Art Department General Terms

3M Hooks: Name brand. These hooks are plastic hangers that don’t use screws or brad nails but rather a strong tape-like, removable adhesive. They come in many sizes and weight bearing strengths.

Anachronism or Anachronistic: An element, artifact, prop, or furnishing in a film or television show that belongs to a different time or place than the one being shown; often anachronistic elements are deemed as inconsistencies or mistakes. For example: The movie The Favourite was anachronistic because the wheelchair would not have been invented yet.

Atmospheric Animals: Animals which are brought in to make a set more realistic. For example, horses may function in the background as decoration in a horse stable set. (See also: Picture Animals)

Backdrop or Backing: Refers to a large photographic backing or painting for the background of a scene. These large scale photos are printed, hung, and lit behind windows to give the illusion of the outdoors.

Background (aka Atmosphere): 1) term used to describe Extras (Actors) that are used in the background of a scene to create a sense of realism. 2) Dressing that defines the set but is not featured in the foreground.

Back lot: An undeveloped area, on studio property, in an open-air, outdoor space away from the studio stages, where real-life situations with backgrounds can be filmed.

Back Projection: A photographic technique whereby live action is filmed in front of a transparent screen onto which background action is projected.

Blue-screen: A process whereby actors work in front of an evenly-lit, monochromatic (usually blue or green) background, screen, or backdrop. The background is then replaced in post-production by chroma-keying or optical printer, allowing other footage or computer-generated images (CGI) to form the background image; since 1992, most films use a green-screen.

Breakaway: Destroyable glass objects that are used for stunts or gags in a scene. Can also mean destroyable set pieces or scenery.

Breakdown or Ageing: refers to the process of making an item appear to be used/worn according to the requirements of the story/setting.

Burned Location: Any location (house, restaurant, park etc.) that will not allow filming due to previous unresolved problems with film productions.

Camera Ready: A set that is completed and ready to be recorded to camera; a fully constructed, painted, dressed, rigged, and lit set.

Chachkas or Chachkes: A small ornamental piece of set dressing.

Change Over: When set dressing is removed from a set and replaced with new dressing in order to transform it into a different set. Usually, this is done when the shooting crew is finished with the set.

Cheat: The act of intentionally moving an object or actor in or out of the way (in coverage shots) in order to improve the look of the shot. May result in a shot that is not in exact continuity, but not noticeable in the final cut.

Clearance: An arrangement whereby a company, copyright, or trademark holder agrees to allow a production to show their copyrighted or trademarked intellectual property item(s) on camera. Item(s) refers to brands, logos, images and copy-written objects that have been legally approved by production to be used in the film.

Compositing: The combining of visual elements from separate sources into single images (or sequences of images), often to create the illusion that all those elements are parts of the same scene. Examples might be incorporating rendered 3D images (CGI) into filmed material, or extracting elements shot in front of blue/green screen. Today most compositing is achieved through digital image manipulation.

Contact Sheet: A print out of multiple images within a grouping of images available for one particular task. A contact sheet is a useful way of seeing which are the best images to use on any given task from choosing artwork, dressings, props to deciding which research images may be relevant.

Copyright: A form of intellectual property that grants the creator of an original creative work an exclusive legal right to determine whether and under what conditions their original work may be copied and used by others, for a limited time. The exclusive rights are limited by various limitations and exceptions to copyright law, including fair use. A major limitation on copyright on ideas is that copyright protects only the original expression of ideas, and not the underlying ideas themselves.

Cyclorama: The curved, seamless, floor-to-ceiling backdrop or background used in studios.

Ditty Bag: Small bag used by film crews to store smaller tools and other useful items. Originally referred to small bags of necessities carried by sailors while at sea.

Dress: To define a set by arranging items such as furniture, drapes and art work (dressing) on a given set.

Dulling Spray: A removable cloudy translucent spray (either commercial spray or arid extra dry deodorant) used on shiny surfaces such as windows and mirrors to prevent unwanted reflections.

Dunnage: Pieces of wood, matting, inflated cells or similar material used to keep a cargo in position during transport.

Felt Bumpers or Felt Pads: Small felt stickers used on the bottom of furniture and heavy or abrasive objects to prevent scratching of hardwood, linoleum or stone floors.

