WHAT Does THAT Mean?!?” Industry terms and abbreviations

  • "AD":  Assistant Directors.
  • "Background Performer": aka extra or atmosphere, all of the people who fill out the scene and create a realistic atmosphere.
  • "Background Action": cue to the Extras to begin.
  • "Booking": job you are booked for.
  • "Call sheets" or "Finals": The information (usually via email) providing you with everything you need for the next day’s job. Should include a map (parking and set), call times, wardrobe requirements & standard info sheets.
  • "Call Time": The time you are to be at your booking. Call times are always distributed the evening before you are scheduled to work, often late evening.
  • "Camera Ready": Dressed in the required wardrobe with hair and make up done or clean shaven, unless requested otherwise.
  • "Catering": The area where lunch is served. Lunch is generally served six hours after the crew has started.
  • "Consultant": Using a special skill or training to help the AD's make the scene accurate.
  • "Continuity": A role where you could return multiple times to give a continuous "feel" to a shoot.
  • "Circus": The vehicles and trailers that house wardrobe, changing rooms, bathrooms, hair and make-up.
  • "Craft Service": The area where snacks and beverages are available.
  • "Extras Coordinator”or “Wrangler”: The person who organizes extras and their paperwork.
  • "Extras Holding" or "BG Holding": The area where Extras are asked to meet and wait when not on set.
  • "Fitting": You are given clothes to wear and will be required to attend a fitting in advance of filming
  • "Miming": Pretending to talk or talking without sound.
  • "Non-Union": Anyone who is not a member of the Union of BC Performers is non-union.
  • "PA": Production Assistant.
  • "Prelims or preliminaries": Sometimes you'll get preliminary call times, these can change later in the evening.
  • "Picture cast": You are chosen by your photo and were not submitted by your agent.
  • "Primary Roles": A main acting role.
  • "Rehearsing": Practicing the scene before it is filmed.
  • "Reel" or "Demo Reel": Clips of you acting or doing a monologue, these are used to get primary roles.
  • "SAE": Special Action Extra. When you preform a skill on set as part of the scene.
  • "Set": Where filming takes place.
  • "Stand-Ins”: The men and women who take the place of the Actors during setup.
  • "Submitted": How your Agent put you forward for jobs.
  • "UBCP": The union for performers employed in film and television productions in British Columbia.
  • "Wardrobe": What you are expected to wear and bring with you to every job unless you've had Fitting. You will be sent to “wardrobe” to confirm your clothes.