Mastering radio etiquette on UK film sets

If you’ve ever walked onto a film set and heard calls crackle across headsets: “Go for Sarah!”, “Flying in the lens!”, “Kill the baby!” you already know there’s a secret under‑current of language happening mid‑shoot. Radio chatter is as much part of set life as camera lenses and gaffer tape.

In this post, we dig deeper: combining classic, niche, and rarely explained radio calls in UK crew lingo, and explore the etiquette that keeps the communication clear, crisp, and efficient.

Why Radio Speak Matters on Set

Radios (or “walkies”) are the circulatory system of a shoot. They route instructions, queries, updates, and emergencies all in real time. But poor radio behaviour can clog those arteries, causing confusion, wasted time, or worse: mistakes on camera.

In film-set radio etiquette, brevity, clarity, and timing are everything. “Speak slowly, calmly, briefly … remember that anything beyond short instructions should be taken off the main channel.”

Let’s break down both the vocabulary and the rules that make on-set comms work.

The Deep Dive Glossary

Below is a mixed glossary, from the everyday to the insider-only with examples of how each call is used in real situations.

Term / Call	Meaning & Use	Pro Tips / Notes
Go for [Name]	“I heard you call me — go ahead.” It’s a polite acknowledgment before someone speaks.	Always use this rather than just launching into your message. It avoids overlap.
Go Again	“Repeat that last message (or I didn’t catch it).”	Don’t overuse it. Before saying it, ensure you really missed the call.
Copy / 10‑4 / Roger	“I received and understood your message.”	Use this only when you truly understood — not as filler.
Standby / Standing by	“Wait — I’ll respond when I can” / “I’m awaiting further instructions.”	Use “Standby” when busy; “Standing by” when you’re done and just waiting.
10‑1 / 10‑2	Bathroom break codes: 10‑1 = quick trip; 10‑2 = extended break.	Keep it discreet. Use these when you really must, not to dodge tasks.
Flying In	“I’m on my way with [item/person].”	Useful for props, kit, or assisting departments.
Kill / Kill the Baby	“Switch that off” / “Turn off the 1K light (nicknamed ‘baby’).”	Ensure you’re clear which “baby” or “kill” you mean.
Going Dark	“All lights/practical sources off — preparing for take or creating mood.”	Often used by G&E / lighting + ADs during set-up for a shot.
Channel 2	“Let’s shift the conversation to a private channel.”	Use it for side convos, delicate matters, or anything too long for Channel 1.
Eyes On [X]	“I have visual on that person/object.”	Great when someone’s missing or you’re checking a location.
Lock It Up	“Don’t let anyone pass / seal the area.”	Works best when you need control, e.g. during a take or restricted zone.
Going Off Walkie / Off Radio	“I’ll be off the radio or removing my walkie.”	Use it to signal you won’t respond after this.
Spin That	“Please pass that message to another channel.”	Useful when something on Channel 1 needs to be shifted to, say, Transport or Electric.

Radio Etiquette: The Unwritten Laws

Knowing the lingo is one thing. Using it well is an art. Here are core principles (with practical tips) to help you become a radio-savvy crew member.

1. Think — Press — Speak

Before you hit the push-to-talk (PTT) button, take a beat. If you speak too early, your first words may be cut off. This “buffer second” gives the radio time to transmit.

2. Say your name & target

Start your message with “YourName for TheirName.” Example: “Alice for Tom, flying in lens.” This helps everyone know who’s talking and who it’s meant for.

3. Be crisp — skip “ums” and chit-chat

Radios are shared. Don’t waste bandwidth with filler. Go in with a well-formed message. If something is long, request a switch to Channel 2: “Alice for Tom, can we go to 2?”

4. Speak at a moderate volume & distance

Keep the mic about 3–5 inches from your mouth. Not too close (muffling), not too far (whispering).

5. Learn voices & hierarchy

After a few days, you should recognise who’s talking. Helps reduce “Who’s speaking?” confusion. Also — if someone senior’s battery dies, you must offer your walkie.

6. Don’t key (hold PTT when not talking)

Sometimes someone accidentally holds the button down and blocks the channel. It’s called “keying.” Someone will call it out: “Keying!”

7. Know your channels + spin when needed

Check the call sheet daily for which channel is assigned to which department. If you need a longer convo, shift to Channel 2 (or whichever is open) and come back when done. 

8. Don’t joke or gossip

Remember: everyone hears. Talk only about work. Leave the banter out while on the air.

9. Ask for repeats if unsure

If you didn’t catch something, say “Go again” or “Come back on that.” Better safe than botched.

Final Thoughts + Your Turn

Once you’ve internalised the lingo and etiquette, your radio becomes second nature. You’ll find yourself listening for voice tones, trimming unnecessary chatter, and sliding into conversations with minimal fuss.