24 bit color
Computer display where each pixel can have 256 levels of red, green, and blue resulting in 16+ million colors (256x256x256).
3/4-Umatic
Videotape format that uses 3/4-inch cassette tape.
3-D modeling
Graphics software based on drawing a wireframe outline of an object which can be rendered into a fully-formed, three-dimensional object. The appearance of the object can be rotated in space, artificially lit in various ways rendered with a variety of surface characteristics.
3-to-1 rule
Rule designed to eliminate phase cancellation that stipulates that a mic used by a speaker should be at least 1/3rd the distance of the next nearest mic.
8 bit color
Color display limited to 256 colors.
8mm film,
8mm video.
Video for film format that is 8mm wide.
A/B Roll
Editing
Editing from two source VCRs to a third recording VCR. A switcher or mixer is used to provide effects such as dissolves.
A/B Story
"A" story is the main story/theme while "B" story refers to the background story.
Above-the-line
Costs for creative and performing personnel (producer, writer, director, musicians, actors, etc.).
Aberration
Any optical or electronic distortion of an image.
A-Wind
Emulsion position of the film. Holding up a piece of film, if the emulsion faces you, then the image will appear correct. If its reversed (mirror image), it is considered B-Wind.
Academy
Aperture
The full frame of a 35mm image that is exposed by the camera. Aspect ratio = 1.33:1.
Academy
Leader
AKA "S.M.P.T.E. leader." The countdown leader used at the beginning of a film which allows the lab to line up the sound.
Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards
The coveted annual award, the "Oscar," which is presented to the "best of the best".
Academy of
Motion Picture Sound
A UK-based organization whose aims are to promote and encourage the science, technology and creative application of all aspects of motion picture sound recording and reproduction, and to promote and enhance the status and recognition of the contribution of those therein engaged.
Action
"Action" is called during filming to indicate the start of the current take.
ATSC
Advanced Television Systems; Committee formed to establish technical standards HDTV and other U.S. ditigal television systems.
Acceleration
editing
Condensing or expanding time through editing. In a dramatic production several hours of activity can be condensed into a few short scenes. Conversely, some directors will "drag out" an event beyond its actual time in order to heighten dramatic impact.
Access
In the context of newsgathering, the legal right a news reporter to go onto private property to obtain information or videotape footage.
Access
channel
Cable TV channel reserved for local community programming.
Access time
Delay between time information or action is requested from equipment and the desired response.
Acoustics
Characteristics added to basic sound resulting from reflective interactions within a room or studio.
Acquisition
format
Typically, footage shot on S-VHS or Hi8 intended to be transferred to a higher quality format in order to retain quality during subsequent editing and copying.
Action
cutting
Using editing to cut from one shot and camera angle to another during an action scene, giving the impression that multiple cameras are being used. During single-camera production action is repeated for a single camera positioned at different angles and distances and footage is cut together in editing giving the impression that there is uninterrupted action covered from a variety of camera angles.
action still
A still-frame captured during a production by an electronic still-store device. Sometimes used at the end of a production to key credits over.
Active lines
The total number of visible scanning lines in a video frame, or the total number of lines, minus the lines devoted to vertical blanking.
Actual malice
Broadcasting or publishing something with is either known to be false or with reckless disregard for its truth or accuracy. Often used during public elections.
Actuality
Tape or film of a non-studio event done as it is happening.
Acutance
The measure of sharpness of a clearly defined object in a scene as reproduced by a lens.
AD,
Associate or Assistant Director.
Individual who performs numerous functions assigned by director, including scheduling, supervising crews, conducting rehearsals, etc.
Actor/Actress
The "talent" who plays the role of a character.
Adaptation
Rewriting of fact or fiction for film presentation, usually in the form of a completed screenplay, or a proposal treatment.
Adapter shell
A holder for the VHS-C cassettes which allows their cassettes to fit into a standard VHS and 8mm players.
ADC
Analog-to-Digital Converter; Circuit designed to convert analog video or audio to a digital signal.
additive
color
Process used in color television in which colored light is combined in various proportions to create a full spectrum of colors. See additive primaries
additive
primaries
Red, green and blue. Colors added together in different combinations to create white and all other colors.
address
code, SMPTE/EBU time code
Digitized eight-digit coded information recorded on a film/tape which identifies each video field or frame.
address track
An approach to recording SMPTE/EBU time code within the basic video signal.
addressable
Cable or satellite decoder with a unique identity that can be used to deliver unscramble programming intended for a particular TV/subscriber.
Ddjacent
channel interference
When two images from different analog TV stations simultaneously appear on a TV screen. Normally, the station you're viewing is overpowered by another station one channel number higher or lower than the one you are viewing.
ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line; a high-speed data connection using standard telephone lines.
Added scenes
Material, shots, sequences, or scenes written into a script during its principal filming or after its completion.
Additional
Camera
An extra camera operator, often needed for complicated action sequences or stunts.
Additional
(Automatic) Dialogue Recording
AKA "A.D.R." The dubbing (re-recording) of additional dialogue in a film.
Additional
Photographer/Photography
Handles the secondary shooting or reshoots.
Advance
Advanced
Television, High Definition Television
Television that will have higher resolution than standard NTSC system.
Ad Lib
Improvised lines, phrases, or even action bits used by an actor in spontaneous reaction to the given situation of a scene.
Aerial Shot
Camera shot from the point-of-view of an airborne craft, such as an airplane or helicopter.
Affiliate
A broadcast station with a contract with one or more networks to carry their programming.
AFM
Audio Frequency Modulation, a technique used in VHS, SVHS, 8mm and Hi 8 VCRs to record high quality sound within the video information.
AFM
American Federation of Musicians; A musicians' union.
AFT
automatic fine tuning; An electronic circuit in a receiver that "locks onto" a station and (within limits) doesn't allow it to drift off frequency.
AFTRA
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists; The union to which broadcast artists belong.
AGC
automatic gain control; Circuit that automatically maintains a pre-set audio or video level. Although convenient, the use of AGC circuits does not achieve the best results in some situations.
Agency
Meeting
Gathering in which a potential client of an agency meets with the agents to discuss the agents' plan and goals for creating a career for the potential client.
Agent
Manager responsible for the professional business dealings of an actor, director, screenwriter, or other artist. An agent typically negotiates the contracts and often has some part in selecting or recommending roles for their client.
Air check
A recording of an on-air segment done by or for a particular announcer to evaluate dictation, voice quality and general effectiveness.
Air date
Day on which specific program is to be broadcast.
Air monitor
TV set that shows what is being transmitted or recorded, or, in audio, the speaker that allows an operator to hear being transmitted or recorded.
air quality
Program material that meets technical (generally FCC) standards for quality.
ALC
Automatic Level Control Same as AGC.
Aliasing
Distortions occurring in the analog-to-digital conversion resulting from the creation of false signal components during the sampling process. Can be eliminated with filters.
alignment
tape
An audio or videotape containing picture and/or sound reference signals. Used for physically and electronically aligning a tape machine.
alpha channel
A signal generated from an image in video graphics (often a CG) that is used to cut out an area in a background image into which information (often text) will be inserted.
alpha wrap
Tape configuration around the video and audio heads associated with helical scan videotape machines. The tape partially surrounds the head drum.
alphanumeric
Referring to both numbers and letters.
Ambient
light, Base light, Fill light
Existing or created light that partially fills in shadows.
ambient sound
Prevailing background sound at a specific location.
American
Cinematic Editors
Union guild for film/video editors; also known as ACE
American
Society of Cinematographers
Organization dedicated to advancing the art of cinematography.
amortization
Dividing the cost of an expensive item over a specific number of years, generally for income tax write off purposes.
amp/ampere
A measure of electrical current volume. Fuses are rated in terms of the maximum amps they are designed to carry.
Amplifier
A circuit that increases the amplitude or level of an electronic signal.
Amplitude
The strength of a video or audio signal.
Analog,
Analogue
A signal that varies smoothly between certain ranges. An analog signal bears an exact, continuous relationship to the original information as opposed to a digital signal. Analogue does not use numerical storage or processing unike digital.
Anamorphic
A system which creates a widescreen image from a standard image, usually a lens used that has different magnifications in the horizontal dimensions from the vertical dimensions of the image. Anamorphic also commonly reffers to the aspect ratio of 2.35:1 which is generally achieved by the use of anamorphic optics though other anamorphic aspect ratios exist.
Ancillary
Rights
Enable the screenwriter to receive a percentage of the profits generated by the film in areas such as posters, action figures, books, records, T-shirts, etc.
Relationship between the camera and the subject(s) of the shot.
Angle of acceptance
Vertical and horizontal angle of view of a lens. AKA “field of view”.
Angle On
Direction in a shooting script which indicates that another camera angle is to be made of a previous shot, usually to emphasize a specific object in the shot.
Animation/Animator
Process of creating (or person responsible for) the illusion of motion by creating individual frames, as opposed to filming naturally-occurring action at a regular frame rate.
animation
stand
Adjustable structure that holds and controls camera and drawings (or objects) for creating animation.
Anime
Animated movies produced in Japan.
ANNCR
Script abbreviation for announcer
Annotation
Comment specifying the source of each script element that is not wholly fictional, including all characters, events, settings, and segments of dialogue.
announce
booth
A small, soundproofed room or enclosure with a microphone where voice recordings or on-air announcements are made
Answer Print
First completed edited-dubbed-scored, color-and-sound print of a film ready for initial scrutiny by the production team.
Antagonist
Villain of the film or script who is in conflict with the protagonist.
Anthology
A collection of short segments or stories assembled into a single production
antenna
Device which either receives or radiates an radio frequency signal.
anti-aliasing
The process of smoothing the jagged effect around curved and diagonal lines in electronic graphics through the use of filters.
Anticlimax
Anything that happens in the final few moments of a film that dulls down the story crescendo and leaves the audience feeling let down and unsatisfied.
Antihero
Protagonist who has pronounced personality or character defects or eccentricities which are not usually associated with the hero archetype.
