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How to Lock It Up (Properly)

A lock up is a responsibility you’re given to keep the set quiet and closed when we’re filming, rehearsing, or sometimes even setting up. For example, your lock up could be keeping a door closed, or stopping people from walking down a sidewalk.

Your key PA or an AD will tell you what your lock up is. Make sure to ask any questions you have to get very clear about what you’re expected to do in your lockup. Even if you are not directly given a lockup, you still automatically have a sound lockup.

If you’re anywhere near or on set, you echo the rolls and cuts, and assume we can hear anything above the quietest whisper. Keep in mind, people generally don’t like being shushed even if they know they’re being too loud, so make sure to ask nicely to please whisper or hold the talk.

Now the reason a lockup is a PA’s most important task, is because you can make or break a shot with a lock up. You don’t want a crewmember walking in the background, or laughing off screen. It’s your job to keep the set free of distractions when we lock it up. 

When you’re locking it up, you want to face the threat not the set. If you’re watching the set behind you, and not your lockup, someone could easily walk by you and ruin the shot. If you have your back to the set, stand up straight and become a wall, you’ll look like a pro. 

Example Timeline


Inviting 1st team – When we invite first team, aka bring them to set, start heading to your lock up, because soon you’ll probably have to  

Clear it out – this means get people who don’t need to be in the scene, out of the scene. Move them off camera. [Maddie pulls Orlando off camera] And if you hear, 

Hold the work – Call that out and get the crew way quieter. We know people are working, but it’s too loud so pause on the work. We don’t need drilling, pipes clanging together, or ice being refilled while we rehearse or shoot. And any minute,

Rehearsal’s up – Just like it sounds, we’re about to rehearse so let’s get it quiet and locked up. Even though the camera’s aren’t rolling, keep it quiet and locked up so the director and actors can work properly. If you hear

Picture’s up – That Mean’s we’re about to start filming. So make sure people are cleared out and stand by to lock it up again

Lock it up! – Nobody gets through your lockup now unless it’s absolutely necessary for this exact shot, or we release the lockup. So, “I’m sorry we’re locked up right now, you can’t go inside.” If they are very insistent and you’re not sure if they really need to be on set, call whoever put you in your lockup and ask if this person is allowed in. “Hey Kayla, can Jarrod VTR come in?” [Yes let him in] Okay thank you, you’re good

Rolling! The steaks are real and medium rare. Keep it locked up until we cut. 

Cut! Unless told otherwise, you can release your lockup now. Let people move freely and continue working. There are some exceptions, but we’ll cover those in Set PA 201. 

New Deal - That’s a great time to walk away from your lock up and go 10-1 or get crafty. Depending on the situation, your lockup may or may not change between setups. But If you really have to leave a lockup before there’s a good moment, call whoever put you in that lockup to channel 2 and let them know. Don’t leave until you are released, unless it’s an emergency.

Important Notes


If you have someone cover your lock up, make sure you explain every detail of it. Like, "We’re seeing all the way up to this pole, or we see reflections in this area." Whatever you needed to know for that lockup, they need to know too. Don’t just be like, “thanks” and walk away. Explain it, and explain it well. 

PAY ATTENTION IN YOUR LOCK UP. Do not be scrolling on your phone or engaged in a conversation. If someone tries to talk to you while you’re locking it up, just whisper “I’m sorry, we’re rolling right now.” Or “let’s talk when we cut”  

Biggest Takeaways


  • Face the threat, not the set. 

  • Assume we can hear all sound above the quietest whisper. 

  • Do not leave a lockup unattended. 

  • Echo, or call out, rolls and cuts for the crew to hear. 

  • And very importantly, be nice when you ask people to get quiet or wait until we cut. 

Remember, the more sets you’re on, the more lock ups you’re in, the more you’ll start dialing in all of this info. There really is no substitute for experience. But just by going through Set PA 101 you’re gaining a foundational understanding that will set you far ahead of someone coming into it blind. So don’t be too nervous! You got this!

Pro Tip!

If you’re locking up an area with pedestrians that aren’t part of our crew, ask them nicely to stop and wait for just a minute or two. If someone is hostile or refuses to listen, it is NOT your job to stop them. Let them go and simply call it out “bogie coming from the north side” or wherever. If they are especially angry or seem dangerous, make sure to call that out as well. “Hostile bogie coming from Spring St.” 

Next Up

Now that you know how to lock it up, on the next page we’re taking a look at 5 dos and don’ts as a PA. Be sure to check it out, and if you have any questions leave them in the comments of the YouTube video *here* 
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