Top 40 Slang For Production – Meaning & Usage

In the fast-paced world of production, staying up to date with the latest slang is essential. From “rolling” to “wrap,” understanding the language of the industry can make all the difference. Let us guide you through the top production slang terms that will have you speaking like a seasoned pro in no time. Get ready to impress your colleagues and elevate your production game with our comprehensive list!

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1. Shoot

In film production, “shoot” refers to the act of capturing footage with a camera. It can also be used as a noun to refer to a specific instance of filming.

For example, a director might say, “Let’s shoot that scene again, but this time from a different angle.”
A cinematographer might ask, “Are we ready to start the shoot?”
A production assistant might say, “The shoot went smoothly today, and we got all the shots we needed.”

2. Cut

In film production, “cut” is used as a command to stop filming or as a noun to refer to a specific point in the footage where it transitions to a different shot. It can also be used as a verb to describe the process of editing or trimming footage.

For instance, a director might say, “Cut! That’s a wrap for today.”
An editor might comment, “I’ll make a cut at the point where the actor delivers the punchline.”
A filmmaker might say, “I need to cut this scene to make it shorter and more impactful.”

3. Wrap

In film production, “wrap” is used to signal the end of filming for the day or the completion of an entire project. It can also be used as a noun to refer to the end of a specific scene or sequence.

For example, a production coordinator might announce, “That’s a wrap for today, everyone. Great job!”
An actor might exclaim, “I can’t believe we finally wrapped this movie after months of filming.”
A director might say, “Let’s do one more take and then we can call it a wrap.”

4. Take

In film production, “take” refers to a specific instance of filming a scene. It can also be used as a verb to describe the act of recording a shot.

For instance, a director might say, “Let’s do another take to get a different performance from the actor.”
A cinematographer might comment, “That was a great take. The lighting and composition were perfect.”
An actor might ask, “How many takes are we planning to do for this scene?”

5. Scene

In film production, “scene” refers to a specific part of a script that takes place in one location or follows a particular narrative. It can also be used to describe a specific setting or moment in a film.

For example, a screenwriter might write, “INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY” to indicate a scene taking place in a living room during daylight.
A director might say, “Let’s shoot the next scene on location instead of in the studio.”
An editor might comment, “I’m rearranging the scenes to create a more cohesive narrative structure.”

6. Action

This term is used to signal the beginning of a shot or scene. It is often called out by the director or assistant director to let the crew and actors know that filming is about to start.

For example, a director might say, “Quiet on set, action!”
During a fight scene, a stunt coordinator might shout, “Action!” to cue the actors.
A camera operator might ask, “Do you want me to start rolling before or after you say ‘action’?”

7. Director’s Cut

The director’s cut refers to the version of a film that reflects the director’s creative vision. It is often longer and includes scenes that were cut from the theatrical release.

For instance, a film critic might say, “The director’s cut of this movie adds a whole new layer of depth to the story.”
A filmmaker might explain, “I prefer the director’s cut because it includes scenes that were important to the character development.”
A fan of a particular film might ask, “Is there a director’s cut of this movie available on Blu-ray?”

8. Rushes

Rushes are the unedited footage captured during a day of filming. They are typically viewed by the director and editor to determine which shots will be used in the final edit.

For example, a film editor might say, “I need to review the rushes from yesterday’s shoot.”
A director might ask, “Have you seen the rushes? I want to make sure we got the shot we needed.”
A producer might say, “The rushes look great. Let’s start assembling the rough cut.”

9. Dailies

Dailies are similar to rushes, but they are typically viewed by the entire production team, including the director, producer, and other key crew members. They are used to assess the progress of the film and make any necessary adjustments.

For instance, a cinematographer might say, “I need to get the dailies ready for screening tomorrow.”
A director might ask, “Can we watch the dailies from yesterday’s shoot before we start filming today?”
A producer might say, “The dailies look promising. Keep up the good work, everyone!”

10. B-roll

B-roll refers to supplemental footage that is used to enhance the main footage in a film or video. It often includes shots of the location, details, or other relevant visuals.

For example, a documentary filmmaker might say, “We need to shoot some B-roll of the city skyline to use as cutaways.”
A video editor might ask, “Do we have any B-roll of the product we can use for the promotional video?”
A director might say, “Let’s get some B-roll of the actors rehearsing to use in the behind-the-scenes featurette.”

