A phrase used to describe the next-to-last shot of the day. (See Martini Shot)
The “Creative” members of the production team, such as the Director, Writer, Actors and Producer. The costs of their services appear on the top half of the budget summary, above a heavy line, which divides the page; hence those few who are “Above the Line.”
In television and commercial production, the specific date on which a series episode, a TV commercial, or a television movie is to be aired, broadcasted, or televised.
The staging area for equipment and large vehicles when filming in one or more nearby locations; or when parking adjacent to the filming Location is not possible. Basecamp can be the site of activities not directly related to the filming process, such as a holding area for the extras or caterers.
(aka Blank Cartridges) An explosive charge used in guns for the movies, to give the effect of shooting a gun or rifle.
A set, hand prop, or other item (such as a beer bottle, chair, table, or window) designed and constructed to break in a specific and harmless way upon cue.
A printed form specifying all scenes to be filmed the next day, listing crew members, phone numbers, directions to the location, special notes, and equipment required to film those particular scenes on a given day.
The precise time that an individual member of the cast or crew is expected to report to location and to be ready to work.
(aka Insert Car) Usually, a large pick-up truck is designed and specifically rigged to carry camera equipment and crew as a camera mount.
A filming day in which the morning is devoted to filming at one location; then just before (or after) lunch, the cast and crew move to a second location for the remainder of the day. (See Split Day)
An alternative set or location to be used if bad weather or unexpected problems forces a cancellation of filming of any scenes that were planned for that day.
Any scene filmed outside, and not in an enclosed building, structure, or stage.
A non-profit public benefit organization, it’s the official film office of the city and county of Los Angeles. FilmLA is your one-stop-shop for acquiring a film permit in Palmdale and the greater Los Angeles area.
The legal license issued by FilmLA, LA county’s governing organization which authorizes a Production Company to legally film specifically determined scenes as outlined and designated within the description of said Film Permit.
The primary cast and crew: The individuals needed for filming scenes that require recording dialogue.
(aka Jenny) Electrical power for a production when filming on location.
The use of real and artificial plants, bushes, and trees to dress a set; often used on location to hide or camouflage equipment.
A green backdrop to allow for digital effects.
A large “moving-van-size” trailer containing large restrooms and toilets for the Crew as well as small dressing rooms (often with a desk and a bed) for supporting (non-A-List) Actors. Unused dressing rooms are often used as “on Location” offices for Department heads.
A set that is completely ready for filming. It can also refer to a set in which the crew has broken for lunch in the middle of filming a scene.
Filming inside a building or structure, generally using artificial light.
Intermittent Traffic Control is when the production requires uniformed police officers, or highway patrol officers, to stop and hold traffic on a road in one or both directions for a period, generally not to exceed five minutes, to film a scene on a street or freeway.
Any place away from the studio which is used as a background for filming.
A vehicle the transportation department has provided to be filmed as a prop vehicle in the story.
The process and period of time in a production schedule in which the film is processed, cut and assembled into all the scenes required in order to deliver the finished print.
A workday preceding a filming day; used for a variety of purposes, including set construction, set dressing, and/or the pre-rigging of Lights or Grip equipment.
All the activity leading up to the first day of Filming. This includes budgeting; casting Actors; creating a Shooting Schedule; Script changes; Set design & construction; Prop and Set Dressing rentals; Costume rentals and Fittings; and the final choices of Locations.
Generic term for all types of film, TV, commercials, music videos, infomercials, advertising shoots and other forms of film projects. Also refers to that portion of the schedule that starts on the first day of filming and ends on the last day of principal photography.
(aka Property) Movable hand-held objects for use on a set (ie, keys, cell phone, cigarettes, etc.).
The command called out by the ADs at the beginning of filming a scene or a shot. This means no talking or movement on set while filming.
When a shoot day goes over 12 hours a “Second Meal” arrives.
A prefabricated partial set that is usually built-in sections by the art department’s construction crew and eventually assembled in advance at a location.
(aka Filming) Using a motion picture camera for filming, ie “shooting a picture.”
(aka Take) One use of the camera for a single angle or part of a scene.
(aka Clapboard) Consists of a short stick with black and white stripes hinged above a wood tablet with information regarding the shot being filmed (date, scene #, take #, project title and director.) It helps synchronize the picture with the sound during editing.
The wheeled cabinet on which the sound department recording equipment is kept and placed to allow easy movement and repositioning on set or location.
A large building specifically designed for the filming of motion pictures.
A production day split between two or more locations. (See Company Move)
The removal or dismantling or change of a set or equipment from a location or Stage at the end of a shot or shoot.
This is when a director, producer, and department heads visit and evaluate a potential location.
An area set aside during the filming of TV commercials for the director and producers–consisting of director chairs, a craft service table, and large flat screen TVs with a “video-tap” showing on the TVs exactly what the camera sees.
