The calls for one take
The calls are an agreement so that everyone knows what to do right now. On “stand by,” movement and chatter stop; on “roll,” sound and camera start recording; and nobody steps into frame before “action.” With extras, you may split the cues, starting the background action first and then giving the principals their “action.”
What happens after “cut”
- Check — the director checks the monitor, camera checks focus and the image, and sound checks the audio, and anyone with a problem says so right away.
- Verdict — the director calls OK, keep (hold as an editing option) or one more, and the script supervisor logs it.
- Back to one — to shoot the same setup again, actors, props and camera return to their starting positions.
- Next setup — once a setup is done, the 1st AD announces the next camera position and each department moves straight into setting up.
What goes on the slate, how to clap it and how to fill out camera reports are covered in the camera team lesson. The ADs just need to say what’s left each time the setup changes.
Deciding the setup order
- Wide first — many shoots start with a wide shot of the whole scene and work in to closer shots. This matches lighting the big picture first and refining it bit by bit.
- One direction at a time — shoot every setup facing one way before turning around. Each turnaround means resetting lighting and art.
- The actors’ state — agree with the director in advance on when to shoot close-ups of actors who need big emotional performances.
This order is only a guideline and shifts with sunset, the actors’ release times and location limits. The 1st AD sets the setup order ahead of time, shares it with camera and lighting, and updates them right away when it changes.
The big calls of the day
| Call | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Call time | When each department arrives and starts prepping |
| First shot | When the day’s first take rolls — the benchmark for the day’s progress |
| Lunch in and out | When the meal break is called and when everyone regroups |
| Camera wrap | When the last take of the day ends and shooting stops |
| Company wrap | When cleanup and restoring the location are done and everyone leaves |
These times go into the daily production report to track actual working hours and schedule progress. The 1st AD gives a heads-up before each big call so everyone can get ready. Announcing the last setup before lunch and the last shot of the day ahead of time lets departments overlap their wrap-up and prep for what’s next. After lunch, also say what you’re picking up with first.
When the schedule slips
- 01Notice earlyThe 1st AD already knows before lunch how far behind the plan the day is. The later you notice, the fewer options you have.
- 02Build optionsPrepare options such as combining setups, moving less important scenes to another day or extending the day.
- 03Decide togetherAsk the director which shots to protect and the producer about cost and working hours, then decide. The moments to protect from the director’s notes become the yardstick here.
- 04Announce right awayShare the decision with every department on the radio and by message, and add the moved scenes to the next call sheet.
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