A sample channel plan
Assignments vary by show and region, and big productions may run more than one repeater. Here's one plan a mid-size feature might print in the notes section of its call sheet:
| Channel | Department |
|---|---|
| 1 | Production (ADs, set PAs) |
| 2 | Open, for private conversations off channel 1 |
| 3 | Locations |
| 4 | Transportation |
| 5 | Camera |
| 6 | Electric |
| 7 | Grip |
| 8 | Art, props, set dressing |
The key set PA usually hands out radios, surveillance earpieces, and batteries from a walkie cart each morning and tracks them on a sign-out sheet. Missing walkies at wrap come out of the production's rental deposit.
How channel 1 sounds
Radio traffic on channel 1 is short and uses the same few phrases:
- "Go for Dana." (Answering when called by name.)
- "Copy." or "Copy that." (Heard and understood.)
- "Flying in." (On the way with the thing you asked for.)
- "What's your 20?" (Where are you?)
- "Stand by." (Wait, or I'm busy.)
- "Rolling." "Cut." (Relayed by every PA holding a lockup so the perimeter goes quiet or can move.)
- "Eyes on Maya?" (Does anyone see this actor?)
A normal exchange: "Dana for Chris." "Go for Chris." "Can you bring first team from base camp? We're ten minutes out." "Copy, walking them over."
Etiquette that keeps a set working
Press the button, wait half a second, then talk, or your first word gets cut off. Don't talk while the camera is rolling unless it's safety or a lockup break. Take personal conversations to channel 2, and remember that anyone scanning channels can still hear you on 2. Wear the earpiece on set; a speaker squawking during a take ruins it.
Common mistakes
Stepping on the 1st AD. Keying up while the AD is calling rolling blocks the call for everyone.
Department heads staying on channel 1 all day. The gaffer needs channel 6 for their crew, so they either scan both or wear a second radio.
Channels that clash with another production nearby. When two shoots work the same city block, crews sometimes hear each other. The 2nd AD or walkie vendor can switch privacy codes.