Term

Break the neck

Informal grip or lighting instruction to angle the top of an overhead frame so it redirects light or reduces wind loading rather than remaining flat.

Production

Also known as: break its neck, neck the frame

Reviewed September 3, 2026

In practice

The exact move must be rehearsed and communicated because large frames can create severe wind and overhead hazards. Only qualified crew should change the frame angle and rigging.

Explore related entries

Butterfly frame
Overhead frame
Wind hold

Related entries

Butterfly frame
Overhead frame
Wind hold

Sources

Hollywood Slang: selections from Movie Speak — Vocabulary.com
Griptionary: Grip and Gaffer Slang Terms Glossary — Matthews Studio Equipment