Who determines which names appear in movie credits?

Creating credits for a student film or an indie project is often straightforward: simply list a few names on the screen, and you're finished. However, a major blockbuster can involve up to 300 crew members, some with significant egos matching their hefty salaries. Crafting the credit sequence becomes a meticulous and time-intensive task. The film's producers, who manage the project and control the budget, are responsible for determining the placement of each name in the credits.

Typically, the key cast and crew members are highlighted in the opening credits, while everyone involved in the production is acknowledged in the closing credits. Union agreements and talent contracts largely guide the producers' decisions. Major film unions like the Screen Actors Guild, Directors Guild of America, and Writers Guild of America play a significant role, and actors and directors often have specific contractual terms about their credit placement. While most crew credits follow a standard format, positioning the top contributors can involve considerable negotiation and ego management.

The opening credits typically begin with the studio or distribution company responsible for marketing the film to theaters, followed by the production company that funded the movie, and any additional companies involved in financing or production. The director's name usually comes next, with prominent directors often receiving the distinction of "a film by (director's name)."

Following the director, the cast is introduced, with one to three lead actors receiving above-the-title billing. These are the major stars who attract audiences. The film's title then appears, followed by below-the-title credits, which include the remaining main actors, either individually or in small groups (as stipulated in their contracts). Supporting actors are listed next, along with special billing for notable appearances, such as young actors in significant debut roles ("introducing...") or well-known actors in minor parts, credited with "with" or "and."

The casting director is credited next, followed by a less rigidly structured sequence. Key roles like the production designer, art director, costume designer, film editor, director of photography, producers, and writers are all assured a place in the opening credits. Depending on the film's genre, the visual effects supervisor and makeup designer may also be included. Additionally, the Directors Guild mandates that the director's name reappear just before the film begins.

The closing credits reverse the order, starting with the director and producers, then listing the cast, and finally acknowledging every crew member, from camera operators to caterers. This extensive list often leads influential crew members to insist on being credited in the opening sequence. After all, does it truly count as recognition if the credits go unseen?