Alphanumeric identifier for individual camera setups (1A, 1B, 1C) used by script supervisors to coordinate production and post-production workflow.
The standard numbering system follows an alphanumeric structure: Scene Number + Letter for each Setup (1A, 1B, 1C). For complex multi-camera setups, additional designations are used (1A1, 1A2 for different cameras). Digital productions integrate the Setup Number into the metadata of video files with timecode synchronization. Script Supervisors maintain a detailed setup list in parallel, including lens focal length, aperture, and camera position. For IMAX productions, Setup Numbers are additionally marked with frame rate specifications (24fps/48fps).
Irving Thalberg introduced the systematic Setup Numbering system at MGM in 1932 to control production costs on "Grand Hotel." By 1950, all major studios had standardized this method. With the introduction of Video Assist in 1976, Setup Numbers were electronically recorded for the first time. Digital production systems like AVID ScriptSync began integrating automatic setup recognition via timecode data in 2003. Modern cloud-based systems have enabled real-time synchronization between set and post-production since 2018.
Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk" (2017) used a dual numbering system for 65mm IMAX and 35mm shots with separate setup sequences (I-1A, I-1B vs. S-1A, S-1B). In Marvel productions, Setup Numbers are linked with VFX plates, allowing for precise coordination of over 3,000 shots per film. Documentaries use continuous setup numbering across multiple shooting days to reconstruct chronological sequences during editing. The series "Game of Thrones" developed a location-based system (KL-47A for King's Landing, WF-23B for Winterfell).
Setup Numbers differ from Scene Numbers in their technical granularity – a scene can contain 15-20 different setups. Take Numbers denote multiple repetitions of the same setup (47A-Take 3). Modern alternatives such as timecode-based referencing are replacing traditional Setup Numbers in live streaming productions. AI-powered systems analyze image content and automatically generate Setup IDs based on camera position and image composition.
Ich verwende Setup-Nummern als präzise Referenz für Lichtsetzung und Kameraposition – wenn Setup 23C eine 85mm-Einstellung mit speziellem Gegenlicht erfordert, kann mein Gaffer diese exakt reproduzieren. Die Nummerierung hilft mir besonders bei komplexen 360-Grad-Drehs, wo ich zwischen verschiedenen Kamera-Setups wechseln muss, ohne die Beleuchtungskontinuität zu verlieren.
Setup-Nummern strukturieren meinen kreativen Workflow, da ich emotionale Bögen gezielt auf spezifische Einstellungen aufbauen kann – Setup 14A für die erste Reaktion, 14D für die finale Auflösung der Szene. Bei Reshoots kann ich über die Setup-Referenz exakt bestimmen, welche narrative Funktion nachgedreht werden muss, ohne das gesamte Szenenmaterial zu durchforsten.
Setup-Nummern ermöglichen präzise Kostenkalkulationen, da ich pro Setup durchschnittlich 45 Minuten Setupzeit und 2,3 Takes budgetiere. Bei einer 90-Setup-Szene kalkuliere ich automatisch einen zusätzlichen Drehtag, und über die Setup-Dokumentation kann ich in der Postproduktion exakt nachvollziehen, welche Einstellungen die Budget-Überschreitungen verursacht haben.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Einstellungsnummer"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.