Equipment Terms Glossary
The following is a list of common names for places, objects and equipment that you may hear on set.
Backlot
An area of the studio used for constructing sets or for filming outdoor scenes.
Bells and Lights
One bell means 'shooting' is starting. Two bells means 'cut'. The red light acts as a warning not to enter the set (or sound stage) while filming is on.
Blonde
A 2000W light.
Call Sheet
A list of the actors needed for a scene.
Catering Bus
A coach or double-decker bus where you will eat and wait to be called for.
Clapperboard
The board used to indicate the number and other background details for each scene.
Click-Track
If music is to be added into a scene later (e.g. in a nightclub scene) the crew will use a click-track (sometimes just a metronome) to simulate the rhythm of the music. The music will be dubbed in later. This may mean dancing or reacting to music that you cannot actually hear.
Dolly
The name given to the trolley carrying the camera.
Dub
During the editing process, extra sounds or music may be added to (or removed from) the soundtrack. This is called Dubbing.
Gel
A piece of translucent coloured film that covers a light to create a background colour.
Jib
The arm on the dolly that allows the camera to move out to the side, as well as forwards and backwards.
Redhead
An 800W light.
Scrim
A thin strip of gauze covering a light to cut down the glare.
Set
The area used for filming.
Soundstage
A filming area in a studio.
Squib
A small explosive that simulates the effect of a bullet shot or small explosion.
Steadicam
A steadicam is a mobile camera worn via a harness. It is strapped to the wearer and has a hydraulic arm to cushions any sudden movements by the operator that would cause the picture to be jerky. It allows the camera operator to get much closer into the action and take dynamic shots. Real-life drama series such as 'Casualty' make use of these types of cameras to give the viewer a feeling of being in the middle of the action.
Track
The track that the camera dolly rolls along.
Unit Base
This is where you should check-in at the start of a day's filming.
Voucher or Chit
You are given a slip of paper at the end of filming which you must sign to say that you were there and have been filmed and also that the crew are happy that you have completed the work. You must sign this in order to get paid. If it asks for your address, put the name of your agency.