Aperture
1. Measure of the width of the opening allowing light to enter a camera. The apparent diameter of a lens viewed from the position of the object against a diffusely illuminated background is called the "effect aperture". The ratio of focal length of a lens to its "effective aperture" for an object located at infinity is called the "relative aperture", or "f/stop". Higher apertures allow more light to enter a camera, hence darker scenes can be recorded. Conversely, lower apertures allow less light to enter, but have the advantage of creating a large depth of field.
2. The size of the "gate" which determines the size of the actual image captured on film.
approximate
color consistency
The human ability to visually correct for changes in color temperature. For example, a white piece of paper will appear white under both daylight and incandescent light even though the actual color will vary more than 2,000oK.
arc light
Intense light produced by electricity passing between (arcing across) two electrodes.
arc
The movement of a camera on its dolly along a curved path.
archive
Long-term, off-line electronic storage, generally on some form of disc or magnetic tape.
Arm
Metal rod (arm) which attaches to a C-Stand.
Arri
Abbreviation for the Arriflex Camera, a brand of lightweight reflex motion-picture camera which comes in both 16mm and 35mm sizes
Art
Department
Crew concerned with visual artistry of a production. Members of art dept. include: Art director, assistant art director, draftsman, leadman, production designer, production buyer, property master, set dresser, special effects supervisor, among others.
Art Director
Individual who oversees the artists and crafts people who build sets.
artifacts
Any type of visible or aural defect resulting from aberrations in the television/film processes.
artist
permission
Authorization from a recording artist to use their copyrighted works in a production.
A.S.A.
Sensitivity to light which measures the film's speed. (Example: ASA 400.) "ASA" stands for American Standards Association.
Aspect Ratio
Measurement of the relative sizes of the horizontal and vertical components of an image.
Assembly
Edit
In contrast to insert editing, an editing process whereby a new video or audio sequence is consecutively added to a previously edited scene, complete with the associated control track.
assignment
editor
The individual in a broadcast news room who has the responsibility of assigning news and ENG stories to specific reporters.
Assistant
Art Director
Assistant to the art director.
Assistant
Cameraman
Member of the camera crew who assists the camera operator and is responsible for the maintenance and care of the camera. Also may do duties of clapper-loader and/or focus puller.
Assistant
Director/Associate Director
Duties include tracking the progress of filming versus the production schedule and preparing the call sheets.
Assistant
Film Editor
Editing room crewmember responsible for providing logistical assistance to the editor. Duties vary, depending on whether picture or sound is being edited.
Assistant
Production Manager
Assistant to production co-ordinator.
Associate
Producer
Producer who shares responsibility for creative and business issues.
Association
of Film Commissioners International
Non-profit educational organization that assists the needs of on-location film, television and commercial production.
Association
of Film, Television and Radio Artists
Association with jurisdiction over some works that can be recorded by picture or by sound.
Association
of Motion Picture and Television Producers
Union guild for Film/TV producers.
associate
director
An individual who assists the director during a production with such things as keeping track of time, seeing that camera shots and tape and film inserts are ready when needed, etc.
Atmosphere
Tone or dimension added to the action by concrete or nebulous qualities or elements such as rain, wind, heat, cold, danger, spookiness, tranquillity.
atmosphere
introduction
Beginning a video segment with a scene or series of scenes intended to establish the conditions, habitat, environment, spirit, or climate of the central subject matter.
attenuate
To decrease the level or of a signal, either audio or video.
Auction/Bidding
War
Situation in which a spec script, book, or written material is presented to several studios, all wanting to buy the work.
audio board
(see audio mixer)
audio channel
A single audio circuit, generally consisting of an amplifier and one or more audio controls.
audio
compressor
Audio-processing circuit that reduces dynamic range by simultaneously raising low audio levels and lowering high levels so that a more consistant level is achieved.
audio
console (see audio mixer)
audio
control booth
Small room where all audio is controlled and mixed.
audio dub
Making a copy of an audio tape. In television, the recording of sound only, without disturbing the picture.
audio
expander
An electrical circuit which increases the dynamic range of an audio signal. The opposite of a compressor
audio-follow-video
A switch that simultaneously switches both video and audio.
audio limiter
An electronic device intended to restrict the maximum amplitude of a signal. Similar to a compressor
audio mix
Audio track created through combining multiple sound sources.
audio mixer
A device that allows the simultaneous combining and blending of several sound inputs into fewer outputs, typically one or two outputs.
audio monitor
An audio amplifier and speaker system used to check and listen to audio during a production.
audio slate
Voice track information recorded at the start of a tape identifying the production. This might include the series title and episode number, the director, the production date and the planned air date. Generally a video slate is also included with essentially the same information.
audio speaker
A electro-mechanical device for reproducing audio which changes electrical energy into sound.
audio
sweetening
A postproduction process designed to correct problems in audio as well as to enhance and supplement audio tracks.
audio
technician
A person who is in charge of some phase of audio. Generally, a person who operates an audio board.
Audio track
The portion of the videotape/film that records sound.
audition
channel
An audio monitor circuit enabling a technician to listen to, preview and cue audio sources before sending them through the audio console.
autofocus
Electronic system in some cameras that attempts with varying degrees of success to automatically focus subject matter.
auto key
tracking Chroma key tracking
Ability of a video effects system to retain the appropriate size of a keyed-in image when the camera supplying the background video is zoomed in or out.
auto-assemble
Automatic editing of videotape to conform to previously-generated edit-decision list (EDL).
auto key
A type of key effect in which one video source is used to establish the external shape of the key.
Automatic
Dialogue Replacement (ADR)
Re-recording of dialogue by actors in a sound studio during post-production, usually performed to playback of edited picture in order to match lip movements on screen.
automatic
exposure control
System that responds to varying light conditions by adjusting a camera's iris in an effort to automatically attain optimum overall exposure.
automatic
gain control
Circuit for audio or video that automatically increases or decreases (as needed) the strength of the incoming sound or picture to maintain optimum signal strength. Very similar to a compressor in audio applications.
automatic
iris control
Electronic device that automatically alters the lens aperture in response to the level of light.
automatic
transition
A feature on many switchers that automatically executes dissolves, wipes, and other transitions without the use of the fader levers.
aux/auxiliary
An output or input channel on mixers that allows a signal to be sent to, received from, or manipulated by an external device.
available
light
The naturally-existing light which illuminates a scene.
Avant Garde
Experimental or highly independent film that is often the forerunner of a new artistic genre
AVID
A particular software for use on a non-linear editing system.
axis of
action ("the line")
An imaginary line on one side of subjects. If one camera is on one side of the line and another is on the other side, cutting from one camera to another will make objects appear to reverse direction.
Azimuth
Refers to the left-right or east-west adjustment in tracking satellites. Also used for the ammount of slant to tape recorder heads.
B Roll
Cutaway shots which are used to cover the visual part of an interview or narration.
baby boom
Small suspension device for holding a microphone.
Backdrop
Artificial background, usually painted on a cyclorama, curtain, or flats, used to achieve the effect of a natural environment such as a forest, beach, prairies, mountains, or other landscape in a shot or sequence.
Backend
Film's profit from theater ticket sales, video rentals, and ancillary markets.
back focus
Adjusting the distance between the back of a lens and the camera target to attain the sharpest image possible of an object at infinity. Back focus adjustment determines whether a zoom lens will stay in focus when moved through its focal length range.
Back (REAR)
Projection
Photographic technique whereby live action is filmed in front of a screen on which the background action is projected.
Background
Artist
Individual responsible for designing or constructing the art placed at the rear of a set.
background
generator
Electronic circuit that adds color to a blank background area
backhaul
Sending a video feed from a local area via satellite back to the main distribution area for retransmission via satellite.
back light
Light directed from behind and above the subject used to separate and add dimension to a scene. Slightly stronger than front light.
back-up
schedule
A "plan B" schedule of shots or scenes that can be substituted for planned shooting schedule in case of illness of a principal actor, bad weather, mechanical or technical problems, etc.
backlight
compensator
BLC A camera control that opens up the lens aperture two-to-three f-stops. Used to compensate for the error made by automatic iris circuits when shooting into light or against a bright background.
background
light
Light intended to illuminate a background. Generally about two-thirds the intensity of the key light.
background
music
Sound track music intended to enhance drama or visual elements during a production.
background
projection (See rear projection)
backlight
switch
Camera control which overrides auto iris system and opens the iris two or three f-stops. Commonly used in backlit situations where auto-iris would result in dark skin tones and underexposure.
backtime
Calculating time for a show backwards from the end to determine when segments should start in order to bring the show out on time.
balanced
input/output
An audio input or output for devices that consists of two conductors surrounded by a grounded shield.
balanced
mic/balanced line
Typically, a two-conductor audio cable enclosed in a metal shield, which, as a result is relatively immune to hum and other electronic interference. Unbalanced lines have only two conductors.
Balance
Stripe
A second stripe opposite of the magnetic sound stripe on film used to prevent warping. Some people use this stipe to record secondary audio information.
Ballast
An electrical transformer that changes electrical voltage for HMI lights.
Band
Range of audio or radio frequencies.
banding
A picture artifact or fault whereby smooth brightness or color gradients appear to be comprised of bands of brightness or color, often the result of too few bits used to represent each sample of a picture. Banding could make a billiard ball look like a sliced onion. This is very common on DVD.
bandwidth
The difference in Hz between the highest and lowest frequency components of a radio frequency (RF) signal. The total radio frequency range used by a signal.
bar chart
A graphic consisting of vertical bars which show the relative difference between selected variables
Barn Doors
Hinged metal flaps attached to tops and/or sides of lighting devices in order to control the light, create desired shadows, or block unwanted shadows
barney
A cover for a video or film camera designed to protect it from dirt, rain, snow, sand, etc.
bars and tone
A carefully-controlled audio and video signal generally recorded at the beginning of a videotape and later used to properly setup playback equipment. "Bars" consist of a test pattern of color bars "tone" consists of an audio signal of 1000 Herz at 0dBU.
barrel
connector
An adapter that allows two cables to be connected together.
