an expert
Brandi Kalish, who has worked in this department on Dead To Me, spoke to Backstage, "The set decorator is a department head that is responsible for their crew, but also all the decor on set. Lighting, art, rugs, furniture, custom-designed furniture, character layers, fabric, bedding, drapery—all those things."
"It's a really special place if you're looking for a career where you love furniture and you love decor and you love art and then you want to be in film."
Everyday work
If you're in this job, expect a day like this
Kalish further provided more insights, "There is no typical day for a set decorator, and that's what makes it fun."
"One day we're custom-designing a coffee table, the next day I'm working on a freezer that also has to be filled with frozen food but the food can't really be frozen and the back has to be cut out so I have to figure out how a camera can get in there."