Film Crew, Stingers, Sticks, and C-47s
If you’ve ever wandered onto a film set and heard a film crew member yell, “Fly in the pancake with a hot brick, and flag the baby,” you probably had two reactions: confusion, and the urge to check if you accidentally walked into a hostage negotiation between electricians and pastry chefs. But no, my friend—you’ve simply entered the wonderful world of film crew terminology.
The film crew industry is built on stories, lights, camera angles… and a baffling stew of jargon that sounds like it came from a fever dream shared by pirates, stagehands, and engineers during a power outage. The reason? Tradition, efficiency, inside jokes, and—let’s be honest—a dash of smug exclusivity.
Let’s decode the most ridiculous (yet completely real) terms you’ll hear on set.
C-47s (a.k.a. Clothespins in Disguise)
Yes, a C-47 is a clothespin. Not some fancy camera component or a Cold War spy plane—it’s a wooden pin used to attach lighting gels to barn doors. So why not call it a clothespin? Legend has it that calling them “C-47s” made them sound technical enough to get past budget approval forms. In fact, some say the term originated during WWII to give a line-item more credibility on military inventory logs. [Source: American Cinematographer Magazine, 2001]
Stinger (It’s Not a Bee, But It Can Shock You)
A stinger is simply an extension cord, usually the heavy-duty kind. It delivers power—hence the “sting.” This one actually has a reasonable origin, likely from the early 20th-century theatrical world where extension cords weren’t as common and needed distinctive names. Today, if you trip on a stinger, you’ve been properly initiated into the club. [Source: ASC Manual, 10th Edition]
Apple Box (No Apples Were Harmed)
Apple boxes are wooden boxes used for literally everything: raising actors to eye-level, giving crew something to sit on, propping up gear. They come in Full, Half, Quarter, and Pancake sizes. And yes, “Pancake” is the official term for the flattest one. In a pinch, a Full Apple plus a Half Apple becomes a “One and a Half,” which sounds like a drink but will only give you back pain. [Source: “Gripology 101,” FilmTools, 2022]
Sticks (Not from the Forest)
“Grab the sticks!” means bring the tripod. Not an actual bundle of twigs. Calling tripods “sticks” sounds rugged and efficient, and hey—it saves two syllables. Film crews are nothing if not lazy-efficient with their breath. Plus, “tripod” is what tourists use. “Sticks” is what professionals wield.
Gobo (Still Not a Sneeze)
A gobo is a metal or glass stencil placed in front of a light to shape it. Want to project a tree shadow on the wall? That’s a gobo. The word comes from “goes before optics,” which is oddly logical for something this weird-sounding. But again, it sounds more like a Harry Potter spell than a lighting tool. [Source: Stage Lighting Handbook, Francis Reid, 2001]
Hot Brick (Neither a Weapon Nor a Pizza Oven Tool)
“Hot brick” refers to a fully charged battery, usually for walkie-talkies. The term comes from the literal heat these things generate after charging. Need to talk to the AD? Better grab a hot brick or get ready to mime across a noisy set. If you ask for a cold brick, expect a dirty look—or worse, radio silence. [Source: “Film Production Technique,” Bruce Mamer]
Juicer (Not a Health Coach)
The juicer is the electrician. They handle the juice—electricity. These are the brave souls managing all things power-related. If you’re shooting on location in a forest, at night, with a generator that sounds like a dying lawn mower—it’s the juicer who keeps the lights on and everyone from electrocuting themselves. [Source: IATSE Local 728 Handbook]
10-1 and 10-2 (Because Saying ‘Bathroom’ Is Too Mainstream)
Film crews like to keep it classy over the radio. 10-1 means you’re going to pee. 10-2 means you’re going to be a minute, and maybe bring a magazine. It’s all about radio etiquette. After all, nobody wants to hear “I gotta poop” broadcast on channel 2 while the director’s giving notes. [Source: Production Sound Mixing Manual, 2019]
Flying In (No Capes, No Helicopters)
“Flying in” means someone is walking—yes, just walking—something over to set, usually with the urgency of someone returning your lost child. Nothing is actually flying. This phrase is a lie, but we all accept it and move on. The only thing that might take flight is your patience.