Wetting down streets and sidewalks for filming to reflect the glow of streetlights and neon signs.
A term that describes any portion of a set that has been specifically designed and built in such a way that it can easily be removed. (See Set Pieces)
“That’s a wrap!” signals that the day of filming is over.
Responsible for the “look” and overall feel, atmosphere, and style of the Film. Designs the “Sets” and often helps choose the Locations. On larger film productions, this task is often shared with the Production Designer; then the Art Director becomes the “foreman” of the Art Department, overseeing every aspect from Set Construction to Prop selection and making sure the Set Dressing department has “dressed” the set appropriately for up-coming scenes.
Under the direction of the DP, the AC’s load film, keep the actors in focus, change lenses, and film magazines. They keep cameras clean and in proper working condition.
The director’s “right arm”, the 1st AD assists with the Cast and works as the intermediary between the Director, Cast and Crew. The 1st AD “runs the set” and oversees all aspects of the production to keep filming on schedule. The 2nd AD coordinates background atmosphere and is responsible for making and distributing call sheets, as well as other tasks.
(aka Extras & Background) Actors and people with non-speaking roles in the background of a shot.
In the lighting electrical department, this is the first assistant to the gaffer. In the grip department, this is the first assistant to the key grip.
Member of the sound crew who places the microphone, mounted onto a long hand-held pole (boom), as close as possible to the actors as they speak.
Member of the camera crew who runs and maneuvers the camera under the direction of the (DP) Director of Photography.
Working under the direction of the art director, supervises the fabrication and construction of all the sets inside and outside the studio.
Designs and oversees the rental and/or fabrication of all the costumes and wardrobe for the film.
These are the people who set up tables with a constant supply of beverages and snacks on set.
The one with the overall responsibility for all the creative aspects of the production.
Works hand in hand with the director, selecting camera positions and film stock, supervises the “lighting” of scenes, the composition of the shots, and determines the use of filters.
Responsible for assembling all the raw material (filmed footage and sound recordings), and then constructs the required scenes in such a way that they all fit together in a coherent and visually interesting way.
The team members of the electric crew work under the direction of the gaffer, setting up the lights.
Also known as the Fire Safety Officer / Advisor. An FSO is always required when Pyrotechnics (explosions) are used during Special Effects shots; or when Guns are used (Blanks are fired) or in a scene with intense or dangerous stunts.
The chief lighting technician, the gaffer works under the direction of the Director of Photography (DP) and oversees the placement and movement of the Lights before and after shooting.
The person(s) responsible for placing trees, bushes and flowers on the set or location, very often to hide equipment that would be in the shot.
The members of the grip department set up and install all the specialized hardware and equipment used in making a film.
The foreman of the grip department who works with the gaffer and the director of photography to delegate the various tasks required for the next series of shots and upcoming scenes.
Oversees all day-to-day aspects of the production, while trying to strictly adhere to the shooting schedule and still stay under budget.
Responsible for scouting the locations called for in the script and evaluating their suitability.
Hired by the production company to photograph numerous potential locations as needed to fit the visual requirements of the script and provide all contact information with the property owners for the company.
Head of the on set sound department.
This is the person who develops the project from start to finish.
Commonly known as a “PA”, production assistants work under the Production Manager (PM) or the second Assistant Director (2nd AD).
PA’s are the “runners” who do a wide variety of tasks for the production office or on set.
Member of production staff who works for the production manager or producer, and acts as liaison between the production office and all other departments.
Working very closely with the director, they are responsible for the overall look and atmosphere of the film.
(aka UPM (Unit Production Manager)) Working with the Line Producer, the “PM” is the on-site executive in charge of all the financial, administrative, and physical details of the production.
The person responsible for all the objects that are handled by Actors in a scene.
Person licensed by the State and the ATF (U.S. Dept. of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms), to transport, purchase, handle and use materials that have the potential to ignite, burn or explode.
A highly skilled artist, capable of painting a variety of simulated and faux finishes on a wide range of surfaces to achieve the required illusion necessary for the shot.
Responsible for keep extremely detailed notes for every take.
The director of a small film crew “unit” which shoots shots and scenes that do not require or involve the principal actors.
The person who rents and/or buys the “set dressing” (furniture and decorations).
Directs members in the art department as to the placement of furniture and objects used to “dress” the set.
(SFX) are members of the “effects Crew.”
A person who usually looks very similar to a leading actor or actress who “stands in” while camera and equipment is adjusted in preparation for filming.
Person who plans out and choreographs action and stunt sequences.
Members of the cast who perform dangerous stunts, who also resemble the actors.
A team of crew members that work on a set before and after filming.
A certified teacher available on set to provide education and to be present if a child actor is a part of production.
Responsible for the coordination of all the drivers and trucks for each department.
Person in charge of managing all the costumes.