Film Set Terms Explained: 25 Must-Know Phrases for Beginners

If you’ve ever been on set and heard:
 “Let’s go for picture,”
 “Martini shot,”
 “Flying in the 12x,”

…and had no idea what was happening—you’re not alone.

Film sets run on language.
 If you don’t understand it, you fall behind—fast.

Here are 25 essential film set terms every beginner should know:

1. Rolling – Camera + sound are recording
 2. Cut – Stop recording
 3. Speed – Sound is recording
 4. Marker / Mark It – Slate the scene
 5. Back to One – Reset positions
 6. Picture’s Up – Quiet on set
 7. Lock It Up – Freeze movement
 8. Flying In – Moving equipment into place
 9. Striking – Turning on a light
 10. Killing the Lights – Turning lights off
 11. Apple Boxes – Wooden boxes for height/support
 12. C-Stand – Standard grip stand
 13. 10-1 / 10-2 – Bathroom breaks
 14. Crafty – Craft services (snacks)
 15. Video Village – Director/monitor area
 16. MOS – No sound recording
 17. Cheat It – Adjust for camera
 18. Eyeline – Where actor looks
 19. Wrap – Done for the day
 20. Turnaround – Required rest time
 21. Holding – Waiting area
 22. Hot Set – Don’t touch props
 23. Reset – Return to starting positions
 24. Second Team – Stand-ins
 25. Martini Shot – Last shot of the day

• Knowing these terms:

  • Saves time

  • Prevents mistakes

  • Makes you look experienced

  • 👉 Want a deeper breakdown?
   Check out 
  Film Set Etiquette: 15 Rules No One Tells You

👉 Read: Film Set Etiquette: 15 Rules No One Tells You
 👉 Read: First Day on a Film Set: What to Expect

🎁 Bonus: The Perfect Gift for Aspiring Filmmakers

Whether you're:

• A beginner

• A film student

• Or someone who just landed their first set job

This is the stuff that gives you an edge immediately.

👉 Also check out:

• ABCs of Filmmaking (great for younger creatives)

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