11. VFX

VFX refers to the process of creating, manipulating, or enhancing visuals using digital technology. It is commonly used in film, television, and video game production.

For example, “The VFX team did an amazing job creating realistic explosions in the action scenes.”
A filmmaker might say, “We need to budget for VFX to bring our sci-fi concept to life.”
In a discussion about movie magic, someone might comment, “VFX has revolutionized the way stories are told on screen.”

12. Foley

Foley is the art of creating and recording sound effects for films, television shows, and other media. These sounds are often added in post-production to enhance the audio experience.

For instance, “The Foley artist recreated the sound of footsteps by walking on different surfaces.”
A filmmaker might say, “We need to hire a Foley team to add realistic sounds to our movie.”
In a discussion about immersive sound design, someone might comment, “Foley is an often overlooked but crucial element in creating a believable audio environment.”

13. ADR

ADR is a technique used in post-production where actors re-record dialogue in a studio setting. This is done to improve audio quality or to replace dialogue that was difficult to capture during filming.

For example, “The actor had to come back to the studio for ADR because the on-set audio was unusable.”
A filmmaker might say, “We need to schedule ADR sessions to fix some of the dialogue.”
In a discussion about film production, someone might comment, “ADR can be a time-consuming process, but it’s necessary for ensuring clear and consistent dialogue.”

14. Master shot

A master shot is a type of camera shot that captures the entire scene from a wide perspective. It is often used as a starting point for editing and helps establish the spatial relationships between different elements in a scene.

For instance, “The director requested a master shot to establish the location before moving in for close-ups.”
A filmmaker might say, “Let’s start with a master shot and then get coverage of the individual characters.”
In a discussion about cinematography, someone might comment, “The master shot sets the visual context for the scene and guides the audience’s attention.”

15. Key grip

A key grip is a member of the film crew who is responsible for managing and operating the various equipment used in production. They work closely with the director of photography and other crew members to ensure that the equipment is set up correctly and safely.

For example, “The key grip helped set up the lighting and camera rig for the outdoor scene.”
A filmmaker might say, “We need an experienced key grip to handle the complex camera movements in this shot.”
In a discussion about film production roles, someone might comment, “The key grip is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of equipment on set.”

16. Indie

Refers to a film or music production that is independently funded and produced outside of a major studio or record label. Indie projects often have a lower budget and a more unconventional or niche style.

For example, “The indie film won several awards at the Sundance Film Festival.”
A music fan might say, “I love discovering new indie artists.”
A filmmaker might discuss the challenges of indie production, saying, “Securing funding for an indie film can be difficult, but it allows for more creative freedom.”

17. Sequel

A film or TV show that follows the story of a previous installment. Sequels often continue the narrative or explore new adventures with the same characters or in the same universe.

For instance, “The highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster film is set to release next year.”
A fan of a franchise might say, “I can’t wait to see what they do with the sequel.”
A film critic might discuss the challenges of making a successful sequel, saying, “Sequels often face high expectations and the pressure to live up to the original.”

18. Remake

A new version of a previously released film or TV show, often with updated visuals or a modernized take on the story. Remakes can introduce the story to a new audience or offer a fresh interpretation.

For example, “The director announced plans to remake the classic film with a contemporary twist.”
A film buff might compare the original and the remake, saying, “The remake stayed true to the spirit of the original while adding its own unique elements.”
A fan of the original might express skepticism about the remake, saying, “I hope they don’t ruin the movie with the remake.”

19. Reboot

Similar to a remake, a reboot is a new version of a previously released film or TV show. However, a reboot often discards or reimagines the existing continuity and starts the story fresh or with significant changes.

For instance, “The popular superhero franchise is getting a reboot with a new cast and storyline.”
A fan might discuss the differences between the original and the reboot, saying, “The reboot took the story in a completely different direction.”
A film critic might analyze the success of a reboot, saying, “The reboot breathed new life into the franchise and attracted a new generation of fans.”

20. Greenlight

The process of granting permission or approval for a film or TV project to move forward into production. When a project receives a greenlight, it means the studio or production company has given the go-ahead to start production.

