# Splinter unit Source: https://storiara.com/glossary/splinter-unit Last updated: 2026-09-14 Author: Spencer Kaufman, Storiara > A splinter unit is a small crew pulled from the main unit for a short time, often a camera operator, an assistant, and an AD or PA, to shoot simple material like inserts or cutaways at the same time as main unit. It works under the main unit's call sheet rather than a separate schedule. ## A splinter on a real day Day 9 at Rosie's Diner has 4 3/8 pages of dialogue. The pickup list also has the insert of the note sliding across the counter (scene 14) and a close shot of the neon OPEN sign flicking off (scene 22). Neither needs the director's full attention or principal cast. The 1st AD adds a line to the call sheet: > SPLINTER UNIT, 2:00P to 4:00P, diner kitchen and exterior sign. B cam operator (Luis), 2nd AC B (Dana), set PA (Chris). Sc. 14 insert (hand double: Maya's SI), Sc. 22 neon sign. Director to approve on monitor. Main unit keeps shooting in the dining room on A camera. The splinter works in the kitchen with a spare light and a sandbag. At 4:00P Luis and Dana return to B camera for main unit's two-camera coverage. ## Why it saves time Those two inserts would each take a setup's worth of main unit time: maybe 20 to 40 minutes each with the whole crew waiting. Splintering them costs two hours of B camera's availability but nothing from main unit's shot list, as long as main unit doesn't need two cameras during that window. The AD plans the splinter for when main unit is on single-camera setups. ## What can go to a splinter Good fits are inserts, cutaways, signs, screens, and props on a table. Also establishing shots near the location and simple car-bys. Poor fits are anything with dialogue, cast beyond a double, or lighting that has to match a main unit setup exactly. Those belong on main unit or a proper [second unit](https://storiara.com/glossary/second-unit). ## Mistakes Taking crew main unit needs is the common error. If the splinter takes the only 2nd AC, main unit can't reload or slate. Check the crew list, and don't splinter people whose absence stops the main set. A second error is not telling sound and the script supervisor. Even an insert needs a slate or tail slate and a note in the script supervisor's report, or the editor won't find it. Add splinter shots to the [pickup shot](https://storiara.com/glossary/pickup-shot) list with status and camera roll so they're traceable, and flag them on the [call sheet template](https://storiara.com/templates/call-sheet) under a separate heading. For a list big enough to need a separate location, a [company move](https://storiara.com/glossary/company-move) is the wrong answer; that's usually a second unit day. ## Frequently asked questions ### How is a splinter unit different from second unit? A splinter unit is taken from main unit's own crew for part of a day, usually shooting near main unit. Second unit has its own crew, director, and schedule, and may shoot on different days or in a different city. ### What gear does a splinter unit use? Usually the B camera or a spare body with a couple of lenses, minimal lighting, and a small grip kit. If it needs a dolly or a big light, it probably isn't a splinter job. ### Does a splinter unit need its own call sheet? Usually not. It's added as a line on main unit's call sheet with the crew names, the shots, and where they'll be working.