What does Load-In mean?
Load-In refers to the process of bringing all equipment, props, set pieces, wardrobe, and production materials into a location or stage in preparation for filming. Load-in typically takes place before principal photography begins at a new location or at the start of a production. It involves coordination between multiple departments — grip, electric, art department, wardrobe, props, and camera — and can take anywhere from several hours to several days depending on the scale of the production.
Example:The production was scheduled for a two-day load-in at the warehouse location before filming began — enough time for the art department to dress the set, the electrical crew to install the lighting grid, and the camera department to set up their equipment.
Example: The child actor’s first day on set happened to coincide with the tail end of load-in, and her mother noticed the organized chaos of trucks being unloaded and departments setting up their equipment across the large studio space.
Did you know?
In theater, load-in is called the ‘get-in’ in British theater tradition and typically refers to the period when a touring production moves all its scenery and equipment into a new venue. A complex touring Broadway show can have a get-in that takes an entire week and involves dozens of union stagehands working around the clock before the first technical rehearsal begins.
You can also find “Load-In” and related terms in this category: Planning and Pre-Production.
