From time to time, one of our clients will have a question they don’t want to ask in front of our crew. They’ll usually call me over and whisper their query, almost embarrassed that they don’t know the answer. Almost always, these questions revolve around some production slang they heard one of us spout off while trying to get things loaded in and set up. So I’ve decided to help out a little and reveal some of the more fun meanings and definitions behind some of the more unusual terms we use. For my first entry, I’ve chosen a good one.
It’s happened to all of us. It’s our first gig. We’re busy trying to look like we know what we’re doing, while secretly absorbing as much knowledge from the industry veterans that fill the set. The camera operator is consumed with getting his rig just right. The Director is talking with actors about the next scene. The DP is busy telling the Head Electrician exactly where he wants the fan to be placed, and then it happens. The Best Boy looks at you and says, “Hey Kid. Hand me a c47.”
“OK”, you think to yourself. “I’m not sure what that is, but it’s gotta be around here somewhere.” You start looking around the set for something that looks electrical. Or maybe it’s something that helps the jib operator. You wish you could remember what a Best Buy does, that might give you a clue. After a few minutes of searching, which feels like an eternity, you notice the chuckles. You realize those mild laughs are directed at you. You panic, but decide to keep your cool and keep pretending you know what you’re doing. “Hey guys,” you mumble. “Have you seen a c47 anywhere?”
The laughter erupts from everyone’s mouths as if it is being followed by a herd of angry bulls. One of the other PAs grabs something small from the top of one of the taco carts, “Here you go,” he chuckles as he hands the item to the Best Boy. As you discover what it is, you’re both confused and a little embarrassed. That’s right, it’s one of these:
Yep. A clothespin. Nothing fancy. And no, they don’t make special clothespins just for the video production industry. It’s just a plain old clothespin. It’s a very versatile tool on set, and we use it for things ranging from placing color gels on lights to even playing a game of seeing how many c47s you can clip to someone’s shirt without them noticing. I’ve gotten 7, but I think that’s just because people like to keep their eye on the boss. 😉
So what’s with the weird, encrypted name? Well there are many theories, but my favorite theory is just that some old movie crew veterans just thought the scenario I described above would be hilarious. Production crews have to be tight-knit. You spend a lot of time with each other, and you’ve gotta make sure that everyone will be cool under pressure. The last thing you want to do is have a crew member that’s a hot-head, who can’t take a joke.
So now you know. Stay tuned for more fun facts about this crazy industry
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