Second unit
Second Unit ( English , second unit '- in the German and second bar called) is a film crew , the parallel to the actual shooting additional material for a movie or a series rotates. Second units are usually only used for larger productions.
The second staff is supposed to relieve the director . On the one hand, he can take on simple settings such as establishing shots , but also special, technically demanding recordings such as action and stunt scenes, aerial shots, trick shots or underwater scenes that would overwhelm the director. The relatively small second baton is also often sent to exotic locations for outdoor shots. In exceptional cases, he can take on additional film recordings that are actually the responsibility of the main team, in order to ensure that a film is completed on time.
In contrast, the main director takes on the scenes that are relevant to the development of the story, especially those with the stars of the film. He usually gives the second film team strict guidelines and examines their recordings in order to maintain his creative control over the film.
The size of a second unit can vary widely. Basically, such a team consists mainly of:
- Second Unit Director (Director of the Second Staff)
- Cameraman including assistants such as the Key Grip (camera stage)
- Lighting technicians and assistants like the Best Boy
- Sound engineer
If necessary, additional units are used to shoot the recordings necessary for a film. These are usually referred to as additional second units in the credits .