Cinematographer
'Kill it' höre ich ständig am Set – meist vom Gaffer, wenn ein Licht ausgeschaltet werden soll. Klare, kurze Befehle wie dieser halten den Workflow schnell.
A standard set command to immediately turn off or disable something – typically lights, cameras, monitors, or sound equipment, used for quick communication between departments during filming and lighting setups.
What does "Kill It" mean?
"Kill It" is a standard set command for immediately switching off equipment – typically lights, but also cameras, monitors, or other devices. The command is short, clear, and universally understood.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Switch off immediately |
| Goal | Fast communication |
| Response | "Killing it" |
| Department | Mostly lighting |
Typical Application
| Situation | Example |
|---|---|
| Lighting | "Kill the 5K" |
| Practicals | "Kill the practicals" |
| Monitor | "Kill the video village" |
| Sound | "Kill playback" |
Lighting Communication
| Command | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "Kill it" | Switch off |
| "Lose it" | Remove |
| "Flag it" | Block light |
| "Strike it" | Dismantle |
Who gives the command?
| Person | Context |
|---|---|
| Gaffer | Lighting instructions |
| DoP | Creative change |
| 1st AD | Set control |
| Director | Quick correction |
Who executes?
| Person | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Lights |
| Best Boy | Coordinates |
| Grip | Light modification |
| Sound | Audio equipment |
Response Protocol
| Situation | Response |
|---|---|
| Command heard | "Killing it" |
| Executed | "Killed" |
| Unclear | "Which one?" |
| Confirmation | Feedback |
Related Commands
| Command | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "Strike" | Dismantle/Remove |
| "Lose" | Take away |
| "Flag" | Block light |
| "Cut" | Stop |
Counter-Command
| Command | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "Bring it back" | Turn back on |
| "Hit it" | Turn on |
| "Fire it up" | Activate |
| "Turn it on" | Switch on |
Dimmer vs. Kill
| Action | Difference |
|---|---|
| Kill | Completely off |
| Dim | Turn down |
| Fade | Slowly dim |
| Bump | Quick on/off |
Safety Aspects
| Situation | Handling |
|---|---|
| Hot Lights | Allow to cool |
| Arc Lights | Observe restrike time |
| HMI | Do not restart immediately |
| LED | Ready again immediately |
Typical Scenarios
| Scenario | Example |
|---|---|
| New Setup | Rearranging lights |
| Disturbing | Unwanted reflection |
| Lunch | Save power |
| Wrap | End of shooting day |
International Terms
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Kill it |
| German | Ausmachen |
| French | Coupe |
| Spanish | Apaga |
Set Etiquette
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Speak clearly | Distinctly |
| Confirm | Provide feedback |
| Be specific | Which light |
| Calmly | Do not shout |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Short commands | Quick reaction |
| Confirmation | Avoids errors |
| Be specific | "Kill the Baby" instead of "Kill it" |
| Professional | Respectful tone |
Today
"Kill it" is part of the universal vocabulary of every film set worldwide. This short, clear command enables efficient communication between departments. Professional set language like this is essential for a fast, smooth workflow – every second counts in expensive production operations.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Set-Befehle wie 'kill it' sind Teil der professionellen Sprache am Set. Klare Kommunikation spart Zeit und vermeidet Missverständnisse.
Producer
Effiziente Set-Kommunikation spart Zeit. Befehle wie 'kill it' sind kurz, klar und universell verstanden – das ist professionelles Arbeiten.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Ausmachen / Ausschalten / Kill"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?