Cinematographer
Die Abigail ist der Countdown zur Mittagspause. Wenn ich das höre, weiß ich dass Essen bald kommt.
Film slang for the last shot before lunch break, sometimes also called the lunch shot.
Origin and Meaning
The "Abigail" is a set term referring to the last shot before the lunch break – the counterpart to the famous "Martini Shot" at the end of the day. When the Assistant Director (AD) calls "Abigail!" or "Lunch Shot!", the entire crew knows: after this take, it's break time.
The term has psychological significance on set: it signals an approaching milestone to the crew and can mobilize energy for a focused final take before the break. Experienced directors strategically use these natural daily segments and often plan complex or emotionally demanding scenes directly before such breaks.
Related Terms
The counterpart to the Abigail is the "Martini Shot" – the last shot of the entire shooting day, named after the drink one could enjoy afterward. Both terms structure the shooting day and provide clear reference points for the crew. In German-speaking regions, these English terms have remained common, as many international productions are shot in Germany and film language has traditionally been heavily influenced by the American system.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Abigail und Martini sind die zwei Shots die jeder am Set kennt - sie strukturieren den Tag und geben dem Team Orientierung.
Producer
Die Abigail markiert die Hälfte des Drehtags. Danach geht's frisch gestärkt in den Nachmittag.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Abigail"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?