Costume Department Terms: A Guide to Language on Set

Every film and television set has its own shorthand. It helps departments communicate quickly, but it can be confusing when you are new to the work. In the costume department, some terms describe a garment or its purpose, while others tell the crew what is happening on set and what needs to happen next.

The wording can vary between productions, departments and locations. This guide covers common terms you are likely to hear, along with basic radio language that helps costume crews stay ready and communicate clearly with the rest of the unit.

Costume department terms

Standby

The costume standby is the costume department’s on-set representative during filming. They remain close to set, monitor the cast’s wardrobe between takes, complete last checks and manage any adjustments or repairs needed during the shooting day.

Standby work is closely tied to continuity. The standby watches how garments and accessories sit, records changes and makes sure each look returns correctly for the next take. On a larger production, individual standbys may be assigned to particular cast members or units.

Continuity

Continuity means keeping every visible costume detail consistent across shots and scenes. Film and television are rarely shot in story order, so a scene filmed today may need to match footage recorded days or weeks earlier.

Continuity records can include photographs, written notes and details about fastenings, sleeve positions, jewellery, shoes, accessories, layers and the condition of each garment. A strong record makes it possible to rebuild the same look accurately whenever it appears in the story.

Reset

A reset returns the costume and its accessories to the position or condition established at the beginning of a take. This might mean refastening a jacket, returning a bag to the correct shoulder, replacing a fallen accessory or restoring an exact level of dirt, water or blood.

When a reset is called, costume may need to step in quickly before cast returns to the first position. The reset should follow the continuity reference rather than relying on memory, particularly when several details changed during the action.

Hero costume

A hero costume is the principal version of a look, usually reserved for close work and key scenes. It is generally the version with the best finish and the most carefully selected details.

When multiples are available, the hero may be protected from stunts, water, heavy distressing or effects wherever the shooting plan allows. The exact use of the word can vary, so the costume team should clearly label which version is the hero and how each duplicate is intended to be used.

Multiples

Multiples are additional versions of the same costume. They may be exact duplicates or closely matched copies made for continuity, stunt work, simultaneous units or different stages of damage and wear.

A production may need a clean version, a wet version and several progressively dirtier or more damaged versions of one look. Each multiple should be clearly identified and tracked so that the correct garment reaches set for the scene, script day and level of action being filmed.

Last looks

Last looks is the final opportunity for costume, hair and makeup to check the cast before the camera rolls. It usually follows blocking or rehearsal, once everyone is in position and the crew is nearly ready to shoot.

For costume, this is the moment to check collars, hems, fastenings, jewellery, accessories and any visible continuity details. The work needs to be quick. Once complete, clear the frame and communicate that costume check are “happy”. Return to the costume space on set to watch the take on a monitor or iPad.

Wider set language

Call sheet

The call sheet is the daily plan for the production. It lists call times, locations, scenes, cast requirements, weather information, department notes and other details needed for the day. Check the date and version, as revised call sheets may be issued when the schedule changes.

Unit base

Unit base is the main support area for the production. It commonly holds cast facilities, costume and makeup work areas, production vehicles and other department spaces. The filming set may be nearby or some distance away, so allow time to move between base and set.

Sides

Sides are the script pages scheduled for the shooting day. They give the crew a compact reference for the scenes being filmed. They are delivered alongside the call sheet, either digitally or printed.

Sides should be re-read before the shoot day begins and costume plot and continuity information double-checked.

Blocking and rehearsal

Blocking establishes where the cast will move and how the action will work in the space. Rehearsal allows the action and technical requirements to be practised before filming. Costume should watch for anything that affects movement, modesty, garment placement, accessories or continuity.

Picture is up

Picture is up signals that the crew is preparing to record. Finish essential checks, move equipment out of shot and be ready to clear set.

The exact sequence of calls varies, but turnover, rolling and speed all mean that recording is imminent or underway. Once action is called, only enter the set if you are directed to do so or there is a genuine safety issue.

Cut, reset and back to one

Cut ends the take. If the production is going again, reset means restoring the scene for another take. Back to one, sometimes called first positions, asks cast and relevant crew to return to their starting positions. Costume should use this time to complete the required reset without delaying the next take.

Moving on

Moving on means the current setup is complete and the production is preparing for the next one. Costume may need to check the next look, move standby equipment, return cast to base or prepare a change. Listen for the next instruction rather than assuming the whole scene is finished.

Basic radio etiquette

Radio language should be brief and clear. Listen before speaking so you do not interrupt an active call. If you need another department, call them first and wait for a response before giving the full message. For example, say “Costume to First AD” and wait for “Go for First AD” before continuing.

Copy means that a message has been heard and understood. Stand by means wait, which is separate from the costume standby role. Say again asks for a message to be repeated. A radio check confirms that a radio is transmitting and receiving clearly.

If you are asked to move to another channel, confirm the channel number and switch before continuing the conversation.

Keep long discussions and sensitive costume information off the main radio channel. If a call is unclear, ask for it to be repeated rather than guessing.

Learning the language

Set language becomes familiar through repetition. Learn the calls that affect your work, pay attention to how each production uses them and ask when a term is unfamiliar.

Clear communication helps the costume department keep cast ready, maintain continuity and respond quickly throughout the shooting day, right through to the martini, the final shot of the day. Some crews use the term for the last shot of the final setup for the day.

And with that, we've reached the martini.