A film set is a designated area or locale that provides the backdrop for a movie. It might be entirely fabricated from scratch and constructed on a sound stage to provide the most control possible over what happens on that set. Alternately, a film set may be an actual location such as the Grand Canyon or Eiffel Tower that production has secured for the shoot.

Whether created solely for the film or used for it, the purpose of the film set is to help audiences believe in the world that they are seeing on the screen. No matter if that world is a street in rural America, Mars, or somewhere in between, the film set should sell the authenticity of that world.

Depending on the size of the production, a film set may have just one person or several hundred on it.

The one-person scenario is reserved for that independent Auteur who sets up their camera, performs as the sole Actor, and then carries out all the post-production roles as well. It’s a possible but rare circumstance.

If we’re talking about your standard studio-backed film, though, a film set will have multiple people, each with their own specialized position to help make the production of a movie happen.

The following departments comprise the most common ones on set¹, and we’ve included the most likely positions present for each of them:

Above the line refers to a select group of individuals who typically comprise the top of the hierarchy regarding the cast and crew working on a film. It’s generally made up of the:

• Director
• Executive Producer
• Producer(s)
• Principal Cast
• Casting Director
• Screenwriter

But we’re putting a proverbial asterisk next the Casting Director and Screenwriter who may or may not be on set, depending on the circumstances.

The Casting Director may be on a film set to make last-minute decisions about Actors or Actresses being added to the cast, and the Screenwriter might be present to make eleventh hour changes to the script. But it’s also completely plausible to have a production occur without either individual there.

The AD department’s job is to both support the Director and ensure that each day of shooting goes smoothly and according to schedule. The main players who comprise this team include the:

• 1st AD (First Assistant Director)
• 2nd AD (Second Assistant Director)
• 2nd 2nd AD
• Set PA (Production Assistant)

The art department is the creative team behind the world-building of a film set. Whether realistic or fantastical, it’s their job to make it feel organic to the story being told. This department is made up of the:

• Production Designer
• Art Director
• Set Dresser
• Set Decorator
• Prop Manager

There’s no film without footage, and it’s up to the camera department to ensure that the footage captures exactly what the Director envisions. The camera department is typically made up of the:

• Cinematographer (AKA Director of Photography or DP)
• Camera Operator
• 1st AC (First Assistant Camera)
• 2nd AC (Second Assistant Camera)
• DIT (Digital Imaging Technician)

So far we’ve been discussing the departments that play a direct part in the making of a movie, but we can confidently say that the catering department is as important as any other on a film set. Because what will quickly derail a film production? A hangry cast and crew! Among those working the catering department are the:

• Key Craft Services
• Lead Chef

Generators, cables, equipment, oh my!

It can take an incredible amount of electricity to make a film production happen. The job of the electrical department is to ensure that the film set has safe, adequate, and steady electric support. The people who make it happen? They include the:

• Gaffer
• Film Technician

Learn about the major film set positions in this comprehensive video.

It’s not just about having electricity for lights and other electrical needs. It’s about manipulating that light to create the desired look for each scene on a film set. Enter the grip department. The key individuals who make up the grip department are the:

• Key Grip
• Best Boy
• Grip
• Dolly Grip

The film set is a playground on which Actors and Actresses use their imagination to create characters that move through a constructed world. And to help them fully integrate into that world are the hair and makeup departments. The key positions of these departments include the:

• Key Makeup Artist
• Key Hair Stylist
• Assistant Makeup Artist
• Hairdresser

Now we’re getting to the department that is often thought of as the nuts and bolts of a film set. The production department oversees the entire production and makes sure that it is running smoothly, on time, and on budget. They may not always be present on a film set, but they will show up at some point to keep an eye on its progress. It includes the:

• Line Producer
• UPM (Unit Production Manager)
• Production Coordinator
• Film Production Accountant

It’s understandable if you first think of film as a visual artform, but don’t forget the importance of great sound! It’s quality sound recording that helps audiences follow along to the dialogue and believe in the world they’re watching. The sound department will typically include the following individuals:

• Field Recording Mixer
• Boom Operator

Not every film will require a stunt department, but if you have even the most minor stunt in your script, do not overlook the importance of making sure that department is represented on your film set! The stunt department includes the:

• Stunt Coordinator
• Fight Coordinator
• Fight Choreographer
• Stunt performer
• Set medic

Again, it’s entirely possible to shoot a movie without a VFX department present on set. But if VFX will be part of your post-production in any way, you want to have representation during principal photography to ensure that the final product comes out exactly as imagined. The VFX department generally includes the:

• On Set VFX Supervisor
• VFX Coordinator

Want a firsthand look at what it’s like to be on a film set? Watch this video to find out.

