This is the correct cadence for productions using single-system sound. What the 1st AD says is highlighted and said over walkie. It is important that all 1st ADs adhere to this cadence. This enables consistency from show to show, which facilitates clear communication and efficiency on set.
“PICTURE’S UP!”
“LAST LOOKS!”
- “Last Looks” is only for Hair & Makeup and Costumes to do any final touches.
“LET’S LOCK IT UP! WE’RE GOING FOR PICTURE!”
- “Lock it up” is to notify everyone to be quiet.
“ROLL CAMERA!”
- DP speeds the camera and says “Sound and Camera Speed”.
- AC voice slates (i.e 2 Alpha Take 1).
- AC calls “Mark” and clacks the slate’s chevrons.
- DP calls “Set” when they are framed up, in focus, and ready to go.
- Director will then call “Action” and then “Cut”.
- 1st AD will say “Cut on picture. Stand by.”
After each “Cut,” the 1st AD checks with camera and sound to see how it was for them, then they check with Director to see if they want to go again.
“WE’RE GOING AGAIN!”
- Make sure everyone is ready. Then call the cadence once more.
“PICTURE’S UP! LOCK IT UP! ROLL CAMERA!”
- Call goes as above until the director calls “Cut”. AD repeats the “Cut”.
- AD continues to ask “Going again?” until they are told “Got that”.
- Once the AD hears “Got that” they then call:
“GOT THAT! MOVING ON! THANK YOU.”
“NEW DEAL! CAMERAS MOVE! WE’RE GOING TIGHTER!”
- “New Deal” means the camera(s) are moving to their next setup position.
- “We’re going tighter” references that the set is moving on to a tighter frame. This is because we typically shoot scenes starting with the widest frame and then working towards the tightest frames.
- If you’re moving on to the next scene then call: