Welcome to Film Term Friday!. Every Friday, we lift the curtain on the magical world of movie making, and give you an insight into what’s really going on on-set.
Since the 2023 Oscars just took place, we’ve got a perfect bit of filmmaking jargon to tie in with the big night.
This week’s phrase is “Hollywood”. Beyond its obvious link with the California movie industry, to “Hollywood” something has a bit of an ironic meaning for film crews.
A director might ask you to Hollywood a light or a reflector. What he really wants you to do is stand or walk near the actors, carrying the equipment by hand while keeping out of the shot. It’s sweaty and unglamorous work, and is the total opposite of what you would expect to happen on a big-budget movie se. Hence the ironic use of “Hollywood”.
If you’re ever on a movie set and you hear a famous actor ask for someone to “Hollywood a bounce for me”, it means they were probably out late the night before and are worried that they’re looking a bit puffy. Having someone hold a white or gold sheet of card under the actor’s chin just out of shot is a perfect way to restore that Hollywood sheen.
If you’d like to bring a bit of Hollywood glamour to your company’s marketing, why not give Pearldrop a call? We’ll make you a star, baby!
