We actualize the work we do in the course through collaborating in our roles.

Start here to learn about what the film roles are, what you need to learn, what you need to do, and how to use those skills to make effective and meaningful films. 

Five Roles, Two Assessments

Working in specific film roles is a fundamental aspect to the coursework of IB film, both in the Film Portfolio and the Collaborative Film. Working in these different roles allows you to delve into the multifaceted world of filmmaking and gain a comprehensive understanding of the different responsibilities and skills required in the industry from multiple perspectives.

Working collaboratively in the roles of Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Sound Designer and Screenwriter will give you the opportunity to not only explore the techniques and creative capacities of each job, but to learn from others on your teams as well. 

Each film production role has distinct responsibilities and areas of expertise, but there are also overlaps that create important spaces for meaningful collaboration. Below you will find a brief description of each role from the guide, as well as links for further exploration of each role. These roles form the backbone of an IB Film production team.  There are also opportunities to explore other roles for the portfolio film where class time and practicality allows. 

In addition, the film roles you will engage in help cultivate essential interpersonal skills, such as effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are integral not just to the collaborative nature of the film industry, but to group work in school and beyond. 

The pages linked below should help you understand both the parameters and the possibilities for the roles. Note that it is important that while there is a great deal of overlap in how these roles are executed in both the Film Portfolio and the Collaborative Film, that these roles are assessed slightly differently between those two tasks.

Please visit the Film Portfolio page to gain a deeper understanding how you are assessed on your work in the role as led by your filmmaker intentions. 

On the Collaborative Film page you will gain an understanding of how you are assessed on your work in the role as led by your agreed upon team intentions, as well as your collaborative work. 

 Other Roles

For the film portfolio only (not the collaborative film), students or teachers may choose to include a 6th film role that meets the needs of the class experience, is something that the teacher has experience with, or something that the student might choose independently.  Some other film roles that could be considered include (but are not limited to):

• Animator
• Special Effects
• Music Composer
• Production Designer

Selected Pages