A greensman is responsible for creating and maintaining the natural environment on a film set, including building and planting sets, sourcing props, and ensuring that the environs appear authentic and believable.
In the bustling world of filmmaking, a lesser-known yet crucial role is that of the Greensman. This unsung hero is often one of the first to arrive on set in the morning, ensuring that the greenery is set up correctly before the cameras start rolling.
The Greensman is responsible for renting, arranging, and taking care of the plants used in a production. Every tree, bush, flower, and vine in a movie (unless filmed outside) is rented, usually from warehouses in Los Angeles. Their job involves a lot of physical labor, such as hauling trees, digging holes, watering flowers, and moving plants.
At an outdoor shoot, the Greensman is also responsible for set safety, ensuring no plants could cause injury to talent or crew. This meticulous attention to detail is essential, as the Greensman works closely with the production designer, set decorator, and special effects team to realize the director's vision for the movie's natural environment.
In pre-production, the Greensman does a lot of research to determine what vegetation is needed for each scene. This requires a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of flora, which can be aided by studying horticulture, botany, or landscape design, although a college degree is not necessarily required.
The Greensman's work is primarily done on soundstages, creating backyards, jungles, and forests on concrete floors. They often have to replicate outdoor scenes that have already been filmed, providing continuity to the production.
Other important roles in film production include the Gaffer, the chief electrician responsible for the lighting of a film or television production, and their assistant, the Best Boy. A Dolly Grip, responsible for operating a camera dolly, and a Film Editor, responsible for assembling the footage, synchronizing the sound, and creating the final cut, also play vital roles.
For those interested in learning more about these roles and the film industry, resources such as CraftandTech.org and InsideJobs.com offer valuable information. Brian Dzyak's book "What I Really Want to Do On Set in Hollywood" also provides insights into various roles on a film set, including the Greensman.
Lastly, it's worth noting that becoming a movie director involves a combination of education, experience, and networking in the film industry. Notable Greensmen like Mark Negron, who has worked on films like "Jurassic Park" and "Avatar", have made significant contributions to the industry.
