Last Updated 2 months ago
Definition
“Hollywood,” when used as a verb on set, means to hold an object by hand rather than mounting it on a stand or rig. It most commonly refers to holding flags, cutters, nets, or other light modifiers in position manually to achieve a quick or temporary lighting adjustment.
The term implies an improvised, short-duration solution. To “Hollywood a flag” means a crew member is physically holding it in place instead of properly rigging it.
Role on Set
The role of Hollywooding is speed. It allows lighting or grip adjustments to be made immediately without stopping to place stands, sandbags, or hardware. This can be useful during rehearsals, quick pickups, or when a shot requires only a momentary fix.
Hollywooding is often used when time pressure outweighs the need for a fully rigged solution. It can also be used to test an idea before committing to a proper setup.
Despite its convenience, Hollywooding is considered a temporary measure rather than a best practice.
Common Uses
Hollywooding is most frequently used with flags, cutters, solids, nets, or small diffusion frames to control spill, cut light, or shape a source quickly. It may also be used to hold bounce cards or small reflectors.
The technique is typically employed close to the camera or just outside frame, where a stand might be visible or impractical. It is also common in tight locations where placing additional hardware would clutter the space.
Hollywooding is rarely intended for long takes or repeated setups.
Safety Considerations
Holding equipment by hand introduces risk. Fatigue, distraction, or sudden movement can cause the object to shift or fall, potentially affecting the shot or causing injury.
For this reason, Hollywooding should never be used for heavy items, overhead placements, or anything that could harm someone if dropped. It should also be avoided near hot lights or moving equipment.
On professional sets, Hollywooding is tolerated only when it is clearly safe, brief, and understood by all involved.
Hollywood vs Proper Rigging
Hollywooding differs from proper rigging in intent and reliability. Rigging is designed for stability, repeatability, and safety. Hollywooding is designed for immediacy.
A properly rigged flag will hold position consistently across takes and setups. A Hollywooded flag depends entirely on the person holding it, making consistency harder to maintain.
The distinction matters most as shots become longer, more complex, or more dangerous.
Cultural Context
The term reflects long-standing set culture and shorthand. Saying “Hollywood it” communicates not just the action, but the expectation that the solution is temporary and informal.
It is not meant as an insult or endorsement. It is a descriptive term that signals trade-offs between speed and proper procedure.
Experienced crew understand when Hollywooding is acceptable and when it crosses into negligence.
Common Misconceptions
A common misconception is that Hollywooding is lazy or unprofessional. In reality, it can be a practical choice when used appropriately and briefly.
Another misconception is that Hollywooding is harmless. While often safe in controlled situations, it carries real risk if misused.
It is also incorrect to assume Hollywooding saves time in the long run. If a setup is repeated or extended, proper rigging is almost always more efficient.
Why Hollywooding Matters
Hollywooding illustrates how film sets balance ideal practice with real-world constraints. It shows how experienced crews make judgment calls under pressure.
Understanding the term helps newer crew recognize when they are being asked for a temporary fix versus a finished setup. It also reinforces the importance of knowing when to push back for safety or stability.
Like many set terms, “Hollywood” is less about technique and more about intent. Knowing the difference is part of professional set awareness.
Related Terms
[Flag] A light-blocking tool used to control spill or shape light.
[Grip] A crew member responsible for rigging, support, and light control.
[Modifier] An accessory used to shape, soften, or block light.
[Rigging] The process of securing equipment safely and permanently for a shot.
[Sandbag] A weighted bag used to stabilize stands and equipment.