Caller

Caller or show caller is a managerial function that is responsible in various ways for ensuring that the staff of a stage production, a television show or a film shoot are in the right place at the right time. In stage productions, this function is often one of the duties of the stage manager or stage manager; in film productions, it is one of the duties of the technical director. In television productions, similar duties may be part of the responsibilities of the unit manager. Since this job can have many different names and responsibilities depending on the industry, country and traditions, this article describes the job itself, which in turn can be part of different job titles.

What is the job of a caller?

In a film production, the caller is responsible for bringing the crew together on set through a disposition (call sheet). This includes planning and scheduling, day by day, when and where the various teams, both film crew and actors, will be on set. If you work in a theater, a stage manager's job includes scheduling stage work and rehearsals, and as a stage manager, keeping the stagehands and actors informed of the progress of the performance by controlling the lights, sound, entrances, and procedures.

What do callers need to know?

Callers have a solid background in the industry. You've probably worked your way up in the stage, television or film industry and enjoy managing a large team. Because of the nature of the work, you must enjoy planning and organizing, such as scheduling and making calls. Since changes in broadcasts and recordings can occur at very short notice, you need to be quick, flexible and solution-oriented. Other good qualities include being perceptive and having very good communication skills. Working in television, film and on stage involves inconvenient working hours that you must be able to adjust to. You should have relevant training or extensive experience in stage, film or television. 

Source: StagePool, Wikipedia