Teaching Production Management in Practice: Radio Lingo

Walkie talkies, or radios, may seem like an advanced skills for Production Management and more aligned with teaching students cover further down the line. However, understanding the ‘radio lingo’ and having time to get comfortable with using radios, listening to multiple things at once, and using the correct terminology will benefit students even at the very start of their learning journey.

Using radios effectively and understanding the correct etiquette on set enhances a student’s skills on set and also gives them more confidence to walk into professional scenarios as they are equipped for their surroundings.

To support teaching students on-set radio lingo, we have created an approachable teaching sheet for students, as well as a practical knowledge test sheet which asks students to test what they’ve learned.

How to address someone using the correct lingo

You should begin with your name followed by the person you’re trying to reach.

Eg; Natalie the Producer, is addressing Chris the AD.

Natalie: “Natalie to Chris.”

Chris: “Go for Chris.”

If members of crew have the same name, it’s good to use their title when addressing them.

Sarah Producer: “Sarah Producer to Sarah AD.”

Sarah AD: “Go for Sarah AD.”

Next week, we continue the series with explorations in guiding students in the importance on listening on set, and how they can develop their listening skills to listen to multiple voices at once as well as how they can determine what needs their urgent attention.

The network would like to thank Poppy Coggins, Head of Production Management at London Screen Academy with TV credits including Channel 5’s Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother, ITV’s The All New Monty, and BBC One’s Pointless, for sharing original teaching sessions to inspire this blog series.