Okay it’s time for a WALKIE TALKIE ETIQUETTE FOR FILM CREW thread aimed mainly at newbies.

1. Use a covert earpiece or the “skeleton” type that blocks less external sound. Never leave a radio without an attached headset turned on, it WILL ruin a take.

2. Have your radio on and do a radio check on your team’s channel five minutes before call time. The second you’re on call it’s likely your boss will need to get hold of you.

3. Feed your headset cable down your top or manage it in some way as otherwise you’ll catch it on something, rip it out of your ear and smash something onto the floor.

4. After pressing the transmit button wait a second before speaking, and hold it for a second after you finish.

5. Unless you’re basically in eye contact with the person you’re trying to reach, preface all messages with “<Your name> for <person you want>”

6. When you’re asked for something over the radio, REPEAT IT BACK so they know you both heard AND understood it. NEVER just say “copy that.”

7. I can’t emphasise 6 enough. It’s really disconcerting to give out a load of info and instructions on radio and just get silence back. So many people just say “copy that” but That Is Bad.

8. Think before you speak and keep all transmissions as clear, brief and to the point as possible.

9. Use the radio as much as possible - it’s basically a superpower when a team uses it effectively.

Anyone else? What are your walkie talkie bugbears and #protips?

10. (I only recently discovered this) - it’s like, 20 times more comfortable to wear your radio in a chest pouch that on your belt. And you can glance down and see what channel you’re on way more easily. It looks a bit ‘tactical’ but it’s worth it.