Are you new to working on set? Efficient radio communication is key to keeping productions moving quickly. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of walkie communication, including channel management and walkie codes.
First things first, the efficiency of radio communication on set depends on the knowledge and discipline of the crew members using the radios. To increase productivity, crews rely on codified forms of communication on set to quickly and clearly convey information or requests.
Radio communication is the backbone of most sets. Walkies help the crew stay productive — even during quiet moments. Radios also keep the crew connected when they’re out of sight or speaking distance. Good comms makes productions move faster and more efficiently.
When it comes to channel management, productions will usually have either one or a small handful of channels designated as general communication channels for the entire crew to use. The remaining channels are reserved for different departments.
Now, let’s talk about walkie codes. When speaking, communicate confidently and succinctly. Before you hit the transmit button and start talking, take a moment to repeat the call you want to give a few times in your head. Make sure you know what you need, whom you need, and how you are going to say what you need to say.
Don’t chat in the general channels. These channels are for quickly connecting with other crew members or to share announcements. If you are talking in one of them beyond a simple “go to” or a quick remark or request, your crew mates will become frustrated with you.
At the very least, learn the voices of those members of the crew with whom you interact regularly. It’s fine to ask whom you’re speaking with for the first week or so of a production, but after that, you are at moderately high risk for being thought of as a little rude — or at least a little slow on the uptake.
If you ever get a code that you don’t understand, ask the other person to “go again.” If you still don’t understand the request, tell them to “go to” an appropriate channel to explain in full.
With these basics, you should be all set for your first day. Pay attention to the codes you hear other members of the crew using, and you should get a good feel for most of the codes within your first week or so on set.
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