Friday, December 23, 2022
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Film Crew Slang/Lingo
Jack Lord- A 50mm lens. It is named after the star of 1970's t.v. show "Hawaii Five-O". Get it?
Mickey Rooney- When operating a camera dolly a Mickey Rooney is a "little creep"--a slow subtle movement. Named for the diminutive actor who must have annoyed some crew members.
Dialogue Brilliance
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.
Thursday, December 8, 2022
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Scenes to Remember!
"They Live" (1988)- Famed horror director John Carpenter (Halloween, Escape From New York, The Thing) provides a different twist on alien invasion. Professional wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper puts in an exceptionally great performance as a drifter who slowly discovers the alien plot to subjugate the human race. The manner in which the aliens overtly take over is disturbing and humorous. We all have experienced the feeling that we are being manipulated and deceived to further the plans of others. This film proves it, especially in an election year.
Best Scene: The five and a half minute long fist fight between Jon (Piper) and Frank (Keith David) over a pair of sunglasses. It is one of the most realistic of all time.
Monday, December 5, 2022
Film Crew Lingo/Slang
Grid- On a soundstage (a studio space where filming takes place) there can be a Grid hoisted overhead to support lights, scenery, and other items. It is made up of pipes and lumber. Grids are mostly used for sitcoms and weekly TV shows. Those productions tend to have lights that have been pre-placed on the grid. You might notice that Sitcoms and TV shows often look different from Hollywood Feature Films. The reason is that films tend to use lights on stands placed individually for each shot.
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.
Sunday, November 27, 2022
Monday, November 21, 2022
Sunday, November 20, 2022
Saturday, November 19, 2022
Film Set Walkie Talkie Radio Etiquette
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.