12 Walkie Talkie Terms to Know When Working on Set

When you are first starting out on set, how to use a walkie and the lingo used can be quite intimidating. While there are quite a few walkie terms to learn, they became second nature after your first few days on set. You might feel awkward or lack confidence talking on the walkie, but remember these terms and you’ll do great! 

Walkie Talkie Lingo

1. 10-1 or 10-2 - Bathroom 

If you tasked to do something, it is important to voice you need to use the bathroom so someone can sub in for you. When in doubt, always tell your superior where you are going. 

2. 10-4 - You understood the message 

For example, “ You need to lock up the left entrance”, your response would be “10-4” 

3. What’s your 20? - Where is your location? 

4. Copy - You understood the message 

5. Go again - You couldn’t understand or didn’t hear the question 

6. Lock it up - Mainly directed to PA to make sure an area sounding the set doesn’t have anyone going through it.

For example, a side door. This also could mean keeping the surrounding area quiet. 

7. Flying in - Anyone going onto the set 

For example, a hair and makeup would say “flying in” to attend to the actor on set

8. Go for _______ - If you hear your name over the walkie, you would respond “Go for ______”

9. Keying - If you accidentally hold down the talk button on the walkie, this referred to as keying. This can really upset people, so be very aware of your talk button. 

10. Strike/ 86 - Pretty basic but it’s when a prop needs to be removed from the set 

11. Standby - Someone is trying to talk to you but you are busy you would respond with “Standby” This lets the person know you will respond when you are available. 

12. Hot Brick - A battery for the walkie. While this might not exactly be a walkie term, it is helpful to know when someone asks you for a “Hot Brick”.