FILM TERMINOLOGY

Here are the definitions of common film terminology that you’ll hear while working on set.

"Action" 

Called out by the Director to cue the actors.

"AD" 

Short for Assistant Directors. There are usually four ADs on each production - the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Trainee AD.

"Background Action" 

Called out by the ADs to cue background artists to begin their movement.

"Blocking" 

Coordinating the movements of the actors, the camera and the background artists.

"Booking" 

An employment engagement.

"Call Time Details" 

The time you start work as well as all the other information you need for your work day. Please note that call times are always distributed the evening prior to the day you are scheduled to work.

"Camera Ready" 

To arrive at work dressed in the requested wardrobe with your hair and make up done or clean shaven, unless requested otherwise.

"Catering" 

The area or vehicle where lunch is served. Please note that lunch is not served during the typical lunch hour - it is generally served six hours after the crew has started working.

"Circus"

The vehicles and trailers that house washrooms, dressing rooms, the Costume, Hair and Make-Up departments as well as the ADs. Also referred to as "Honeywagons" or the "Unit". 

"Continuity" 

The requirement to maintain consistency within a scene. Wardrobe, hair, makeup, props and the people themselves all must remain the same once established in a scene.

"Craft Service" 

The area where light snacks and beverages are available during shooting. Please note that there are often seperate craft service tables for crew and for background artists.

"Crew Call" 

The time that the crew begins work.

"Cut" 

Called out by the Director to stop filming. When you hear this please stop what you are doing immediately and quietly wait for your next directions.

"End Mark" 

Where you are when the scene ends.

"Background Artists"

An individual who appears in the background of a film or television production. Also referred to as a “Background Performer” or "Extra".

"Background Coordinator”

An AD who coordinates the background artists on set. Also referred to as "BG Coordinator”, "On-Set Coordinator” or “Extras Wrangler”.

"Background Holding" 

A designated area where background artists are asked to wait until they are required on set.

"First Marks"

Called out by ADs to tell background artists to return to their beginning positions. Also referred to as “Number Ones”.

"Frame"

Called out by the Camera department to confirm they are filming.

"Miming" 

Appearing to talk without producing any sound.

"Night Shoot" 

A booking that will require you to work all through the night and wrap during the morning hours.

"Non-Union" 

A background artists who is not a Full member of the Union of BC Performers.

"PA" 

Short for Production Assistant.

"Prop" 

An object to carry or hold during a scene. 

"Push / Pull Call Times”

Often when productions shoot later or finish earlier than expected the call times for the next day have to be adjusted - either “pushed” to a later time or “pulled” to an earlier time. If this happens you will be contacted with your new time.

"Quiet On Set" 

Stop making noise of any kind immediately.

"Rehearsing" 

Practicing the movements of the actors, the camera and the background artists.

"Roll Sound" 

Called out by the 1st AD to initiate sound recording.

"Set" 

The location where filming takes place.

"Sound Speed" 

Called out by the Sound department to confirm that they are recording sound.

"Stand-Ins”

The men and women who take the place of the actors during lighting set-ups. Also referred to as “Second Team”.

"The Union of BC Performers"

UBCP is the trade union for performers employed in film and television productions in British Columbia. As well, they are the British Columbia branch of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) Performers Guild. Productions are required to hire a limited number of UBCP background artists per day and all remaining background artists are paid non-union wages.

"Wrap" 

The end of your workday. Once you are told that you're wrapped, you must sign out with your Assistant Director contact before you leave.