Camera and Sound
This document from a rental house lists every piece of gear and its individual cost.
What is a quote?
G&E, the two departments that work together to light and shape the light on set, stands for this.
What are Grip and Electric?
This person is responsible for budgeting and sourcing all the furniture, drapes, and artwork that "dresses" the set.
Who is the Set Decorator?
The department responsible for any item an actor wears.
What is the Costume Department (or Wardrobe)?
What you should get from other vendors to see who is the cheapest.
What are additional quotes
The standard industry term for a 7-day rental where you are only charged for 3 days.
What is a "3-day week"?
When you use the power that comes out of the wall where you're filming
What is "house power"
The two main budget-line categories for Set Dec, one for items you'll return (like a couch) and one for items you'll keep (like picture frames).
What are rentals and purchases?
The department responsible for any item an actor handles, from a phone to a weapon.
What is the Props Department?
Getting a product or service (like coffee or a location) for free in exchange for a "Special Thanks" in the credits.
What is an "in-kind" deal?
The person on set who determines the list of microphones, recorders, and wireless units needed.
Who is the Production Sound Mixer?
A large, diesel-powered machine budgeted for locations that have no access to "house power."
What is a generator (or "genny")?
This type of effect is practical and happens "in-camera," like a smoke machine, fake rain, or a small spark.
What are Special Effects (or SPFX)?
These numbers come from the casting director or talent agent
What are "sizes" or "measurements"
What you should do with expensive items that you don't need for the run of show
What is "return it early"?
Items like camera tape, batteries, and canned air that are bought, used up, and not returned to the rental house.
What are expendables?
Gels and diffusion paper that the G&E team cuts and uses on lights are an example of this
What are G&E expendables?
What you should do with an experienced set decorator to build a relationship with the vendor?
what is "tag along"
The fee paid to an actor to use their own personal clothing as a costume in the film.
What is a "kit rental"?
Locations can be cheaper than studio builds because you don't have to get this.
What is furniture or set dressing
Your director shoots a 1:10 ratio. A ten page script will result in this many minutes of footage acquired.
what is "100 minutes"
The Gaffer or Key Grip often owns the G&E truck and rents it to the production as a single unit. This is a type of..
What is a package deal (or "kit rental")?
The crucial difference between a prop and set dressing.
What is: a prop is handled by an actor, while set dressing is part of the environment?
A prop that is "consumed" or destroyed on camera, like breakaway glass or specific food for a scene.
What is an expendable prop?
Your DOP wants the latest thing. To save money, consider this.
What is a "Substitution for an older version"