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*ON SET INFO

*SAFETY ON THE SET USEFUL SET TERMS

USEFUL TERMS YOU ARE LIKELY TO HEAR ON A SET

Action – the command from the director for the scene to begin. It indicates that the camera is rolling and is the cue for the Principal Actors to start their actions

Adjustment – additional money added to a performer's base rate for performing additional tasks on set

Assistant Director (also called an AD) - A First Assistant Director is responsible for the preparation of the shooting schedule and script breakdown used to plan the shooting of a film or television show. The 1st AD works directly with the Director to manage the minute to minute operations on the set during the process of filming. Other duties include tracking the progress of filming versus the production schedule, observing all rules related to union crafts, labor contracts and location agreements, maintaining safety on the working set, and working with the Unit Manager to keep operational costs within the budgeted plan.
A Second Assistant Director is responsible for information distribution and reporting, cast notification and preparations during the shooting process, recording of all data relative to the working hours of the crew and cast, management of the background cast (atmosphere or "extras"), preparation of call sheets, production reports and other documentation. Extras generally get their cues and information from the 2nd AD.

Atmosphere – this is another term for an Extra.

Background Actor (also called BG) – this is another term for an Extra.

Background Action – the command from the Assistant Directors for Background Actors to begin their designated actions.
 

Back to one - the verbal cue for performers to return to the place ("mark") where they started their action from at the beginning of the scene.

Base camp – the area set up to accommodate all of the production trailers (hair & makeup, wardrobe, actor trailers, catering, etc.) and used as the home base for the shoot on a particular day. Extras are usually instructed to report to Base camp.

Blocking – the process during which the director and actors determine where on the set the actors will move and stand, so that lighting and camera placements may be set.

Body Double (often called a Photo Double) - for some shots, a director may consider that a particular actor's body may not be suitable for the impression desired. In these situations, the actor is "doubled" (replaced) by a person whose body is more suitable. Typically, body doubles are used for shots requiring nudity or depictions of physical fitness.

Booking - indication that you have been HIRED for work. You have been "booked" for work.

Booking Details – all of the information you need in order to be able to report for work. Booking Details include your call time, report to location, wardrobe information and anything else that will help you get to work and do your job properly.

Bump - additional money given to the talent for doing or bringing something extra. You will often be given a "bump" for use of your car or for performing a special skill.

Call Sheet - listing of which actors will be required for which scenes and when they will be required, as well as all necessary information for a shoot day. Call sheets are created by assistant directors.

Call Time - The actual time an actor/extra is due on the set.

Casting - the process of hiring actors/extras to play the characters in a script, typically done by a casting director, but with some input from a director, producer or studio.

Continuity - A detailed list of the events that occurred during the filming of a scene. Typically recorded are production/crew/extras identification, wardrobe specifics, camera settings, environmental conditions, the status of each take and exact details of the action that occurs. It is important to remember your every movement, what you are wearing and be on your mark when needed in order to maintain continuity.

Checking the gate - a verbal command to check the lens on the camera; if the lens is OK, the cast and crew will move on to the next scene or shot.

Craft Services – a common term used to describe the snack & drinks setup provided for talent working on set. There is usually a separate Crew and Extras Craft Services area and you will likely not be permitted to take snacks from the Crew table. Craft Services vary by set and range from VERY minimal to very well stocked – if you are concerned about what to expect, bring your own snacks.


Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls
 

Cut – a verbal cue for the action of the scene to stop.

Extra - a person who appears in a scene where a non-speaking character is required.

Extras Coordinator - the person in charge of the extras in holding and sometimes on set. Make sure to follow all of his/her instructions carefully.

Extras Holding - the designated area to which the extras report and stay while waiting to go on set.

Featured Extra - a term used to describe a non-speaking performer who is placed in a prominent position in the background or foreground of the major action of a scene.

Honeywagon - a trailer outfitted for and used as the dressing room and restrooms for talent and crew when on location shoots.

Lock it Up - a direction given by the assistant director for everyone on the set to be quiet, move out of frame, and to secure the set against anything or one interrupting the shot as it is happening.

Magic Hour - the minutes just around sunset and sunrise, where light levels change drastically and quickly, lending a warm orange glow to earlier shots and a clearer blue in later minutes that allows a crew to shoot night scenes while light still remains.

Mark - a place marking or denoting where to stand or start your action from. When working as a Stand-In, it is very important to remember the actor's marks and what/where they stood, sat, walked, etc.

Martini Shot - the last shot of the day's shoot... because the next "shot" is in a Martini glass.

New Deal - ready to move on to another scene or set up.

Out Time - the actual time you are released for the day ("wrapped"), after you have changed out of and returned wardrobe/props.

Photo Double - a non-speaking performer who is cast on camera in place of a principal actor based on their similarity (height, weight, hair color, features, etc.) to the actor.

Pick Up - starting a scene from a place other than the beginning.

Picture's Up – a verbal warning that the sequence of cues to shoot a scene is about to begin and everyone on set, including the crew, needs to be absolutely quiet. Usually called out right before "Rolling".

Principal Role - a part in which the performer is hired to speak on camera

Prop - anything an actor/extra touches or uses on the set; e.g. phones, guns, badges, food, cutlery, etc.

Quiet on the Set – be absolutely QUIET.

Rolling - the verbal cue for the camera film and audio tape to start rolling. Everyone must be quiet on the set and be prepared for "action".

  http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs242.snc1/8935_70542449962_36275274962_597512_7219521_n.jpg
MacGruber

Second Team – this is another term used for a Stand-in.

Second Unit - a small, completely separate crew responsible for filming shots that do not require the Principal actors participation, such as inserts, crowds, scenery, etc. Photo Doubles are often used for Second Unit shots in place of the lead actors to get shots of various body parts (hands, legs, etc.) and from far away or from behind.

Set - the immediate location where the scene is being filmed.

Stand-In - A performer who has the same physical characteristics of a particular actor who is used as a substitute for that actor for the purpose of setting lights and rehearsing camera moves.

Time-and-a-half - overtime payment of 1 and 1/2 times the hourly rate, paid once you have reached your guaranteed amount of hours. Overtime is usually issued after 8, 10 or 12 hours depending on your role and the project you are working on.

Voucher (also called an Extras Voucher) - time slip with all pertinent information needed for getting paid properly.

Wrap - the completion of filming for the day or of an entire production. "That's a wrap!"

*ON SET INFO

*SAFETY ON THE SET USEFUL SET TERMS
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