Last Updated 1 day ago
Definition
A cue is a signal, line, action, sound or movement that prompts another action. It may be planned in rehearsal or given live during the take. Cues help coordinate performers and departments; missing one means the intended response did not happen at the agreed moment.
For example, an actor closes a door and crosses a mark. The door closing cues a lighting change; crossing the mark cues the camera move. Agree which event triggers each response, who gives any live signal and how the sequence resets for another take.
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Types of Cues
Performance Cue
A line of dialogue or physical movement that tells another actor when to speak, react, or move.
Example:
- An actor stands up ? another actor begins their line.
Mistiming these cues can throw off pacing, reactions, or blocking.
Camera Cue
A signal for camera operators to start or adjust movement—pan, tilt, dolly, zoom, or crane.
Examples:
- A door slams ? begin the dolly push-in
- Actor hits their mark ? camera starts the pan
Camera cues must be precise for smooth, coordinated movement.
Lighting Cue
A timed lighting change triggered by a visual or audio moment.
Common in music videos, live events, and stylized narrative scenes.
Sound Cue
A signal for a sound effect, playback track, or specific audio change.
Example:
- Background actor opens a box ? prop master triggers a sound effect off-camera
Background Cue
Used by the 1st AD to cue background performers:
- “Background…action!”
This allows background to start moving before the main performance begins.
SFX / Practical Cue
A trigger that syncs explosions, rain effects, smoke cues, or atmospheric elements with the action. These must be carefully choreographed for safety.
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How Cues Are Communicated
Cues can be delivered:
- Verbally (“Cue the door slam!”)
- Through eye contact
- Hand signals
- Over walkie talkie (Channel 1 or department channels)
- In the script (written cues for dialogue or transitions)
- In playback or music timing
On fast-paced sets, cues are often pre-planned in rehearsals and refined during blocking.
Why Cues Matter
Good cue timing ensures:
- Performance rhythm
- Clean camera movement
- Sync between departments
- Safety in stunt and effects work
- Smooth editorial continuity
Missed cues can ruin takes, cause continuity problems, delay the schedule, or create safety risks (especially in stunts or SFX scenes).
For new crew, learning to anticipate and hit cues cleanly is one of the fastest ways to look professional.
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