Physical Production and Film Set Terminology

Flashcards covering film industry roles, department hierarchies, set etiquette, walkie-talkie codes, and safety protocols based on the physical production review notes.

3 Phases of Physical Production

Prep, shoot, and wrap.

Pre-production

The phase called before physical production begins.

Green lit

A status indicating the show is funded, the production office is setting up, and hiring starts.

Above-the-line (ATL)

Positions involved in the creative process from start to finish, such as writers, producers, directors, and actors.

Below-the-line (BTL)

Technicians and crew members including positions like PA and Props Master.

Below-the-line Hierarchy

$1$. Head/Key, $2$. Best/Second, $3$. 3rd, $4$. Utility, $5$. PA.

UPM

Unit Production Manager; the person most directly in charge of the Logistics category.

Production Designer

The person most directly in charge of the Art department group.

Swing or Set Dresser

The crew position responsible for moving furniture.

Best Person

The crew member who gets equipment for the gaffer or chief lighting technician.

Production Coordinator

The person who sets up meetings for the UPM and is responsible for doing the production report.

Travel Coordinator

The person who reports to the UPM and is responsible for booking flights and hotels (e.g., for a director's spouse).

Crafty (Craft Service)

The department that provides water and snacks on set.

Catering

The service that provides full meals such as lunch, dinner, and wrap parties.

Basecamp

A temporary location for cast and crew, unlike the fixed administrative production office.

2nd AD

The person in charge of background actors on set and responsible for creating call sheets.

Food Stylist

A role located within the Property/Props department.

Accounting Department

The department that may ask for a driver's license for identification and handles payroll, cost reports, and accounts payable.

Production Report

A record of what was done during the day, signed off by the UPM.

Call Sheet

A daily document detailing what is happening the following day, reviewed by the $1^{\text{st}}$ AD and signed off by the UPM.

Rigging

The act of hanging lights in specific places, usually done the day before by the rigging electric team.

Art Director

The person who oversees construction, set decoration, and props, ensuring they stay on schedule and within budget.

Hot Set

A set that is actively being used where items should not be touched or moved.

Stills Photography

The person who takes photos of the crew and actors on set.

Line of Sight

A term referring to eyelines on set.

Points

The term used to shout when carrying equipment or gear around corners to warn others.

Stepping

The term used when entering a hair and makeup trailer.

Fatigue

A serious safety issue for crew members when leaving the set after a day of work.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A document providing information on products/chemicals used in construction or production.

Armorer

The person who handles anything considered a weapon on set.

Channel 2

The walkie-talkie channel usually reserved for overflow.

Copy

The walkie-talkie/$10\text{-code}$ for confirming understanding.

What's your 20?

The walkie-talkie/$10\text{-code}$ used to ask for someone's location.

Hot Brick

A fully charged walkie-talkie battery.

Call Sheet Revision Colors

The sequence of colors after White: Blue, Pink, Yellow, and Green.

Purchase Order

A document requiring approval and a COI (Certificate of Insurance) to buy or rent items for production.