Slate and Marker Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Slate / clapperboard | Board showing scene, take, and roll |
| Marker | Called before the clap for sync |
| Second sticks | Repeat clap when the first was missed |
| Tail slate | Slate at the end of a take, held upside down |
| Soft sticks | Gentle clap for close-ups |
| MOS | Shot without sound |
Camera Reports and Logs
- Camera report: takes, lenses, settings, and notes per roll.
- Roll / mag / card: the media in the camera.
- Circle take: a take the director prefers.
- Lens data: focal length, stop, and filters used.
Data and DIT Terms
Offload
Copying media from cards.
Checksum
Verifying copies match.
Dailies
Processed footage for review.
LUT
Look applied for monitoring or dailies.
Calls You'll Hear
- "Checking the gate": inspect for debris or issues
- "Last looks": final hair, make-up, and wardrobe check
- "Reset": back to first positions
- "Moving on": the shot is done
- "Hold the roll": pause before recording
Our earlier cinematography terms glossary covers shots and lighting. For DSLR-era workflows, see DSLR cinematography, and for music video camera work, music video cinematography.
Working in a Camera Department
A camera-department staffed studio in India can supply ACs and DITs. A crew-booking agency in India fills camera roles. A camera assistant team handles slates, reports, and data. In Karnataka, a Bengaluru AC and DIT team can help, and large shoots may rely on one of the most disciplined camera crews in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does marker mean on set?
A call before the slate claps to sync picture and sound.
What is a tail slate?
A slate at the end of a take, usually held upside down.
What does MOS mean?
A shot recorded without sound.
What is a camera report?
A log of takes, lenses, settings, and notes for each roll or card.
Speak the Camera Department's Language
Cinematography terminology on set keeps picture and sound organised. Learn the slate, report, and data terms early. For a fully staffed camera team, book a camera department.
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