A Guy Walks Onto a Film Set...

Q: How many editors does it take to change a light bulb?
A: If we change the light bulb, we'll have to change everything.

Film Crew Slang

Sides – a half-sized script that contains only the scenes being shot that day. It's easier to carry in your back pocket.

I'm pretending to be bald right now...   FBS Grad Kelly W.

Friend's Pics

I'm pretending to be bald right now...  FBS Grad Kelly W.

Had a great time working with Tim Smith and Richard Crudo, ASC on the SpaceX-4 launch shoot! They are two very talented, and wonderful people!--- James Neihouse

Film Crew Slang

"Walkaway"- A location where crew are able to leave the cameras, lights and other gear in place at the conclusion of the day (wrap) for the next shooting day. It is more productive and efficient than unloading and packing up each day. Not usually possible unless the location is secure, has security and weather proof.

"Walkaway" 2- Another use of the term "walkaway" is when referring to a meal break without food being provided to the crew by the production. It is standard for production companies to feed the crew due to efficiency, tradition and union/guild contracts but walkaway does happen in certain situations.

Freind's Pics

Last day of "Director's Cut"--FBS GRad Dan Abbott

Friend's Pics

"Yes, I am a pirate two hundred years too late.
The cannons don't thunder there's nothin' to plunder
I'm an (under)forty victim of fate
Arriving too late, arriving too late." Thanks David for taking of this me while at work--Leo J.

Friend's Pics

Working with lions today... Er well tonight. All night... Downtown LA.---Wes A.

Friend's Pics

Drone vs. Jib!----FBS Grad Tim Yoder

Friend's Pics

I spent today working at the visual effects shop that created miniatures for Inception and the Dark Knight trilogy.(New Deal Studios) Now I'm giving myself this treat. It's not the snack...that I need...but the one...I deserve...--Dan Antkowiak

Friend's Pics

Drawing storyboards at the library, listening to the score from Ghostbusters.---Dan Ankowiak

Friend's Pics

Fully restored back up ARRI 4k Magnetic Ballast, flat free wheels and all!--Jay Shropshire

Film Crew Slang

Hero- A special item, prop or accessory. As in “Gimme the Hero Bomb, we are shooting the close-up.”
This is a request for the best looking bomb. We are about to cut the blue wire….or is it the red wire? Television commercials  have Hero as the star. The big juicy burger that is 6 inches tall, steaming hot is the “Hero” or “Hero Product”. The Hero “Product Shot “is usually the last shot of the day.

Friend's Pics

On set- R. Tuscani

Working in this industry is usually super fun, but it can also be tough. One frustration for friends and family is you aren’t home as often as they’d like. When you factor in travel time, it’s not unusual to be gone for 14 hours of the day and spend the rest of the time sleeping (with a quick shower thrown in — maybe). It definitely takes a certain level of understanding for them to grasp the concept that your office changes everyday, that your hours aren’t consistent — as well as your paycheck — and that your boss is both a partner and a superior.
In no way is a film job a “real” job, but that’s part of the gig. It has it's perks and disadvantages... FBS Graduate Tim Yoder

Friend's Pics

Just throw'n down with some dead guys.--FS Grad Christopher M.

Today's weapon of choice!--Camera Op Lou Normandin

Speaking at Canon USA Imaging Technology Communications Group meeting this afternoon! ---Cinematographer James Neihouse

A Guy Walks Onto a Film Set...

Joke of the Day:

 

The Devil tells a Hollywood 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."
"Ok" says the agent, "what do I have to do in return?"
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?"

Film Crew Slang

Tech Scout- No it is not a nerdy Boy Scout! A Tech Scout is the process of going to a potential shoot location to figure out the logistics and details of how to best accomplish the shots. Key Department Heads from the crew will go together..Director, UPM, DP, AD, Gaffer etc. and any others that are needed. In photography and video it is sometimes referred to as a Site Survey.

Dialogue Greatness

Addams Family Values(1993)-Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld
(Gomez Adams referring to a girl popping out of the cake at a bachelor party)
-"Was she in there before you baked it?"

Walkie Talkie Radio Etiquette on Set

Walkie Talkie Radio Etiquette on Set

Tips for Proper Radio Use:
*Be professional
*Always use your name when identifying yourself. Common practice is to say "Go for ____(your name)" when someone calls for you.
* 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.
*Know that anyone could be hearing your conversation.
* If you need to have an extended conversation (or private) take it to another channel. Do this  by telling the other person "Go to Channel___". For really private talks it's best to ask them to meet you in person.
*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. Same if their radio breaks. Be prepared by carrying a couple of extra radio batteries with you. You are being Johnny On the Spot by being so prepared!
* Always say "copy" meaning that you heard and understand. Without a response, people wonder if you heard them or not.

Common Radio Codes:
10-1: Going to the bathroom doing #1
10-2: Going to the bathroom doing #2 (It's not to be gross, just saying that it will take a little longer than #1)
10-4: I have heard and understand
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.
"Flying In": Always respond when asked to bring something or someone to the set. It lets them know that you are on it. Also lets us know that multiple people are not attempting to do the same task and wasting precious manpower and time.

Freind's Pics

Kenny and I with our work wife, Arri ALEXA---Kenny Pete