When given a directive from the gaffer over the radio, what is the correct reply?

When given a directive from the gaffer over the radio, what is the correct reply?

• A. Copy
• B. Copy that
• C. Roger
• D. Affirmative

Answer: (A)

The main practice here is giving a clear, concise acknowledgment over the radio to show you heard the directive and will act on it. On a film set, radio time is precious, so the fastest, unambiguous way to respond that you’ve received the instruction is to use a simple, standard term: Copy. It signals that you heard the command and are preparing to carry it out, without adding extra words that could slow things down or muddy the meaning. Copy that is also commonly understood, but it adds a couple more syllables, which can matter in a fast-paced environment. Roger is widely understood to mean the message was received, but it doesn’t always explicitly convey that you’ve understood the directive or are ready to act. Affirmative confirms agreement, not just receipt, which can be misleading if you’re confirming you heard the instruction rather than confirming you’ll follow it. So the succinct, widely accepted reply to acknowledge a directive is Copy, indicating you heard and are proceeding with the instruction.

The main practice here is giving a clear, concise acknowledgment over the radio to show you heard the directive and will act on it. On a film set, radio time is precious, so the fastest, unambiguous way to respond that you’ve received the instruction is to use a simple, standard term: Copy. It signals that you heard the command and are preparing to carry it out, without adding extra words that could slow things down or muddy the meaning.

Copy that is also commonly understood, but it adds a couple more syllables, which can matter in a fast-paced environment. Roger is widely understood to mean the message was received, but it doesn’t always explicitly convey that you’ve understood the directive or are ready to act. Affirmative confirms agreement, not just receipt, which can be misleading if you’re confirming you heard the instruction rather than confirming you’ll follow it.

So the succinct, widely accepted reply to acknowledge a directive is Copy, indicating you heard and are proceeding with the instruction.