Film Set Jargon

Film sets have a language of their own. It’s helpful to know what people are talking about.

C-47: A clothespin used to clip gels or diffusion onto lights.
Stinger: An extension cord.
Martini Shot: The last shot of the day.
Abby Singer: The second-to-last shot of the day.
Hot Points!: Called out when moving something sharp, heavy, or dangerous across set.
Apple Box: A wooden box used to raise props, equipment, or people. Comes in full, half, quarter, and pancake sizes.
MOS: Shooting without sound.
Striking!: Warning before turning on a light.
10-1/10-2: Bathroom codes (1 = pee, 2 = poop).
Back to One/First Positions: Telling actors/crew to return to their starting position for another take.
Second Team: Stand-ins or doubles used while the crew sets up lighting and camera.
Quiet on Set!: Called right before rolling to silence the space.
Crossing: Said when someone walks in front of the camera lens so they don’t ruin a setup unexpectedly.
Flying In: Something (prop, lens, etc.) is being rushed to set.
Room Tone: Recording the natural sound of a location with no dialogue/action, used for smoothing edits.