Film Industry Terms

 

A and B Rolls

=========== The negative of an edited film, cut to picture, but built into 2 rolls, A and B, to allow for invisible splices, instant changes of the timing lights, fades and dissolves. A roll will have all the odd numbered shots, with black leader in place of any missing shots contained on the B roll. B roll has all the even numbered shots, with black leader in place of all the shots on the A roll. Negative is printed in 3 passes through the contact printer, one for each roll, and another for soundtrack.

 

Academy Aperture

=============== In 35mm this is the full frame exposed by the camera, with an aspect ratio of 1:33.

 

Acting
===== Acting is the process of portraying characters written in a screenplay through an actor's interpretation.

 

Action Cutting

=========== Cutting in the middle of the action which cannot be observed by the viewer.

 

A.D.R.

===== Automated Dialogue Recording. This is essentially Dubbing, done in addition to, or as replacement for Location Sound.

 

Anamorphic

========== Method of creating a wide screen image with standard film, using a special lens on the camera and projector, which compresses the width of the image exposed on the film and then expands it when projected.

Answer Print
=========== The answer print is the initial print complete with mixed audio submitted to the producer.

 

Aperture

======= Iris.

 

Apple Box

========= High Tech stuff. Wooden box, often used on the set to stand on or raise up equipment. Half Apples and Quarter Apples are half and one quarter as thick boxes. People just sit on them too!

 

Aspect Ratio

========== The proportions of the frame. In 16mm and 35mm the camera photographs a slightly square image, with an aspect ratio of 1:33 to 1. In 35mm the image is generally shot with the Academy Aperture and then masked in the projector to produce a higher image: 1:85 in the USA, and 1:66 in Europe.

 

A.S.A.

===== Sensitivity to light of a particular type of film. It is the specific number used to measure Film Speed. Measured by ISO ASA.

Art Director
========== The art director is in charge of the craft aspect on a film set, including costumes and set design.

Assembly
======== Assembly is the process of cutting raw material into a rough film draft in order to manage continuity and get a sense of the big picture.

Assistant Director
============== The assistant director is the film set referee. His job is to keep everything going smoothly and on schedule and maintain peace among the cast and crew. The Assistant Director also prepares call sheets.

 

Barndoors

========= Very useful blinders on the sides of lights that can be used to keep light from spreading out everywhere. Can also be used to clip lighting gel onto. Barndoors get very hot when a light is on, so best to wear gloves when adjusting them, and let them cool before removing or packing them.

 

Barney

====== A quilted cloth that fits around a camera to reduce camera noise. Term is believed to come from a horse blanket, "barney blanket".

 

Base

==== Film has two basic elements and the Base is the clear, perforated strip. Emulsion is the thin, light-sensitive layer that is glued onto it.

 

Bayonet

======= A type of lens commonly used with heavier lenses, eg Zoom. Contrasts to screw-mount lenses as Bayonet attach with a locking system, and can typically be changed much faster than screw-mount.

Best Boy
======= Also known as the first assistant electrician. The best boy reports directly to the gaffer. The second in command of any group can also be referred to as the best boy.

 

Blue Screen

========== Sequences filmed with a blue screen as background, which is later exchanged to another picture.

 

Bolex

=====Workhorse of 16mm some decades ago, that many people learnt filmmaking on. Typically refers to reflex, spring-wound model.

Boom
===== Usually refers to the microphone aimed toward the sound to be recorded on a film set.

 

Bracketing

=========Filming of several takes of the same frame or shot at different F-Stops to experiment and achieve the required effect or result. Often used for Titles.

 

The Call

=======Directions that begin a take, eg "Roll Sound", "Roll Camera" etc.

Call Sheet
========= A call sheet is a list of required actors for a scene about to be shot.

Camera
======= A camera is a device that records images through a lens and onto film using light.

 

Camera Assistant

==============Person who assists the Camera Operator.

 

Camera Crew or Camera Department

============================== Led by the Director of Photography, and made up of Camera Operator, 1st Assistant Camera (Focus Puller), 2nd Assistant Camera (Clapper Loader), Assistants to those on major productions, and Camera Runners.

 

Camera Operator

============== Person who actually operates the camera.

 

Camera Reports

============= Paperwork used to log shots and takes, and put down any notes for the laboratory that will process the shots or for editor, director etc. during editing. Generally one camera report per camera roll.

