You’re on a TV or film set, working as a stand-in. You’re standing on your mark, with the camera focused on you.

Suddenly, you hear the 1st AD cry out, “Last looks!” Maybe followed by “Picture’s up!”

What on Earth is happening?

Wouldn’t you like to know? We’ll discuss below!

The Meaning of “Last Looks”

The 1st AD on a film or TV set calls out “Last looks!” to signal certain crew members to take their final checks of the principal actors right before rolling on a take.

In particular, “Last looks!” is a cue for those crew members in the hair, makeup, and wardrobe departments to look over their actors. They may need to do a quick touch-up on makeup, take care of a flyaway hair, or tug a garment of wardrobe. All of this activity is aimed at making sure the actor looks perfect (or as required) for the take about to be shot.

At times, the 1st AD will call out “Last looks!” and those in these “vanities” departments won’t move. They might be looking at a monitor and find their actors look fine. So, they don’t get up when “Last looks!” is called. They might call out instead, “Hair’s fine!” or something to that effect.

“Last Looks! Picture’s Up!”

It’s not uncommon for the 1st AD simply to call out “Last looks! Picture’s up!” together in the same alert.

When this happens, this is not only alerting hair, makeup, and wardrobe but also the rest of the crew that the production will quickly move to rolling and shooting the take.

What Do You Do When You Hear “Last Looks”?

When you’re standing in and you hear “Last looks” called out, be on the alert that you might be soon told to step off your mark.

Many times, the call for “Last looks” will mean your job standing in for the moment is done and you can move off set. However, in general, stay in place and feel out whether you should stay on your mark or leave it. The camera crew may be figuring out its shot using you, or the DP (director of photography) may still be lighting you.

Do you have any anecdotes around the call of “Last looks!” What other terminology do you hear on set? Share your stories in the comments below!