Abby / Abby Singer
The second-to-last shot of the day.
On setLearn / Glossary
Reference · 132 terms
What people on set are saying.
Nobody explains the language on a set, so here it is: UK usage and grade names, by department. Terms with a film show a thumbnail; press it to watch.
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A
Action
Cue for performance to begin (called by the director, or by the 1st AD on their behalf).
On setADR
Dialogue re-recorded in a studio after the shoot.
Post and VFX
Watch · 9:39: What Actually Happens in an ADR Session (A Tour + Real Talk), by Mastering Post-Production SoundAPOC
Assistant production coordinator.
Production and ADs
Watch · 55:53: #9: Mike Saxon, APOC - Mastering Production Roles: Communication, Discretion, and Problem-Solving, by Filmmaking FramedApple box
Wooden box for raising people or kit.
Lighting and gripAssembly
First cut in script order.
Post and VFXAtmos
Atmosphere, meaning room tone (sound) or haze.
Sound
B
Background / SAs
Supporting artists ("extras").
Production and ADsBack to one / first positions
Reset to the start of the take.
On setBarn doors
Hinged flaps that shape a lamp's beam.
Lighting and gripBase
Short for unit base.
Production and ADsBest boy
The gaffer's second (lighting), or the key grip's second (best boy grip).
Lighting and grip
Watch · 1:57: What's The Difference Between A Gaffer/Best Boy/Electric?, by Double ShadowsBlocking
Working out actor and camera moves.
On set
Watch · 4:55: Film Blocking Tutorial — Filmmaking Techniques for Directors: Ep3, by StudioBinderBoom
Pole microphone.
Sound
Watch: What A Boom Operator Does On Set: Crew Breakdown, by In Depth CineBox rental
Fee for your own kit or tools, kept separate from labour.
Production and ADsBreakaway
Prop made to break safely.
Safety, SFX and stuntsBreakdown
Script analysis by department, or ageing a costume or prop.
Production and ADs
Watch · 13:41: Script Breakdown 101, by RocketJump Film School
C
Call sheet
The next day's plan, issued each evening.
Production and ADs
Watch · 5:47: What is a Call Sheet — What Goes On It and Why, by StudioBinder AcademyCall time
The time you start work, not the time you leave home.
Production and ADsCamera report
Log of takes and settings.
Camera
Watch · 13:18: Camera Reports - A How-To Video, by FlickCart
Camera or sound trolley.
CameraChargehand
Working supervisor of a crew section (lighting, props, construction).
Lighting and gripCheat
Move something slightly for the frame.
On setChecking the gate / checking the take
Confirming the take is technically good.
CameraClean plate
The shot without actors.
Post and VFXClearances
Permission for brands, artwork and music on screen.
Production and ADsComp
Compositing.
Post and VFX
Watch · 34:13: Introduction To Nuke Compositing: Beginner’s Guide to Professional VFX, by ActionVFXCompany move
Moving the whole unit during the day.
Production and ADsConform
Rebuilding the edit at full quality.
Post and VFX
Watch · 9:29: Conforming an EDL/XML in Resolve - Free Assets, by Luke Ross PostContinuity
Keeping details consistent between shots; also the script supervisor's job.
On set
Watch: How to Avoid a Continuity Disaster, by StudioBinder AcademyCost report
Weekly spend against budget.
Production and ADs
Watch · 12:47: What Is A Cost Report, by TheProducersDeskCoverage
The set of shots that cover a scene.
On set
Watch: How to Film a Scene 101: Camera Settings to Coverage, by Film RiotCrossing
Warning that you are walking through frame or light.
On setCrowd
Large background call; also the crowd ADs, costume and HMU teams.
Production and ADsCut
Stop the take.
On setCWD
Continuous working day, with no sit-down lunch and a shorter day.
Production and ADs
D
Dailies
Extra crew hired by the day; also the US word for rushes.
Post and VFX
Watch · 1:03:09: From DITs to dailies: data management for high-end TV, by ScreenSkillsDeal memo
Written terms agreed before you start.
Production and ADs
Watch · 3:45: What is a "deal memo" in the indie film business?, by FilmtractsDe-rig
Taking a rig or set of lamps down.
Lighting and gripDesk
Lighting control console.
Lighting and gripDistro
Power distribution.
Lighting and grip
Watch · 16:26: Meet The Gaffer #39: Basic Distro, by Meet The GafferDIT
Digital imaging technician.
