Learn the Lingo!

There are words and phrases which are unique to the film industry, and some are even more specific to Washington Filmworks. Here are 25 to get you started:

A

Above-the-Line
This refers to the line of separation of positions held by various people as they relate to film production costs. Above-the-line includes producers, directors, actors, script and story writers, and casting. Below-the-line is the rest of the crew and production team.

B

B-Roll
Footage that isn’t the main action is often referred to as B-Roll. In some cases it is filmed intentionally for special uses in storytelling or even for promotional purposes. Within a movie this supplemental footage doesn’t include the principal subjects interacting with each other or talking into the camera

Background
On a film or TV set, background actors are usually referred to as simply background, or sometimes as supporting artists or atmosphere. The term extra is rarely used now in film. In a stage production, background actors are commonly referred to as supernumeraries. In opera and ballet, they are often called extras or supers.

Base Camp
The area near a shooting location from where the company operates. This is where grip trucks, the honeywagon and other vehicles are parked, along with wardrobe, hair, makeup, craft service, and trailers for talent, producers, and directors.

Below-the-Line
This refers to the line of separation of positions held by various people as they
relate to film production costs. Below-the-line includes the crew and production team. Above-the-line are the producers, directors, actors, script and story writers, and casting.

BTS
BTS stands for Behind the Scenes and refers to photos or footage of the crew, the set, and the preparation activities that take place outside of the main filming. It is sometimes referred to as “the making of” for use in a documentary that features the production of a film, commercial or TV program.

C

Call Sheet
A daily schedule for filming crafted by the first assistant director, it is filled with vital information, pulled from both the production’s shooting schedule and shot list. It’s more than just a scheduling tool for the production. Most everyone refers to the call sheet as production unfolds, to keep track of crew calls, locations, shooting progress, parking instructions, major contact information, and more.

Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Issued by an insurance company or broker to verify the existence of an insurance policy. A COI is proof that the production has insurance coverage and is customized for each certificate holder. Locations typically require a COI that specifically names them, so they are protected against liability for accidents, damage or injuries during filming.

Craft Service
Provides buffet-style snacks and drinks during the shooting day. Considered a crew position, it derives its name from the craft that it services, and is not the same as catering.

D

Dailies
The unedited footage that is collected at the end of each day of filming for viewing by select team members. Watching the day’s raw footage allows them to assess their progress and make adjustments.

F

Film Liaison
An individual committed to serve as a bridge between three entities: 1) a designated region or communities; 2) film productions; and 3) Washington Filmworks. This individual is usually affiliated with a county, city, tribe, chamber of commerce, destination marketing organization, economic development council, governmental agency or other entity. In some cases, a regional film liaison may be a volunteer.

G

Grip Truck
A vehicle designed to carry film production gear such as lights, stands, and more. Most grip trucks are just standard vehicles that have been specially outfitted to carry this equipment.

H

Honeywagon
A portable toilet truck for use by the crew when filming on location.

I

IATSE
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is a North American labor union representing workers in the entertainment industry, including live theater, motion picture and television production, broadcast and trade shows. Founded in 1893, it now includes new media, technological innovation and more.

Production Incentives
Washington Filmworks (WF) provides funding assistance to commercials filming in Washington’s rural counties as well as feature films and episodic series filmed anywhere in Washington State. The process is competitive. In order to qualify, the project must meet the following in-state spend thresholds: $500,000 for motion pictures, $300,000 per episode for episodic series, and $150,000 for commercials, as well as meet other criteria.

L

Location Manager vs. Location Scout
While these are not the same thing, these crew members work together, and in some cases the same person may fill both roles. A location scout is responsible for securing locations for filming. A location manager goes beyond this and essentially manages the logistics of the filming locations. This includes securing permits and interfacing with the local film liaison or community contacts.

N

Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
A legal document that, when signed by all the participating parties, prohibits one party of the NDA from sharing confidential information disclosed by the other party.

P

Photo Release Form
A signed form granting the photographer permission to take and/or publish a photo. While taking or using photographs without a signed photo release form seems normal, it can be risky. Without a photo release form, there’s no way to prove that the photographer or business was granted permission or license to use the subject’s image or likeness.

Post Production
This includes all stages of production occurring after principal photography.

WA State Production Code of Conduct
Guidelines and best practices developed by Washington Filmworks for production cast and crew to follow in order to serve as good ambassadors for the film industry.

S

SAG-AFTRA
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) was an American labor union that represented film and television actors. It merged with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) in 2012, to form SAG-AFTRA, which is the current labor union for performers in the US.

Second Unit
A crew on a film production, usually used at a second location for filming crowd scenes, exteriors, and other shots or B-Roll that do not require the principal actors.

Soundstage
An indoor studio that has been soundproofed so that no external sounds bleed into film production. They vary in size, some are quite large.

W

WGA
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is a labor union representing writers in the film, TV and new media industries.

Wrap Party
An event where people involved in making a movie or TV show celebrate the end of filming. Wrap means that principal photography is concluded and the film is ready to go into post-production.
 

Also check out the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI)’s glossary of common film terms.

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