Term

Second unit

A separately directed shooting company assigned material outside the first unit’s immediate schedule.

Also known as: 2nd unit

Reviewed September 3, 2026

In practice

Second units may capture action, establishing shots, inserts, plates, vehicles, crowds, or doubles, but the creative and labor structure varies by production and agreement.

Explore related entries

First unit
Insert unit
Splinter unit

Related entries

First unit
Insert unit
Splinter unit

Sources

2023 Basic Agreement — Directors Guild of America
E-learning glossary — ScreenSkills