Film Production Crew Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key film production roles, departments, equipment, and on-set terminology from the provided notes.

Production Assistant (PA)

An entry-level film crew member who helps with various tasks; occupies the lowest rung in the crew hierarchy but is essential to keep production running.

Set Production Assistant (Set PA)

A PA on set who can perform a wide range of duties as needed; their role is defined by on-set needs rather than a formal specialty.

Prop Master

Person in charge of sourcing and organizing all non-weapon props; on small productions one person handles this, on larger productions there may be a Prop Department.

Property (Prop) Department

The team responsible for managing props, including sourcing, organizing, and maintenance; on larger sets it is a distinct sub-department within art.

Gaffer

The chief lighting technician and head of the electric department; plans and coordinates lighting to achieve the director of photography’s vision and solves technical challenges.

Best Boy Electric (BBE)

The gaffer’s chief assistant who handles day-to-day management tasks like hiring and maintaining equipment; not typically responsible for major creative decisions.

Electrical Lighting Technician (ELT) / Electric

On-set technician responsible for power distribution and implementing the lighting plan under the gaffer and best boy electric; may work as swings between grip and electric.

Genny

Colloquial term for an Electrical Lighting Technician (ELT); refers to the on-set power distribution role.

Swing (Swings)

Electricians who move between the grip and electric departments on lower-budget productions depending on needs.

DIT (Digital Imaging Technician)

A member of the camera crew who manages the digital workflow and data on set; ensures footage meets production standards and is correctly managed, reporting to the DP.

1st AC (First Assistant Cameraperson)

Sets up and maintains the camera and accessories; traditionally pulls focus; now also manages image capture settings with digital cameras.

2nd AC (Second Assistant Cameraperson)

Manages camera crew gear, keeps records, and assists with camera tasks; operates the camera slate (clapperboard) on takes.

Camera Operator

Controls the camera during takes and executes smooth, precise movements; may work with multiple cameras on larger productions.

Director of Photography (DP)

Head of the camera department responsible for recording the film’s images; designs lighting and look and guides grip and electric departments.

Key Grip

Head of the Grip Department; shapes lighting using flags, silks, reflectors, and rigging; safety arbiter on set and coordinates grip elements with the DP and gaffer.

Grip

Grip crew members who physically implement the grip plan, move equipment, and support set operations; essential for safety and efficiency.

Swings (Swing)

On-set role where technicians move between grip and electric departments as needed, common on lower-budget productions.

Boom Operator

Operates the boom microphone and places microphones around the set and performers to achieve high-quality audio.

Production Sound Mixer

In charge of recording all sound on the shooting day, including dialogue, room tone, and wild lines; distinct from post-production sound mixer.

Room Tone

Ambient sound recorded on set to be used for audio continuity in editing.

Wild Lines

Unscripted or extra lines recorded on set to be used in the final mix or for editing options.

Call Sheet

Document listing the shoot schedule, contacts, and plans; crew study it to know timing and responsibilities.

Dolly

A camera movement device on rails that allows the camera to move toward or away from the subject.

Pan

Horizontal movement of the camera, typically left to right, or right to left.

Tilt

Vertical movement of the camera, typically up or down.

Dolly Movement Guide Terms (In/Out, Left/Right)

Descriptors for dolly movements: In/Out describes forward/backward camera movement; Left/Right describes lateral movement.

Truck

Camera movement laterally on wheels or tracks, moving the camera side to side.

Locked Down

A shot where the camera is fixed and does not move during the take.