What Is A Greensman?

Also known as a greensperson or greenskeeper, a greensman is a member of the film crew who specializes in landscape and greenery, including both real and artificial plants, flowers, grass, vines, bushes, trees, and more. A greensman’s primary responsibility is to care for any on-set greenery, but they are also responsible for obtaining landscaping materials such as gravel and sand.

Greensmen are typically considered part of the art department as their work is used as part of the set construction. They work closely with the camera and lighting departments, adjusting the set for optimal lighting and camera conditions.

Greensmen work with production designers and art directors to create green environments like forests, jungles, backyards, and gardens. Sometimes, they are needed to “green out” or camouflage unwanted location features through the use of natural or artificial plant materials. Other times, they are needed to provide continuity by replicating natural habitats for scenes that have already been filmed.

Greensmen are skilled at creating simulated outdoor environments in sound stages or warehouses as well as procuring and transporting the specific plants needed to transform an outdoor filming location into a brand new setting that could be in the future, in the past, on an alien planet, in a spaceship, or in another fantasy universe.

Greensmen can also be called upon to work with the special effects department to ensure the safety of an actor or stunt double if they are required to perform a dangerous stunt, such as jumping or falling from a tree or into a hole.

After filming has wrapped up, greensmen are responsible for returning plants and materials back to their sources and natural environments.

If you are looking for an experienced greensman for your next production, check out our online Nevada Production Directory to find professional greensmen in Nevada. You can also drop by our office and pick up a free printed directory!

If you are a skilled greensman and are not yet listed in our Nevada Production Directory, you can learn more about how to sign up for the NPD here.

Related Production Services: Production Designer, Set Designer, Set Construction, Art Director

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