Like the hair and makeup departments, the wardrobe department helps Actors and Actresses blend seamlessly into the worlds created by film sets by dreaming up and constructing costumes that authenticate those worlds. The wardrobe department is generally made up by the:

• Costume Designer
• Assistant Costume Designer
• Tailor
• Shopper

The cost of a film set can oscillate from virtually nothing to millions of dollars. Though not recommended, if someone decides to do guerilla filmmaking – meaning without the proper permits – they can potentially shoot somewhere for no cost at all.

However, this can result in steep fines if the authorities catch you in the act, which pretty much defeats the purpose of shooting for cheap. That being said, many aspiring Filmmakers find ways to utilize their own homes, schools, and workplaces because they can often secure those locations for no money.

On the other hand, some productions are well-known for their multi-million-dollar sets such as those built for films such as Titanic (1997) and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001).

When you’re on a film set, you will almost certainly hear words and phrases particular to the goings on during principal photography.² Better to learn and understand what they are now than to find out too late when it may negatively impact the film or your place on set.

“Action” is perhaps one of the more common examples of film set lingo. It’s the word many – not all, but many – Directors call out to denote the beginning of the acting of a scene.

You definitely want to know the phrase “call time.” It’s the term used to designate when each person on a film set needs to be there and ready to work.

The term “cheat” is used when the Director and camera department want to shoot a particular shot for a desired effect that visually represents in the frame what normally would not be seen by the naked eye.

Just like “action,” the term “cut” is almost exclusively used by the Director – possibly by the DP at times – to designate the end of filming for a scene or shot.

The key light is the light that fills out the frame and highlights the Actor in a shot.

Want to brush up on your film set lingo? This video has got you covered.

If the Director or DP states that they want a pick up, it means that they want to shoot from somewhere in the middle of a scene for a particular angle or retake of a previous shot with a mistake or other undesired element.

It’s a good rule of thumb to always be mindful of the noise you’re making on a set – we’ll get into that more in a second – but if you hear “quiet on set,” that is absolutely your cue to be silent. Why? A scene is about to be filmed.

What you might hear next is the term “rolling,” which means that the camera is actively capturing the shot or scene to be filmed.

As the term would indicate, “standby” means that a pause must be taken for some reason, though cast and crew should maintain their positions and emotional states (if you’re one of the people acting) until production is ready to actively film again.

What’s one of the best phrases in film? “That’s a wrap!” It could mean it’s the end of the shoot day or the end of the shoot, period. Either way, you’re done – at least for now.

Hand in hand with knowing film set lingo is understanding proper film set etiquette.³ There are filmmaking faux pas that can not only ruin a take but also ruin your reputation and opportunity to progress in this industry.

For that reason, make sure you always adhere to the following guidelines:

The work that takes place on a film set is expensive. Don’t be the reason why a scene can’t be shot on time. Always be prompt to set.

Yes, you will have periods of downtime on a film set, but the moment you’re needed, be ready to work. Again, this relates back to the whole “time is money” principle of filmmaking. If you aren’t ready to work, you will likely be preventing others from being able to do their jobs as well.

Everyone on a film set has an important job to do. While each person from the most novice PA to the most seasoned Director deserves the same respect, there is a hierarchy to the filmmaking system on set.

What that means is, don’t immediately go to the Director or DP or Executive Producer if you have a question or issue. Find your immediate superior and go from there if need be.

Film equipment can cost thousands of dollars. The movement of a prop can completely ruin a series of takes where that movement is noticeable. An accidental removal of a cable can result in an electrical meltdown.

All to say, if it isn’t yours – especially if it’s part of an entirely different department – don’t touch it without explicit permission.

Be the person others want to keep working with on a film set. Know your filmmaking etiquette.

On a similar note, be mindful of your movements. Not only because you don’t want to cause an accident that could damage the film set, but also because you don’t want to inadvertently hurt yourself or others.

It’s not just about making sure the visual integrity of a film set remains intact. A dropped glass or out-of-turn comment can also ruin a take. If you hear “quiet on set,” do exactly that.

Beyond film set-specific etiquette, it’s important to be the kind of colleague that makes long days on set more tolerable and perhaps even enjoyable. When people like being around you, you can create meaningful professional relationships that may just translate into more collaborations down the road.

Are you an Actor or Actress on a film set? Then it’s a top priority to do your proverbial homework and come to set with your lines memorized!

A film set is a dynamic microcosm of the world – the world of the story being told through the movie being shot. Whether a place we know from real life, or a locale entirely made up for the purposes of the film, it is the backdrop to what audiences will one day see and hopefully believe in.

If being on a film set is part of your professional aspirations, there’s no time like the present to experience one for yourself. You don’t have to wait to be hired one day onto a studio film set. Look for a short or student film being shot in your area… Or better yet, be the Filmmaker behind that short or student project yourself!