Lights, Camera, Lexicon! A Beginner's Crash Course in Film Set Lingo

Welcome, aspiring filmmakers, to the exhilarating world of film production – where every set has its own language! Whether you're gearing up to direct your first short film, capture stunning visuals as a cinematographer, or bring characters to life as an actor, understanding film set lingo is essential for success in the industry. But fear not, intrepid adventurers! In this blog post, we'll decode 10 essential terms that will have you speaking the language of the silver screen in no time. So grab your script, cue the action, and let's dive in!

1. Call Sheet: The call sheet is the holy grail of film production – it's a document distributed to cast and crew detailing the schedule, locations, and contact information for a specific day of shooting. Consider it your roadmap to the day's adventures on set.

2. Mark: A mark is a designated spot on the ground or set where an actor stands or moves during filming. It ensures consistent framing and blocking from shot to shot, allowing for seamless editing and continuity. Its important to "Hit Your Mark"!

3. Wide Shot (WS): Also known as a long shot or establishing shot, a wide shot captures the entire scene and its surroundings. It provides context and sets the stage for the action to come.

4. Medium Shot (MS): A medium shot frames the subject from the waist up, allowing for a closer view while still maintaining some context of the surroundings. It's perfect for capturing dialogue and character interactions.

5. Close-Up (CU): A close-up shot focuses on a specific detail or part of the subject, such as their face or hands. It adds intimacy and intensity to the scene, highlighting emotions and expressions.

6. Blocking: Blocking is the process of planning and rehearsing the movements and positions of actors and cameras for a scene. It ensures that everyone knows where to stand, move, and interact to achieve the desired shot composition and performance.

7. Crafty: Crafty, short for craft services, refers to the area on set where snacks, drinks, and sometimes meals are provided for the cast and crew. It's a vital oasis of sustenance and refreshment during long days of filming.

8. MOS (Mit Out Sound): When a scene is filmed MOS, it means that no synchronized sound is recorded. This could be intentional, such as for a montage sequence with music, or due to technical reasons like noisy surroundings.

9. Sides: A shortened version of the script containing only the scenes being filmed that day. (not to be confused with 'audition sides')!

10. Dailies: Dailies are rough cuts of footage shot during the day's filming. They are typically reviewed by the director and key crew members to assess the progress of the shoot and make any necessary adjustments for upcoming scenes.

11. Green Screen: A backdrop used in filmmaking to digitally insert backgrounds or other elements during post-production.

A shortened version of the script containing only the scenes being filmed that day. Contrary to popular belief this screen doesn't have to be Green!

12. Room Tone: Room tone is the ambient sound of a location recorded during a break in filming. It's used in post-production to maintain consistency in audio and create seamless transitions between scenes. Don't forget to capture room tone – it's the silent hero of every film set!

13. Continuity: Ensuring consistency in props, wardrobe, and actor positions between shots and scenes. This is ESSENTIAL for filmmakers to have a professional finished product and for actors not to end up on the cutting room floor!!