Last Updated 2 months ago
Definition
Eighty Six, often written as 86, is a production slang term meaning to cancel, remove, or eliminate something from the plan. When an item, action, scene, request, or resource is “eighty-sixed,” it is no longer happening and should be treated as off the table.
The term is used across departments on set and in production offices to communicate a clear, final decision. An 86 is not a delay or a revision. It is a cancellation.
Usage in Film and Television Production
In production environments, clarity matters. “Eighty six” is used because it is short, unambiguous, and widely understood. It can apply to creative decisions, logistics, gear, personnel, or schedule changes.
Common uses include:
- Canceling a shot, scene, or setup
- Removing a piece of equipment from the order
- Dropping a location or company move
- Canceling a meal order, delivery, or service
- Calling off an idea that is no longer viable
For example, if a director decides a shot is unnecessary, production may say the shot is “86’d” so all departments stop preparing for it.
On-Set Communication Context
“Eighty six” is part of fast, shorthand set language designed to reduce confusion. Saying something is 86’d tells everyone involved that no further action should be taken.
Because it implies finality, the term is often used by:
- Directors
- Assistant Directors
- Producers
- Department heads
- Production managers
Once something is 86’d, continuing to prep or plan for it usually means someone missed the memo.
Scope and Flexibility
What gets eighty-sixed can range from small details to major creative decisions.
Examples include:
- A prop that is no longer needed
- A camera move cut for time
- A location dropped due to weather
- A lighting setup removed to simplify coverage
- A scene eliminated during prep or even mid-shoot
While an 86 is typically final, productions can technically reverse the decision. However, doing so usually requires clear communication, as crews will have already stopped work related to the original item.
Origins and Cross-Industry Use
The term “eighty six” did not originate in film production. It has long been used in the restaurant and hospitality industries to indicate that an item is unavailable or removed from the menu.
Film and television crews adopted the term because it conveys the same idea: something that was planned is no longer available and should not be expected.
This crossover contributes to why the term is so widely recognized, even by crew members moving between industries.
Practical Considerations
Because “eighty six” implies cancellation, it should be used deliberately. Misusing it can cause confusion or wasted time if departments stop work prematurely.
Clear follow-up communication is important, especially when:
- A partial element is being removed, not the entire task
- A decision is temporary rather than final
- Only one department is affected
In these cases, productions may specify what exactly is being eighty-sixed to avoid misinterpretation.
Why “Eighty Six” Matters
Production schedules are tight, and crews rely on decisive language. “Eighty six” provides a fast, universally understood way to signal that a plan has changed and resources should be redirected.
The term helps:
- Prevent unnecessary work
- Reduce miscommunication
- Keep departments aligned
- Maintain momentum on set
Knowing when and how to use “eighty six” is part of understanding professional set etiquette and communication.
Related Terms
[Killed] Informal slang meaning something has been canceled or removed from the plan.
[Scrapped] Indicates an idea, shot, or element has been abandoned.
[Cut] A general term for removing a scene, shot, or element from a project.
[Wrap] To officially finish work on a scene, day, or entire production.