Some commonly used terms in our industry

We thought it might be useful to give an explanation to some of the terms used in our industry which. These terms are used as part of our training. But you can always refer to this page as an easy reminder.

A–Frame

Piece of equipment used to tow an action vehicle while filming takes place around the vehicle.

A Team

The Actors – normally referred to as this on set – “Lets get the A Team Back on” rather than the Stand ins who are often referred to as the B Team, The Actors can also be referred to as the 1st Team and the stand ins as the 2nd Team on set.

Back On

Usually said on set after lunch as in ‘We are back on’ by the AD department to ask the crew to return to work.

Cast Part Number

This is the number given to each Character part in a film. Used in the Schedule as easy reference to see who is in what scene.

Copy That or Copy

Usually said on the Walkie Talkie to let the person speaking know that you have got the message and you have understood.

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Dance Floor

A floor made from boards laid down by the Standby Construction team for the grip. The Dance floor creates a smooth surface for the dolly to be moved across.

Dolly

Used by the Grip to create smooth flowing movement for the camera, usually along a track or on a dance floor. There are different dollys used during a production depending on the movement needed, the grip and the budget of the film.

EPK

Electronic Press Kit – Shooting behind the scenes for press release.

Honey Wagon

Portable toilets at Unit Base or on the Set. Usually the most asked question ‘Where is the Honey wagon?

Hot Set

Nobody is to move anything on the set as it is strict continuity. Usually announced as crew walk away from the set and return to it later. Photographs are usually taken by prop, art and continuity departments.

Lock Off

When a road or an area needs to be cleared of people or vehicles moving through that are not part of the film action. Then you will be asked to help with the “Lock Off” of that area. ‘Keep it locked up’ means don’t release anything after a take as they may be going straight away again and there is no time to let people move about.

On Boarding

Usually via an outside company, paperwork, such as contracts and start forms, is sent out via electronic communication to allow each Crew Member to start work.

Release the Red

Said in the studio by the 1st AD to let everyone know that the shot has finished and people can now enter, leave or move around the stage. The person operating the Red Light and Bell System on hearing the 1st AD would turn the Red light off and ring the bell twice. People waiting outside the stage will see the red light go out at the entry point to the stage and would know that they are safe to enter the stage.

Scratch Cue

A cue used over the radio to cue action whilst the camera is shooting, usually given by the 1stAD. Achieved by scratching the area of the Walkie Talkie/Radio where you would speak into.

Spin the Dial

Turn the dial of the Walkie Talkie/Radio and relay information to each department via their allocated walkie talkie channel.

Trailers / Winnies / Winniebagos / Hutches / Traps

These are the terms used to describe the private dressing area at the Unit Base where the actors also dress, relax and wait to be called onto the Set. They will often have breakfast and lunch in their trailer.

Unit Call

What time the majority crew should be on Set for, having had breakfast.

Walkie Talkies / Radios

The main communication system between the Ads and the rest of the crew. Each department should have their own channel so that the airwaves don’t get blocked.

We’re Back On

Usually said after lunch break meaning everybody should get back on set and back to work.