Phone-on-Screen Glossary for Film and TV

Short answer: A short glossary of the words crews use for phones on screen, from "hero phone" to "take reset".

Hero phone: The phone that is filmed close up and must show working content.
Dummy phone: A non-working replica for wide shots and stunts.
Playback: Running pre-built screen content live during a take.
Insert shot: A close-up of the phone screen, often shot separately.
Screen replacement: Adding the screen content in post with VFX tracking.
Clearance: Getting permission to show brands, logos or content on screen.
Beat: One phone moment in a scene, such as a chat, a call or a feed, prepared in advance.
Take reset: Returning the screen to its first frame before the next take.
Hollywood typing: The actor taps any keys and the scripted text appears.
Control room: A second device that triggers what happens on the actor's phone.

FAQ

Playback is in camera on the day; screen replacement is added in post.