Cinematographer
Nach 'Lock It Up' weiß ich, dass gleich gedreht wird. Es ist mein Signal für letzte Checks – Fokus, Frame, Belichtung – bevor 'Rolling' kommt.
Standard film set command issued by the Assistant Director to secure all set access points and cease all movement, noise, and activity – typically called immediately before rolling camera to ensure an uninterrupted take and maintain scene continuity.
What does "Lock It Up" mean?
"Lock It Up" is a standard set command called by the 1st AD (First Assistant Director) or designated crew members to secure the set for a take. It stops all movement and activity immediately before shooting.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Who Calls | 1st AD, 2nd AD, PA |
| When | Before "Rolling" |
| Meaning | Secure the set |
| Expectation | Silence, no movement |
Command Sequence
| Order | Command |
|---|---|
| 1 | "Picture's Up" |
| 2 | "Lock It Up" |
| 3 | "Quiet On Set" |
| 4 | "Rolling" |
What Happens During "Lock It Up"
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Doors | Secured |
| Movement | Stops |
| Work | Interrupted |
| Access | Blocked |
Responsibilities
| Position | Task |
|---|---|
| PAs | Secure doors/entrances |
| Locations | Keep public away |
| AD Team | Coordination |
| Departments | Cease activity |
Doors and Access Points
| Location | Measure |
|---|---|
| Set Entrances | Staffed by PA |
| Adjacent Rooms | Closed |
| Exterior Areas | Secured |
| Emergency Exits | Clear, but monitored |
Difference from Other Commands
| Command | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "Lock It Up" | Secure the set |
| "Quiet On Set" | Silence |
| "Rolling" | Camera/Sound is running |
| "Action" | Performance begins |
Location Specifics
| Situation | Particularity |
|---|---|
| Exterior Shoot | Larger cordon |
| Public Area | Crowd control |
| Studio | Doors, soundstage |
| Night Shoot | Additional light control |
Radio Communication
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Announcement | "Going for a take" |
| Call | "Lock It Up" |
| Confirmation | "Locked" from PAs |
| Clearance | "Set is locked" |
PA Positions
| Position | Task |
|---|---|
| Fire Lane PA | Main access |
| Basecamp PA | Trailer area |
| Set PA | Set boundaries |
| Roving PA | Flexible coverage |
When Not to Lock Up
| Situation | Reason |
|---|---|
| Rehearsal | Just a practice |
| Blocking | Just positioning |
| Checks | Technical tests |
| Second Unit | Often informal |
Common Disruptions
| Disruption | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Mobile Phones | Announce, collect |
| Late Crew | Set awareness |
| Deliveries | Holding coordination |
| Onlookers | PA cordon |
International Variants
| Country | Term |
|---|---|
| USA | "Lock It Up" |
| UK | "Lock Off" |
| Germany | "Set absperren" |
| France | "On ferme le plateau" |
Communication Chain
| Level | Communication |
|---|---|
| 1st AD | Calls command |
| 2nd AD | Coordinates |
| PAs | Execute |
| Crew | Responds |
Timing
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Announcement | 30-60 seconds prior |
| Lock-Up | 10-20 seconds |
| Until "Rolling" | Variable |
| Total Time | 1-2 minutes |
After "Cut"
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| "Moving On" | Next shot |
| "Going Again" | Repeat |
| Lock Remains | Often for continuity |
| Lock Lifted | "Set is open" |
Discipline
| Aspect | Importance |
|---|---|
| Respect | For commands |
| Silence | Essential |
| Stillness | No shadows, noises |
| Patience | Until "Cut" |
Special Situations
| Situation | Handling |
|---|---|
| Emergency | Lift lock immediately |
| Technical Issue | "Hold the roll" |
| Actor Issue | Communicate discreetly |
| External Noise | Wait or adjust |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Clear Announcement | Understandability |
| Early Announcement | Time to prepare |
| Consistency | Same every time |
| Professional Response | Smooth workflow |
Today
"Lock It Up" remains one of the fundamental set commands in film production. Whether on a small independent production or a large studio shoot day, securing the set before the take ensures uninterrupted recordings and professional workflow. Adherence to this protocol is a sign of a well-managed set.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Wenn der AD 'Lock It Up' ruft, weiß jeder, dass wir kurz vor dem Take sind. Das Kommando schafft die nötige Konzentration für alle Departments.
Producer
Effiziente Lock-Ups bedeuten weniger Störungen und schnellere Takes. Ein gut geführtes Set mit klaren Kommandos spart Zeit und Geld.
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Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Was beschreibt „Absperren / Set absperren / Lock It Up" am besten?
2. Zu welchem Department gehört „Absperren / Set absperren / Lock It Up"?
3. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?