BACK Lot TALK
Learn How to Talk Like a Hollywood Show Dog
Published by Keni Arts
Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2010 Keni Arts
All rights reserved
This book is available in print at most online retailers.
ISBN 1453897895 (print edition)
EAN-13: 9781453897898
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
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Forward
Keni Arts, a veteran of more than twenty-five years as a Hollywood movie and television set painter, has written his first book, Back Lot Talk.
Back Lot Talk is a fun read whether you’re familiar with show business or not, and Keni’s nicely rendered drawings add to the fun and our understanding. Back Lot Talk is especially useful in helping permits (novices) quickly gain their footing in the industry and may serve as a refresher course for journeymen. Add to these benefits Keni's lighthearted essay on the serious challenges to breaking into the showbiz workforce.
The Hollywood scene, like much of the entertainment industry, is constantly changing, but Keni has done us all a great service by capturing some of its lingo, and a bit of its history, for posterity. Enjoy.
Stanley Williford
President, Vision Publishing
Introduction
My walkie crackled, then I heard the PA ask, "Stand-by painter, what's your 20? Over?" "I'm right here outside the set," I replied. "They need you to knock down the door," said the young voice. "Copy that. Fly'in in," I answered. With that, I grabbed a dulling spray from my kit and barked, "Coming through!" as I wound my way through the cast and crew en route to the 1st AD for specifics.
The movie industry is not unlike other specialized trades with its own unique lexicon.
It seemed that every time I thought I had exhausted the terms a motion picture set painter should be familiar with, I'd think of another, or overhear another painter say something that needed to be included in this book. I imagine I'll continue to think of, or hear of other Hollywood expressions that would fit nicely in these pages, but there's an overriding saying that has leaked out of show business into everyday lingo; "The show must go on." So, visit hollywoodbacklots.com for the extended list. There, you'll also find links to other good resources for the tinseltown jargon and lifestyle.
Whether you're new to this 'entertaining' language, or fluent in Back Lot Talk, I trust you'll enjoy this book.
From the series: Hollywood Backlots
of 500+ drawings and paintings:
Terms
Backlot
An area of a studio lot designated for constructing large exterior sets.
The backlots of many major studios serve as popular tour sites, such as this one at Universal Studios.
The back lots of Hollywood’s famed studios are a place of personal inspiration for me. I’ve spent countless hours sketching and painting sets that, in the process, have taken me vicariously to exotic places around the world.
Back Roll
After rolling painting onto a surface, lightly roll back into the paint to evenly spread the paint and remove roller tracks.
Base Camp
A plot of land, often a parking lot or open field, where equipment trucks, make-up trailers, production trailers, the honey wagon, catering tents, crew cars, picture cars, etc., are located on locations. The set is usually nearby.
Below-the-Line
Crew members who work on technical aspects of film or television productions are below the line. That would include costumes, editing, equipment rental, set construction, wages, etc. The below the line budgets typically adjusts to the rate of inflation. The skyrocketing costs of filmmaking happen primarily above the line in salaries for actors, directors, producers and writers.
Beugler
(aka striping machine) Though more a tool than a machine, the pin striping tool is used for painting lines on cars, furniture, ceramics or anything that needs a tin paint line. The Beugler has an assortment of wheels that allow the painter to get a variety of line thicknesses, but the old school striper may prefer to use a simple dagger to achieve a hand-painted flair to the line.
Black Wrap
Black wrap is not the same as Black rap. Black wrap is a non-glare black foil. It is most often used by lighting departments to shield light from certain parts of the set or stage. Black rap is an urban music form. Sort of.
Block Age
Those little nicks and scratches on your door casings, chair rails and walls are from natural wear and tear. However, for a freshly painted set that needs to look aged, painters must simulate that age.
Block aging is a technique whereby two blocks of wood are dipped in paint and struck lightly on various parts of the set, leaving behind marks of a lived-in room.