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WALKIE TALKIE LINGO

The most common codes and walkie etiquette everyone
on-set should know.

MOST COMMON CODES

10-1 10-2
“I need to go the bathroom” (number 1) “I need to go the bathroom” (number 2)

10-4 20
“I understood the message.” Location; as in, “What’s your 20?”

COPY GO AGAIN
“I heard and understood the message.” “I did not understand the message, please repeat”.
You can also say “come back on that.”

EYES ON LOCK IT UP
When someone or something is spotted; as in, “I’ve “Don’t let anyone through.” This is usually an
got eyes on Spielberg.” instruction to a PA who was told of a door or area
they must block.

FIRST TEAM SECOND TEAM

The principal actors in in a scene, as in: “walking These are the stand-ins for the principal actors.
first team to set”

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FLYING IN ON IT
When someone or something is en route; as in, When you understand the request and are actively
“I’m flying in masking tape.” working on it. Only use if you’ve started the work.

ETHAN FOR NICKY GO FOR NICKY

‘Ethan’ being your name, ‘Nicky’ being the person The response. “I heard you call for me, what’s up?”
you want to reach.

WALKIE CHECK KEYING

When you first turn on your walkie talkie. Someone When someone is accidentally holding down the
will reply with “Good Check” so you know your “talk” button on their walkie. Someone will catch it
walkie’s working. and say “keying” or “someone’s keying.”

GOING OFF WALKIE SPIN THAT PLEASE

When you’re taking off your walkie talkie or can’t When something is said on channel 1 that must be
talk anymore. passed along to other channels. This is usually
assigned to key PA’s or 2nd 2nd AD’s.

STAND BY STANDING BY
“I hear you, but I’m too busy to reply.” “I’ve completed the task and am awaiting further
instruction.”

STRIKE (OR 86) KILL

When something needs to be removed;
removed, as in:
in When something needs to be turned off; as in “Kill
"strike that prop"
“Strike prop.”or "86 those C-stands from the the fog machine.”
staging room.”

WALKIE TALKIE SLANG

MARTINI SHOT CHOKER

The last shot of the day. The next shot is “Tequila.” A tight close-up of eyes only, as in: “Flying in Mr.
Depp for the choker.”

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 BABY LEGS BOGEY
The legs of a camera tripod. Sometimes “Bogie.” It’s someone not supposed to
be on set.

FOUR BANGER HOT BRICK

A large trailer with four doors, a production room, A battery with a full charge.
a dressing room, and a crew bathroom.

WALKIE TALKIE ETIQUETTE

1. HIERARCHY
Give up your walkie talkie if someone higher than you runs out of battery.

2. TAKE YOUR TIME

Speak slowly, clearly, and at a moderate volume.

3. BE PROFESSIONAL
Cut back on jokes and other non-sequiturs.

4. MEMORIZE NAMES
Learn your crew’s voices to avoid constantly asking who you’re speaking with.

5. BE CONCISE
Be brief and to the point. Bluntness is best.

6. THINK BEFORE TALKING

Concise your point into walkie talkie codes. Are you saying something offensive? Just think.

7. GIVE IT A BEAT
Wait a moment before speaking. Don’t hit the button right when you speak. You’ll have to repeat yourself.

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8. WATCH THE DIALS
Be aware of your walkie talkie’s buttons. Don’t accidentally switch your dials on, or turn down the volume and
miss important instructions.

9. ASK TWICE IF NEEDED

While it’s always best to say “10-4 over and out,” if you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask again. Repeating
instructions back can help this.

10. DOUBLE-CHECK
Check your channel often to make sure you didn’t forget to switch back.

11. GRAB AN EARPIECE

Think about buying your own surveillance earpiece. These are cheap and may be in short supply when you get to
the set.

12. WATCH THE DISTANCE

Keep your mic a good distance from your mouth while speaking. You don’t want your voice to be too loud. 3-5
inches away should be good enough.

13. WATCH FOR WIRES

Make sure your mic wires are underneath the back of your shirt. Loose wires are a danger to yourself and
others.

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