Command given on set to restore all elements – actors, props, vehicles, special effects, and camera positions – to their starting marks for another take, requiring coordinated effort from all departments to precisely recreate the scene's initial conditions.
What is a Reset?
Reset is the command to return all set elements to their starting positions for another take. It coordinates actors, props, vehicles, effects, and technical departments to restore the exact initial state of a scene.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | Back to starting position |
| Command | "Reset!" / "Back to One!" |
| Goal | Identical starting situation |
| Coordination | All Departments |
Reset Commands
| Command | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "Reset!" | General reset |
| "Back to One!" | Actors to starting mark |
| "First Positions!" | Everyone to start |
| "Reset to Marks!" | To marked positions |
Department Tasks
| Department | Reset Task |
|---|---|
| Actors | To starting mark |
| Camera | Position/Settings |
| Lighting | Check/Adjustment |
| Props | Return to place |
| Continuity | Verification |
Actor Reset
| Element | Action |
|---|---|
| Position | To the mark |
| Stance | Initial pose |
| Props | Handheld props |
| Costume | Check/Correction |
Camera Reset
| Element | Action |
|---|---|
| Position | Starting point |
| Framing | Entrance frame |
| Focus | Initial distance |
| Zoom | Starting focal length |
Props Reset
| Category | Handling |
|---|---|
| Hero Props | Exact position |
| Consumables | Replace |
| Breakables | Rebuild |
| Vehicles | Return to position |
Special Effects Reset
| Effect | Reset |
|---|---|
| Pyrotechnics | Reload |
| Squibs | Replace |
| Smoke | Regenerate |
| Rain | Restart |
Continuity Check
| Element | Verification |
|---|---|
| Costume | Clothing position |
| Hair | Hairstyle status |
| Make-up | Touch-up |
| Props | Placement |
Reset Times
| Complexity | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Simple | 15-30 seconds |
| Standard | 1-2 minutes |
| Complex | 5-15 minutes |
| Major | 30+ minutes |
Complex Resets
| Situation | Challenge |
|---|---|
| Stunt | Safety check |
| Vehicle Action | Repositioning |
| SFX | Effect rebuild |
| Crowd | Mass coordination |
AD Communication
| Phase | Announcement |
|---|---|
| Cut | "Cut!" from the director |
| Assessment | "Going again" or "Moving on" |
| Reset | "Reset, please!" |
| Readiness | "Rolling when ready!" |
Efficiency Factors
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Departments ready |
| Communication | Clear announcements |
| Experience | Crew routine |
| Setup | Complexity |
Reset vs. Pickup
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reset | Complete new start |
| Pickup | From a specific point |
| Wild Take | Variation/Improvisation |
| Safety | Additional safety take |
Marks
| Type | Usage |
|---|---|
| T-Marks | Actor's feet |
| Tape Colors | Different performers |
| Sandbags | Camera position |
| Chalk | Temporary |
Time Management
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Rolling Resets | Continuous |
| Parallel | All simultaneously |
| Priority | Critical first |
| Anticipation | Prepare in advance |
Common Problems
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Slow Crew | Clear assignments |
| Forgotten Elements | Checklists |
| Continuity Errors | Photos/Video |
| Communication | Use walkies |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Clear Communication | Coordination |
| Checklists | Don't forget anything |
| Parallel Work | Time saving |
| Photo Reference | Continuity |
Today
Reset is a fundamental workflow component of every film production. The efficiency of the reset process directly influences the number of possible takes per day. With increasing production complexity – stunts, VFX elements, multiple cameras – coordinated resetting becomes ever more important for a smooth shooting process.