Base
The clear perforated strip of a piece of film.
baseband
audio and video
Composite audio and video, as opposed RF modulated.
base light
Even lighting used over a set or production area. Often a set is initially lit with basic (base light) illumination, and then the key and back lights are added.
base station
Central digital control system used for adjusting levels, color balance, etc. of several studio cameras.
basic make-up
Primary or elemental make-up. As opposed to corrective or character make-up, make-up intended to significantly alter or enhance appearance.
bass
Audio tones of low frequency--typically below 300Hz.
battery light
A battery operated, portable light commonly used for ENG work. Often mounted on top of camera.
bayonet mount
A camera mount that locks a lens securely into place with only a partial turn. This contrasts with the C-mount that requires numerous turns to secure.
BBS
Electronic bulletin board system. An electronic source of text, images, real-time discussions, and computer programs available over telephone lines by computer modem hookups.
beam
projector/beam spot projector
A spotlight that projects a focused, hard and generally narrow beam of light often used to simulate sunlight coming through a window.
beam splitter
A prism or dichroic mirror device used behind a camera lens usually to divide the light into the three primary colors.
Beat
Directional word used to indicate a pause in an actors speech or action.
Behind the
Scenes
The off-camera goings on associated with film/videomaking.
Best Boy,
Assistant Chief Lighting Technician, Best Boy Grip, Best Boy Electric
The chief assistant, usually of the gaffer, but more often lately used as a general term for the second in command of a group. This term is likely borrowed from early sailing and whaling crews, as sailors were often employed to set up and work rigging in theatres. Female chief assistants are also called "Best Boys".
Chief
assistant,
usually of the gaffer, but more often lately used as a general term for the second in command of a group.
Betacam
The most common broadcast quality video format.
Betacam SP
Betacam Superior Performance. An updated version of the standard Betacam format.
Betamax
A consumer-quality 1/2-inch videocassette format developed by Sony which eventually was supplanted by VHS.
bias light
A dim light inside a camera directed toward the front surface of the CCDs or pickup tubes intended to increase camera sensitivity while controlling video noise.
bicycling
Routing a videotape from station to station instead of sending individual tapes to each.
bidirectional
A microphone pickup pattern with two primary areas of sensitivity. Typically, in a figure-eight pattern.
Billing
Size and placement of the order of names in the movie's title in printed publicity material or opening credits.
binary system
A number system with a base of two. Each digit has only two possible states 0 or 1, or on and off. Binary numbers are the basis for computer languages.
Biographic
Picture
A filmed story of a person's life story.
BIOS
Basic Input/Output System. Computer device that manages communications between the basic computer and peripherals, such as the keyboard and monitor.
bird
A satellite. Sometimes used as a verb to indicate the transmission of a video program or segment.
bit
A BInary digiT 0 or 1. The smallest amount of information a computer can handle.
Bit
Part/Role
Small unimportant role, usually lasting only one scene.
bit
speed/rate
Speed at which
units of digital information can be transmitted from one point to another.
bite/Sound
bite.
A short interview segment with associated audio intended as part of a production.
bitmapped
image/BMP
Image stored by specific pixel information. Capable of handling 16 colors, 256 colors, or 24-bit True color.
Black and
White
Films made without color.
black
balancing
Electronically setting the black level of a camera to correspond to TV black.
black
clipping
A circuit used to limit the black level of video so that it does not intrude into the sync
Black Comedy
Comedy in which the humor is derived from subjects which are typically considered "serious", or for which humor is usually considered as unsuitable: death, war, misery.
black level
The darkest portion of the video picture. Reference black.
Blacklisting/Blackballing
List of filmmakers or actors who have either been formally or informally discriminated against, due to their personal, political, social, or religious beliefs.
blanking a
tape
Recording black, sync and a control track on a videotape. The process of creating a blanked tape. Also called blacking a tape.
blanking
interval
The retrace interval of 10.5 microseconds in which the effect of the electron beam is extinguished so that it can return from the right to the left side of the screen. Also the 1.3 millisecond interval in which the effect of the electronic beam is extinguished so that it can move from the bottom of one field to start scanning the top of the next field.
Blimped
Camera
Camera with internal soundproofing. Camera will say "BL."
Block/Blocking
Rehearsal to determine the position and movement of the camera, actors, and crew during a particular shot or scene.
Blockbuster
Movie which is a huge financial success; $100 million or more.
bloom
dark halo that surrounds bright areas in a scene caused by aberrations in the video process. Generally associated with tube-type cameras.
blooper
An error in speech made by on-camera talent.
blue pages
Revised pages (of any color) that are substituted for existing script pages.
blue pencil
To edit or censor a script.
blue screen
process
Process of photographing action in front of a blue screen to make a matte special effect possible.
BMI
Broadcast Music, Inc.
Agency that licenses the use of copyrighted music.
BMP
See bitmapped image.
BNC
Widely-used video connector used for video, sync and RF signals.
boarder
merger
A composition problem in which subject matter is awkwardly and inappropriately cut off at one edge of the video frame.
body brace
A type of camera mount which attains some measure of stability by resting on the shoulder and attaching to the chest or belt area
Body Double
A body which is used for "doubling" the actor's body in certain scenes; i.e.: nudity shot.
body wash
Body make-up used by actors
Bolex
Swiss made 16mm non-sync camera. Very popular.
Boom
Microphone
Long pole with a microphone on the end.
Boom
Operator
Member of the sound crew who operates the boom microphone.
boom up/boom
down To raise or lower the height of a camera mounted on a boom or pedestal
Bootleg
Unofficial and illegally copied or distributed version of an intellectual property, often of a substandard quality.
Bounce Card
Silver or white card that is used to bounce light onto a subject.
bounce light
An even, diffused light over an area that results from light being reflected off of the ceiling or wall in a room
Box-Office
Measure of the total amount of money paid by movie-goers to view a movie.
Bracketing
Filming of multiple takes (of the same shot) at different f-stops.
breakaway
A prop used during action sequences that looks real but is constructed so that it will break easily without harm to performers
breakaway /
split edit / L-cut
An edit where the audio and video do not automatically switch together, but one comes before or after the other. Often audio will come in before the corresponding scene starts.
Breakdown
Script
Analysis of script segments for the purpose of determining best sequence for shooting scenes and setups. Also referred to as "breakdown sheets." Term also refers to analyzing a script for a cost analysis.
breakup
A brief interruption of video or audio caused by a technical problem.
bridge
Short visual or audio sequence designed as a transition between two program elements.
bridging shot
A shot inserted between two scenes to indicate a break in time or continuity.
brightness
range
Range in reflectance from the darkest to the lightest subject matter in a scene as measured by a reflected light meter.
broad
A broad-beam floodlight with a rectangular reflector used to light backgrounds and to throw light over a wide set area.
broad-beamed
lamp
A lighting instrument within a rectangular reflector that creates a broad, somewhat diffused light.
Budget
Funds required to produce a film or television production, derived by combining all projected expenses for equipment, salaries, locations, travel, and all other above-the-line and below-the-line production costs.
budget
tracking
A process whereby the actual expenses in a production are regularly compared to originally-projected expenses.
build up
Creating tension in a dramatic production by arranging scenes and selecting music that build to a crisis or climax.
bulk erase
To completely erase an audio or videotape by the use of a strong electromagnet.
bump up
To copy segments from one videotape to a larger or higher quality videotape format. Such as from VHS to SVHS.
bump-down
Copying video information from higher-quality format to a lower-quality one such as Betacam to SVHS.
burned in
an image that is displayed on a screen too long can permanantly become part of the screen.
burned-in time-code
As opposed to keyed-in time code, SMPTE\EBU time code numbers which are a permanent part of the corresponding video.
burst/color
burst
Reference signal used in video as the benchmark for hues.
bus, buss
business
The realistic actions of actors that take place as a scene progresses. Examples would be reading a newspaper, knitting, lighting a cigarette, or fixing a drink.
bust shot
Camera shot of an actor from the waste up.
busy
A scene that contains an inordinate amount of activity or distracting background elements.
Butterfly
Scrim which is tightened on an oval frame and used to diffuse strong sunlight on location shooting, or to reduce any excessive light on a subject
byte
Eight bits computer-language information used to define an alphabet character
C-Mount
Screw mount type of lens.
Call Sheet
Listing of which actors will be required for which scenes, and when they will be required.
Cameo
Bit part played by a famous actor who would ordinarily not take such a small part.
Camera Crew
Crewmembers directly involved with operation of the camera. Individual job titles include: clapper-loader, camera operator, assistant cameraman, director of photography, focus puller, grip, key grip, dolly grip, additional camera.
Camera Operator
Individual who operates the camera to the specifications dictated by the director of photography.
Camp/Campy
Form of comedic parody where the cliché conventions of a dramatic form like adventure are deliberately exaggerated to the point of absurdity.
Can
Metal or plastic containers used for the transport and storage of film
Cast
A collective term for the actors appearing in a particular movie.
Casting
Process of hiring actors to play the characters in a script.
Casting Couch
Slang term referring to "Golden Age" of Hollywood, where wannabe stars would grant sexual favors to directors/producers in return for a role in their film.
Casting Director
Individual responsible for selecting actors to play roles.
Cel
Hand drawn sheet representing a single animation frame, usually made of a clear material like cellulose or mylar to allow several layers of composition.
Celluloid
Flammable film base made of cellulose nitrate
Censorship
Changes required of a movie by some person or body other than the studio or the filmmakers, usually a national or regional film classification board. See also certificate.
Certificate of Authorship
Form signed by the author of a screenplay or other written work that warrants the author's work is original, does not libel another party, does not invade anyone's privacy, and will not cause the buyer of the work to be sued for any legal action.
Change Pages
When a script is being edited during production, changes are distributed to actors and the filmmakers on "change pages", which are usually a different color to the pages of the script.
Change-Over Marks
Marking on last few frames of a reel to signal that projectionist that the current reel is approaching the end, and they should be ready to start the next projector, which should have the next reel prepared for projection.
Changing Bag
Double chambered black bag used for loading film into magazines.
