Film Set Terminology 101

Filmmakers, those working the film set, and even backstage crew members must know essential film set terminology in order to ensure that not only can they understand what’s being said around them but also that they can read and understand important documentation around the set or studio.

With film sets being literally a mecca for various film set terminology and oddball words or phrases, if you’re new to the film set and haven’t had a chance to study a bit you could find that those around you appear to be speaking another language almost.

Lingo on the film set

Knowing the essential lingo on the film set will help you to be prepared for your time on the set. Whether you’re working as a first time crew member or you’ll have an actual role in the film, the following film set terminology will help you to feel more comfortable with film set conversations the next time your on the set.

Above the Line and Below the Line

Referencing the film budget sheet, above the line and below the line are terms that describe the placement of an expense in the budget.

Above the line expenses are those that reference people and the associated expenses relative to them.

Above the line expenses include the screenwriter salary, producer salary, and director salary as well as actor salaries. 

Below the link expenses reference the items that apply to the remaining on-set crew. This covers everything else from food, fuel, and things like wardrobe expenses and travel all come into play.

Think of above the line as management expenses and below the line as everything else.

Blocking

Coordinating actor moves in relation to the camera. This is similar to choreography for the character and the camera. How will they work together?

Call Sheet

The term used to describe the list of key details that are based on the director’s essential information. The call sheet is based off the shot list and is the schedule of cast and crew that are to be “called” for that particular shot or for a full-day’s shots.

A daily call sheet contains information regarding all of the scenes or shots from the original shot list being shot that day a well as those involved and their call times. You’ll also find information regarding the weather, nearest hospital, and other tiny details in the call sheet.

Call Time

This is the precise time that an actor or crew member should be present on the film set. Don’t mistake your call time for someone else’s!

10/100

Sometimes called 10/1, this is the term used to let those on set that you’re taking a break to use the restroom. Instead of announcing “restroom” you’re going to say 10/100 or 10/1. 

First Unit

This film set terminology is used to describe those who are responsible for shooting the most important scenes of the film, first unit is essentially responsible for the main actors and shoots the primary stars of the film in larger scale productions where there are lead actors and those with secondary roles.

Second Unit

Self-explanatory after understanding the “first unit” the second unit is the secondary team in which any supplemental footage is required, the second unit will capture it. They are also responsible for supplemental shots that can accompany the first unit footage. 

Craft Services

Sometimes referred to as Crafties, this is the team that is responsible for providing snacks and meals or food of various sorts to the crew.

Dailies

This is the end of day footage that has been organized and assembled for review by the director and other staff at night. Dailies help the crew to ensure that each important shot was captured and that there are no technical issues that could result in a missed shot while on set.

Hot Points

Used by the grips to let others on the film set know that they are nearby and carrying some type of equipment, generally hot points reference some equipment that could be potentially dangerous if ran into or touched–such as a hot light, or a light stand which could impair a crew member without proper safety precautions.

Hot Set

This is the term used to describe a set that is ready for filming or that has already been in the process of filming and thus nothing should be moved or adjusted.

Rolling

The term used to reference cameras that are current shooting film. When rolling, everyone on set should be quiet until the buzzer or bell signifies that the shot is done.

Last Looks

This is the term used to reference hair and makeup when a scene is to be filmed and touch ups will be necessary. It essentially means that now is the time to make those correctly and is sometimes used to reference entire crew touch ups rather than just for hair, wardrobe and makeup.

Martini Shot

This is the final shot of the day and signifies that the entire cast and crew can get ready to leave. Crew will pack gear that is not in use and prepare to exit.

Picture’s Up

This is the term used to direct cameras to prepare to roll and capture a shot.

Sticks

A reference to a tripod on the film set, sticks will be referred to when both the legs and the top or head of the tripod is required.

Stinger

A single extension cord that may be placed somewhere or may be required on the film set, stinger is the term.

Video Village

Directors and others involved in video production will use the term video village to describe the area that they use to view the set. This area will include monitors and chairs that allow the crew to visually see what the cameras see.

Wrap

This is the term used to describe the final shot or scene for the day. It may also be used to describe the final actor or the final item. “It’s a wrap” is something you’ll frequently hear on the film set.