An Insider Guide To Film Slang

The film industry is a world of its own, with its own unique language. If you're not familiar with the lingo, it can be easy to get lost in translation. This guide will help you decode some of the most common film slang terms, so you can sound like a pro on your next set visit.

1. Above the line

Above the line refers to the costs of a film that are paid before shooting begins. This includes things like the salaries of the cast and crew, as well as the cost of the script, wardrobe, and props.

Strike the Baby and Kill the Blonde: An Insider's Guide to Film Slang

by Dave Knox

4.5 out of 5

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	:	No
Package Dimensions	:	12 x 12 x 1 inches; 1 Pounds
Manufacturer	:	Steadfast Records
Label	:	Steadfast Records
Number of discs	:	2
Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	226 pages
File size	:	1039 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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2. Below the line

Below the line refers to the costs of a film that are paid after shooting begins. This includes things like the cost of editing, post-production, and marketing.

3. AD

AD stands for assistant director. The AD is responsible for the day-to-day running of a film set.

4. Camera operator

The camera operator is the person who operates the camera during filming.

5. Cinematographer

The cinematographer is responsible for the overall look and feel of a film.

6. Costume designer

The costume designer is responsible for designing the costumes for the cast.

7. Director

The director is the person who is ultimately responsible for the creative vision of a film.

8. Editor

The editor is responsible for cutting the footage from a film together.

9. First assistant director

The first assistant director is the AD's right-hand man or woman.

10. Gaffer

The gaffer is responsible for the lighting on a film set.

11. Grip

A grip is a member of the crew who is responsible for moving and setting up equipment.

12. Key grip

The key grip is the head of the grip department.

13. Line producer

The line producer is responsible for the overall budget of a film.

14. Location manager

The location manager is responsible for finding and securing the locations for a film.

15. Production designer

The production designer is responsible for the overall look and feel of a film's sets.

16. Production manager

The production manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a film production.

17. Script supervisor

The script supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the script is followed correctly during filming.

18. Second assistant director

The second assistant director is the AD's second-in-command.

19. Sound mixer

The sound mixer is responsible for the sound recording on a film set.

20. Stunt coordinator

The stunt coordinator is responsible for the safety of the actors during stunts.

21. Unit production manager

The unit production manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a film unit.

These are just a few of the most common film slang terms. Once you start working on a film set, you'll quickly pick up the rest. In the meantime, this guide will help you get started.

Additional Resources

• IMDb Glossary
• Filmsite Film Terms
• TheWrap Film Slang Dictionary

Strike the Baby and Kill the Blonde: An Insider's Guide to Film Slang

by Dave Knox

4.5 out of 5

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	:	No
Package Dimensions	:	12 x 12 x 1 inches; 1 Pounds
Manufacturer	:	Steadfast Records
Label	:	Steadfast Records
Number of discs	:	2
Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	226 pages
File size	:	1039 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE