Before Action!

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.

Some things that need to be called before "action!" are "pictures up," "roll sound" or "rolling," "sound speeds," "camera speeds," slate number, and "set." It is important to call such things before the call of action because it allows everyone to make sure they are on the same page. If one of those calls fail, it becomes a clear indication of which crew members are not ready. Without these calls, the director may accidentally roll the scene without knowing that a certain portion of the film is not ready. The actors may not have been able to settle in, or people on set may not know that a scene is rolling. It is important that everyone on set knows when a scene is rolling because the crew members may cause an unintended interruption without the notice.