86 IT – Something needs to be removed from the scene (i.e. a prop, a piece of set dressing)
10-4 – An affirmative response. It usually follows a question such as 'Did you copy that?'
10-100 – Indicates a cast or crew person has left set to go to the washroom
ABBY - The second-to-last shot of the day. Named after production manager Abby Singer who would frequently call "last shot of the day" only to have the director ask for more takes.
ACTION – the Director’s signal that actors should begin performing
BACK TO ONE - A cue for all actors and crew to return to their original positions for a shot
BACKGROUND - A cue for extras to begin their designated actions
BALLAST - A device that regulates the current from the generator to an HMI light. No one but an Electric should ever approach a ballast because they are extremely dangerous
BLOCKING – the activity where a scene is walked though by the actors under the Director’s supervision. All crew on set usually observe this practice since it often provides vital information for shooting. Actors may or may not be in costume
BOGEY - Refers to a person who has breached the set and is walking through the shot
BRICK - A battery (especially for walkies)
BUTT CANS – (Usually) metal buckets with sand for depositing cigarette butts on set
CALL SHEET - A listing of which actors will be required for which scenes, and when they will be required
CHECKING THE GATE – Called by the 1st AD to indicate the 1st Camera Assistant will be checking the camera casing for any debris that could spoil the shot. If the casing is clean, the 1st Camera Assistant responds with “THE GATE IS GOOD” and set-up begins on the next shot
CIRCUS - The area where the trucks, catering trucks, tents and trailers are set up on the filming location
CLAPPER - The device used to mark in and out points of a scene
COPY - Confirmation that someone has heard a message over the walkie. Also used in the phrase 'Copy that'
COVERAGE - Refers to a variety of different shots filmed for a scene. They are used in the editing process to create pace and variety
CRAFTY - Crafts service
CROSSING – A warning said by anyone who must cross in front of the camera during a set-up. It alerts the Camera Operator.
CUT - The Director will yell this when he wants the camera, sound and action to stop
DAILIES - Crewmembers who are brought in on a day-to-day basis as required. DAILIES can also refer to the footage shot on any given day to be regularly reviewed by the Director, 1st Ad, DOP and Producers
DEAL MEMO - A crew contract made with the Production Company that outlines salary, screen credit and kit rental fee
DOLLY – A platform with wheels that has a mount for the camera
EYELINE – The eyeline of an actor (i.e. the direction he or she is looking) while performing. All crew should avoid the actor's eyeline at all times
FLASHING – A warning issued by anyone taking a Polaroid photograph on set. All crew should stay out of the way and not move anything until after the Polaroid has been taken
FIRE WATCH – The duty of watching equipment and sets while the cast and crew are on lunch break
FIRST TEAM – The actors in the scene
GENNY - A generator/mechanical engine that produces energy from fuel (usually diesel)
HONEYWAGON - The film trailer that contains the washrooms, AD office and other portable rooms
HOT SET - Refers to a set in progress where nothing should be touched
KILL THAT - Make it stop. Usually refers to a loud noise that is disrupting the set
(i.e. “Kill that lawnmower”)
LOCK IT UP - Called out by the 1st AD to indicate all noise, traffic, activity or action should be halted as shooting is about to begin
MARTINI SHOT - Last shot of the day's shoot, because the next shot is in a martini glass.
M.O.S - The scene does not require any sound to be recorded. It comes from the German
expression “Mit out sound” which means "Without Sound"
POINTS - A warning (usually called out by grip) that something pointy and dangerous is passing through
ROLL CAMERA - Called by the 1st AD to start the camera rolling
SPEED – Called by the Sound Mixer when the sound recorder is rolling and ready to record
STANDBY - A request/order for a messenger to wait until the recipient of a message is able to speak (usually used over walkies)
STINGER - A heavy-duty electrical cord or cable
TURN OVER - Same as ROLL CAMERA
TURNING AROUND – the camera will be shooting from the opposite angle
WALKIE – A walkie-talkie used by most crew on set to communicate with one another
WALKIE CHECK – Indicates someone is checking to see their walkie-talkie is functioning
WATCH YOUR BACK – A warning said by anyone coming though or around the set with an
object that could potentially hit someone
WHAT'S YOUR 20? - What is your exact location? It usually means someone is looking for you
WINDOW SHOT - The last shot of the day
WINNIE – One of the large trailers or Winnebagos on set that can house a cast member, make-up and hair, wardrobe, the AD office or sometimes the production office
WRAP - When shooting is done for the day
- set terminology and language
- imdb glossary
