What Does MOS Mean?

In filmmaking, MOS means that even though the camera is recording, no live audio will be recorded. Audio will be added later in post production. MOS shots are often used for insert shots.

There are many theories as to what MOS stands for. One of the most common theories is that it stands for “Motion Omit Sound” or “Motor Only Shot,” referring to the synchronization between cameras and audio recording devices. In an MOS shot, only the camera’s motor would run, and MOS would be noted on the slate so that the editorial department knew that they didn’t have to search for the audio for the shot.

Another common theory is that MOS stands for the phrase “without sound” spoken with a German accent – “mit out sound.” This theory has been slightly altered in a story about a German director who mixed English with German and said that he would like to shoot a scene “mit out sprechen,” which translates to “without talking.” In David Trottier’s The Screenwriter’s Bible, Trottier credits the term to Austrian-American director Erich von Stroheim, who allegedly instructed his crew to “shoot dis mid out sound.”

There are even more explanations and theories for the abbreviation that have developed over the years, including “Motion On Screen,” “Minus Optical Sound,” “Muted On Sound,” and even more. Click here for more alternate explanations.

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