Louis Normandin

 

Film Set Radio Etiquette

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:
10-100: Going to the restroom. Some folks will alternatively use 10-1 as a shortcut to say the same thing. Others may use 10-2 being a bit specific and hinting that it may take a bit longer than 10-1!
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.

This is only a small sample of the lingo used on sets. As you get more experienced in the professional world you will learn the language. Be aware that there are different variations on terms, so don’t look like a dummy. East Coast and West Coast terms sometimes differ. The British terms differ. Be willing to learn. When in doubt ask.

Dialogue Greatness

“Attention. Here's an update on tonight's dinner. It was veal. I repeat, veal. The winner of tonight's mystery meat contest is Jeffrey Corbin who guessed ‘some kind of beef.’”

 
Bill Murray (as Tripper) in "Meatballs"(1979)

Steptoe Butte is one of the great vantage points for photography in the Palouse region. Photographers make the winding drive up the hill, which rises about 1,000 feet above the fertile farm land below, to achieve an unrestricted view of the rolling hills. June, 2017. Canon 5DSr, Canon 70-200mm.⠀---James Neihouse, A.S.C.
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A moment of pause between setups in Yerevan.--Louis Normandin

Friend's Pics

Congratulations to Henner Hofman, ASC, AMC on receiving the first ever Certificate of Appreciation from the ASC for his contribution to education in cinematography! Honored to be present to help Henner celebrate!---Cinematographer James Neihouse, A.S.C.