Character Actor
Actor who specializes in playing a particular style of character, often stereotypical, offbeat, or humorous.
Character Arc
Formulaic inferred curved line which traces the development, growth, and transformation of a character over the course of the screenplay
Character Generator
Electronic typewriter that creates titles for video.
Check Print
Print made to verify the level of success of a specific effect.
Choreographer
Individual who plans and directs dance sequences within a movie.
Chroma
Color information in a video signal, consisting of hue (phase angle) and saturation (amplitude) of the color subcarrier signal.
Chroma Key
Process of overlaying one video signal over another by replacing a range of colors with the second signal.
Chrominance
Color portion of a video signal.
Cinch Marks
Scratches on a strip of film running parallel to its length caused by improper reel winding which allows one coil of the print to slide against another.
Cinema Verité
Meaning is "cinema truth." A documentary style in which no directorial control is exerted. The term is frequently misused to describe new-wave "handheld" camera techniques ala M-TV.
Cinematographer
Individual with expertise in the art of capturing images either electronically or on film stock through the application of visual recording devices and the selection and arrangement of lighting.
Clamp Light
A lighting fixture which can be attached (via a spring clamp) to a variety of places (door, table, chair, etc.)
Clapboard
Small board which holds information identifying a shot: working title of the movie, names of director and DP, scene and take numbers, date, and time. Used at the beginning of a take, the clapboard has a hinged stick which is "clapped" to provide audio/visual synchronization.
Clapper-Loader
Individual who operates the clapboard at the beginning of a shot, also responsible for loading film magazines into the camera.
Claymation
Animation of models constructed from clay or plasticine.
Cliffhanger
Moment of high drama, frequently used at the end of serials.
Close Captioned /CC
System which displays the current dialog on screen for deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers.
Close-up (CU)
Shot in which the subject is larger than the frame; approx. from the top of chest to top of head.
Co-Producer
Producer who has equal responsibility for the completion of a project.
Code Numbers
Edge numbers that are inked onto a workprint and mag track after syncing.
Color Bars
Standard video test pattern which includes samples of primary and secondary colors.
Color Consultant
Technical advisor with expertise in film stock and film developing, who provides advice for cinematographers and color timers.
Color Temperature
Method for measuring the overall color of a light source, measured in degrees Kelvin (deg.K). Daylight is approximately 5500 deg.K. Fluorescent Lights are approx. 4100 deg.K. Indoor incandescent lights are 2800 deg.K and professional Movie Lights are 3200 Deg. K
Color Timing
Process which adjusts the final print so that colors match from shot to shot, regardless of the film stock and camera used to shoot the scene.
Colorization
Process where an operator alters a black and white image to include color.
Compensation
With regard to writers, the money paid for writing services or for the sale of a screenplay. Also called "consideration."
Composer
Musician whose music appears in a movie's score.
Composite Print
Print with a images and sound on the same strip of film.
Conformations
Varying progressive versions of a film that is in the editing stage.
Contact Print
Copy of a print whether it be a workprint, answer print, or release print.
Contingent Compensation
Form of compensation received by a writer, after the writing services have been completed, if he is awarded writing credit for the project. The contingent compensation may include a production bonus, net profits, reserved rights, and/or additional payments in the event of a film or television sequel, remake, or spinoff.
Continuity
Degree to which a movie is self-consistent without error or jumpcuts.
Continuity Report
Detailed list of the events that occurred during the filming of a scene.
Control Track
Type of video editing that controls the in and out points of edits by counting pulses on a control track portion of the videotape.
Cookie
Flat piece of material with irregular holes cut into it. Used for creating pattern of shadows when positioned in front of a light source.
Copyright
Body of United States federal laws and international laws that protect original and creative expression that is in a fixed and tangible form.
Core
Plastic piece used to hold film without a reel.
Costume Designer
Individual who designs the costumes for a movie.
Costume Supervisor
Individual responsible for handling the costumes worn by actors.
Coverage
Performed by a reader, this process involves a script synopsized, reviewed, and evaluated with respect to the story, character development, plot development and so forth, and then rated, with the intention of informing others as to whether or not the script is worthy of further consideration.
Credit
The authorship given to a written work in the entertainment industry. For film: "Story by," "Screenplay by," and "Written by." For TV: "Created by," Story by," and "Teleplay by."
Credit Arbitration
Process run by the Writers Guild of America in which disputes concerning the award of credit (as in "Story by, "Screenplay by," "Teleplay by," and "Written by") are decided. The method in which these decisions take place has the WGA sending all drafts of the disputed work to three separate individuals; separately and without knowledge of each other, they decide which writer deserves the award of credit. When two of the three individuals agree on the award of credit, the decision is considered final.
Crew/crew members
Collective term for anyone involved with the production of a movie who does not appear in the movie.
Critic
Individual who publishes a review of a movie from either an artistic or entertainment point of view.
Critial End
Label on a film can that notifies the lab that filming ran out during important shot and to salvage as many frames possible.
Crystal Sync
Sync sound created using a camera that has a quartz crystal-governed motor.
C.T.B. (and) C.T.O.
Abbreviations for "Color Temperature Blue" (and) "Orange" respectively. The color correction gels used to convert the color temp from tungsten to daylight (BLUE) and from daylight to tungsten (ORANGE).
Cut
In filming, to change from one shot to another immediately. In directing, called by the director to stop action by the performers, camera, and audio equipment. In film editing, to eliminate unwanted portions, visual or audio, of a film.
Cutaway
Shot of something outside the frame which can be used to hide an edit.
D1/D2/D3
Professional digital video formats. The D1 system uses component video. The D2 and D3 systems use composite video.
D.A.T. (Digital Audio Tape)
Audio recording and playback format developed by Sony, with a signal quality capability surpassing that of the CD.
Daylight Balanced
Color temperature of daylight (5400K). Color film that is "daylight balanced" should be used outdoors. If shot indoors (w/o a filter), the film image will have an orange hue.
Daylight Spool
Black film spool that protects the film from becoming completely exposed when loading a camera in daylight. Note: Always load a camera in a relatively dark area away from any light source.
Dailies
First positive prints made from the negatives photographed on the previous day.
Deferred Compensation
Money to be paid from funds that, for a writer, are generally the net profits. Rarely will the writer ever see such compensation.
Denoument
Concluding scenes of a movie where the story elements are finished and the characters' status after the climax is shown.
Depth of Field
Measure of the range along a camera's line of site in which objects will be in focus.
Development
Process in which a script is altered, changed, modified, etc., by a series of collaborative meetings between the writer and/or production executive, studio executive, director, or other individuals who may be attached to the project.
Diffusion
(1) Material used on a movie light to soften shadows. (2) Filter used on a camera to create soft focus effect.
Digital Compositing
Technique whereby separately filmed components are combined through digital editing.
Digital Editing
Editing a portion of a movie by digitizing one or more frames and altering them electronically or combining them with other digitized images, and then printing the modified frame.
Diopter
Adjustable part of camera viewfinder which compensates for individuals eyesight.
Director
Principal creative artist on a movie set.
Director of Photography
Cinematographer who is ultimately responsible for the process of recording a scene in the manner desired by the director.
Director's Cut
Cut of a movie without studio interference as the director would like it to be seen.
Director's Guild of America
Union guild for directors.
Dissolve
Editing technique whereby the images of one shot is gradually replaced by the images of another.
Distributor
Organization responsible for coordinating the distribution of the finished movie to exhibitors, as well as the sale of videos, laserdiscs, and other media versions of movies.
Documentary
Non-fiction narrative without actors.
Dolby Noise Reduction
Enhances different levels of audio depending upon the desire effect.
Dolly
Small truck which rolls along dolly tracks carrying the camera and some camera crewmembers.
Dolly Grip
Crewmember who moves a dolly.
Dope Sheet
List of scenes from the script that have already been filmed, or a list of the contents of an exposed reel of film stock.
Double Perf
16mm film stripe which has perforations on both edges.
Draftsman
Individual who creates the plans for set construction.
Driver
Individual who drives either equipment or passenger trucks, typically between location shootings, sets, and the studio.
Dropout
Defect on the videotape which causes a brief flash of a horizontal black line on the screen
Drop Frame
Type of SMPTE time code designed to exactly match the real time of common clocks. Two frames of time code are dropped every minute, on the minute, except every tenth minute. This corrects for the fact that video frames occur at a rate of 29.97 per second, rather than an exact 30 frames per second.
Dubbing
Technique of combining multiple sound components into one.
Dub/Dupe
Duplicate copy of a videotape.
Dutch Tilt
Shot composed with the horizon not parallel with the bottom of the frame a.k.a. "canted angle."
Edge Numbers
Numbers printed on the edge of a print to allow easy identification of frames.
Editing
Reconstructing the sequence of events in a movie.
Editor
Individual who performs editing (in consultation with the director) on a movie.
Edit Decision List (EDL)
Complete list of time code numbers for each shot and sound used in the off-line edit master. These time code numbers are used to create the final on-line edit master.
Electrical Department
Section of a production's crew responsible for lighting and other electrical matters during filming.
Electrician
Grip that specializes in the equipment of the electrical department.
Emulsion
Thin layer of silver attached to base of a film strip. The silver reacts with the light when exposed which creates a film image.
Emulsion Type
Refers to the composition of a film's emulsion and how it was manufactured. (Example: fast/slow, daylight/tungsten, etc.) The emulsion type is represented by a number which varies from one company to another.
Encode
Process of combining analog or digital video signals, e.g., red, green and blue, into a composite signal.
Epic
Film with large dramatic scope or that required an immense production.
Establishing Shot
Wide shot showing much of the location.
Executive Producer
Producer who is not involved in any technical aspects of the filmmaking process, but who is still responsible for the overall production usually handling business and legal issues.
Exposure Index (E.I.)
Number which is used to measure a film's speed based upon the film stock's sensitivity to light. Similar to A.S.A. and I.S.O.
Exterior (EXT.)
Used in a slug line, indicates that the scene occurs outdoors.
