Film Terms: Do You Speak the Language of the Movie World?
Whether you’re an actor, model, or crew member, understanding film terminology is key to ensuring a smooth production. Here's a guide to some common (and not-so-common) film terms you'll likely encounter on set. Test your knowledge and start speaking the language of the industry!
Action
The director’s cue for the cast to begin performing. Example: "Once the camera is rolling, you'll hear ‘Action!’ That’s your signal to start the scene."
ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement)
The process of re-recording dialogue in a sound studio to improve audio quality or reflect changes in the script after filming. Example: "We’ll need to schedule some ADR for that windy outdoor scene."
Buy-Out
A buy-out refers to the rights purchased by the client for the usage of your performance across specific platforms or regions. These rights are often negotiated based on the duration, territory, and medium (e.g., TV, online, print). Learn more about buy-out terms in our General Booking Conditions.
Call Sheet
A daily breakdown of the shoot schedule, distributed to all cast and crew. Make sure to check the call sheet for your call time, costume details, and location info.
Call Time
The specific time you are expected to arrive on set. Punctuality is crucial—arrive at least 15 minutes early to avoid delays.
Casting
The process of selecting talent for a project. At Thea Meulenberg Casting, we work closely with production teams to ensure the right talent is chosen for each role. Curious about how castings work? Check out our FAQ on Castings.
Continuity
Ensures that visual elements (like costumes and props) remain consistent across takes. Example: "We’ll need to reset continuity before the next shot to match the earlier scene."
Coverage
Refers to filming multiple angles and takes of a scene to ensure there's enough footage for the editing process. Example: "We need additional coverage of this dialogue scene."
Eye Line
The direction where an actor should be looking during a shot, often toward another actor or a specific point. Maintaining the correct eye line ensures visual continuity across scenes.
First Positions
Your starting position for a scene. After every take, you'll reset to your first position. Example: "Let's go back to first positions before the next take."
Holding Area
The designated area where talent waits between scenes or setups. Example: "The extras can stay in the holding area until we’re ready for the group shot."
In the Can
A phrase used when a shot or scene has been successfully filmed and is completed. Example: "That take was perfect—it’s in the can!"
Pick Up
A small portion of a scene re-filmed after the main shoot is done, often used to fix an issue. Example: "We’ll do a quick pick up of that close-up shot tomorrow."
Prop
Any physical item an actor interacts with during a scene. Example: "You'll be holding a coffee cup as your prop for this scene."
Second Unit
A secondary film crew that shoots supplementary footage, often used for action sequences or establishing shots. Example: "The second unit is filming exterior shots today while the main unit works on dialogue scenes."
Stand By
A cue that filming is about to begin, and everyone should be ready. Example: "Actors, stand by—we're rolling in 3, 2, 1..."
Wrap
Short for "Wind, Reel, and Print," signaling the end of the shoot or filming day. When the director says, "That’s a wrap," it means the day's work is finished. Example: "That’s a wrap, everyone! Great job today!"
Familiarity with these film terms will help you navigate the set like a professional. Mastering this language is key to ensuring a smooth and successful day of filming! For more tips and insights, check out our Tips for a Great Audition and 10 Golden Tips for On-Set Etiquette on our website.
The director’s cue for the cast to begin performing. Example: "Once the camera is rolling, you'll hear ‘Action!’ That’s your signal to start the scene."
The process of re-recording dialogue in a sound studio to improve audio quality or reflect changes in the script after filming. Example: "We’ll need to schedule some ADR for that windy outdoor scene."
A buy-out refers to the rights purchased by the client for the usage of your performance across specific platforms or regions. These rights are often negotiated based on the duration, territory, and medium (e.g., TV, online, print). Learn more about buy-out terms in our General Booking Conditions.
A daily breakdown of the shoot schedule, distributed to all cast and crew. Make sure to check the call sheet for your call time, costume details, and location info.
The specific time you are expected to arrive on set. Punctuality is crucial—arrive at least 15 minutes early to avoid delays.
The process of selecting talent for a project. At Thea Meulenberg Casting, we work closely with production teams to ensure the right talent is chosen for each role. Curious about how castings work? Check out our FAQ on Castings.
Ensures that visual elements (like costumes and props) remain consistent across takes. Example: "We’ll need to reset continuity before the next shot to match the earlier scene."
Refers to filming multiple angles and takes of a scene to ensure there's enough footage for the editing process. Example: "We need additional coverage of this dialogue scene."
The direction where an actor should be looking during a shot, often toward another actor or a specific point. Maintaining the correct eye line ensures visual continuity across scenes.
Your starting position for a scene. After every take, you'll reset to your first position. Example: "Let's go back to first positions before the next take."
The designated area where talent waits between scenes or setups. Example: "The extras can stay in the holding area until we’re ready for the group shot."
A phrase used when a shot or scene has been successfully filmed and is completed. Example: "That take was perfect—it’s in the can!"
A small portion of a scene re-filmed after the main shoot is done, often used to fix an issue. Example: "We’ll do a quick pick up of that close-up shot tomorrow."
Any physical item an actor interacts with during a scene. Example: "You'll be holding a coffee cup as your prop for this scene."
A secondary film crew that shoots supplementary footage, often used for action sequences or establishing shots. Example: "The second unit is filming exterior shots today while the main unit works on dialogue scenes."
A cue that filming is about to begin, and everyone should be ready. Example: "Actors, stand by—we're rolling in 3, 2, 1..."
Short for "Wind, Reel, and Print," signaling the end of the shoot or filming day. When the director says, "That’s a wrap," it means the day's work is finished. Example: "That’s a wrap, everyone! Great job today!"