Set Terminology Flashcards
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10-100
Indicates a cast or crew person has left set to go to the washroom. Also referred to as
10-1.
Action
Called out by the director to signal that actors should begin performing.
Ambient Sound
Refers to the background sound that is recorded on a particular set or location and used in the editing process.
Background Action
Is called out by the 1st assistant director to indicate to the extras or
background performers to begin their designated actions (previously described to them by the
AD in rehearsals).
Ballast
Refers to a device that regulates the current coming from the generator and going to
the lights. No one but an electrician should ever approach a ballast because they are extremely
dangerous.
Blondes, Redheads, and Babies
Referring to different types of colors in lights
Bogey
Refers to a person who has breached the set lockup and is moving through the shot.
Butt Cans
Refers to the metal buckets with sand used for depositing cigarette butts.
Call Sheet
A sheet handed out or emailed at the end of each day outlining the crew call time
(start time) for each crewmember, location maps, safety conditions & considerations, and other
production requirements for the next day of shooting.
Camera Car
Refers to a towing vehicle that pulls a process trailer with a car attached. When
shooting scenes with actors who have dialogue inside of a moving car, the vehicle is mounted
on a trailer and not operated by the actors. The background still appears to be moving and is a
much safer process.
Check the Gate
The 1st AD asks for the camera assistant to check the gate when the director
has the shot she or he needs and is ready to move on to the next shot or wrap for the day. This
is done to ensure that the camera gate is clear of small hairs and other debris. With digital
cameras, the Assistant will ensure the clips have been properly recorded.
Circus
Refers to the area where the hair, makeup, wardrobe, assistant director office, and
cast trailers are set up. Also known as basecamp, or winnieland trailers
Copy
A response used when someone has heard and understood an order or message
through verbal means or through the walkie-talkie communication.
Coverage
Refers to a variety of different shots filmed for a scene. They are used in the editing
process to create pace and variety.
Crane Shot
Indicates a crane or similar device is being used to get an overhead or aerial shot of the scene.
Crossing
If you are a crewmember and you need to cross in front of the camera while the
operator has their eye to the eyepiece, you call out “crossing”. This tells them that the image
they just saw go through the frame is not part of the shot they are designing for the director.
Avoid crossing the lens by waiting a moment or passing behind the camera if space allows.
Cut
Called by the director to stop the camera, sound, and action
Dailies
Refers to the crewmembers hired on a day-to-day basis as needed. It also refers to
the collection of footage shot on any given day that is regularly reviewed by the director, 1st AD,
director of photography (DOP) and producers.
Deal Memo
Refers to an individual’s contract made with the production company. It outlines
salary, screen credit, kit rental fees, and any other conditions agreed upon.
Distribution
Refers to paperwork that needs to be distributed to departments both in the
production office and on set. Often the set PA or 3rd AD is in charge of distributing the
paperwork to crew during the lunch break. It is also the term that refers to the marketing and
circulation of the project in theatres, TV networks or Internet
Dolly
Refers to a platform with wheels that has a mount for the camera.
Eye Line
Refers to the direction an actor is looking during a take. It is important to keep clear
of an actor’s eye line at all times to avoid possible disruption of the actor’s concentration.
Fire Watch
Refers to the duty of watching equipment and sets while the cast and crew are on
lunch break.
First Team
Refers to the actors in the scene.
Flashing
A verbal warning issued by anyone taking a digital photograph on set. This is called
out so that the gaffer and DOP do not think that one of their lights has malfunctioned and
burned out. It’s also a warning to crew to not look directly into the flash.
Forced Call
Refers to a call where the required amount of turnaround is not provided.