People and roles
Call sheets use standard role abbreviations across the industry:
| Abbreviation | Full Term | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1st AD | First Assistant Director | Runs the set, manages the shooting schedule, leads safety |
| 2nd AD | Second Assistant Director | Builds the call sheet, coordinates cast and crew logistics |
| 2nd 2nd AD | Second Second Assistant Director | Assists the 2nd AD, often manages background performers |
| UPM | Unit Production Manager | Oversees budget, scheduling, and production logistics |
| DP | Director of Photography | Heads the camera and lighting departments |
| AC | Assistant Camera | Operates camera equipment under the DP |
| 1st AC | First Assistant Camera | Focuses the lens during shooting |
| 2nd AC | Second Assistant Camera | Loads film or data cards, slates the scene |
| DIT | Digital Imaging Technician | Manages digital capture and on-set color correction |
| PA | Production Assistant | General support role across departments |
Scene and schedule terms
These terms appear in the shooting schedule section of a call sheet:
| Term / Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| INT | Interior: the scene takes place indoors |
| EXT | Exterior: the scene takes place outdoors |
| D | Day: the scene is lit as daytime |
| N | Night: the scene is lit as nighttime |
| MOS | Without sound: shot without recording audio (from the German 'mit out sprache') |
| OC | Off camera: lines or action that happen off screen |
| OS | Off screen: same as OC in most usage |
| OMIT | Scene has been cut from the script but number is retained for continuity |
| Pgs | Page count: estimated length of the scene in script pages |
| Sc # | Scene number: the scene's identifier in the script |
Cast and crew status terms
These codes appear next to cast and crew names on call sheets and DOOD reports:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| W | Work: actively shooting scenes |
| H | Hold: available but not shooting, often still paid |
| T | Travel: traveling to or from location |
| SW | Start Work: first day on the production |
| WF | Work Finish: last day on the production |
| SW/WF | Single day contract: starts and finishes same day |
| NDB | No Day Break: shooting runs through what would normally be a meal break |
| SI | Stand In: crew member who matches an actor's physical dimensions for lighting setup |
| BG | Background: background performers / extras |
Production and scheduling terms
Broader terms you will see in call sheet notes and production documents:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DOOD | Day Out of Days: the grid showing each cast member's status across all shoot days |
| General Crew Call | The time most crew should be on set and ready |
| Base Camp | The area where trailers, holding, and catering are set up near the location |
| Check-in | Background performer sign-in process on arrival |
| Turnaround | The minimum rest period between an actor's or crew member's wrap time and next call |
| Golden Time | Overtime rate that applies after a set number of hours, typically 14-16 hours |
| Meal Penalty | A financial penalty when a meal break is late or missed |
| Company Move | Moving the entire production from one location to another during the same shoot day |
| Prelim | Preliminary call sheet: an early draft sent before times are finalized |
| Advance | The section showing what is scheduled for the following day |
| PR | Production Report: the daily record of what was shot and what it cost |
| Hot Cost | Daily tally of actual labor costs compared to budget |
Time and call terms
Call sheets use specific language for time:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| First Shot | The time the first camera shot of the day was achieved |
| Lunch | The formal meal break, typically 30 minutes, required within 6 hours of crew call |
| Walk Away | A non-deductible meal: crew can eat while working, usually during a short break |
| Wrap | The end of the shooting day for a department or the full crew |
| Flying In | Cast or crew arriving from travel just before or during the shoot day |
| On Call | Available to be called in if needed, not yet confirmed for the day |