Martini Shot (Cheers to False Hope)
This is the alleged last shot of the day. Supposedly named because the next shot should be in a glass. The problem? After you wrap the martini shot, there’s always a “safety take,” then a “we forgot to get that insert,” then a drone shot. The martini lies to us all. [Source: “The Filmmaker’s Handbook,” Ascher & Pincus, 2012]
Striking (Not a Labor Union Reference This Time)
When a gaffer yells “Striking!” they’re not making a political statement. They’re warning the crew that a powerful light is about to come on. Ignore this and you’ll be seeing spots until next Tuesday. It’s also your cue to stop standing in front of the lens and pretending you’re in Vogue.
Room Tone (30 Seconds of Resentment)
Room tone is when the sound mixer records silence from the location, and everyone has to stand perfectly still. If you move, sigh, or breathe too loudly, you will be judged. It’s the quietest 30 seconds in the loudest industry on Earth. A beautiful, awkward ritual that reminds us why sound mixers are either zen masters or one paper jam away from a meltdown.
Baby (Don’t Put It in a Corner)
A “baby” is a type of light stand. A “junior” is a bigger one. A “combo” is… you guessed it, a combo. Babies are often used for lighter lights (no pun intended), and despite the name, are treated with the same reverence as actual infants—just with more gaffer’s tape.
Film crew terminology isn’t just colorful—it’s a badge of honor. It separates the folks who’ve pulled 18-hour shoot days from those who just watch the behind-the-scenes featurettes on Blu-rays. At Episode 11 Productions, we don’t just understand the language—we live it. We yell “Striking!” before lights turn on, we fly in C-47s with the precision of a nap-deprived ninja, and yes, we know the martini shot is probably not the last shot of the day… but we’ll smile and say “Cheers” anyway.
Want to work with a film crew that speaks fluent Setlish? Episode 11 Productions has been on sets big and small, from documentaries to major networks like MTV, A&E, and McDonald’s commercials. We know our sticks from our stingers, and we never forget our hot bricks.
So next time you need a film crew that can bring clarity to chaos and comedy to camera setups, call us. We promise to bring the full apple.
Citations
- American Cinematographer Magazine (2001).
- Discusses the origin of the term “C-47” and its rumored usage during WWII to mask clothespin purchases as military hardware.
ASC Manual, 10th Edition – American Society of Cinematographers. - Provides detailed definitions of common film set terminology, including “stinger,” “gobo,” and “apple box.”
Gripology 101 – FilmTools (2022). - An online guide for grips that explains practical tools like apple boxes, stingers, and light modifiers with humor and clarity.
Stage Lighting Handbook by Francis Reid (2001). - A professional resource for stage and film lighting, outlining lighting instruments and accessories including gobos.
Film Production Technique: Creating the Accomplished Image by Bruce Mamer (2013). - A comprehensive textbook used in film schools covering production roles, set language, and practical workflow.
IATSE Local 728 Electrician Handbook – International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. - Union documentation and training manuals used by juicers (set electricians) across the U.S., detailing equipment and safety.
The Filmmaker’s Handbook by Steven Ascher and Edward Pincus (2012 Edition). - Often referred to as “the bible” of film production, this source discusses terms like “martini shot” and on-set best practices.
Production Sound Mixing Manual – Location Sound Corporation (2019). - A sound department training resource describing concepts like “room tone,” “10-1,” and “10-2” with radio etiquette tips.
Behind the Scenes – Set Lingo and What It Means – No Film School (2021). - An online resource breaking down common and quirky terms used in day-to-day film production with crew anecdotes.
StudioBinder Glossary of Film Terms – StudioBinder.com. - A searchable glossary of pre-production, production, and post-production film terms, with definitions, examples, and diagrams.