Fire in the Hole: A Phrase used as an alert when an explosion, fire, or gunfire is used on set. This phrase is called out to let the crew know a weapon is loaded, ready to go and a loud noise is soon to follow.

Flashing: Is a term On-Set Dressers use while employing a flash when taking a picture on set. This is done to notify the Electrics that the flash is from your camera, not one of their lights being blown out. It is also used to warn crew and cast, so that they are not surprised or blinded by the light.

Flat: A lightweight, moveable wooden structure that is used as a wall component or backdrop in set construction.

Floating: A piece of scenery in a set that is designed to be moved, removed, and/or replaced as needed to allow for lighting, camera, and various production needs.

Flying in: Phrase used by crewmembers to let someone know that they, or a requested item is on their way to set imminently.

Fold & Hold: Refers to the instruction to box, label, inventory and store all dressing related to a set and hold it in a designated area in the lock up. This ensures the same set can be recreated integrally at a later date.

Forced Perspective: A technique used to create a sense of great distance or to make a space seem much bigger than it is, forced perspective is created by using objects that are vary in size, and placing them specific distances from one another, to create the effect of objects fading into the distance.

Foreground: Anything or set piece that is in the front of the camera’s field of vision and not blocked by anything else.

Fuller’s Earth or Pyrolite or Bentonite: A clay-based powdered earth formerly used on movie set, costumes and special effects as a substitute for real dirt and dust. While it has recently been replaced with the safer product Pyrolite and Bentonite the term is still used to refer to tan coloured scenic dust.

Gak: Slang film term used to describe non-descript (ND) dressing, equipment, props, etc. Loosely means stuff.

Gimbal: The mechanism used to spin or rotate a room, set, or scenery piece on set.

Glue Blocks: Small scrap pieces of 3/4” plywood glued to the backside of a flat. The block supplies added strength when hanging heavy objects to the flat. Plywood is used because it does not split easily.

Greeking: Changing trademarks that haven’t been cleared for use within the film. Materials used for Greeking include: vinyl, labels, stickers, felt markers, and

coloured tape.

Green-screen: A process whereby actors work in front of an evenly-lit, monochromatic (usually blue or green) background, screen, or backdrop. The background is then replaced in post-production by chroma-keying or optical printer, allowing other footage or computer-generated images (CGI) to form the background image.

Hero: Any set, set piece, set dressing, vehicle, and/or prop of importance used, held, or mentioned by an actor on screen.

Hot: Describes the status of a gun or explosive effect that is loaded, and will be used in an upcoming scene. Also describes an electrical item with live current (lamp, clock, etc).

Hot Set: A set where all elements, furnishings and props have been established on camera and finalized and continues to be shot throughout the show. The set is then labeled “Hot Set” to indicate that it should not be changed or disturbed in any form as not to disrupt continuity.

In House: When something is made, printed, or built within the confines of the production grounds instead of sending to an outside company to be made, built, or printed.

Jerry Rigging or MacGyvering: A term used to describe an unconventional way to rig, fix or hang dressing when the conventional way is not an option. For example, using wedges on the outside brackets of venetian blinds to secure them when it is not possible to drill holes into the wall.

Last Looks or Finals: This is the phrase said by the First Assistant Director just before they say “Standby for picture” meaning this is the last chance to make a change so all applicable departments should do their final touches, for example, the makeup artist can run in to quickly remove sweat on an actor or the on-set dresser can run in and remove an errant water bottle that has visibly made its way on set.

Layering or Detailing: Refers to the process of adding dressing to a set, starting with the largest items and working your way to the smallest. Layering the smalls is also known as Detailing.

Lock-Up (aka Set Dec Lock-Up): Refers to the Set Decoration Warehouse of a given production. The Lock-Up is used to store any Set Dressing or supplies not currently in use.

Matte Shot: A photographic technique whereby artwork – usually on glass – from a matte artist is combined with live action. Contrast this with back projection or a travelling matte.

Miniature: A smaller-scale model filmed in such a way that it seems like it is a full-scale model.

Mise en scène: “Putting in the scene” in French; refers to the composition and arrangement of visual elements within the frame of film, including costume, set décor, lighting, and character positioning.

Moiré: Undesirable patterns in printed halftones caused by improperly aligned screens.

Mono: Short for monofilament, more commonly called fishing line or fishing wire.

Motion Capture: An animation technique in which the actions of an animated object are derived automatically from the motion of a real-world actor or object.

ND: Stands for Non-Descript. Art Department is often asked non-descript items to place in the background. For example: A graphic designer may be asked to create ND paperwork which is general paperwork that could be used in the background in any set and is not specific to a certain type of office.

On the Day: A term used to describe set work that is to be done on the same day as, or during, principal photography.

Opening Set: Refers to the process where the Decorator, Lead Dresser or a Set Dresser review a new, not yet established set with the Director, Director of Photography and other Department Keys, right before it is shot for the first time. This ensures that the set is satisfactory to all concerned and allows for adjustments before the first shot.

Picture Vehicle: Any vehicle that is seen on screen.

Picture Animal: Any animal that is seen on screen. (Also see: Atmospheric Animals)

Practical: An element that will be adapted, redesigned, or used as originally designed, for actual use as intended on the shoot day often instead of using visual effects or special effects. For example: A scene might require a sink to be practical on the day, meaning it must have running water for the take.

Practicals or Practical Lighting: Any lamp or lighting where the light source is in frame. ‘Practicals’ are lights that are built into your locations or sets like ceiling fixtures, desk and floor lamps, and strings of Christmas lights. It can also refer to headlights from a car, street lamps, televisions, and computers. For example: A DOP might ask that more practicals be brought in, usually meaning they want more lamps, candles, or other light sources built in to the location.

Previsualization or Previs or Previz: The visualizing of complex scenes in a movie before filming. Previsualization is used to describe techniques such as storyboarding, either in the form of charcoal sketches or in digital technology, in the planning and conceptualization of movie scenes.

Principal Photography: The main shooting dates of a film with the lead actors present.

Product Placement: A business arrangement whereby a production agrees to show, for example, the products or logo of a particular company, usually in return for payment or other consideration.

Prop: Anything an actor touches or uses on the set; e.g. phones, guns, cutlery, etc. Movie animals and all food styling (food seen or eaten on set/screen) also fall into this domain.

Prop Houses: Defines businesses that rent out props, set dressing and sometimes costumes, to the film industry.

Rain Cover or Weather Cover or Cover Set: Defines a scene set in a studio or location that has been prepped as a shooting alternative. This option is typically used in case of bad weather or logistical problems.

Raked: A set floor that is angled up from the camera.

Rental Agreement: An itemized contract for set dressing rentals between the rental shop and the production company. It is essentially an inventory list for the dressers but also a contract for the production company.

Reset: Also called: ‘back to ones’, ‘first positions’, ‘going again’ or ‘number ones’. Called out by the first AD to bring actors, vehicles and extras back to their original positions for another take.

Retrofit: Specific physical changes to a location or set to make sure that the design of the film set is believable and seamless.

Rubber bumpers: Are small clear rubber stickers that are applied underneath smalls (vases, etc.) to prevent scratching furniture surfaces. They can also be used on the back bottom corners of picture frames to protect the wall.

Schedule: Chart or table in a set of architectural drawings, including data about materials, finishes, equipment, windows, doors, and signage; also a plan for performing work.

Scissor Lift: A mobile electric or gas-powered platform mounted on folding arms. This lift is used to provide elevated work areas and help raise/ lower items or crew members.

Scout: Looking for the right location to shoot in.

Securing a Load: Ensuring that a load is safely tied down and fixed for safe transport. Ratchet straps, rope, furnie blankets and dunnage are some of the equipment used to perform this task.

Sound Blanket or Furnie or Furnie Blanket or Furniture Blanket or Packing Blanket: Abbreviated term to describe furniture pads used by Set Decoration and Grips to protect furniture, actors, and camera equipment. The standard use of a Packing Blanket is dark side up (visible).

Special Effects: An artificial effect used to create an illusion in a movie. Refers to effects produced on the set, as opposed to those created in post-production. Most movie illusions are created in post production. These are called visual effects.