 

Camera Roll

========== Each roll that is shot becomes a camera roll, with its own number in the order of shooting. Normal notation is "C.R. No."

 

Camera Stock

=========== This is film, used to distinguish it from Print Stock.

 

Cast
==== A list of actors involved in a film.

 

Casting Director
============= The casting director is in charge of selecting actors to fill roles in a screenplay.

Cinema
====== A venue that hosts film screenings.

Cinematographer
============== The cinematographer makes decisions based on the visual aspects of a film - from camera and lens choices to lighting design and film stock decisions.

Clapboard
========= A handheld board that displays information about the scene to be shot.

 

Changing Bag

============ Doubled chambered black bag, with a zipper on one end and two elasticized arm holes at the other end, used for loading film into magazines "in the dark" and hence unexposed.

 

Cheat

===== When the camera is set up for a second shot of a sequence / interview / shot at a different angle, it is possible to move actors, props etc. around a little to improve the new composition and look to make it cut with the first shot, thus hiding the difference in angle and perspective. "We're going to cheat you a little" is often said to the actor(s).

 

Continuity

======== Seamless element of film, ensuring by the placement of actors, props, movement etc. that the audience does not notice when a film cuts from one shot to another.

 

Continuity Editing

=============== A concept where the screen is understood as a “window”, the editing should create continuous storyline.
 

Cue Sheets

========= Used by the sound mixer in post-production as a guide or map to find the sounds on the various tracks. Laid out as a grid with each track like a column, and time moving ahead in rows measured in 35mm footage (even if you shot in 16mm).

 

Cut

=== Standard way of moving from one shot to the next, with an instant "cut" to one shot away from the previous. Also can refer to the "first cut" of a film, or the "assembly", and second cut, third cut etc.

 

Cutaway

======= A shot, often a close-up or Wide Shot, that is used to break up a matching action sequence. Often vital in editing to rescue filmmaker from an impossible break in continuity.

Closed Captioned
=============== A system that displays spoken dialog in the form of text in a film for the benefit of hearing impaired audience members.

Close-up
======= A close up is a shot that features the subject larger than the frame and with much detail.

Color Timing
=========== The process of controlling the color in film and keeping it consistent from scene to scene.

Composite Print
============= This is a print that features both images and audio.

Continuity
========= The consistency of a film relative to itself.

Costume Designer
=============== Person who designs the clothing worn by the actors in a film.

Crew
===== Refers to all who work behind the scenes on a film.

Critic
===== A critic publishes an analysis of a finished film judging its artistic and/or entertainment qualities.

Dailies
====== The first quickly exposed positive print of a days shoot to be viewed by the director and cinematographer early the next day.

 

Depth of Field

=========== Lens focuses on a single plane of depth, there is usually an additional area in focus behind and in front of that plane. That is called the depth of field. Wider the lens the more depth of field; longer the lens, less depth of field. Deeper area in focus, the further away the lens is focused. Smaller depth of field, when lens is focused close. Depth of field is not an even spread, as rule of thumb, about one-third in front of plane, and two-thirds behind. Many think understanding and use of Depth of Field is core art of photography, and camerawork. To factor all the variety of factors in, many consult a depth of field table, of which there are several.

Dialog Coach
=========== The dialog coach assists actors in delivering the manner of speaking required for each role in a film.

Dialog Editor
=========== The sound editor that specializes in editing a film's dialog.

 

Diffusion

======= Filter used on camera to create a soft focus effect. It can also refer to a white sheet of material used on a movie light to soften the shadows.

Director
======= The director is the chief artistic force behind a film bringing together and facilitating all aspects including the script, the actors and cinematography.

Director of Photography
=================== DOP. The cinematography in charge of making the director's idea of a scene a visual reality. In overall charge of Camerawork, Lighting and Camera Crew / Department. Highly experienced cameraperson, ultimately makes all decisions relating to camera, composition etc., subject to Director approval.

Director's Cut
=========== The early cut of a film under the director's control independent of studio decisions and influence.

Dissolve
======= A transitional device used to gradual lead the viewer from one scene to the next.

Documentary
=========== A film whose narrative is derived from nonfiction and does not feature actors.

