When you’re standing in, you might hear an assistant director say something to the effect that “on the day” a particular event will happen.

You might wonder what this A.D. might mean.  Is this A.D. suggesting that this scene is actually being shot tomorrow or another day?  Will something happen in the scene not now but later in the week?

“On the day” is simply an expression for “when we eventually shoot the scene.”  It does not truly imply a different day.  Instead, the expression is metaphorical, implying that shooting the scene is “the day” and setting up the scene is “prior to the day.”

Have you been puzzled by other expressions you’ve heard on set?  If so, post them below!