Extra
Individual who appears in a movie where a non-specific, non-speaking character is required, usually as part of a crowd or in the background of a scene.
Extreme Close-up (ECU)
Shot in which the subject is much larger than the frame. Provides more detail than a close-up.
Extreme Long Shot
Camera cue in direction used to describe a shot taken by a long distance from the subject
Eye Line
Direction an actor should be focused on, off-screen, so as to match a reverse angle or point-of-view shot.
Exposure Index
AKA "E.I." or "ASA." It is the specific number used to measure film speed.
F-Stop
A scale that measures the size of the opening of an iris. The traditional scale runs: 1.4, 2, 2.8, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22. The smaller the number, the larger the opening of the iris, allowing more light. Conversely - the larger the number, the smaller the iris, allowing less light.
Fade
Smooth, gradual transition from a normal image to complete blackness (fade out), or vice versa (fade in).
Fade IN
First words typed in a script. Literally means "to begin."
Fade OUT
Last words in a script which means "the end."
Fast Motion
Shot which in which time appears to move more quickly than normal. The process is commonly achieved by either deleting select frames (called "skip frames") or by undercranking.
Feature
Movie at least 60 minutes long intended for theatrical release or script at least 90 pages long.
Festival
Event at which films can often premiere
Field
One-half of a television frame, containing all the odd or even scanning lines of the picture.
Fill Light
After the key light (primary light) is set, a fill light softens the shadows created by the key light.
Film Developing
Process whereby images recorded on film stock are transferred to a negative print.
Film Magazines
Reel of film stock ready for use in a camera.
Film Noir
Describes a genre of film which typically features dark, brooding characters, corruption, detectives, and the seedy side of the big city.
Film Plane
The plane of depth from the lens of the film (behind the gate) in the camera.
Film Printing
Process of transferring images from a negative print to a print.
Film Speed
Film stock has a variety of speeds which is created by the size of the silver halides in the emulsion. The smaller the grain, the slower the film which in turn requires more light to achieve the correct exposure.
Film Stock
The physical medium on which images are recorded.
Filmmakers
Collective term used to refer to people who have a significant degree of control over the creation of a movie: directors, producers, screenwriters, and editors.
Filter
A device, usually a piece of glass or plastic, that is positioned in front of a lens to create an effect or change the color temp of an image.
First Draft
As set forth in the Writers Guild of America Minimum Basic Agreement, a first complete draft of any script in continuity form, including dialogue.
Flag
Aperatus consisting of a black cloth on a frame that blocks part of a light source.
Flare
Pattern of light that washes out a film roll at the start and end of the roll. Another type of flare is a "lens flare" which occurs when light hits the lens and and causes the image to be foggy.
Flash Frame
A single frame between two shots that is completely blank or clear.
Flashback
Scene that breaks the chronological continuity of the main narrative by depicting events which happened in the past.
Flashforward
Scene that breaks the chronological continuity of the main narrative by depicting events which happen in the future.
Flatbed
An editing table that has a screen in the center with several editing plates lying flat.
Focal Length
A measurement of the magnification of a lens indicated in millimeters.
Focus
Sharpness of an image, or the adjustments made on a camera necessary to achieve this.
Focus Group
Group of approximately 10/12 members of the public that represent the target audience for a film who attend a sneak preview and then offer feedback to producers before further editing.
Focus Puller
Member of the camera crew who adjusts the focus of the camera during filming.
Foley
Art of recreating incidental sound effects (such as footsteps) in synchronization with the visual component of a movie.
Foley Artist/Editor
Individual who creates (or edits) the foley sound effects.
Follow Focus
Shot in which the camera focus is changed to compensate for the movement of the action or the camera itself.
Footage
Amount of film that has been shot or the entirety of exposed film.
Foot Candle
Simply, a measurement of light. The formula is "the light of one candle, one foot away."
Foreground
Objects or action which is closest to the camera.
Format
Describes the equipment and film or tape used. Examples for film: (8mm, Super 8, 16mm, 35mm). For video: (VHS, HI-8, Beta).
Frame
Individual picture image which eventually appears on a print OR in video: A complete television picture made up of two fields, produced at the rate of 29.97 Hz (color NTSC), or 30 Hz (black & white NTSC).
Frame Rate
Movies are created by taking a rapid sequence of pictures (frames) of action and by displaying these frames at the same rate at which they were recorded, the illusion of motion can be created. Film=24 frames per second and Video=30fps (in Europe using P.A.L.=25 fps).
Freeze Frame
Optical printing effect whereby a single frame is repeated to give the illusion that all action has stopped.
FSK
Frequency Shift Key. This is a sort of time code that indicates binary information by switching back & forth between 2 determined frequencies. The lower frequency is 0 while the higher frequency is 1. This is a simpler but more robust time code than SMPTE used in a lot of early MIDI systems and sometimes still used in synchronising analogue recording equipment to MIDI equipment.
Fullcoat
Mag stock with a layer of oxide that covers one side. 16mm is fullcoat, but 35mm can be either fullcoat or stripe.
Gaffer
Head of the electrical department.
Gaffer's Tape
Cloth tape that looks similar to electrical duct tape without the sticky residue.
Gate
AKA "film gate." Opening on a camera (or projector) behind the lens through which a single frame is exposed (or projected).
Gel
Tinted piece of transparent plastic which covers a light source.
General Meeting
A "look-see" type of meeting in which a writer meets with a producer, production executive, studio executive, and so forth, as a form of introduction. Generally, in this meeting the producer, production executive, studio executive, and so forth, does not have a specific project in mind for which the writer will be hired.
Generation Loss
Created when editing or copying one analog videotape to another videotape.
Gofer
Film or video production assistant often sent to "Go for" coffee or other essentials.
Go Motion
Form of animation similar to stop motion, but which incorporates motion blur.
Green Light
To give a film project the studio backing and financing to begin principal photography.
Grip
Individual responsible for the adjustment and maintenance of production equipment on the set.
Gross Profits
Also known as "first dollar gross," this form of compensation entitles an individual to a percentage of every dollar of gross receipts.
Guerrilla Producer
One who produces an effective video on a shoestring budget.
Halogen
Gas contained in the lamp of a quartz light.
Handheld
Shooting without the use of a tripod.
Hard Light
Type of light that creates brilliant highlights and sharp shadows.
Head Room
Space between the top of a subject's head and the top of the frame.
HI-8
Video format technically similar to SVHS which uses smaller cassettes.
High Concept
Phrase connected with scripts which have a premise or storyline which is easily reduced to a simple and appealing one line.
Hip-Pocketing
Agent/agency's practice in which an individual(s) is represented by the agent/agency on a single project only, with no agreement that the agency or agent will continue to represent the individual once the project or interest in the project has ended.
HMI
Powerful and bright (but heavy and rather expensive) light that is balanced for daylight. Stands for "Halogen Metal Incandescence."
Hot Set
Set on which a scene is in the process of being shot; labeled thus to indicate that it should not be changed or disturbed.
Hyperfocal Distance
Distance set on the focusing ring which will best use the depth of field for a particular shot.
In The Can
Same as "that's a wrap" to indicate that the scene or program which has been completed.
Incident Light Reading
The amount of light measured that hits the camera's subject. The reading is taken with a light meter in which the globe or sphere of the meter is held up against the subject, pointing towards the camera, so that the same amount of lighting that strikes the subject is also striking the meter.
Independent Film /Indie
Movie not produced by a major studio.
Ink
To sign a contract.
Insert
Close-up shot of an object, often produced by the second unit.
Insert Edit
An electronic edit in which the existing control track is not replaced during the editing process.
Interior/ INT.
Used in a slug line, indicates that the scene occurs indoors.
Internegative
Middle grade copy of a film that is used to make additional prints.
Interpositive
Copy of a film on extremely fine grained stock used to make an internegative.
Intertitles
Title card appearing intercut with a scene.
Iris
Opening in the lens which controls the amount of light that passes through the camera to expose the film. Measured in "f-stops."
I.S.O.
Abbreviation for "International Standards Organization." It is the same thing as I.E. or A.S.A., though used less.
Jam Sync
Process of synchronizing a secondary time code generator with a selected master time code, e.g., using the time code generated by one camera to insert the identical time code on a second camera.
Jump Cut
Cut involving an interruption to the continuity of time.
K
(1) Abbreviation for "Kelvin" (scale used for color temp) or (2) an abbreviation for "Kilowatts" (measurement of brightness).
Kelvin
Color temperature scale created by Lord Kelvin.
Key Grip
Chief of a group of grips, often doubling for a construction coordinator and a backup for the camera crew.
Key Light
The primary light used to illuminate a subject.
Kicker
Light placed behind the subject to create a glamorous halo effect on the hair or a rugged-looking highlight on the cheek which helps separate the subject from the background.
Lab Roll
Group of camera rolls joined together by a lab for printing.
Latitude
Degree to which a particular film stock can tolerate without being over or under exposed. Color negative stock has a high latitude, while reversal film has a very low latitude.
Lavaliere
Small microphone that is clipped to a person's clothing.
Layback
Transferring the sweetened audio track back to the master video tape.
Layouts
Individual responsible for working out the action before filming begins, including where the characters should be, and the camera angles.
Lead Role
The most important character in a movie, often distinguished by gender.
Leadman
Member of the art department who is in charge of swing gangs and/or set dressers and reports to the set decorator.
Letterboxing
Technique of shrinking the image just enough so that its entire width appears on TV screen, with black areas above and below the image.
Light Leak
Stray light that filters into the camera causing the image to have a foggy appearance.
Lighting Crew
Group of technicians who install, operate, and maintain lighting.
Line Producer
Producer who is responsible for managing every person and issue during the making of a film.
Lined Script
Copy of the shooting script which is prepared by the script supervisor during production to indicate, via notations and vertical lines drawn directly onto the script pages, exactly what coverage has been shot.
Literary Manager
Individual hired by a writer to promote his career, offer advice on the best steps to take to achieve the desired goal, and give guidance on the best people to hire to aid the writer in maximizing his potential.
