63 terms
The director's command to begin filming a scene. When you hear "Action" you begin your designated activity immediately.
On-set shorthand for an Assistant Director. Any member of the AD department responsible for coordinating set operations and managing background performers.
A sturdy wooden crate available in full, half, quarter, and pancake sizes. Used to elevate performers, props, or camera equipment to precise heights.
A background performer or extra; someone hired to appear in scenes without scripted dialogue, populating the environment to make scenes feel realistic.
The specific cue given to background performers to begin their designated activity within a scene, often called just before or after the main action cue.
The area on location where production vehicles, cast trailers, crew trucks, and support departments are stationed during a shoot day.
The planned movement, positioning, and staging of performers and the camera for a scene, determined by the director before filming begins.
A daily document distributed to all cast and crew the night before, listing the next day's schedule, scenes, locations, cast, and special requirements.
The specific time a performer or crew member must arrive and report for work. Being late for call time is considered highly unprofessional.
The left side of the frame from the camera's perspective. This is the performer's right side when they are facing the camera.
The right side of the frame from the camera's perspective. This is the performer's left side when they are facing the camera.
A request to inspect the camera aperture and film gate for debris, hair, or scratches before the crew moves on to the next setup.
The careful maintenance of consistent wardrobe, props, hair, makeup, and body positions from shot to shot so that edits appear seamless.
Radio communication acknowledgment meaning the message was received and understood. The professional response when an AD gives you a radio instruction.
The department providing snacks, beverages, and light refreshments available to cast and crew between scheduled meals. Background performers access craft services during designated breaks only.
The director's command to immediately stop filming. Do not move until instructed — the camera may still be rolling.
Raw, unedited footage from the previous day's shooting, reviewed by the director and director of photography to assess performances and technical quality.
A performer hired for a specific number of days on a production rather than the full duration of the shoot.
A fluffy windscreen cover placed over a boom microphone to reduce wind noise during outdoor recording. Named for its appearance.
The creative lead of a production responsible for guiding performances, camera placement, pacing, and overall visual storytelling. Never approach the director uninvited.
A wheeled platform used to mount the camera and move it smoothly during a shot, either along a track (dolly track) or on the floor with rubber wheels.
Director of Photography (also called Cinematographer). The department head responsible for all aspects of lighting, camera placement, lens choice, and overall image quality.
A performer who substitutes for a principal actor in scenes requiring a physical match — for stunts, body shots, driving scenes, or appearance matching.
A type of daily payment voucher used by background performers in British Columbia to document hours worked, rate, and production details.
A full rehearsal of camera movement and performer blocking conducted without actually rolling the camera. Used to fine-tune timing and positions.
Background performers hired to populate scenes without scripted dialogue. Also called background artists or BG. A core part of every production.
The specific direction a performer looks during a scene. Eye line must remain consistent between shots to maintain visual logic when the editor cuts.
A background performer assigned a specific, prominent action or visible position that draws noticeable attention in the shot, sometimes receiving additional pay.
The director's on-set coordinator. Responsible for running the floor, managing the schedule, communicating between departments, and calling roll, action, and cut.
The principal actors called to set for actual filming, as opposed to the Second Team (stand-ins) who are used during setup.
Repositioning all lighting equipment, cameras, and crew to shoot from the opposite direction within the same location — a time-consuming process.
The standard background performer category requiring no special skills, used to populate crowd scenes, street scenes, and general environments.
The designated waiting area where background performers remain between takes, typically a tent, trailer, or nearby room separate from the filming set.
A set that is actively being prepared for or used in filming. Nothing may be touched, moved, or disturbed on a hot set without permission.
A command from the AD department to secure all entrances to the filming area and stop all movement, vehicle traffic, and exterior noise.
The last shot of the shooting day. Named because after it, the next shot poured will be a martini — meaning the day is done.
Mit Out Sound — shooting without recording audio. The footage will have sound effects, music, or dialogue dubbed in during post-production.
An announcement from the AD that the crew has completed the current camera setup and is moving to the next scene or shot.
A meal provided to cast and crew that does not count against the overtime or meal penalty clock. Distinct from the standard meal break.
The period when a bell or buzzer sounds to signal that filming is about to begin. Absolute silence is required from everyone on and near set.
A background performer who closely matches a principal actor's physical appearance and is used for over-the-shoulder shots, body inserts, or wide shots.
A vehicle that appears on camera as part of the scene. Picture cars are handled by the transportation department and must not be touched.
The announcement that the camera is about to roll and all performers must be in their starting positions immediately.
Pre-recorded audio or video played on set during filming. Background performers may be asked to react to playback or lip-sync to it.
An actor with a speaking or featured role in the production. Background performers should not approach, interrupt, or photograph principal performers.
The company or team responsible for creating the film or television show. Also used to mean the production office or production department.
A command requiring absolute silence from all personnel on and near the set. Issued immediately before filming begins.
A command indicating the camera magazine is being changed or the camera is resetting. A short pause before filming can resume.
The command for the camera operator to begin recording. Typically followed by the slate announcement and then the action call.
Screen Actors Guild — American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. The American performers union. SAG-AFTRA productions in Canada typically use ACTRA agreements.
Assists the 1st AD by managing background performer paperwork, coordinating vouchers, calling background to set, and handling BG logistics.
Stand-ins who substitute for principal actors during the time-consuming process of setting up lights and camera angles. First Team rests while Second Team works.
A Production Assistant working on the set floor. Usually the primary point of contact for background performers regarding direction, breaks, and vouchers.
Printed excerpts from the script covering only the scenes being filmed that day. Distributed to cast and crew before or on the shooting day.
The clapperboard used to identify each scene, shot, and take on camera. Also refers to reading the scene and take information aloud before filming.
A background performer category for those with specific skills — driving, horseback riding, playing an instrument, sports, dancing — that earns a higher rate.
A background performer who physically resembles a principal actor in height and coloring and substitutes for them during lighting and camera setup. Earns a higher rate.
Union of British Columbia Performers. The union representing professional performers — including background performers — working on productions in British Columbia. See ubcpactra.ca.
The area on set where monitors display the live camera feed, allowing the director, producers, and key creative personnel to view shots in real time.
The official daily payment record completed by a background performer documenting hours worked. Accumulating vouchers can count toward UBCP/ACTRA membership eligibility.
The signal or moment when background performers begin their designated action or movement within a scene, usually initiated by the AD or Set PA.
A crew member responsible for managing and coordinating a specific group — background performers, animals, vehicles, or specialty props — on set.
The conclusion of filming for the day, for a specific scene, or for the entire production. Do not leave set until you have been officially wrapped by the AD.
BGReady Film Set Glossary — for use on set or as a training reference. Definitions reflect standard Canadian film industry usage in British Columbia.