Film History School Blogger
Tips for film students and digital cinematography fans
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Monday, October 27, 2025
Film Biz Joke
The Devil tells a Hollywood Talent Agent, "I can make you richer, more famous, and more successful than any agent alive. In fact, I can make you the greatest agent that ever lived."
The Devil smiles, "Well... of course you have to give me your soul," he says, "but you also have to give me the souls of your children, the souls of your children's children and, as a matter of fact, you must give me the souls of all your descendants through eternity!"
"Hold on," the agent says cautiously, "What's the catch?"
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Monday, October 13, 2025
Dialogue Greatness
The Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Champ Kind: It jumped up a notch.
Ron Burgundy: It did, didn't it?
Brick Tamland: Yeah, I stabbed a man in the heart.
Ron Burgundy: I saw that! Brick killed a guy! Did you throw a trident?
Brick Tamland: Yeah, there were horses, and a man on fire, and I killed a guy with a trident.
Ron Burgundy: Brick, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. You should probably find yourself a safe house or a relative close by. Lay low for a while, because you're probably wanted for murder.
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Friday, October 3, 2025
BRILLIANT DIALOGUE
The Odd Couple (1968)
Starring: Walter Matthau as Oscar Madison and Jack Lemon as Felix Unger.
Two divorced men, Felix a neurotic neat-freak and Oscar a fun-loving slob, who decide to live together.
Oscar Madison: I can't take it anymore, Felix, I'm cracking up. Everything you do irritates me. And when you're not here, the things I know you're gonna do when you come in irritate me. You leave me little notes on my pillow. Told you 158 times I can't stand little notes on my pillow. "We're all out of cornflakes. F.U." Took me three hours to figure out F.U. was Felix Ungar!Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Walkie Talkie Radio Etiquette on a Film Set
Tips for Proper Radio Use:
*Always use your name when identifying yourself. Common practice is to say "Go for ____(your name)" when someone calls for you. If you are calling someone, identify yourself and call for them.
* Keep your voice low when taking on the radio. Most crew will have ear pieces but keep your voice down. Especially when around actors. Just because they are not in front of camera does not mean they are not working.
*Production Assistants (P.A.s): If someone higher up than you has their radio battery go dead, give them yours and get yourself a new one. Be prepared by carrying a couple of extra radio batteries with you. You are being Johnny On the Spot by being so prepared!
Common Radio Codes & Lingo
10-1: Going to the bathroom for #1. Sometimes people say 10-2, meaning it will take a little longer...
10-4: I have heard and understand. Same as "Copy".
10-20 or 20: Location of someone or something as in "What's your 20?"
"Copy": I Have heard and understand
"Do You Copy?": Did you hear me? Do you understand?
"Radio Check": Say this if you are not sure that your radio is transmitting or working. The proper response is "Good Check". If you hear someone ask for a radio check....respond!
"Stand by": Means that I am busy at the moment and will respond ASAP.
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Film Slang
Honey Wagon: A Porto-Potty. Usually refers to a trailer with multiple nice bathrooms on it.
Image: https://lightnin.com/NEW/products/honeywagons/
Friday, September 12, 2025
Monday, September 1, 2025
Film Crew Slang
Last Looks – Term used by the 1st Assistant Director (1st AD). Last chance to check actors, wardrobe, make-up, continuity and set equipment before filming a shot begins.

