The Most Versatile Tool on Set
On a film set, you will almost never hear someone ask for a “clothespin.” Instead, they will ask for a C-47. This is the insider’s term for the humble wooden spring-loaded clothespin, one of the most essential, versatile, and omnipresent pieces of equipment in the grip and electric departments. While it may seem mundane, its specific properties make it perfectly suited for a multitude of on-set tasks, and its odd name is a cherished piece of film production lore.
The Mysterious Origin of the Name
The true etymology of “C-47” is lost to time, but this has only given rise to a number of popular and entertaining myths. The most widely circulated story goes as follows:
In the early days of the studio system, a production’s budget was managed by a notoriously stingy accounting department. When a clever gaffer tried to order a box of clothespins, the purchase was denied as an unjustifiable household item. To circumvent the accountant, the gaffer looked up the catalog part number for the clothespins—which was supposedly C-47—and submitted the order again using the official-sounding designation. The order was approved, and the name stuck.
While this story has never been definitively proven, it perfectly captures the spirit of on-set ingenuity. Other theories link the name to the C-47 military transport plane, though the connection remains unclear.
Indispensable Practical Uses
The C-47 is not just a piece of trivia; it is a critical tool used constantly throughout a shooting day. Its utility stems from its simple, effective design and its material properties:
- Attaching Gels and Diffusion: Its primary and most important use is to clip colored gels (for color correction) or diffusion material (to soften light) onto the hot metal barn doors of film lights. The wood construction is essential because it does not conduct heat from the lamp and is less likely to melt than a plastic clip.
- Cable Management: A C-47 is the perfect tool for tidying up loose cables and keeping them from becoming a safety hazard on the floor.
- General Utility: They can be used to hold a small bounce card in place, clip a script page to a stand, or fix a flapping piece of wardrobe. For this reason, they are often referred to on set as “bullets” or “ammo,” and a good grip will have a belt pouch full of them at all times.