Live Area
A camera's viewfinder actually shows a greater area of the scene than will appear in the final product so markings are etched in the viewfinder to indicate to the camera operator the extents of the "viewable" film.
Location Filming
Filming which occurs at a place not constructed specifically for the production.
Location Manager
Individual who manages various aspects of filming on location, such as arranging with authorities for permission to shoot in specific places.
Location Scout
Individual who looks for suitable locations for filming.
Location Sound
Sound that is recorded at a particular shoot.
Log
Paper listing of the time code addresses of shots, scenes and takes.
Long-Form TV
Also known as "MOW's," these are movies and miniseries that are aired on free or pay television.
Long Lens
In 16mm, any lens bigger than 25mm. In 35mm, any lens bigger than 50mm.
Long Shot (L.S.)
Camera cue indicating a shot taken from a distance.
Loop
The slack film that hangs below/above the film gate. The "loop" allows a smoother transition for the film as it moves from the constant motion of the spool through the intermittent motion of the gate and back to the constant motion of the take-up spool. Another type of "loop" is described below.
Looping
In recording of dialogue, the film is on a "loop" which allows the actor multiple attempts to match the lip movements that have been filmed.
Luminance
The monochrome portion of a video signal.
Macguffin
Term used by Alfred Hitchcock to refer to an item, event, or piece of knowledge that the characters in a film consider extremely important, but which the audience either doesn't know of or doesn't care about.
Macro Lens
Lens used for extreme close-ups. Used widely in nature photography where the subject (for example) might be a flower or insect.
Mag
Abbreviation for either a "Magazine" or "Mag Stock/Track."
Mag Stock (or) Mag Track
Film that has a coating of magnetic oxide emulsion which is used for sound recording.
Magazine
Light resistant chamber that is attached to the camera which can hold up to 1000ft of film.
Magnetic Soundtrack
Composite print in which the soundtrack is recorded on the attached strip of magnetic tape.
Majors
Major Hollywood movie producer/distributor studios (MGM/UA, 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, Paramount Pictures, Universal, and Disney).
Mark
AKA "Sync Mark." The point where the clapsticks come together at the start of a shot. Another type of "mark" is simply a piece of tape on the floor telling the actor where he/she should be standing.
Master Shot
Wide shot that incorporates the entire scene from start to end.
Match Cut
A transition from one scene to another matching the same, or a similar subject within the frame
Match Frame Cut
An edit in which the source and record tapes pick up exactly where they left off.
Materials Contract
Cntract for representation by an agency with regard to the sale of a work that the writer has created on his own, in a situation where the writer was not hired to create the work.
Matte Artist
Individual who creates artwork (usually for the background of a shot) which is included in the movie either via a matte shot or optical printing.
Matte Shot
Photographic technique whereby artwork - usually on glass - from a matte artist is combined with live action.
Medium Shot (MS)
A camera angle often used to describe a shot of character from the waist up.
Method Acting
Style of acting formalized by Konstantin Stanislavsky which requires actors to draw experiences from their own personal lives that correlate to the character they are playing.
Microphone
Device which converts sound into electrical impulses, usually for recording or amplification.
Minimum Basic Agreement
Fees and basic working conditions for the employment of writers within the entertainment industry as negotiated and set forth by the Writers Guild of America.
Mini-Series
Television series with a set number of episodes which tell a complete story, usually filmed at the same time.
Mise-en-scene
Literally translated as "what's put into the scene", this is the sum total of all factors affecting the artistic "look" or "feel" of a shot or scene.
Mix
Process of blending the various soundtracks into a single track. .
Mixer
(1) Device which blends together sounds from various sources and (2) the individual(s) who controls the mixing board.
M.O.S.
Abbreviation for "Mit Out Sound" in which a sequence of film is shot without sound and then added later.
Monitor
Video display similar to a TV, but having superior visual quality and without a tuner.
Montage
A rapid succession of shots, through the use of visual editing, which creates the artistic look of a scene.
Motion Blur
Shots of objects that quickly move in the camera's frame, and/or shots with a slow shutter speed are likely to produce a smearing effect, since the object is in a range of positions during a single exposure.
Motion Capture
Animation technique in which the actions of an animated object are derived automatically from the motion of a real-world actor or object.
Motion Picture Association
Association that serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries, domestically through the MPAA and internationally through the MPA.
Motion Picture Editors Guild
Professional organization for editors.
Moviola
Company that makes editing beds of the same name.
Moviscop
Small 16mm table-top viewer used on an editing bench.
Multimedia
Creation of products, mainly software, that may involve the combination of written text, visual imagery, film, and/or music.
Music Editor
Individual who performs editing on the score of a movie.
Music Supervisor
Individual who coordinates the work of the composer, the editor, and sound mixers.
Musical
Production whose dramatic story structure includes unrealistic episodes of musical performance and/or dancing.
NC-17: No One 17 and Under Admitted
A certificate issued by the MPAA indicating that no person aged 17 or under will be allowed to attend a screening of the movie. This category was formerly called "X", but many people's mistaken association of "X" films with XXX films caused the MPAA to change this on September 27, 1990.
N.T.S.C. (National Television Standards Committee)
Created the first international television system for use in the U.S. and other countries which produces pictures by creating 525 alternating lines across the TV screen for each frame of video.
Negative
The original film that is used in the camera from which a positive print is made for editing purposes.
Negative Cost
Cost of a movie through the production of a finished negative, not including the costs of prints, advertising, or distribution.
Negative Cutter
Individual who matches the negative of a movie and conforms (matches) it to the final version of the film as decided by the filmmakers.
Net Profits
(1) Participation based on 100 percent of net profits: The sums remaining after a full recoupment and deduction of distribution fees and costs, and after payment of deferments, but with no deduction for other net profit participants.
(2) Participation based on a percentage of the producer's net share: The sums remaining after full recoupment, payment of deferments, if any, and thereafter deducting continuing distribution costs and fees, from which another portion (as much as 50 percent) may be retained by the studio or financing entity as compensation for supplying financing and completion advances.
Non-Drop Frame
Type of SMPTE time code that continuously counts a full 30 frames per second.
Non-Linear Editing
The computer-assisted editing of a movie without the need to assemble it in linear sequence.
Non-Reflex
Camera with a viewfinder that shows the image through a secondary lens.
Non-WGA
Written work for the entertainment industry that is done for a company which has not signed (or become a signatory} to the Writers Guild of America Minimum Basic Agreement.
Normal Lens
25mm lens (for 16mm cameras) and 50mm lens (for 35mm cameras).
Nose Room
Space between the subject's face and the edge of the frame (when the subject is in a profile position). Generally, 2/3rds in front and 1/3rd behind.
NTSC
The standard for TV/video display in the US and Canada.
Offline
Creative editing process which uses copies of the camera tapes on a typically "cuts only" inexpensive editing system.
One Hundred Eighty Degree Rule (180ş Rule)
An invisible line that separates the subject and the camera. Crossing over this imaginary line creates a jump which gives the appearance that the subject has reversed directions.
One Light
A print that has not been corrected showing what the shots will look like with the same print lighting.
Online
The final technical editing process which uses the original camera tapes to repeat all decisions made in the off-line editing process.
Optical Printer
Laboratory machine for combining the images of one or more reels of film through photographic techniques.
Optical Soundtrack
Composite print in which the soundtrack is recorded via the varying width of a transparent track which runs beside the sequence of frames on a print.
Option
Agreement of renting the rights to a script for a specific period of time.
Off Screen (o.s.)
Dialogue or sounds heard while the camera is on another subject.
Out-Take
A take of a scene not used in a movie.
Overcranking
Process of speeding the frame rate of a camera up, so that when the captured pictures are played at the normal frame rate the action appears to be in slow motion.
Overexposure
Filmming a scene using more lighting than the film stock can tolerate.
Oxide
Magnetic coating on video and audio tapes that stores picture and sound information.
PAL (Phase Alternation by Line)
A standard for TV/video display popular in Europe and Australia; superior to NTSC.
Packaging
Process of putting together on the same project a writer or screenplay, director, producer, and star talent, all of whom are generally represented by the same agency, and presenting this package to a studio.
Pan
The action of rotating a camera about its vertical axis.
Pan and Scan
The technique of chopping off strips from one or both sides of a picture so it will be properly displayed on a TV screen.
Perf (or) Perforation
Sprocket holes in a piece of film which help thread it through the camera or projector.
Pickups
Movies made by one studio that have been acquired by another.
Pilottone
60hz (50hz in Europe) reference signal, used in sync sounding, which is recorded onto the audio portion of the tape.
Pipeline
A schedule of movie projects in production.
Pitch
Meeting in which one party will attempt to interest another party in a particular work or in a version of a particular work by presenting the story of the work in such an exciting manner that the buying party will find great interest in the work and will either buy the work or pay the "pitching" party to write the work.
Pixelation
A variant of stop-motion animation where actors are the objects being filmed.
Point of View (or) POV
Camera angle in which the camera views a subjective shot from the actor's point of view.
Polish
The writing of changes in dialogue, narration, or action, but not including a rewrite.
Post-Production
Work performed on a movie after the end of principal photography.
Pre-Production
Arrangements made before the start of filming; script editing, set construction, location scouting, and casting.
Premiere
The first official public screening of a movie, marking the opening.
Premise
The basic idea for a story often taking the form of a question or a problem.
Prequel
Movie that presents the characters and/or events chronologically before the setting of a previously filmed movie.
Preroll
5 to 7 seconds of camera running time before a shot can be used. In editing, this refers to a similar amount of automatic backspacing the edit decks perform to insure a stable edit.
Pressure Plate
Spring load plate which holds the film steady on the film plane while its being exposed.
Prime Lens
Simply, the opposite of a "zoom lens." It's a fixed focal length lens which can be normal, wide, or telephoto.
Principal Photography
The filming of major or significant components of a movie which involve lead actors.
Projectable version of a movie, usually consisting of one or more reels.
Producer (Film)
The chief of a movie production in all matters save the creative efforts of the director; raising funding, hiring key personnel, and arranging for distributors.
