Film Set Terminology (So You Don’t Look Lost)

Let's be real. Everyone has a first day and starts off green, so it can be daunting your first time on-set. But here at West America, we're here to help. Think of this as your on-set survival cheat sheet. Tape it to your water bottle, screenshot it, whisper it to yourself on the drive to set. Whatever it takes. Let’s go:

“Quiet on Set!”

Translation: Stop talking. Phones off. We're about to roll. 🧠 Pro tip: Yes, even whispers travel. Sound can hear everything.

“Rolling!”

Translation: The camera and audio are recording. Don’t walk into frame or make noise.

“Last Looks!”

Translation: Hair, makeup, wardrobe — this is your final chance to fix any flyaways or smudges before we shoot.

“Picture’s Up!”

Translation: We’re about to shoot the next take. Get ready.

“Back to One!”

Translation: Return to your original starting mark for another take.

“Reset!”

Translation: Something in the scene needs to go back to how it was. (Props, people, spilled water — whatever.)

“Hit Your Mark!”

Translation: Land exactly where you're supposed to stand. Usually marked with tape on the floor.

“Check the Gate” / “Cut and Check”

Translation: After a take, we're checking the camera to make sure there were no issues like hair in the lens or weird blur.

“Flag”

Translation: A black panel used to block or shape light. Not a real flag. Don’t salute it.

“Stinger”

Translation: An extension cord. Yep. That’s it. It just sounds cooler.

“MOS”

Translation: Shooting without sound. It stands for “Mit Out Sound” (someone had an accent and it stuck).

“10-1” or “10-2”

Translation: Bathroom break. 10-1 = pee, 10-2 = the other one. Keep it classy.

“Martini Shot”

Translation: The final shot of the day. After this, it’s wrap time and maybe a drink.

“Striking!”

Translation: Someone's turning on a bright light. Don’t stare directly at it.

“Copy That” / “Flying In” / “Going Again”

Translation:

• Copy That: I hear you and I understand.

• Flying In: I’m on my way (usually with something someone’s waiting on).

• Going Again: We’re doing another take — reset!

“Stand-In”

Translation: A person who takes the actor’s place while lighting and camera are being set. Not a double, just a body in space.

“Crafty”

Translation: Craft Services = snacks. Not arts and crafts. (Unless they bring googly eyes. Then it’s both.)

“Walkie”

Translation: Short for walkie-talkie. The most chaotic and important tool on set. Don’t sit on it.

“Coverage”

Translation: Shooting the scene from different angles to have options in editing. (Over-the-shoulder, close-up, wide, etc.)

“Hot Set”

Translation: Don’t touch anything. It’s been perfectly placed for filming and must stay exactly as is.

Points!

Translation: Someone is walking through a set with something sharp, long, or dangerous — usually a light stand or C-stand. If you’re carrying something with an edge or a risk of whacking someone, yell “Points!” and move slow. It’s a courtesy (and a safety thing).

C-47

Translation: A clothespin. Literally. Used to clip gels or diffusion to lights. Why the fancy name? No one knows. But it’s tradition. Don’t ask for a clothespin. Ask for a C-47, and boom — instant street cred.

First Team

Translation: The actual actors in the scene. If someone says, “Bring in first team,” that’s your cue to step in if you're talent. Opposite: “Second team” = stand-ins.

Apple Box

Translation: A wooden box used to boost people or props. Comes in sizes: full, half, quarter, pancake.Actor’s friend: Need a height boost or a butt break? Apple box.Secret nickname: “The actor’s best scene partner.”

Genny

Translation: Short for generator. Big, loud machine that powers everything.Don’t unplug anything from it unless you're the electric dept. Ever.

Room Tone

Translation: A few seconds of the ambient noise in the room, recorded with everyone silent, to help sound editors blend takes later. Stand still. Breathe soft. Don’t ruin the room tone or sound will curse your name forever.

Crossing!

Translation: Say this before walking in front of the camera or monitor so the crew knows and you’re not accidentally in the shot. Pro tip: Always ask permission before crossing during a setup. Or wait. Or find another way. Respect the frame.

🧠 BONUS WEST AMERICA TIP:

Just ask. Everyone was new once. Most crew members will gladly explain stuff if you’re respectful and clearly trying to learn.