Camera
Watch · 15:41: Set Day In The Life of a DIT, by Aeleon FilmsDolly
Wheeled camera platform.
Lighting and grip
Watch · 1:36:39: Dolly Grip Q&A w/ John Mang and Mitch Dubin, by Dolly Grip 101DoP
Director of photography.
Camera
Watch · 4:07: ‘Heartstopper’ DoP Simona Susnea shares lessons from her journeys behind the camera, by PanavisionDouble
Stand-in performer for action.
On setDPR
Daily progress report.
Production and ADsDressing
Set dressing.
Art and propsDub / mix
Final sound mix.
Post and VFX
E
EDL
Edit decision list.
Post and VFXEyeline
Where an actor looks.
On set
F
Facilities ("facs")
Trailers, catering, toilets.
Production and ADsFirst positions
Where the take starts.
On setFitting
Costume try-on.
Costume and HMU
Watch · 7:43: Measurements and Costume Fittings for Theater or Film, by Augmented ActorFlag
Black panel that cuts light.
Lighting and grip
Watch · 9:27: Flags & Negative Fill | NANLITE × Rob Ellis, by Nanlite GlobalFlat
Set wall panel.
Art and propsFloor
The shooting area; also floor crew.
On setFloor runner
AD-department runner on set.
Production and ADs
Watch: What a Floor Runner ( SET PA ) does on Film and TV Sets - AD DEPARTMENT, by EG TIPSFoley
Performed sound effects.
Post and VFX
Watch · 15:16: Inside the Pinewood Foley Studio | BAFTA Guru, by BAFTA Guru
G
Gaffer
Head of the electrical department.
Lighting and grip
Watch · 9:40: What A Gaffer Does On Set: Crew Breakdown, by In Depth CineGel
Coloured filter for lamps.
Lighting and grip
Watch · 10:43: Color Correction Lighting Gels | Lee Master Location Pack Overview (Part 1), by Creative Path FilmsGenny
Generator.
Lighting and gripGoing again
Another take.
On setGrade
Colour correction (post); also a job grade.
Post and VFX
Watch · 18:59: What is Color Grading?, by Cullen Kelly
H
Hand prop
Prop an actor handles.
Art and propsHero (prop/costume)
The close-up version.
Art and propsHMU
Hair and make-up.
Costume and HMU
Watch · 2:21: Working in film and TV: Learn about the hair and make-up department from Jess Taylor, by Screen YorkshireHOD
Head of department.
On setHoneywagon
Toilet trailer.
Production and ADsHot set
Set in use or mid-scene; don't touch.
Art and props
K
Key
The senior person in a team (key grip, key PA, key 2nd).
On set
L
Last looks
Final HMU and costume check before a take.
Costume and HMULay track
Put down dolly track.
Lighting and gripLined script
Script marked with tramlines.
On set
Watch · 2:35: How To Make A Lined Script, by Film It YourselfLocation agreement
Contract with the owner.
Locations
Watch · 2:42: Location Releases - Entertainment Law Asked & Answered, by Gordon FiremarkLock it up / lock-off
Stop movement and noise; hold the public.
On setLow loader
Trailer that carries a car for driving shots.
Lighting and grip
M
Mag / card
Recording medium.
Camera
Watch · 6:54: HOW TO LOAD A 35MM ARRI 435 CAMERA MAGAZINE | TUTORIAL, by SILBERSALZ35 & LABMagic hour
Brief low, warm light at dawn or dusk.
CameraMark it
The call for the slate once camera and sound are rolling. The 2nd AC reads the scene and take aloud and claps the sticks in shot. "Second sticks" if the first clap was missed; "end board" if it's done at the end of the take.
CameraMarks
Actor or camera positions taped on the floor.
CameraMartini
The last shot of the day.
On setMatchmove
Recreating camera movement digitally.
Post and VFX
Watch · 12:35: A Beginner's Guide to Camera Tracking in Blender 4.0, by Jacob ZirkleM&E
Music and effects track.
Post and VFXMMP
Major Motion Picture (the Pact/Bectu film agreement).
Production and ADsMovement order
Directions to locations and base.
LocationsMoving on
The setup is done.
On setMultiples
Identical copies of a costume or prop.
Art and props
N
ND
Neutral density filter.
Camera
Watch · 4:27: How ND Filters Make Footage Look Cinematic, by StudioBinder Academy
P
Pencil
Provisional hold on dates.