Snot Tape or Clear Butyl or Toffee Tack or Super Tape: Used widely by Prop and Set Decoration departments for securing items to shelves, walls and tables for dressing sets, continuity and safety. The tape is sticky throughout, its pliability gives it the ability to be used in a variety of ways. It is clear, non-staining and available in 3 sizes.

Spotting Plan or Stage Layout: A ground plan or floor plan for a set or multiple sets which indicate doors and distance from existing stage walls or other sets sharing the same space.

Squib: A small device that replicates a bullet wound, usually by squishing a capsule of fake blood.

Standing Set: A recurring set in a television story-line in which the set remains on a stage throughout an entire season or series, for example, the lead character’s home or place of work. A standing set can also remain on a stage for longer than any one production if it is a commonly needed location that can be rented to new productions, for example, a courtroom, airplane, or jail set.

Storyboard: A sequence of pictures created by a storyboard artist or production illustrator to communicate the desired general visual appearance on camera of a scene or movie.

Studio Tank or Water Tank: A large receptacle that holds water and water machinery to satisfy production needs involving water scenes in a controlled environment within a studio. Essentially it is a larger, more complicated swimming pool for very specific set needs.

Sugar Glass or Candy Glass: Originally a sugar based glass that was used as a substitute for real glass when the glass needed to shatter safely and predictably on camera. Sugar glass is now made from synthetic compounds.

Survey or Recce: An inspection or exploration of an area to gather information from a location which will determine if the space is suitable and what needs to be done to the space to make it work for the scene/project. Survey is used in North America while Recce is used in the UK/Europe. Recce is a slang word for “reconnaissance”.

Swamper: A slang term that refers to a Set Dresser assigned as the departmental representative on the Set Dec truck. The swamper is also responsible for the loading and unloading of the set dressing.

Swing Set or Swing Stage: A set or entire stage that may be reconfigured into several different sets during the course of a film or television show season. Most commonly used in episodic television.

Tech Survey: The final survey or recce of all locations and spaces which are to be shot during principal photography seen back to back over 1-3 days with all techs and key crew in attendance so everyone is on the same page and gathers key information so there are no surprises on the day.

Title Block: A table located in the bottom right corner of a drawing which contains sections for providing the film title, production designer, set designer, set number, set name, location information, and drawing scale- for example 1/4″ = 1′-0″.

Top Dressing or Detailing: refers to adding smalls on top of furniture in a way that defines the character’s style, state of mind or characteristic. For example: a mountain of paperwork on the desk of an overworked police officer, a neatly organized desk of a high-powered executive, etc.

Trademark: A recognizable sign, design, or expression which identifies products or services of a particular source from those of others. The trademark owner can be an individual, business organization, or any legal entity. A trademark may be located on a package, a label, a voucher, or on the product itself. It is legally recognized as a type of intellectual property.

Translite: A large scale colour photograph printing on a translucent material, a category of photographic backdrop able to be lit from front or back.

TrueBlock: Trademarked shipping labels by Avery which use ‘TrueBlock’ technology that completely cover everything underneath the label, leaving a bright-white professional appearance on the outside. This adhesive paper is often used in house within an art department to print graphics.

Tuffback Paper: A large format thick low tack adhesive paper that you buy by the roll and apply like vinyl. Tuffback is often used when you need to paint something and you are not able to paint directly to the surface so you paint the tuffback paper then apply it over top the surface. Tuffback is the material of choice in these situations since it is opaque, takes paint well, and comes off smoothly and reliably.

Visual Effects: Alterations to a film’s images during post-production, most often through CGI.

Waler: A horizontal beam used to help support joined flats; also used in concrete formwork.

Wild: A piece of scenery in a set that is designed to be moved, removed, and replaced as needed to allow lighting, camera, or other various production needs.

Wrap Pack: A package consisting of Rental Agreements, Purchase Orders, Transportation Orders and photographs of set dressing put together by a Buyer, or Set Dec Coordinator. The wrap pack inventories all of the various Set Dec rentals and purchases, and guides the striking of the set, so that all items are 1) accounted for and 2) returned to the right suppliers or lock up.

Wrapping: The act of striking the dressing from a set and returning the dressing to the rental houses and purchases to the lock up.