Producer (TV)
Usualy a current or former writer who has successfully written for a number of years as a staff member on a show and is now responsible for the creative aspects of the show.
Production Assistant
Individual responsible for various odd jobs, such as stopping traffic, acting as couriers, fetching items from craft service, etc.
Production Bonus
Cash bonus given to the writer of a screenplay who receives shared or sole "Screenplay by" or "Written by" credit when the screenplay is turned into a film.
Production Buyer
Individual who purchases supplies, equipment, and property necessary for a production.
Production Company
Company headed by a producer, director, actor/actress, or writer for the purpose of creating general entertainment products such as motion pictures, television shows, infomercials, commercials, and multimedia.
Production Date
Refers to the phase of movie making during which principal photography occurs.
Production Designer
Artist responsible for designing the overall visual appearance of a movie.
Production Illustrator
Individual responsible for drawing the storyboards and anything else that needs to be drawn during the production of the movie.
Production Manager
Individual responsible for the practical matters such as ordering equipment, getting near-location accommodations for the cast and crew, etc.
Production Schedule
Detailed plan of the timing of activities associated with the making of a movie, of particular interest to production
managers.
Prompter
Individual who supplies actors with the correct lines from the script if they forget.
Prop
Object on the set used by an actor, e.g. phones, guns, cutlery, etc.
Property Master
Individual responsible for buying/acquiring any props needed for a production.
Protection Master
A high quality copy of the master tape.
Public Domain
The state in which the creator of a work loses the copyright on it through the passage of the copyright period, failure to renew the work, or problems with the original registration of the work with the copyright office.
Publicity Department
The section of a production's crew responsible for promoting a movie.
Pull Down
The transfer of sound slowed from 24fps (film) to 30fps (video) which is required to sync the sound correctly when transferring film to video.
Pulldown Claw
Mechanism within the camera that advances the film stock from one frame to the next while the shutter is closed.
Push Processing
Type of film processing when the film is developed for a longer period of time. This is called "pushing the film," so an underexposed roll (or scene) can be adjusted.
Quartz Light
AKA "tungsten" or "halogen" light. Hot/bright light (3200K) which uses a tungsten filament in a quartz container. This type of light can be quite "explosive" so take care never to touch bulb with bare hands. Always use gloves or some type of rag/cloth.
Quick Release
Device that assists in the quick mount/dismount of a camera from its tripod.
Rack Focus
Changing (racking) the focus on the focus ring while shooting.
Raw Footage
Exposed film that has yet to see any type of editing.
Raw Stock
Film stock that is unexposed.
Reaction Shot
Shot of a person reacting to dialogue or action.
Reader
Individual who reads scripts and writes down synopsis of the plotline, offering positive or negative comments (the process is called "providing coverage"), which assist studio execs or interested parties if script is worthwhile.
Reading Period
Period after a writer has been hired to write an assignment that a hiring body will review. This body will give suggestions and decide whether to pick up the option to have the writer produce further work.
Recans
Leftover (unexposed) film in a magazine that is still good to use.
Recoupment
Gross funds from a film that are required to pay off negative costs, overhead, ongoing distribution fees, interest, financing and distribution costs, and, in appropriate cases, payment of gross participations.
Reel
(1) Sample of filmmaker's projects (much like a resume). (2) Metallic (or plastic) spool which is used for holding film during editing (or projection).
Reflective Light Reading
Another type of light reading that differs from "Incident LR." This type of reading is the measurement of light that is bouncing off the subject.
Reflex
Viewfinding system in which the view finder uses the same lens that is used to shoot the image.
Release Form
Statement signed by an individual that generally frees the creator of the document from any kind of liability.
Release Print
Print made after the "answer print" has been agreed upon. This is the copy of the film that is distributed to theatrical houses for public presentation.
Re-recording Mixer
Member of the sound crew responsible for mixing the final sound elements (dialogue, music, sound effects and foley).
Reversal
Type of film and film processing which generates a positive original print.
Reverse Shot
Shot from the opposite side of the prior shot. (Example: a conversation between two actors).
Rewrite
More than a polish, this is considered the writing of significant changes in plot, story line, or interrelationship of characters in a screenplay.
Rider W
Provision of the Artists/Managers Basic Agreement of the Writers Guild of America in which the contract between WGA members and signatory agencies has been pre-negotiated.
Ripple
Automatic updating of an Edit Decision List after making a change to the list.
Rising Action
Notion of dramatic rhythm in which events in a story build upon one another with increasing momentum.
Roll
Credit rolls consist of video text moving vertically up or down the screen, usually from bottom to top.
Room Tone
A recording of the natural ambient "silence" in a set/location for the sound editor, who will use it as a reference point, or for when silence is required.
Rotoscoping
Animation technique in which images of live action are traced, either manually or automatically.
Rough Cut
Edited film between an assembly cut and a fine cut.
Rushes
AKA "Dailies." This is the unedited workprint, direct from the lab, that is scrutinized to see how the shoot came out.
Safe Area
Area beyond the "live area" of a camera's viewfinder that the camera operator might direct the boom operator to place the boom microphone.
Safety
A "back-up" take done after a successful one has been shot.
Sample Reel
Contains samples of a person's or company's best video work for the purposes of marketing; a.k.a. demo reel.
Sample Script
Script a writer has created on his own initiative and used to attain meetings for the writer in order to expose him to the entertainment industry.
Scale
Writing for payment on the minimum rates set forth in the Writers Guild of America Minimum Basic Agreement. Basic rate is scale plus 10 percent in order to include the commission that the writer's agent will receive.
Scene
Continuous block of storytelling either set in a single location or following a particular character.
Scene Cards
Method used by some writers to outline their script by describing each scene on an index card, then arranging and rearranging them to work out the story structure.
Score
The musical component of a movie's soundtrack.
Scratch Track
Sync recording which is created for a reference for the sound editor (or the actors who must re-record dialogue).
Screen Actors Guild (SAG)
Union guild for screen and television talent.
Screen Story
Credit given to a writer who has written a screenplay based on another writer's work but has used the other writer's work only as a springboard, a characterization, an incident, or some equally limited contribution, creating a story that is substantially new and different from the other writer's work.
Screen Test
Form of audition in which an actor performs a particular role on camera, not necessarily with the correct make-up or on the set.
Screening
Exhibition of a movie, typically at a cinema.
Screenplay
A script written to be produced as a movie. Normally between 90-120 pp.
Screenwriter
A writer who either adapts an existing work for production as a movie, or creates a new screenplay.
Script
A written work detailing story, setting, and dialogue. A script may take the form of a screenplay, shooting script, lined script, continuity script, or a spec script.
Script Editing
Process whereby a script is reviewed and changed, based on input from various sources such as the director or producer.
Script Supervisor
Individual who tracks which parts have been filmed, how the filmed scenes deviated from the script; they also make continuity notes, creating a lined script.
SECAM (Systeme Electronique Pour Colour Avec Memorie)
The color television system developed/used in France as well as in other parts of eastern Europe & Africa.
Second Assistant Camera
An assistant to the assistant cameraman.
Second Assistant Director
Assistant to the assistant director whose duties include overseeing the movements of the cast, and preparing call sheets.
Second Second Assistant Director
Assistant to the second assistant director; responsible for (among other things) directing the movements of extras.
Second Unit
Small, subordinate crew responsible for filming shots of less importance, such as inserts, crowds, scenery, etc.
Selects
The "selected" shots that are going to be used in editing which are separated from the remaining footage.
Seperation of Rights
Rights given to the creator of an original written material. Includes: publication, audio, live stage, live dramatic tape, live television, radio, and writer sequels and remakes.
Sequel
Movie that presents the continuation of characters and/or events of a previously filmed movie.
Serial
A multi-part film that usually screened a chapter each week at a cinema.
Series
Sequence of films with continuing characters or themes, but with little other interdependence, especially with respect to plot or significant character development.
Services Contract
Contract that a writer-client signs with an agency for representation in order to receive writing assignments.
Set
An artificial environment which is constructed to make filming easier but still appear natural when viewed from the camera angle.
Set Designer
Individual responsible for translating a production designer's vision of the movie's environment into a set which can be used for filming.
Set Up
Term describing both the function of the first act in posing of the problem which the story will try to resolve, and in a more general way, the process of laying the groundwork for a dramatic or comic situation which will later be complicated, and then resolved or paid off.
Shooting Ratio
Ratio of the film shot compared to the actual running time. (Example: Ten hours of footage for a 1 hour film would have a 10:1 shooting ratio).
Shooting Schedule
Production schedule for shooting a film with the scenes from a script grouped together and ordered with production considerations in mind.
Shooting Script
Script from which a movie is made which contains that includes scene numbers, camera angles, inserts, and certain directors/cinematographers input.
Short Subject/ Short
Movie that is shorter than 60 minutes.
Shot
Continuous block of unedited footage from a single point of view.
Shot Composition
Arrangement of key elements within the frame.
Shotgun Mic
Highly directional microphone that may be hand-held or mounted on a boom.
Shutter Speed
Length of time that a single frame is exposed for.
Silent Film
Film that has no synchronized soundtrack and no spoken dialogue.
Silent Speed
Rate for silent films is 18fps.
Single Perf
Film stock that has only one row of perforations along its edge.
Situation Comedy
Comedy in which humor is derived from people being placed in uncomfortable, embarrassing, or unfamiliar situations.
Slapstick Comedy
Comedy in which the humor is derived from physical interactions, often involving exaggerated but ultimately harmless violence directed towards individuals.
Slate
Small blackboard (chalkboard) used to record the scene number of a specific shoot. Usually has a clapstick attached at the top which is "clapped" to create a sync mark.
Slow Motion
Shot which in which time appears to move more slowly than normal.
Slug Line/Slug
A header appearing in a script before each scene or shot detailing the location, date, and time that the following action is intended to occur in.
Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)
Technical society devoted to advancing the theory and application of motion-imaging technology including film, television, video, computer imaging, and telecommunications.
Softlight
Light which is diffused and creates very soft shadows .