For example, “The studio greenlit the film after positive test screenings.”
A filmmaker might express excitement about receiving a greenlight, saying, “Getting the greenlight is a dream come true.”
A film industry insider might discuss the challenges of getting a greenlight, saying, “Securing financing and convincing the studio to greenlight a project can be a lengthy and competitive process.”

21. Roll ’em

This phrase is used to signal the beginning of a scene or the start of filming. It is often said by the director or someone in charge to cue the crew and actors.

For example, a director might say, “Alright everyone, roll ’em!” before starting to film.
During a behind-the-scenes documentary, a crew member might be heard saying, “Roll ’em!” to indicate that filming has begun.
In a movie set, an actor might ask, “Are we ready to roll ’em?” to check if the cameras are rolling.

22. On set

This phrase is used to describe being present or working at the location where a film or TV show is being filmed.

For instance, a crew member might say, “I’ll be on set all day tomorrow.”
When discussing their work, an actor might mention, “I’ve been on set for the past few weeks shooting a new movie.”
In an interview, a director might explain, “We had a lot of challenges on set, but the final result was worth it.”

23. In the can

This phrase is used to indicate that all necessary scenes for a film or TV show have been filmed and are ready for post-production.

For example, a producer might say, “We finally wrapped filming, everything is in the can.”
During a conversation about a completed project, someone might ask, “When is the film going to be in the can?”
A director might celebrate by saying, “We did it! The movie is officially in the can.”

24. Final cut

This term refers to the final version of a film or TV show that has been edited and approved for release. It represents the director’s final vision of the project.

For instance, a filmmaker might say, “I have complete creative control over the final cut of the film.”
During a discussion about a director’s influence, someone might comment, “The final cut of the movie really reflects their style.”
In a review, a critic might praise a film by saying, “The final cut was a masterful blend of storytelling and visuals.”

25. Box office hit

This phrase is used to describe a film that has generated significant revenue at the box office. It indicates that the film has been well-received by audiences and has attracted a large number of viewers.

For example, a movie executive might say, “We’re hoping this film will be a box office hit.”
During a discussion about successful films, someone might mention, “That superhero movie was a box office hit, breaking multiple records.”
A film critic might write, “The movie’s box office success is a testament to its widespread appeal.”

26. Cut!

When the director wants to stop filming a particular scene or shot, they will shout “Cut!” as a signal for the actors and crew to stop what they’re doing.

For example, after a successful take, the director might say, “That’s a wrap! Cut!”
If there’s a mistake during a scene, the director might call out, “Cut! Let’s do that again.”
During rehearsals, the director might stop the actors and say, “Cut! We need to work on the timing of that scene.”

27. Take one

When filming a scene, each attempt is referred to as a “take.” “Take one” specifically refers to the first attempt at filming a particular scene.

For instance, the director might say, “Quiet on set! Take one!”
The clapperboard operator might announce, “Scene 5, take one!”
After a successful take, the director might say, “Great job, everyone! Moving on to take two.”

28. Wrap up

When the director wants to finish filming a scene or the entire production, they will say “Wrap up” as a signal for everyone to finish their tasks and prepare to leave the set.

For example, the director might say, “That’s a wrap, everyone! Great job!”
The production assistant might announce, “Five minutes until wrap up, please finish your tasks.”
If there are still some final shots to be filmed, the director might say, “Almost there, let’s wrap up these last few scenes.”

29. Reel

In the context of production, a “reel” refers to a roll of film that contains footage. It can also refer to a collection of edited footage for a specific purpose.

For instance, a cinematographer might say, “Load the next reel, we’re running out of film.”
A film editor might say, “Let’s review the latest reel and make some final adjustments.”
During post-production, a director might say, “We need to create a highlight reel for the film festival.”

30. Standby

When someone says “Standby” on a production set, it means that everyone should be prepared and ready to start filming or perform their assigned tasks.

For example, the assistant director might say, “Standby, we’re about to start the next scene.”
The sound technician might ask, “Is everyone on standby for the audio check?”
Before a stunt, the stunt coordinator might call out, “Standby, get ready to roll!”

31. Call sheet

A call sheet is a document that provides the cast and crew with important information about the production schedule, location, and contact details. It is typically distributed the day before a shoot to ensure everyone is aware of their call times and duties.

