Basic Film Terms [You Need To Know]

Small film crew shooting a scene

Starting work in the film industry can be both exciting and intimidating. There are so many new things to learn on a film set. Making a film has a unique work ethic, etiquette, and even its own production language.

Over the past hundred years, certain slang terms have developed during filming; these terms can alter depending on your country and region.

In this article, we go over all the different terms and vocabulary you need to know to survive your first day.

Calling the Role

Firstly, if you’ve never worked on a professional film set before, you might be uncertain about how a shot is called.

Unlike popular belief on most film sets, the director does not shout ‘Action’. This is called by the 1st Assistant Director.

The 1st AD is in charge of making sure that the film is shot on time; when filming is about to start, they will indicate this with a series of calls that go as follows:

CallWhat Does It Mean?
1. Last LooksThe 1st AD shouts ‘Last Looks‘ which lets the crew and cast know that the camera is soon to be rolling. It’s the last chance for makeup to be checked, props to be placed, and for the camera department to get set up.
2. Quiet PleaseOften, the 1st AD will shout ‘Quiet Please’ right before the camera turns over. This allows the atmosphere to settle down and for sound to get ready.
3. Turn OverWhen everyone is ready and recording, the 1st AD will now shout ‘Action’. The scene will be performed and the Director will shout ‘Cut’. The only other time anyone else says cut is if there is a potential danger to the actors or major equipment failure.
4. ActionWhen everyone is ready and recording, the 1st AD will now shout ‘Action’. The scene will be performed and the Director will shout ‘Cut’. The only other time anyone else says cut is if there is a potential danger to the actors or major equipment failure.

Other Common Film Terms

Here is a short collection of the most common film set terminology:

TermWhat Does It Mean?
Apple BoxA wooden box used by the grip department. These boxes come in different sizes and are used to prop up or support lighting and camera equipment.
A.D.RAutomatic Dialogue Replacement, also called dubbing. Often during production dialogue can not be recorded clearly, and is pre-recorded at a later date.
BlockingRehearsing a scene with the actors on location. The director blocks the scene so that the camera positions can be decided based on the actor’s performance.
BlondeA 2000 watt open face light, in film lighting it’s used for lighting large areas
Call sheetA list of the days work schedule and what time everyone is needed on set. Typically you will get the call sheet via email or print, on the day before shooting.
CraftyCraft service, the widely used name for catering on film sets.
DailiesA dolly is a cart on a track that is used to create smooth camera movements. The camera is mounted on the cart, and a dolly grip will push the cart back and forth.
DollyA dolly is a cart on a track that is used to create smooth camera movements. The camera is mounted on the cart and a dolly grip will push the cart back and forth.
End BoardWhen a scene is boarded at the end of a shot and not at the start. The board is also held upside down and a camera assistant will shout ‘End Board’.
GreenIt is a term used to describe people who are new to the film industry.
Green ScreenA special effect technique where a green backdrop is used to make it easier to add new backgrounds. This post-production process is called Chroma Keying.
GateThe 1st AD will often shout ‘Check the Gate’ on set. The gate is the part of the camera that sits between the lens and the film. You check the gate to make sure there is no hair or dust on the film. This is also done when shooting digital.
JuicerA Juicer is a nickname for an electrician, also called a Spark
LegsThe tripod legs, also occasionally referred to ask Sticks.
Last LooksA phrase used by the 1st AD onset, indicating the last chance to check actors and set equipment before the camera starts rolling.
Magic HourThe hour before sunset when natural light is at its best and the sky is golden. Often the director of photography will want to film some shots during this hour.
M.O.SMute On Sound, if sound can not be recorded MOS is written on the camera board to inform the editor that no audio has been captured for this shot.
Pick UpsAdditional shots to be filmed at a later date. Shots are picked up later if they can not be filmed on the scheduled shooting day.
Unit BaseWhere costume, make-up, catering, and the casts trailers are all located.
RecceVisting a location before filming commences. The director and the head of departments will do a recce of the locations before production begins.
Red HeadA 800-1000 watt open face light, commonly used on film sets.
RunnersA film runner is an entry-level job role in the film industry. Runners do basic jobs that require little training such as cleaning the set and making tea and coffee.
SidesScript pages of today’s scenes to be shot, in shooting order, usually printed onto A5 paper. You will be given Sides at the start of every shooting day.
ScriptyThe nickname for the script supervisor on set.
Squiba small explosive device that is attached to an actor to give the impression of them being shot. The special effects technician will be in charge of these on set.
TalentA nickname for all actors on set.
Video VillageThe place where the monitor goes on set gets its name from the number of people that stand around it (many of whom don’t have to be there).

Wrapping Up

In short, learning basic film terms can help you understand what other crew members are saying and progress within your role as quickly as possible. These are the most common ones, but you might find more when you’re a set, so keep your ears open.

Picture of Amy Clarke
Amy Clarke
Amy is a filmmaker, former script supervisor and career advisor. She has a BA in Film Production and 8 years experience working on independent films. She also runs her own website dedicated to helping people starting out in the film industry.
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