Standard radio and set communication acknowledgment meaning 'message received and understood' – used to confirm instructions without lengthy verbal responses, essential for efficient walkie-talkie communication during film production.
What does "Copy That" mean?
"Copy That" (also "Copy" or "Copied") is the standard confirmation in radio communication on a film set. It means "message received and understood" – without a lengthy response blocking the radio channel.
Usage
| Situation | Example |
|---|---|
| Instruction received | "Camera, we're moving." – "Copy that." |
| Information confirmed | "Lunch in 10." – "Copy." |
| Task understood | "Need you on set." – "Copied." |
| Without further questions | Confirming a clear instruction |
Difference from other confirmations
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Copy that | Understood |
| 10-4 | Understood (Police code) |
| Roger | Understood (Military/Aviation) |
| Affirmative | Yes/Confirmed |
| Wilco | Will comply |
When to use "Copy That"
| Appropriate | Inappropriate |
|---|---|
| Simple confirmation | Clarification needed |
| Clear instruction | Unclear information |
| Routine communication | Important decision |
| Brief information | Complex discussion |
Radio Etiquette on Set
| Rule | Reason |
|---|---|
| Keep it short | Radio channel free for others |
| Speak clearly | Intelligibility |
| State names | "Camera, Copy?" |
| Do not interrupt | Wait until clear |
| Confirm | Shows receipt |
Typical Radio Communication
| Call | Response |
|---|---|
| "Go for [Name]" | Ready to receive |
| "[Name], Copy?" | Requesting confirmation |
| "Copy that" | Confirmed |
| "Stand by" | Wait |
| "What's your 20?" | Requesting position |
Regional Variants
| Region | Common Form |
|---|---|
| USA | "Copy that", "Copy" |
| UK | "Received", "Copy" |
| Germany | "Verstanden", "Copy" |
| France | "Copié", "Reçu" |
Walkie-Talkie Channels
| Channel | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Channel 1 | Production, AD |
| Channel 2 | Camera |
| Channel 3 | Electric |
| Channel 4 | Grip |
| Emergency | Emergencies only |
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Correct |
|---|---|
| Talking too long | Keep it short |
| No name | "Camera, copy that" |
| Not confirming | Always respond |
| Interrupting | Wait until clear |
Other Set Confirmations
| Situation | Response |
|---|---|
| "Rolling" | Silence |
| "Action" | No response |
| "Cut" | No response |
| "That's lunch" | "Copy" optional |
Origin
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Origin | Military/Radio traffic |
| Meaning | "Copied" = Recorded |
| Spread | Police, Aviation, Film |
| Standard | Internationally understood |
Radio vs. Face-to-Face Communication
| Situation | Communication |
|---|---|
| Radio | "Copy that" |
| In person | "Okay", "Understood" |
| Reason | Radio requires brevity |
Professional Communication
| Aspect | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Clear | Speak distinctly |
| Concise | To the point |
| Respectful | Professional tone |
| Confirming | Always respond |
Today
"Copy That" is universal film set language for "understood." The short, clear confirmation keeps radio channels free and demonstrates professional communication – essential for efficient coordination between the many departments of a film production.
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