For example, a production assistant might say, “Make sure to check the call sheet for any changes to the shoot schedule.”
A director might ask, “Has everyone received their call sheets for tomorrow’s shoot?”
A crew member might note, “The call sheet includes important details like parking instructions and emergency contacts.”

32. Location scout

A location scout is a person responsible for finding and securing suitable filming locations for a production. They work closely with the director and production designer to identify locations that match the vision of the project.

For instance, a location scout might say, “I found the perfect spot for the climactic scene in the forest.”
A producer might ask, “Has the location scout identified any potential issues with the chosen locations?”
A director might comment, “The location scout did an amazing job finding unique and visually stunning settings for our film.”

33. Production value

Production value refers to the overall quality and level of professionalism in a production. It encompasses various elements such as cinematography, set design, costumes, and visual effects, which contribute to the overall look and feel of a film or TV show.

For example, a reviewer might say, “This film has high production value, with stunning visuals and top-notch performances.”
A producer might discuss the budget, saying, “We need to allocate more funds to improve the production value of this project.”
A director might emphasize the importance of production value, stating, “We want to create a visually immersive experience for the audience, so let’s focus on maximizing the production value.”

34. Boom operator

A boom operator is a member of the sound department responsible for operating the boom microphone, which is mounted on a long pole and used to capture high-quality audio during filming. The boom operator works closely with the sound mixer to ensure clear and balanced sound recordings.

For example, a boom operator might adjust the microphone position, saying, “I need to boom closer to capture the actor’s dialogue.”
A sound mixer might discuss the collaboration with the boom operator, saying, “The boom operator plays a crucial role in capturing clean audio on set.”
A director might give instructions to the boom operator, saying, “Keep the boom mic out of frame and capture the actors’ voices clearly.”

35. Production assistant

A production assistant is a member of a film or television production team who performs various tasks to support the production process. They assist with administrative duties, set up equipment, and help ensure that everything runs smoothly on set.

For example, a production assistant might be responsible for getting coffee for the crew or organizing paperwork.
During a shoot, a director might ask a production assistant, “Can you grab me a pen and paper?”
A producer might say, “We need a production assistant to help set up the lighting for this scene.”

36. Craft services

Craft services refers to the department on a film or television set that provides food and drinks for the cast and crew. Craft services is responsible for catering, snack stations, and ensuring that everyone is well-fed and hydrated during the production.

For instance, a craft services team might set up a table with sandwiches, fruit, and beverages for the crew to enjoy.
During a break, a crew member might say, “I’m going to grab a snack from crafty.”
A director might request, “Can craft services make sure there are vegetarian options available?”

37. Shot list

A shot list is a document that outlines the specific shots and camera angles that will be used in a film or video production. It helps the director and cinematographer plan the visual storytelling and ensures that all necessary shots are captured.

For example, a shot list might include close-ups, wide shots, and tracking shots for a particular scene.
A director might discuss the shot list with the cinematographer, saying, “Let’s start with a wide shot and then move in for a close-up.”
A production designer might refer to the shot list when deciding on the set design for a specific shot.

38. Rehearsal

A rehearsal is a practice session that allows the cast and crew to prepare for a performance or production. It involves going through the script, blocking the scenes, and practicing the actions and dialogue.

For instance, actors might rehearse their lines and movements before shooting a scene.
A director might say, “Let’s do a rehearsal to work out the timing and blocking.”
During a rehearsal, a stage manager might give cues to the actors, saying, “Enter stage left on your cue.”

39. Playback

Playback refers to the process of reviewing recorded footage or audio during a production. It allows the director, cinematographer, and other crew members to assess the quality of the shots and make any necessary adjustments.

For example, after shooting a scene, the crew might gather around a monitor for playback.
A director might ask the cinematographer, “Can we see the playback to check the lighting?”
During playback, the sound mixer might listen for any audio issues and make adjustments as needed.

40. Second unit

In film production, the second unit refers to a separate team of filmmakers who are responsible for shooting additional footage or scenes that do not require the main cast or director.

For example, the second unit might be tasked with capturing landscape shots, action sequences, or special effects scenes while the main unit focuses on filming the principal cast.
In a discussion about a movie’s production, someone might mention, “The second unit did an amazing job capturing all the thrilling chase scenes.”
A filmmaker might say, “We had to bring in a second unit to film the aerial shots for that epic battle scene.”