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.
Frame
What the camera operator yells out to indicate he or she is lined up and ready for the
“ACTION” call.
General Crew Call
Refers to the time at the start of the shoot day when most of the cast and crew are expected on set and ready to work.
Grace
Refers to the time allowed before the scheduled lunch call to complete a shot already
in progress without incurring meal penalty.
Hold the Roll
Called by the 1st AD to stop the action temporarily because there is a brief hold
up. Crew, cast and BG (background performers) should maintain their positions
Hold the Work
Means to be quiet while rehearsing or that shooting is taking place.
Honeywagon
Refers to the trailer containing the assistant director’s office, washrooms, and
other portable dressing rooms for other cast members
Hot Set
Refers to a set where nothing should be touched in order to maintain continuity.
Shooting has started, but is not completed on this set.
Keyed In
When walkies pick up surrounding sounds while the unit is on and after a headset is
attached. Make sure your unit is turned off before attaching a headset.
Kill That
Refers to a noise that is disrupting the set or equipment and needs to be stopped or
turned off (i.e. “Kill that lawnmower” or “Kill that light”).
Lock It Up
Called by the 1st AD to ask that all noise, traffic, activity or action should be halted
because shooting is about to begin. Also, if in a studio environment, it refers to the “Bell and
Flashing Light” system that is to be activated so no one will ruin the take by walking through the
studio doors while filming is underway.
M.O.S.
Refers to the fact that the scene does not require any sound to be recorded. It comes
from the German expression “mit out sound” which means “without sound”.
Meal Penalty
This is when IATSE crewmembers are required to work through a portion of their scheduled lunch break that exceeds the 12 minutes provided for the “grace”.
Picture Vehicles
Refers to vehicles appearing on camera.
Pre-Call
Refers to a call time that is earlier than the general crew call.
Private Blocking
The process where a scene is mapped out by the director and cast. Other crew present during this is the director of photography, 1st AD, and script supervisor. Nothing has been lit and no other crew is present.
Process Trailer
Refers to a trailer that is towed by the camera car on top of which sits a
picture vehicle.
Public Blocking
The process where a scene is mapped out by the director and cast. All
remaining crew now join to observe what the director and cast have worked out in the private
blocking. This practice is very important since it provides specific details needed by the crew to
set up for each shot and shoot the scene. (also known as Crew Blocking)
Pushed or Pulled Call
A notice to the crew that the general call has been changed. It is “pushed” when moved to a later time, or “pulled” when it is re-scheduled for an earlier time. It appears as a red stamp on the top of the call sheet.
Rehearsal
The activity where the director supervises actors in a practice run after the lighting process is complete. The cameras and any other elements required for the shot are in place.
Roll Camera
Called by the 1st AD to the start camera rolling without sound.
Roll Sound/Turn Over
Called by the 1st AD and indicates to the sound mixer to start recording. The camera rolls right after sound has called “speed”.
Second Team
Refers to the actors’ stand-ins.
Second Unit
Refers to a smaller secondary crew with its own independent director and DOP
that usually shoots at locations different than the main unit. This unit can also do what’s
sometimes nicknamed “cleanup” at a location when the main unit has completed their main
actors’ shots. They will leave the stunts, special effects or other shots that do not require the
main cast to the second unit, as this is more cost-efficient.
Show-jumping
This occurs when someone departs a position on one active production for work on another production with little or no notice. When this takes place, employers, supervisors, and other crew members may view the departure as hasty and ill-timed.
Slates or Clapper
A small blackboard with spaces for the title of the production and other
shoot information. Once sound and camera are both up to speed, usually the 2nd AC slates the
shot with a clap of the two pieces of the board before calling “action”
Sparking
A verbal warning from lighting technicians when they are about to turn on a light.
Watch your eyes.
Speed
Called by the sound mixer when the sound recording device is rolling.
Splinter Unit
Refers to the part of the main unit of a production that breaks away to do other setups and shots close to or around the main unit. This does not mean other locations. Sometimes the director and director of photography can oversee the splinter unit during set up times away from the main unit.
The Abby Singer
Refers to the second last shot of the day. Also known as “The Abby”.
The Window Shot or Martini Shot
Refers to the last shot of the day.
Turnaround
Refers to the amount of time in an employee’s labour agreement that specifies the time between an individual’s wrap for the day and when they are to report for the next day.
Turnaround
Refers to the amount of time in an employee’s labour agreement that specifies
the time between an individual’s wrap for the day and when they are to report for the next day.
Turning Around
Refers to the fact that the camera will be shooting from the opposite direction in order to get coverage for the scene.
Visual Effects/CGI
Refers to the visual effects or to computer-generated images.
Walkie
Refers to the walkie-talkies used by most crew on set to communicate with one
another.
Walkie Check
Indicates someone is checking to see that his or her walkie-talkie is functioning
correctly.
Watch Your Back
A verbal warning said by someone coming through or around the set with a large object that could potentially hit someone.
What’s your 20?
Indicates someone wants to know your exact location.
Winnies
Refers to the large trailers or Winnebagos on set that house cast members, the
makeup, hair, or costume departments, the assistant director (AD) office and sometimes the
mobile production office.
Wrap
The time in which shooting is done for the day.