Production and ADsPetty cash / float
Cash advance to reconcile.
Production and ADsPick-up
Restarting a take part-way.
On setPicture lock
No more picture changes.
Post and VFXPlate
Live-action footage for VFX.
Post and VFXPractical
Lamp visible in shot.
Lighting and gripPre-call
Call earlier than unit call.
Production and ADsPre-light / pre-rig
Lighting or rigging before the unit arrives.
Lighting and gripPrep
Preparation days or weeks; also camera prep at the rental house.
On setProperty master
Head of the props department.
Art and props
Watch · 3:43: Stuff Filmmakers should know - What is a Props Master?, by PaulMcGhiePyro
Pyrotechnics.
Safety, SFX and stunts
R
RAMS
Risk assessment and method statement.
Safety, SFX and stunts
Watch · 11:22: HOW TO Do a Risk Assessment ✅ Template Tutorial, by Safeti | Your Trusted Health and Safety PartnerRecce
Visit to assess a location (tech recce: the HODs' visit).
Locations
Watch · 8:15: What is a Film Recce?, by FlickRehearsal
Run-through before shooting.
On set
Watch · 3:39: How To Run An Acting Rehearsal - Film Directing 101, by Film It YourselfReinstatement
Returning a location to its original state.
LocationsRigging
Fixing equipment to structures.
Lighting and gripRoll sequence
The order of calls on every take: "Turnover" (1st AD) → "Speed" (sound) → "Rolling" (camera) → "Mark it" (2nd AC claps) → "Set" (operator, once framed) → "Action" (director). The words vary a little from one 1st AD to the next; the order doesn't. Nobody moves or speaks between turnover and cut unless it's their job.
On setRoom tone
Recorded silence of a space.
Sound
Watch · 16:22: #1 - The difference between: Room Tone, Wild Tracks and more.., by Matt Price (Soundrolling)Roto
Tracing shapes frame by frame.
Post and VFX
Watch · 6:27: Next-Gen Roto, Tracking and Paint: Boris FX Silhouette 2026 Tour, by Boris FXRun of show
Engaged for the whole production.
Production and ADsRushes
The day's footage.
Post and VFX
Watch · 14:02: Avid Basics - Quick guide to sync'ing rushes!, by The Avid Assistant
S
Second unit
Smaller unit shooting action, inserts or scenery.
On setSides
Small copies of the day's script pages.
Production and ADsSlate
Clapperboard; also the setup number.
Camera
Watch · 6:00: How To Slate On Set | Clapperboard Tutorial for 2nd ACs, by Deity MicrophonesSpeed
Sound recording is running.
SoundSplinter unit
Small extra unit running alongside the main unit.
On setStandby
Crew stationed on the floor during shooting; also "ready".
On setStems
Separate final mix tracks.
Post and VFXStory day
The in-story day a scene takes place.
On setStrike
Clear a set or remove an item.
Art and propsSWD
Standard working day (with lunch).
Production and ADs
T
Tail slate / end board
Slate at the end of a take.
CameraTimecode
Clock data that syncs picture and sound.
Sound
Watch · 10:07: How to Jam Sync Timecode Generators (Tentacle/Deity/Sound Devices), by Creative Video TipsTramlines
Lines on the script showing coverage.
On setTurnaround
Rest between wrap and next call (11 hours under the Pact/Bectu TV terms).
Production and ADsTurning around
Re-pointing camera to the reverse angle.
On setTurnover
Start rolling (floor); hand off a locked cut.
On set
U
Unit base
Trucks, trailers and catering away from set.
Production and ADsUnit call
Start time for the whole unit.
Production and ADs
V
Video village
Monitor area for the director and clients.
On set
W
Wet-down
Soaking a street for night shine.
Safety, SFX and stuntsWild track / wild line
Sound or dialogue recorded without picture.
SoundWatch · 16:22: #1 - The difference between: Room Tone, Wild Tracks and more.., by Matt Price (Soundrolling)Wild wall
Removable set wall.
Art and propsWrap
End of the day or production; "wrapped on" means a person is released.
On set
Informal names map to grades. A clapper loader is a 2nd AC, a focus puller a 1st AC, a spark an electrician or lighting technician, a best boy the gaffer's second (or, in grip, the key grip's). US co-productions say "DP" for DoP, "dailies" for rushes and "scout" for recce; "location scout" is also a UK job title. Spotted a term that's missing or wrong? Tell us at [email protected].