Director
Creative or operational relevance to directing
The command that starts a take, called in a fixed sequence — sound rolling, camera rolling, slate, action — with each step confirmed before the next is called.
"Roll camera" is not a start button, but a link in a chain. The sequence is fixed because each stage requires confirmation: the process only moves forward when the equipment is actually running.
The Sequence
- "Quiet please" — the script supervisor quiets the set.
- "Sound roll" — the sound mixer replies "Sound rolling".
- "Camera roll" — the camera operator replies "Camera rolling". For film, one also waits until the camera reaches speed.
- "Clap" — Scene, Take, Shot number, then the clap.
- "And action" — from here the scene plays. This is said by the director, never by the script supervisor.
Why Confirmation Matters
Without it, the scene begins before the material is running — the beginning is missing, and on film shoots, this is not recoverable. Therefore, abbreviations are not used even when speed is required: the reply "rolling" is the actual content of the command, not the command itself.
At the end comes "Thank you, cut" or "Cut" — also from the director.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Producer
Importance in production planning and execution
More in the lexikon
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Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Kamera ab"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?