Tail Slate definition

A tail slate is the mark on a shot that occurs at the end of a film rather than the start of the film.  Usually the phrase, “Tail Slate!” is called out prior to clapping the slate.  This ensures that the person syncing the film understands what is going on.  When doing a tail slate, the slate is positioned upside down in order to mark the shot.  The upside down position signifies that the mark is completed at the end of the film.