On 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): Be prepared by carrying a couple of extra radio batteries with you. If someone's go dead 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.

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.

Film Crew Slang

Slug Line- In a screenplay it is the Master Scene Heading that describes the basic where and when of the scene.
Example:
INT. ROBERT'S OFFICE-DAY  (Interior of Roberts office in daytime)
EXT. STREET-NIGHT (Exterior on a Street at Night)

Friend's Pics

His name is Guybrush Threepwood, and he wants to be a pirate!---FS GRad Xavier Arijs

Yesterday---Cinematographer Jose Zambrano Cassella

Got to meet 'Warcraft' director Duncan Jones this morning! Looking forward to seeing the film.---Cinematographer James Neihouse

Dialogue Greatness

“Yeah I called her up, she gave me a bunch of crap about me not listening to her, or something, I don't know, I wasn't really paying attention.”
 
-----Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) in Dumb & Dumber, 1994

Fancy Film Words to Know

Mis En Scene (miz-en-scen)- Translated as "Placing on stage". It is the arrangement of all of the visual elements of a theatrical production within the scene or stage. There are generally 4 elements:
1. Physical setting and decor
2. Staging of the action
3. The way in which the elements are framed
4. The way in which the elements are photographed

The Two men on the left are my favorite camera professors. I hope to make great from what they have taught me.---FS

Film Crew Slang

Walkaway"- A location where crew are able to leave the much of the 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.

Dialogue Greatness

The Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Ron Burgundy: (on the fight between local anchormen) Boy, that escalated quickly. I mean, that really got out of hand fast!
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.

She called herself "Dee," and she used to walk laps outside my old apartment in the Valley along time ago. She held herself in high regard and decorum. Always polite, always graceful. But there was an air of mystery that seem to encircle her, as if she was from the upper crust of yesteryear. She knew exactly how to pose Infront of the 1958 Rolleiflex and which lens to play to(since there are two lenses and only one takes photo). She immediately adjusted her angle and said, "I'm Ready." I snapped two frames, and thanked her. I told her that her style reminded me of Audrey Hepburn, immediately she responded with "I never could stand her," and walked off. She passed away, a few weeks later along with all those secrets.

-----Leo Jaramillo

Mic check FS7 at Diamond View Studios--A. Renz

Film Crew Slang

Ritter Fan- A specialty fan for big wind effects. It is absolutely HUGE. Large wooden propeller blades set on a frame & trailer with an auto or airplane engine to run it. Imagine having an airboat as a fan.

Break the Bubble: Tilting the camera off of it's axis. Tripods have a level bubble that is usually set to balance the camera so that it is straight and upright. Breaking the bubble makes it uneven. Also called a Dutch Angle or Canted Angle.

Friend's Pics

My first Golden Reel show tonight! So very honored to be a part of such an amazing community of sound professionals!
I had the amazing opportunity to work on 3 projects that were nominated this year: Last Shift, Joyride: The Prequel, and Star Wars: Battlefront.
Thanks to everyone who has helped me get to this point, and everyone who has come alongside me and pushes me to improve!----Colin Hart

Film Crew Slang

Slug Line- In a screenplay it is the Master Scene Heading that describes the basic where and when of the scene.
Example:
INT. ROBERT'S OFFICE-DAY  (Interior of Roberts office in daytime)
EXT. STREET-NIGHT (Exterior on a Street at Night)

Final mix of Blood and Steel. Great documentary, great music, and great friends. Pushing up the faders to play Whiplash by Metallica...F$ck'n Sick!

On set today. Pre-Lighting at Comtel Studios---FBS grad Alvin Renz

It is with great joy and sadness, that the final frame of principle photography has been shot. 6 short of the Champagne Roll, it has been truly an honor to spend nearly four months here in New Orleans working with such great people.---Leo Jaramillo

Days of rehearsals and we NAILED it. Good work team! at Warner Bros. Stage 16------FBS grad Brent Martin

Lock and Load FS 700 at Tampa Convention Center---Alvin Renz

See the World," they said. "Meet interesting people," they said. "The World is yours with a career in Showbiz!"---Leo Jaramillo