Dolly, Platform
============ A dolly is a small vehicle or truck that helps transport the camera and its crew sometimes including the director in order to create smooth movement.

 

Dolly Shot

======== Where the camera is placed on a dolly, and is moved while recording the shot.

Dolly Grip
======== The dolly grip is in charge of moving or driving the dolly.

 

Dubbing

======= Recording of dialogue in a sound studio, after the footage is shot, where the actors watch the film and match the lip movements whilst recording their dialogue.

 

Dutch Tilt

======== Composition with the camera viewing the scene at a diagonal. Same as Canted Angle. Much used in "The Third Man".

Editing
====== Editing is the process of assembling and sequencing trimmed portions of raw material into a final viewable product. The cutting and arranging of shots.

 

E.D.L.

===== Edit Decision List, used by the negative cutter when films are cut digitally. EDL is created from the non-linear edit systems used.

 

Emulsion

======== Thin layer of silver attached to the base of film, which when exposed and developed, creates the film image through the areas of silver, which block light, and the clear areas which have allowed light to pass through them.

 

Emulsion Type

============ A film's emulsion type refers to the composition of its emulsion, eg whether it was created to be fast, slow, grainy, fine-grained, pastel, black and white or colour, daylight balanced, tungsten balanced, colourful etc. Each emulsion type is represented by a number. Kodak, for instance, give a 4 number label to their different type of emulsions. Filmmakers chose the Emulsion type according to the conditions they will be shooting in, the atmosphere and effects they want etc.

 

Eye Line

======= The direction an actor (or interviewee) should look off-screen to match the Point of View shot or Reverse Angle shot that may cut in before or after. Always best to give the character an actual spot or thing or person to look at.

Executive Producer
================ The producer who is involved in the overall production and its finances and not involved in any technical aspects.

Extra
===== An extra is usually an unpaid actor who fills roles where nonspecific, non-speaking background characters are needed.

 

Fade

==== Slow transition from one shot to black. Fade Out is where the image becomes black. Fade In or Fade Up is where the image fades up from black.

Film History
========== Film history traces the development of film technology and art through time.

Filmography
========== A filmography is a list of completed works by a filmmaker.

 

Film Speed

========= Sensitivity to light for proper exposure of a given film stock. Larger the grain of silver on the emulsion, the less light is needed for exposure. Film Stocks are spoken of as Fast or Slow, fast film having large grains and needing less light; and Slow smaller grains and more light.

 

Filter

==== Tinted glass or plastic sheet placed in front of the lens or behind it, used to change the colour of the entire shot. Can be used to convert tungsten balanced film for use in daylight or vice versa. Also used for effects, eg to make blue sky red or black.

 

Focal Length

=========== How wide or how narrow a view the lens will provide. Smaller focal length numbers mean wider, larger numbers mean narrower.

 

Fog

=== Light has got in and exposed all or part of the film.

 

Foley

===== Recording of customised sound effects during post-production in the same way that dialogue is dubbed. The inventor of the system was Foley.

 

Frame

===== Single image on a piece of film. 24 fps (frames per second) on 16mm film.

 

French flag

========= Small black piece of metal, attached to camera with an arm that can be manipulated, to shade the lens from light and avoid Flare in the shot.

 

F-STOP

====== Scale used to measure the size of the opening of the iris on a lens.

Gaffer
===== The Gaffer serves as the chief electrician and works with the Director of Photography with lighting setup.

 

Gaffer Tape

========== Cloth tape specifically used for film shoots, usually 2 inches wide, black or silver. Very strong and does not leave any sticky residue behind.

 

Gate

==== Opening of a camera or projector just behind the lens, through which a single frame is exposed or projected.

 

Gauge

====== The size, specifically the width, of a film format: 16mm, 35mm, 70mm.

 

Gel

=== Large sheet of transparent tinted plastic, used as filter for lights or to cover a window. Two types: one will convert one colour temperature to another, another that will come in variety of colours.

 

Gobo

===== Flat board, like a flag, but full of holes or shapes, used for creating a pattern of light or shadows when placed in front of a light. Also known as A Cookie at times.

 

Green Screen

============ Sequences filmed with a green screen as background, which is later exchanged to another picture.


Grip
==== Grips are in charge of any moving equipment or set pieces during a shoot.

