What Is A Lock-Up?

On a set, “lock it up” is an order given to the set production assistants (PAs) by the 1st Assistant Director (1st AD) to keep the set free of interruptions while a shot is being taken.

Lock-ups are the areas that PAs are assigned to guard. These areas are strategically selected as the most likely areas that pedestrians, cars, or even other crew members may wander into and end up in the background or foreground of a scene. It is the PA’s responsibility to ensure that no one gets past them and makes their way into a shot accidentally or makes a noise that could ruin the take.

It isn’t always possible to have a completely isolated and controlled environment when filming outdoors, but PAs do their best to divert street and foot traffic to alternate routes if they can. At times, PAs may have to be called upon to do a hard lock, which is when everyone and everything must be stopped in their tracks and wait until the director calls “cut.”

Lock-ups are one of the most important behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking that helps keep a production on track. If you are looking for production assistants for your next project, visit our online Nevada Production Directory to find experienced Nevada production crew and support services or drop by our office and pick up a free printed directory!

If you offer production and film-related services in Nevada and are not yet listed in our Production Directory, you can learn more about how to sign up for the NPD here.

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