Teddy Bear’s Arsehole
Film Makers Jargon
Words and phrases you’ll hear everyday on film sets and in television studios. Many have become things of the past but will still score heavily in your local pub quiz.
Teddy Bear’s Arsehole
Eyepiece cover that protects and aids comfort to using it.
Charlie Bar
A thin piece of wood used to cast a shadow to preserve the modesty of 1930s actresses in Period films.
Eighty Six
Based on the Army Rule to dismiss a Soldier it means “remove from the set” also known as the Spanish Archer (El Bow) and “please Strike”
Grips
The crew who exclusively attach the Camera either to the tripod, Dolly or even Helicopter mount or Drone. Key Grip is the boss.
Fluffer
A crew “member “who prepares the talent for their big moment on an Adult Movie.
Mother Brown
A shot of the talent from “their knees-up” (Cockney Song: “Knees Up Mother Brown”)
Track
Like a piece of railway line that allows the Dolly to run smoothly across the floor.
Dolly
A trolly that becomes a small train when the Camera is attached.
DOP
Director of Photography ultimately responsible for the framing, lighting and style of every single shot.
Runner
At the beck and call of the Talent and all crew to do anything and everything no one else would lower themselves to.
Exec Producer
An indescribable individual who interferes with every aspect of film making with little or no knowledge. Controls the budget and is highly liked and regarded by everyone on set.
Producer
Overall control of the set with both eyes firmly locked on the Storyboard and the cash flow. Hates the Director and has a long term ambition to be an Exec Producer. See Exec Producer.
Production Manager.
Wants to be a Producer.
Director
Wants their own way at all times with scant regard for the Producer and open dislike of the Exec Producer. Drinks heavily and chats endlessly, and with little success, to the younger more attractive Talent.
Talent
Refers to any of the actors or models on set . Not necessarily talented.
First
First Assistant Director or First AD or just First who runs everything. Traditionally the most disliked person on set.
Second
First `AD's assistant. 2nd AD. Want's one day to be the most disliked person on set.
Apple Box
Wooden boxes used by the Grips (See Grip)
A.D.R
Automatic Dialogue Replacement in a studio after filming has finished. AKA Dubbing.
Blocking
Working out the actors positions for shots before filming.
Blonde
Nickname for a 2K open face light.
Call Sheet
The days work schedule and what time everyone is needed on set.
Craft
Food and catering on a film set.
Rushes
Footage ready to be reviewed by the Director and Producer at the end of each shooting day.
Call Sheet
The days work schedule and what time everyone is needed on set.
End Board
The Clapper board used at the end of a shot rather than the start. Usually operated upside down
Gate
The part of the camera between the lens and the film which is checked for hair or dust using traditional Movie Film.
Spark
An electrician who primarily places the lights.
Legs
The tripod stand also called ‘Sticks’.
Magic Hour
The hour before sunset when natural light is at it’s best and the sky is golden.
M.O.S
Half English half German phrase used by the legendary German Film Director, Erich von Stroheim, for a silent shot "MIT OUT SOUND".
Pick Ups
Usually small shots and cutaways that the Unit failed to shoot during the normal day.
Video Village
The place where the monitor goes on the set.
Green Room
The area dedicated to the talent where they can relax between set ups and complain about the behaviour of the first AD.
Closed Set
Means there is nude filming going on.
Take
A scene that has been or is being filmed or Veronica Lake UK rhyming slang for take.
Bottle
The lens of the camera.
Speed
Means that the camera is rolling.
Term used by the director to specify which take is the best in a sequence.
Wrap
Stands for Wind, Reel & Print” and comes from the days when at the end of filming the physical film Reel would be Rewound and sent to be Printed overnight
Wildtrack
An audio recording of ambient sounds without dialogue for use in the edit.
Pagganini
Stepped boxes to alter height of the Dolly (see Dolly).
POV
The Point of view of a character in the film.
Hair in the gate
Look inside the Camera Gate as this would print onto the processed film.
Cut
Stop the Camera at the end of a take
Clapper Board
Filmed after the Camera starts, the Board has details of the Production including the Director, Scene & Take Number and other information The “clapper” on the top of the Board synchronises the sound with the pictures as the audio “Clap” matches the visual point when we see the Board first close.
Gaffer
Lead electrician. Who is definitely not the guvnor or anyone with meaningful clout. However if the lights go out it will be the gaffer who is at fault. With special thanks to Mat Cooper one of Britains greatest gaffers, who we used to work with before he started criticising our rather witty LinkedIn posts!