Director
Creative or operational relevance to directing
Holds the lock-up: stops pedestrians and traffic during the take, releases them after. Works backed by the shoot permit, not by legal authority.
The Lock-Up PA stands where the set ends — at the street corner, in the hallway, at the end of the platform. Their job is to ensure that nothing enters the frame during a take that doesn't belong there.
How it Works
Via radio comes "Lock it up" or "We're rolling." From then on, activity stops; after "Thank you, cut," it's released again. The pace is quick — someone who stops passersby for five minutes will get into trouble, someone who asks them to wait for thirty seconds, almost never.
The Boundary
A Lock-up PA has no official authority. They may ask, not order. Where traffic actually needs to be stopped, police or an authorized traffic management service is required — this is stated in the filming permit and is not a mere formality.
Friendliness is therefore a working tool, not politeness: the success of the position depends on whether strangers cooperate.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Producer
Importance in production planning and execution
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Absperrungs-PA"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?