 

Hand Held

========= Shooting without a tripod. Unusual in Film.

 

Hair in the Gate

============= Disaster strikes if and when a hair is in the gate of the camera, is not noticed and a roll or number of shots has the hair dancing around across it. Camera Assistants constantly check the lens for such hair or dust, using small torches and delicate brushes and touches.

 

Headroom

========= Space between the top of a subject's head and the top of the frame. Headroom needs care so there is not too much, and not too little. Audience attention is easily distracted if this is wrong. Thought must also be given to Headroom if the production is to go to video or for blow-up.

 

HMI

=== Type of light, standing for Halogen Metal Incandescence. Bright, power efficient lights, balanced for colour temperature daylight which means they are useful in mixed lighting situations. Expensive, large and heavy.

 

Infinity

====== The furthest distance on the focusing ring of a lens.

Iris

=== A valve within the lens to control the amount of light that passes through. Opening the Iris permits more light through, closing the Iris permits less. The degree to which the Iris is opened is measured in F-Stops.

I.S.O.

===== Equivalent of ASA.

 

Jump Cut

======== Two similar shots cut together with a jump in camera position, time or continuity.

Lighting
======= Lighting is the aspect of a cinematic production that deals with illuminating actors and settings so that their images will appear on the film or video media. Through the qualities of color, intensity, brightness and angle of projection, lighting also contributes to the mood and texture of the dramatic
conception.

 

Lip Synch

======== Synch Sound.

 

Location Sound

============= Synch Sound, recorded on location, plus any other sort of wild track such as atmosphere or room tone.

 

Locked Down Shot

=============== Shot taken with the pan and tilt releases locked so that the camera will not move during the duration of the shot. Usually used for definite effects, e.g. one shot with character in it; cut to next shot, locked down to same frame with no character in it, creating the illusion the character has just disappeared in an instant.

 

Magazine

======== The attachment to the film camera with one or two light-proof chambers, that hold 400 or 1,000 feet of film. Typically cameras have two or three magazines, which can be loaded ahead of time needed, and then just attached as previous magazine runs out of film.

Mark

==== Clapping of Clapperboard to create a Synch Mark for the shot. This term is also used to refer to piece of tape on floor, which is an Actor's Mark for standing or moving to.

Mark It

====== Direction to Clapperboard Operator to mark the shot.

Master Shot

========== A single shot, usually a wide shot that incorporates the whole scene from beginning to end. Usually filmed first, and then all the close-ups and other shots are done afterwards.

Matte Box

======== A square metal frame, that goes in front of the lens, usually held there by two small rods. Holds filters and various matte masks.

Matte Shot

========= Double exposure that takes two images one on top of another, but masks off part of the frame of one exposure and perhaps the other area of frame for the other. Split screen is another name for this.

M&E

==== Music and Effects. Productions will have an M&E track made in Post-Production, which is used when the film is dubbed into other languages so that all the Music and Effects do not have to be re-created and re-done each time. Only essential if production plans on going into different languages.

Mix

===  Process of combining all soundtracks into one mixed whole, with the sounds blended together with the right quality and volumes per sound, to give the desired and intended result.

 

Multicam

======== The use of multiple cameras to film on sequence

Narrative Film
============ A linear, straightforward film presentation of a story.

 

Negative

======= Original film that is used in the camera.

Neg Cutter

========= Person who cuts and assembles the original negative to match the edited film work print or works from the EDL from the non-linear editing to create the final film from the neg, which then goes to the lab for the Answer Print.

Off-line Editing
============ Off-line editing is the process of editing low-quality copies of the original footage, for the sake of cost efficiency, to generate an Edit Decision List. The editor will then apply the EDL toward editing the high-quality footage.

 

180 Degree Rule

============= States that if two people are filmed in a sequence then there is an invisible line between them. The camera should then only be positioned within the 180 degrees on one side of that line. "Crossing the line" results in a jump cut, where the people appear to change positions and eye line and ruins whatever effect is being sought.

Online Editing
============ The editing of footage at the original, highest-quality.

 

Out Takes

======== Footage from rushes that is not used.

Pan

=== Horizontal camera on an axis, moving from left to right or vice versa. Camera is turning on own axis, not across space as in Dolly or Tracking shot.

Parellel Editing

============= Inter-cutting between two simultaneous stories or scenes.

