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