Credits

Credits are the texts shown at the end (and increasingly, also at the beginning) of television programs and theatrical films. With the possible exception of radio dramas (which are almost extinct), credits for radio programs are always given at the end. If examined properly, credits can provide a wealth of information beyond the obvious, such as what actor played which character, who directed, and so on. It is the credits for above-the-line personnel that can provide additional insight into a production.

All jobs (or positions) listed in credits fall into two broad categories: above-the-line and below-the-line. Below-the-line positions are technical and production positions. They include camera operators, sound recorders, editors, and other hands-on areas with limited creative input.

Above-the-line positions include producers, directors, writers, and actors. The positions of actors, writers, and directors are fairly well defined. The title of producer, or other associated titles (e.g., executive producer or line producer) cover a lot of very important ground.

In general, a producer secures financial backing for a project. Sometimes that backing is provided by the people who want the project done (for example, a 30-minute tourism promo by a local chamber of commerce). In the case of a feature film, a producer may secure financing from a studio or go to outside investors. Outside investors range from companies and individuals who finance films for a living to individuals or small companies that provide funds because they simply “believe in” the project.

Producers also serve as liaisons between investors and the other above-the-line production members, and can also be responsible for budgeting, scheduling, and may even be making day-to-day production decisions. In some instances, the producer may delegate most of the responsibilities and simply fill a management-type role.

In the case of documentaries and other potential “advocacy” productions, the credits usually include a “Special Thanks” or some sort of acknowledgments section. In the case of independent (meaning “small budgets and no major studio backing for production”) films, there is usually a very large run of names that falls under the heading “Thanks.” The names usually included are individuals who donated time or services, low-dollar investors, and small contribution financial backers.

An examination of the credits in a production can raise important questions. The advocacy or “slant” [Page 217]in a particular production could be that of the scriptwriter or the original story the scriptwriter is working from. If the lead actor's name shows up in the producer credits as well, are they simply backing a project they think will make money, or are they “true believers”? With feature films, the number of actors who also direct, co-write, and coproduce the films they are starring in continues to grow. It is not uncommon to see the scriptwriter's name in the producers' credits.