Need-to-Know Film Set Lingo
The first days, or weeks, on a film set can be overwhelming. There’s so much to do and so much to learn, and if you don’t know essential film set lingo, you’re going to find yourself struggling to understand what’s going on and what’s expected of you.
Many different hand signals, terms, and slang phrases or lingo are used on the set throughout the shoot. We’re breaking them down for you in this need to know film set lingo guide.
Film Set Hand Signals
First, you may not even realize that hand signals are a big part of communication on the film set, but they really are! In fact, whenever cameras are rolling, you’ll find hand signals the next best thing to speaking – and since they won’t interrupt the set, you’re good to go if you know how to use them!
Crew members should know the following hand signals:
Counting
A one-handed signal that shows simple numeric details such as the lens focal length or other details, counting with your fingers straight up signifies the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 whereas when your fingers are horizontal they signify the numbers 6, 7, 8, 9. And a closed hand is the signal for either zero or ten.
Bathroom
Two fists that are closed next to each other in a twisting motion is the hand signal that you’ll use to state you are going to the bathroom. The idea is to show a sign as if you were tearing a book. This is also commonly used just before the next hand signal which is to “cover me” while I’m gone.
Cover Me
This hand signal represents a hand palm down over your head and tells the other crew members that you need to step out for a minute and need them to cover you while your gone.
Film Set Lingo
Now that you know the hand terms and motions, let’s take a look at the top film set lingo. The following terms are used on the film set frequently and may seem outlandish or impossible to understand if you’re new.
CP-47
This is the term used to describe a wooden clothes pin. These are ideal for attaching gels and other diffusion elements to barndoors.
Banana
Not a yellow fruit, but the term used to tell an actor that when he or she is moving either towards or away from the lens they should use an arched walk so that they can establish a view in the frame at the exact moment required in a natural appearance on camera.
Apple Box
This is the term used to describe a universal box that is closed on all sides but includes essential finger grips cut into two opposite sides so that it can be easily carried, set up, or moved for placement around the set in which it can be sat on stood upon, or otherwise used to prop platforms or other items.
Check the Gate
The term used to describe the need for the camera assistant to check the aperture plate, gate of the film camera to determine if there is debris or something else getting in the way of the image.
This film set lingo is not always used if film cameras are not on the set but can be used to signify the need to check the last seconds of a shot that was captured to make sure that the recording captured both picture and sound.
Choker
This is the term used to describe a shot in which the placement is at the bottom of the frame so as to cut an actor off below the chin in the frame.
Crossing
The term used when someone is to cross in front of the camera – make sure you say it before you do it and try your best NOT do have to say it at all!
Cutter
The film set lingo used to describe a flag that will essential “cut” the light from the area in which the shoot is taking place so that there can be a less defined edge.
Flying In
Someone is on their way to the film set, quickly.
F.A.S.T.
The term used to describe the Focus, Aperture, Shutter, and Tachometer. The 1st camera assistant is responsible for all of these elements.
Greek
A film set lingo term used to describe changing the name of a product that is used in the shoot so that it doesn’t show a trademarked product name.
Hollywood
To hold something by hand rather than to set up a stand for it. Crew members may “hollywood” small lights, bounce cards or other items to allow for rapid and easy adjustment.
Hot Points
A safety term used by grips to describe hazards nearby.
Mickey or Mighty
Terms that are true film set lingo used to describe open face light fixtures that were originated by Mole-Richardson.
Martini Shot
The final shot of the day. Isn’t everyone about ready for a martini as this point?
MOS
Motor Out-of-Sync is the term but it stands for shooting shots that will be used as inserts. MOS helps people to understand why it’s okay to be talking during the shoot since it’s just to be used as an insert.
Negative Fill
The film set lingo used to describe the use of a flag or other object to reduce the light that is coming in on the subject in the frame.
Obie Light
A small light that is mounted on top of the camera and has the ability to produce a reflection in the eyes of the actor.
OTS
Said exactly as it is spelled O – T – S this film set lingo is used to tell the cast to capture an over the shoulder shot.
Pickup
Term used to request another take but only of a particular part of the shot. Generally pickup refers to capturing the take from somewhere after the beginning.
Roll Sound
Film set lingo used to tell the Assistant Director to start audio and then for the camera to start rolling they will say “Roll Camera” or Turnover.
Room Tone
This is the lingo used to describe when capturing the sound of a room. There is no video footage, just the sounds of what is taking place.
Single, Double, Triple, Homerun
These are the need to know film set lingo that is used to discuss nets and scrims or wires on the set that can be incorporated in to limit the amount of light that is on a subject.
Single references a darkening effect, double darkens to a full stop, and to get a stronger you would ask for a triple or homerun which is a single and a double or two doubles, respectively.