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Ever watch the Oscars, a behind-the-scenes interview, or step onto a film set and think, “Everyone is speaking another language?”
You’re not imagining it. Film sets run on shorthand—and if you don’t know the film terminology, it can feel intimidating fast.
This guide breaks down the most common film terms, movie set terms, and awards-season jargon you’ll hear everywhere—explained simply, in real-world language. No film school required.
Set Terms (The Ones You’ll Hear on a Real Call Sheet)
These are phrases shouted daily on professional sets—and yes, people expect you to understand them.
Martini – The last shot of the day (named after the drink you’ll want after 🍸).
Lock it up – Stop all movement and noise; we’re rolling.
Rolling – Cameras are recording.
Points – Sharp or dangerous objects on set; watch your step.
Last looks – Final adjustments to hair, makeup, and wardrobe before rolling.
Background / Extras – Performers without dialogue.
Quiet on set – Exactly what it sounds like.
Cut – Stop recording. Only the director calls this.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t repeat commands unless it’s your department’s job.
Camera Terms (What People Mean When They Say…)
Camera lingo can sound technical, but most of it is practical.
Coverage – All the angles needed to edit the scene (wide, medium, close-ups).
Sticks – A tripod.
Handheld – Camera operated without stabilization for a raw feel.
Lensing – The choice of lenses used to shape the visual tone.
Eyeline – Where an actor is looking in relation to the camera.
Frame – What the camera sees.
Reset – Return to starting positions for another take.
Sound Terms (Yes, They Matter More Than You Think)
Sound is half the movie—and often the most misunderstood department.
ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) – Re-recording dialogue in post.
Wild lines – Dialogue recorded without cameras rolling.
Room tone – The natural sound of a space; crucial for clean edits.
MOS – Filming without recording sound.
Boom – The microphone on a pole overhead.
Lav – A hidden microphone worn by an actor.
🎧 Bad sound can ruin great performances. That’s why these terms matter.
Post-Production Terms (Where the Movie Is Actually Found)
This is where beginners often get lost—but Oscar films live here.
Picture lock – The edit is final; no more visual changes.
Turnover – The handoff from editorial to sound, color, and VFX.
Temp – Placeholder music or sound.
Conform – Matching the final edit to the highest-quality footage.
Color pass – Adjusting tone, contrast, and consistency.
Final mix – The last sound balance before delivery.
🎬 Many award-winning moments are discovered after the shoot—during post.
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Credits & Industry Terms (You’ll Hear These During Awards Season)
These terms come up constantly during Oscar conversations.
Above the line – Creative leads (director, writers, principal cast).
Below the line – Crew and technical departments.
Guilds – Unions representing film professionals (DGA, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE).
FYC – “For Your Consideration” awards campaigns.
EP (Executive Producer) – Varies by project; not always hands-on.
Package – A project with key talent attached.
Quick “Don’t Say This on Set” Translation Table
What You Want to Say |
What You Should Say |
“Can we do that again?” |
“Reset?” |
“Is the camera on?” |
“Are we rolling?” |
“We’re done, right?” |
“Is that the martini?” |
“Why are we waiting?” |
(You don’t say this.) |
“I’ll just grab this.” |
“Points.” |
Final Thoughts
Film sets move fast. Knowing the right film terminology isn’t about sounding cool—it’s about respect, efficiency, and not slowing the team down.
Once you understand the language, you stop feeling like an outsider and start feeling like you belong.
🎬 New to set life?
Start here—and don’t miss our film set etiquette primer to learn what not to do once you know the words.
Because knowing the language is how you get invited back.
Episode 164 Throwbacks: Building Careers in Film: Insights from Ashley Atwood
Podcast Summary
In this episode of the Get Reelisms Podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen, both filmmakers, discuss their respective journeys in the film industry. They introduce special guest Ashley Atwood, an Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and director of the Desert Playhouse. Ashley shares her experiences from starting as a dancer to transitioning into acting and producing films. She delves into the challenges faced, including casting struggles, producing content, and navigating the pressures of maintaining a parallel career for financial stability. The conversation offers valuable insights into the realities of show business, the importance of creating your own content, and tips for sustaining a long-term career in the industry.
Episode 152 Throwbacks: Success and Self-Doubt in Filmmaking
"We made a mermaid film! That's pretty fuckin' cool!"
The Author: Christine W Chen
Christine W Chen is a director/writer with over a decade of experience in the film industry. She is also a co-founder of Get Reelisms. A current DGA 1st Assistant Director, Member of the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences, Christine currently resides in Los Angeles. When Christine is not making movies, she loves to travel.