Sound Crew
Group of crew members directly involved with creating of a movie's soundtrack: sound designer, sound editor, sound effects, sound mixer, sound recordist, boom operator, re-recording mixer, music supervisor, and foley artist.
Sound Designer
The conceptual chief of a movie's soundtrack, responsible for designing and creating the audio component of a movie.
Sound Editor
Member of the sound crew who performs editing on the soundtrack. See also dialog editor.
Sound Effects
Sounds added during post-production by the sound crew.
Sound Mix
Process of re-recording multiple reels of track to produce one final soundtrack, which includes all dialogue, "looped" dialogue (ADR), music, sound effects and foley, and narration (if any), for each reel of picture.
Sound Recordist
Member of the sound crew responsible for operating the audio recording equipment on a set.
Soundstage
Large studio area where elaborate sets may be constructed.
Soundtrack
The audio component of a movie.
Speaking Role
A role is one in which the character speaks scripted dialogue in contrast to a "non-speaking role" where the character is specifically mentioned in the script but who doesn't have any lines of dialogue in the finished film.
Spec Script
Script written before any agreement has been entered into ("on spec" or speculation), in hopes of selling the script to the highest bidder once it has been completed.
Special Effects (SFX)
Artificial effect used to create an illusion in a movie.
Special Effects Supervisor
Chief of a production's special effects crew.
Speed
Term shouted out during the beginning of a shot by the cameraman or sound recordist to let crew know that the camera is rolling.
Spherical
Optical system which in which the magnifications in the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the picture are the same.
Split Screen
Matte shot that is divided down the center creating two (or more) images at the same time.
Splice
Editing technique of joining two separate pieces of film together (using tape or cement) to create a continuous piece.
Squib
Small explosive device, which when detonated ,will simulate the effect of a bullet/puncture wound or small explosion.
Stand-In
Individual who has the same physical properties of a particular actor, and takes their place during the lengthy setup of a scene.
Steadicam
Camera attached to a camera operator via a mechanical harness which reduces or eliminates the unsteadiness of the operator's motion.
Step Outline
Method used by some writers to outline their story by numbering the major scenes and the order in which they occur.
Still Photographer
Individual who photographs the action (often alongside the camera) to be used in publicizing the movie.
Stock Footage
Footage from other films that are used in a production.
Stop Motion
Form of animation in which objects are filmed frame-by-frame and altered slightly in between each frame.
Storyboard
Sequence of pictures created by a production illustrator to communicate the desired general visual appearance on camera of a scene or movie.
Stunt Coordinator
Individual who arranges and plans stunts.
Stunt Double
Stunt performer who specifically takes the part of another actor for a stunt.
Subplot
Also called the "B Story," the subplot is used in various ways, weaving in and out of the main action.
Subtitles
Words which are superimposed over a film which mirror the dialog that is heard at the time.
Super 16
16mm film on which a wider image is exposed. Used mainly when planning to blow up the film to 35mm.
Surround Sound
Sound system which creates the illusion of multi-directional sound through speaker placement and signal processing.
SVHS
Video format developed by JVC which has largely replaced the 3/4 inch format for low budget productions.
Sweetening
Audio post-production where audio is corrected and enhanced.
Swing Gang
Group within the art department that construct and take down a set.
Switcher
Device with a series of video inputs that permits one or more selected inputs to be combined, manipulated and sent out on the program line or edit VCR.
Sync
The degree in which a picture and accompanying sound are lined up together.
Sync Sound
The sound (usually dialogue) that is actually recorded via a crystal or cable sync during filming. Not to be confused with room tone, sound effects, or other non-diagetic sound.
Syncing
Process of which the film and sound are lined up before editing them together.
Synopsis
Summary of a story told in present tense.
T-Stop
Used to measure the actual amount of light that is striking the film in a hselect lens; such as a zoom lens. The "t-stop" is in red on the aperture ring. It is not to be confused with "f-stop" (which is a mathematically measurement) and is in white on the aperture ring.
Talent
Informal term for actors and extras.
Take
Different version of the same shot.
Take Up Reel (or) Spool
Empty reel which gathers the film as it passes through the projector. Similarly, an empty spool that does the same task as it passes through the camera.
Technical Advisor
Individual with expertise in a particular field who provides advice for the production.
Telecine
Device for transferring motion picture film to video tape.
Teleplay
Script written to be produced for television whose length is 42-48 long for a standard one hour TV show, often structured in the teaser/4-acts/tag format. A 1/2 hour sitcom has an average page count of 45-50 pp double spaced and usually consist of 2 acts with 4-6 scenes per act.
Telewriter
Writer who either adapts an existing work for production on television, or creates a new teleplay.
Three-Act Structure
Traditional storytelling sequence which includes (1) the set-up, (2) the complication, and (3) the resolution.
Three-Camera Format/Set-Up
Standard video-studio setup which utilizes three different cameras.
THX
Subdivision of Lucasfilm, Ltd. that is dedicated to improving picture and sound for the cinema and the home.
Tilt
Rotating the camera either up or down.
Time Base Corrector/TBC
Device to correct timing errors which can cause unstable edits. These errors are caused by the slight mechanical defects inherent in the playback of video tape machines.
Time Code
System of numbering each frame of video with a unique address divided into hours, minutes, seconds and frames.
Time Lapse Photography
Form of animation in which numerous single frames are filmed spaced at a given interval to show a process that would take a very long time to occur.
Timing
Process in which a lab renders the proper exposure and color when creating a print. The brightness of the timing lights (or lamps) can be controlled and have a range from (1) the darkest to (50) the brightest.
Timing Report
Report produced by the lab which lists the timing lights (or printing lights) that was used in processing a print.
Title Design
The manner in which title of a movie is displayed on screen is widely considered an art form.
Track
Single component or channel of a soundtrack.
Tracking Shot
The action of moving a camera along a path parallel to the path of the object being filmed.
Trades
Newspapers that report the daily or weekly entertainment news of the entertainment industry; The Hollywood Reporter, Daily Variety, and Weekly Variety.
Trailer
Advertisement for a movie which contains scenes from the film.
Transportation Co-Ordinator/Manager
Individual responsible for managing drivers and coordinating the transportation of a production's cast, crew, and equipment from the various locations and sets used for filming.
Travelling Matte Shot
Shot in which foreground action is superimposed on a separately filmed background by optical printing or digital compositing.
Treatment
A movie in prose form, anywhere from 15-60pp, which details a blow-by-blow summary of the story (important details of each scene, action, and character) told in present tense and generally with no dialogue.
Trims
Outtakes of only a few frames.
Trucking Shot
A camera move which films the subject from side to side.
Tungsten
Color temperature of artificial light (3200K). Tungsten balanced film is to be used for indoor shooting and if used outdoors (w/o a filter) will give the exposed image a light blue hue.
Type C
SMPTE standard for 1-inch non-segmented helical video recording format.
U-Matic
Trade name for the 3/4 inch video format developed by Sony.
Undercranking
Process of slowing the frame rate of a camera down, so that when the captured pictures are played at the normal frame rate the action appears to be in fast motion.
Underexposure
Shooting a scene in which there is not enough light for the film stock's emulsion to handle creating a darker image than desired.
Underscan
Video monitor that can reduce the size of the video image so the four outer frame edges can be viewed in their entirety.
Unit Production Manager
Executive who is responsible to a senior producer for the administration of a particular movie.
Upright
Editing machine (Upright Moviola) which has arms in the back to hold the take up and supply reels.
Vectorscope
An oscilloscope designed to monitor and tweak the color portion of the video signal.
Vertical Interval
Indicates the vertical blanking period between each video field which contains additional scan lines above the active picture area into which non-picture information (captioning, copy protection and other control signals) may be embedded.
Vertical Sync
Synchronizing pulses used to define the end of one television field and the start of the next, occurring at a rate of approximately 59.94 Hz.
Video Toaster
Software/hardware developed by NewTek for the Amiga Computer which produces affordable special effects.
Videographer
Video photographer who specializes in events like weddings.
Visual Effects
Alterations to a film's images during post-production.
V.I.T.C. (Vertical Interval Time Code)
Type of time code is recorded in the vertical blanking interval above the active picture area.
Voice-Over (V.O.)
Indicates that dialog will be heard on a movie's soundtrack, but the speaker will not be shown. The abbreviation is often used as an annotation in a script.
Wardrobe Department
Section of a production's crew concerned with costumes: costume designer, costumer, and costume supervisor.
Waveform Monitor
Oscilloscope designed for monitoring and adjusting luminance and all other parts of the composite video signal.
Whip Pan
Extremely fast pan, incorporating much motion blur.
White Balance
A color camera function which determines how much red, green and blue is required to produce a normal-looking white.
Wide Lens
In 16mm, a lens smaller than 25mm. In 35m, a lens smaller than 50mm.
Widescreen
Movie which has an aspect ratio which is greater than academy ratio when projected.
Wild Sound
Non-sync sound that is recorded when the camera isn't running.
Window Dub
A copy of the original camera tape with time code numbers visually displayed; also called a "burn in."
Wipe
Editing technique in which images from one shot are fully replaced by the images of another, delimited by a definite border that moves across or around the frame.
Work Print
Positive copy of the original negative.
Working Title
Name by which a movie is known while it is being made.
Wrangler
Individual who is responsible for the care and control of entities used on a set that can't be spoken with.
Wrap
To finish shooting, either for the day or the entire production.
Writer's Guild of America (WGA)
Association that representatives the writers in the motion picture, broadcast, cable, interactive and new media industries.
Writing Period
The time during which a writer is to complete his work. During this time the writer's services are generally exclusive to the production that has hired him.
Written by
The credit given when one or several writers have created both the story and the screenplay, and there is no source material. The credit is also given in television if the writer has created both the story and the teleplay.
Xenon
Extremely bright (5400K) daylight-balanced projection lamp.
Zoom
Shot in which the magnification of the objects by the camera's lenses is increased (zoom in) or decreased (zoom out/back).
Zoom Lens
Unlike a fixed-focal lens (which has one setting), this lens has variable settings which allows the focal length to have a range from wide to long.