BLOG QUESTION: WHAT TO CALL OUT

In your own words, write a paragraph on what needs to be called on set before what and explain why it is so important. Refer to the Production Process slides if needed.

It's important to call out before the director says "action" because you want to make sure that every department is on the same page, that the actors get settled in, and everyone else is ready so that there are no interruptions later on. In order, this is the usual sequence of what is called out before the director says action:

The A.D will call, "Picture's up" once the camera is set and the actors are, and the P.A.'s will call "Picture's up" across different areas so all crew members/departments are aware. Then, the A.D will call "Roll sound", and the P.A will call out "Rolling". The sound Dept will call out "Sound speeds" once their audio is ready to record, the 1st assistant camera operator will call "Camera speeds", and infront of the camera the 2nd assistant camera will slate for the shot. The DoP will call "Set" when the shot is ready to be filmed, and the director will call "Action!". Once the shot is done, the director yells "Cut", The A.D yells "Cut", and finally, the P.A yells "Cut".