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ON-SET TERMINOLOGY

A film set has a language all its own. There isn't space enough to define all the different words used on set. But we have chosen some of the most common words and phrases that effect the extras.

    CALL TIME
    HOLDING AREA
    BASE CAMP
    THE SET or LOCATION
    BACKGROUND or EXTRAS or ATMOSPHERE
    PANTOMIME or MIME
    FEATURED EXTRA
    "QUIET!"
    "PICTURE'S UP!" or "STAND BY!"
    "ROLLING!"
    "ACTION!"
    "BACKGROUND ACTION!" or sometimes, simplified to "BACKGROUND!"
    "CUT!"
    "BACK TO 1" or "FIRST POSITION"
    "MOVING ON"
    1st ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AD)
    2nd ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AD)
    2nd 2nd ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AD)
    PRODUCTION ASSISTANT (PA)
    WRAP
    CALL TIME:
    This is the time you are to report for work. You should be in the holding area at this time for check-in. back to top
    HOLDING AREA:
    This is where the extras report for work. Anytime you are not actually working on the set, you must be in the holding area. Please do not make it necessary for the AD's to go looking for you when they might need you. You could miss your opportunity in front of the camera. back to top
    BASE CAMP :
    This is where the cast and crew report for work. Basecamp is easily recogized by the massive trucks and trailers and equipment moving about. Please stay clear of this area. back to top
    THE SET or LOCATION :
    This is where that actual filming will be taking place. back to top
    BACKGROUND or EXTRAS or ATMOSPHERE :
    This is you! A background performer or extra does not speak lines alone. Extras can make crowd noises or be singing in a group, but cannot be scripted. back to top
    PANTOMIME or MIME :
    To act with only facial and body movements. back to top
    FEATURED EXTRA :
    May be used to describe an extra in a scene who is very recognizable on camera as a character or someone who is interacting directly with a primary actor, but still does not speak. back to top
    "QUIET!":
    Means quiet. Whenever you are on the set there should be no talking. If you must talk to a production assistant or assistant director, please whisper and only if it is absolutely necessary. back to top
    "PICTURE'S UP!" or "STAND BY!":
    Means everyone - even crew - must be absolutely quiet, we are about to roll. back to top
    "ROLLING!" :
    Means film is rolling; we are shooting. back to top
    "ACTION!":
    This cue is usually for the primary actors or "stars" to begin the scene. back to top
    "BACKGROUND ACTION!" or sometimes, simplified to "BACKGROUND!" :
    This is the cue for the extras. Most of the time it will be called immediately before the actors get their "action" cue. back to top
    "CUT!" :
    We have stopped shooting. Wait where you are; where you ended the scene for further instructions. back to top
    "BACK TO 1" or "FIRST POSITION" :
    The AD is now asking everyone to return to the point where they began the scene; their first position. We will be doing another take. Remember you should do exactly the same thing for each take unless an AD asks you specifically to change something. back to top
    "MOVING ON":
    We are ready to move on to another scene or set up. Wait for instructions. You will most likely be directed back to the holding area, but it could be that you need to change your wardrobe for another scene. back to top
    1st ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AD) :
    The person running the set; keeping the crew, the actors, and the director on schedule. The 1st AD works closest to the director. back to top
    2nd ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AD) :
    This person may also set background. The 2nd 2nd assists both the 1st and 2nd AD's. back to top
    2nd 2nd ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AD) :
    This person may also set background. The 2nd 2nd assists both the 1st and 2nd AD's. back to top
    PRODUCTION ASSISTANT (PA) :
    The go-fers on the set. They work for the AD's. back to top
    WRAP:
    The end of the day. Time to go home. back to top