A big key to doing well on the set of a production is learning the lingo. If you can learn the names of each item on the grip truck then you are well on your way. If you can master the little nuances of coiling cable correctly, setting up lights, working with combo and c-stands, and placing wedges under the dolly track to keep it level, then you are well ahead of the curve.
I always get quizzical looks when I’m preparing to place a gel on a light and I ask for a C-47. Those same people look even more confused when someone on my crew hands me a simple wooden clothespin. Inevitably I am asked the question, “Why do you call a clothespin a ‘C-47?’” Well, legends abound as to the exact origin of the term “C-47″ (there are a few theories in this Wikipedia article), but the one I have heard the most often says that in the early Hollywood studio days the designation “C-47″ was added as a line item to the production budget to make it sound more official so budget managers would approve their purchase. It was a way to get quick approval for purchasing a lot of clothespins and it was also a good way of padding out the budget to cover unforseen miscellaneous costs. And by the way, you should always use wooden clothespins when on set because they don’t conduct heat. A plastic one will melt over time, ruining gels and the barn doors to your lights.
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