Perfs

==== Sprocket holes in a piece of film.

 

Plan-Sequence

============= A a long shot without much movement of the camera, the aim is to prevent cuts

P.O.V.

===== Camera gives a Point of View shot of a character, as though the camera and hence the audience can see what the character can see.

Post-Production
============= After principle photography, a film will go into post-production which includes editing, computer enhancements and sound dubbing.

Premiere
======== Refers to the first public screening of a motion picture.

 

Preview

======= A showing of a film to a selected audience before it is publicly released

 

Prime Lens

========= One with a single focal length, whether wide, normal or telephoto. Different to zoom lens, which has a variable focal length. Prime tend to be sharper, faster and will often focus more closely.

Pre-Production
============ The process of preparing for the production stage of a film, including script revisions, casting and location research.

Principal Photography
================== All shots that include the lead actors.

Producer
======== The producer is the manager of all business and financial aspects involved in making a film.

Product Placement
================ The point at which a film becomes an advertisement. The filmmakers agree to place a company's product or logo visibly within shots.

Production
========= Production involves the facilitation of all financial and business aspects of the making of a film.

Production Assistant
================= Also called a gofer this person is responsible for A person responsible for various odd jobs, such as stopping traffic, acting as couriers, fetching items from craft service, etc.

 

Production Sound

=============== Synch sound, or any other sort of wild track.

 

Reaction Shot

============ Shot of someone looking off screen and showing their reaction to something that has gone before, or which follows.

Registration
========== Registration is a term that describes the degree of steadiness a given camera is able to achieve.

 

Reel

==== Metal or plastic spool used for holding film, either for projection or editing.

 

Release
======= The distributor has shipped a film to exhibitors. At that point, the public can view the film without studio restrictions.

Room Tone
========== Usually refers to the audio characteristic of the film set or location. Sound engineers will sometimes record the 'silence' of a space to capture its tone.

Rotoscoping
========== Animation that is achieved through the tracing of live action.

 

Rough Cut

========= Edited film, the stages after first assembly but prior to Fine Cut.

 

Rushes

====== Work print, from the material when it is back from the Lab. Called the Rushes because of the urgency to see that everything came out ok. Can be called Dailies.

 

Safety

===== An additional take, done after what may or may not be a good one, just as a safety net.

Screenwriting
============ Screenwriting is the process of writing a story for a film.

Script Supervisor
============== The script supervisor is in charge of keeping track of which scenes have been filmed, deviations from the script and continuity.

Second Unit
========== These are crews that are in charge of filming minor scenes, usually at a separate location.

Set
=== The set is the environment, indoor or outdoor, where shooting takes place.

Set Designer
=========== The set designer is responsible for interpreting the production designer's vision of the story's setting and creating the filming environment.

 

ShortEnds

========= The unexposed part of a roll of film in a magazine that is clipped off and placed back in the can for later use. Less than normal roll length.

 

Shot

==== Basic element of shooting and post-production, representing the film exposed from the time the camera is started to the time it is stopped.

 

Skillset

====== Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industry, with offices in London, the Nations and Regions.

 

Slate

==== Clapperboard used to record a scene number, take number, and with synch point at the beginning (or end) of a shot.

Slow Motion
========== A shot in which the action is slowed down relative to the film's contextual pace.

 

Sound Crew
========== The sound crew is involved in creating a film's soundtrack through recording, mixing and editing.

Sound Effects
============ Sound effects are tricks of sound mostly achieved by combining technology, ingenuity and creativity and employed in films to facilitate suspension of audience disbelief. Sounds effects can be recorded on a sound stage or in the field with the use of portable equipment.

Sound Effects Editor
================ The sound effects editor is in charge of recording, arranging and mixing sound effects on a film's soundtrack.

Sound Engineering
================ The sound engineer is the master of recorded and mixed audio accompaniment to a film.

Soundstage
========== Soundstages are provided to house film sets.

Soundtrack
========== The soundtrack refers to the audio aspect of a film.

Special Effects
============ Special effects are tricks of sight and sound mostly achieved by combining technology, ingenuity and creativity and employed in films to facilitate suspension of audience disbelief.

Special Effects Supervisor
===================== The Special Effects Supervisor is in charge of the special effects crew.

