BSA 131: Week 14

Rolls and Calling of Roles on Set

It is important that everyone knows what they are doing while they're on a film set. It is also important that everyone knows what to call correctly and what the call means while on a film set. This is to ensure that everyone is on the same page while going onto shooting mode.

Director
Directors are responsible for creatively translating the film's written script into actual images and sounds on the screen. They are ultimately responsible for a film's artistic and commercial success or failure.

Information obtained from: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/758_director

First AD (First Assistant Director)
First ADs' main duties are assisting the Director, co-ordinating all production activity, and supervising the cast and crew.  They are also in charge of a department of other Assistant Directors and Runners. Overall, they provide the key link between the Director, cast and crew, whilst also liaising with the production office, and providing regular progress reports about the shoot.

Information obtained from: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/2937_first_assistant_director_first_ad

Camera Operator
Camera Operator (Cam Op for short) carries out the Director of Photography’s (DoP) and Director’s instructions for shot composition and development. They are usually the first people to use the camera's eyepiece to assess how all the elements of performance, art direction, lighting, composition and camera movement come together to create the cinematic experience. Usually in a small crew, the DoP and Cam Op are usually the same person.

Information obtained from: http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/3073_camera_operator

Calls on a Film set

After the blocking of the scenes have been finished and the lighting on set is in the correct place, the first assistant director (1st AD) talks with the HODs (Head of Departments) to ensure everyone is ready to role.

1st AD : "Final checks".

This is where the make up and hair crew can apply final touches.

1st AD : "Quiet on set" (if on location "Lock it down").

Wait for silence on set.

1st AD : "Roll sound".

The sound operator rolls the sound.

Sound : "Sound speed".
1st AD : "Roll camera".

The camera operator or 1st AC presses record on the camera.

Camera : "Camera rolling".

The 2nd AC or clapper person will call the shot and clap the slate on screen. If the clap is not clean, the camera operator may call for "2nd Sticks".

Camera : "Camera Set".
Director : "Action".

After the shot has finished the director yells "Cut!". The 1st AD will confer with the director as to whether another take is needed. If so...

1st AD : "Going again. Back to number ones".

If the director is happy to move to the next shots...

1st AD : "Moving on. Next set up".

Note: Different calls may be used depending on the person itself as everyone has their own style of calling out the calls when going into shooting mode.

While working as a 1st AD on Aaron's set, I've learned a lot and also learned how much responsibility a 1st AD has. Because it was a small set with a small crew and a few cast, I've learnt that the calls isn't as intense as a big film set. As a 1st AD, I could just simply just ask "Crew ready?" rather than "Final Checks" and "Quiet on Set".