Stages of Film Production

===================== Films go through 5 common stages:


1. Research and Development, including Writing, Pitching, Finding Finance
2. Pre-Production: Production is definitely on and preparations are made
3. Production or Shoot: Filming
4. Post-Production or Post: Editing of Sound and Vision
5. Distribution and Exhibition, which may be the crucial part of the process -marketing the film; getting it shown and watched.

 

Stand-in
======= A stand-in is a person who resembles a film's actor and is used as a reference during long setups.

 

Steadycam

========= A camera-device that is is carried by person, but absorbs his movement, creating a smooth picture
 

Steenbeck

========= Popular brand of film editing machinery, now very outmoded and replaced by non-linear editing.

Stock Footage
============ Stock footage includes previously filmed footage used with permission when timesaving is necessary.

Stop-Motion
========== A form of filmed animation that involves the frame-by-frame manipulation of objects.

Storyboard
========= The storyboard is an outline consisting of renderings to illustrate the sequence, flow and general look of a film or scene before filming begins.

Studio
====== The studio is the company that is in charge of the release and distribution of a film product.

Stunt Coordinator
============== The stunt coordinator is in charge of designing and scheduling stunt performances.

Stunt Performer
============= Stunt performers are specially trained act in potentially dangerous scenes, usually in the place of the regular actors.

Subtitles
======= Subtitles are printed text that appear in a film mainly to translate passages of spoken dialog.

 

Synching or Syncing

================= Lining up of sound and picture before editing a synch sound film.

 

Synch Sound

=========== Sound recorded while shooting picture.

 

Tail Slate or Tail Clapper

==================== Marking shot at end rather than the beginning, which may be necessary through nature of the shot or circumstances.


Take
==== A take is a continuous filming action of a scene.

Technical Advisor
=============== Technical advisors provide advice on the many technical aspects of creating a film.

 

Telecine

======= Machine for transferring film to video. Much used in modern Film as images can go from Neg to Video and thence to non-linear for editing.

 

Tilt

=== Vertical camera movement on its axis, up or down. Not to be called and Up or Down Pan, but Tilt Up and Tilt Down.

 

Tone

==== A 1,000 Hz sine wave at the beginning of a sound recording tape to provide consistent volume when transferring sound. Word is also used to describe Room Tone.

 

Tracking

======= Involves the camera itself being moved smoothly towards or away from the subject in order to draw the viewer into the action, into a closer, more intimate relations with the subject. Tracking out tends to create emotional distance. The speed of tracking may also affect the viewer's mood. Rapid tracking is exciting; slow tracking relaxes interest. Camera movement parallel to the moving subject creates an idea of speed without revealing that the camera exists or is there. Tracking is done with the camera on a trolley, which runs on "tracks" like a mini-train track, hence the name tracking.

Trailer
====== A short, edited montage of selected scenes from a film to be used as and advertisement for the film that is shown in cinemas or on TV

 

Trims

===== Outtakes of a few frames.

 

Tungsten

======== Colour temperature of artificial light.

 

UnderExposure

============= Filming a shot or scene with less light than the emulsion on the film needs for correct exposure. Image will be darker, but if allowed for in printing the effect can be grainy.

Video Production
============== The process of recording, editing and exhibiting visual and audio information on magnetic, sometimes portable media.

Voice-over
========= Dialog appearing in a film's soundtrack where the speaker is not visible - usually employed for narration.

Walla
===== Random background conversation employed to produce certain atmospheric effects.

Wardrobe Department
================== The department of a film's production crew in charge of choosing, creating, storing and maintaining costumes.

Whip Pan
======== A fast pan, usually resulting in motion blur.

 

Wide Lens

========= Lens with focal length smaller than 25mm in 16mm or 50mm in 35mm.

 

Wild Sound

========== Not synch, recorded without the camera running.

Wipe
===== A wipe is another transitional device that wipes one scene horizontally into the other.

Working Title
=========== The title of a film during production, sometimes different from the title of the final product.

Wrangler
======== The professional on the film set generally in charge of controlling animals used in a film production.

Wrap
===== The act of finishing a shot, the day's work or the entire production.

 

Zoom Lens

========= Variable focal length lens.

 

Zoom Shot
========= A shot where an object increasingly fills the shot's frame through camera lens magnification.

 

 

 

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