2) The second film shown in a theater where two films are screened.

A film produced quickly and cheaply, typically lacking artistic merit. The term originally referred to a supporting film for a double-feature in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s and was generally considered a genre in its own right.

A film featuring cuts from the main footage or alternative shots.

Raw film used in a camera, with the light-sensitive layer facing inward as it is wound onto the spool.

B/W

(See: Baby Spot)

Short Foot

A spot lamp that uses a 500–750-watt bulb.

A share of a film’s profits after distribution and/or production costs have been covered.

Backyard

An outdoor location on studio property, away from the studio sets, where background shots of real-life situations can be filmed.

(See: Rear Screen Projection, Process Shot)

A photographic technique in which live-action footage is shot in front of a transparent screen, with the background action projected onto it.

Events that take place immediately before the film begins. This can provide information about specific characters, helping actors or viewers better understand their motivations.

After a take, the First Assistant Director instructs the actors, extras, and relevant crew members to return to “first,” meaning they are asked to return to their positions at the top (starting point) of the scene. Simply put, this means resuming the scene from the exact same spot where it began.

Alternative location and time options to fall back on if certain scenes cannot be shot as planned. Sometimes outdoor shoots are prevented by weather conditions. Therefore, having alternative options in the shooting schedule ensures that the production runs smoothly.

Refers to a large photographic backdrop or painting used for the background of a scene. These large-scale photographs or paintings are printed or painted, hung, and lit to create the illusion of an outdoor location or an extension of the set.

A person who invests capital in a production or film.

A special screening held for investors in the production.

Background

The person responsible for determining the color, style, and mood of a scene drawn by an animation layout artist during the animation process.

(See Lighting)

Ambient Sound

A performer who appears in a film, television show, stage production, musical, opera, or ballet production typically in a role where they do not speak or have lines. For example, a member of the audience or a crowd in a busy street scene.

A hand-painted or photographic backdrop or screen visible through a door or window in an interior set, creating a sense of a real background.

Backlighting

Lighting placed behind the subject helps the subject turn toward the camera and sets it apart from the background.

A detailed list of events invented for a screenplay, the history of the characters and other elements that precede the story and underlie it—a narrative device that chronologically precedes the story being told. In acting, it is defined as the character’s backstory and is developed during the actor’s preparation.

The process of rewinding the film in the camera to shoot a double exposure.

2) A microphone connection that boosts high frequencies. 3) A portable sound-absorbing panel used to prevent reverberation during studio recordings. 4) Shutters used to direct the light from a studio lamp and control its intensity

1) The ratio between the key light and the fill light. 2) The sound levels of the dialogue, music, and effects tracks. 3) The overall composition that makes a shot visually pleasing.

The second strip found in 35mm film stock and Super 8 sound film, used to prevent shrinkage.

A print that has undergone color correction (COLOR CORRECTION) or color grading (GRADING).

On a film reel, the magnetic tape coated on the side opposite the image. It ensures that both sides of the film reel are of equal thickness, thereby preventing the film surface from being damaged during spooling.

Moving along a circular path in front of the camera—with the central camera as the focal point—to remain constantly in focus.

A large number of lamps mounted on a single fixture to illuminate a wide area.

Throughout nearly the entire history of film, certain films have been banned by film censorship or review boards for political or moral reasons. Censorship standards vary widely from country to country and may change over time within a single country due to shifts in political or moral values.

Metal covers used to direct the light from a lamp and control its intensity.

A blanket or other piece of fabric placed over a camera to reduce audible noise from the camera.

A highly insulated protective case that, when a special camera is not used during sound recording, encloses the camera to prevent the sound of the camera mechanism from being heard, or protects the camera in extreme conditions such as excessive heat or rain.

A thin, transparent, flexible, and durable surface coated with a photosensitive layer (EMULSION) or a magnetic recording layer. (See CELLULOID).

This means that a large part of the story is based on events that actually took place in real life. Writers sometimes make minor or significant changes—sometimes taking artistic liberties—but the core of the story remains the same.

A low-power lamp that can be handheld or mounted, and can be used as a spot or floodlight (FLOODLIGHT).

The code indicating the production date of the film produced by a raw film manufacturer in a single batch.

Portable power source.

A battery that the camera operator (CAMERA OPERATOR) attaches to their waist, like a belt, to allow them to move freely.

A type of lens mount commonly used with heavier lenses, such as zoom lenses. Unlike screw-mount lenses, bayonet lenses are attached to the camera via a locking mechanism. Bayonet lenses can generally be changed much more quickly than screw-mount lenses.

A lamp holder used on the catwalk in a studio.

A term used by writers. It refers to the main storyline or the “heartbeat” of the story.

A document that outlines all the events in a film script, serving as a guide for writing the script. The Beat Sheet details exactly what will happen in each act.

Behind-the-scenes events related to film production. Fictional depictions of feature films, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes events are sometimes distributed in theaters.

A platform used to position the camera as close to the ground as possible.

A budgeting term used for professionals who have no creative influence on a film but whose departments do have an impact on it. Travel expenses and craft services are listed “below the line.”

1) The chief lighting technician’s first assistant. 2) The set supervisor’s first assistant.

A nonprofit professional association bringing together German independent filmmakers and cinematographers, along with their collaborators, was founded in 1980.

There are two types of best boy.

Like "Lighting Choice," but by implication, it means that the cinematographer is more meticulous in selecting a more basic lighting source for most of the film.

Abbreviation for the word "Background"

The process of retrieving the production’s complete financial breakdown from the computer every weekend during a film production.

A term referring to working on multiple projects.

Moving a film print from one theater to another to enable multiple screenings on the same day.

The formatting of names and titles in film credits. In addition to wages and shares, this formatting plays a significant role in the negotiations and agreements of film crew members. The terms governing this formatting are included in many contract forms issued by unions.

Bag

A two-channel sound system that approximates the way the human ear perceives sound. Systems with three or more channels are called stereophonic.

A viewing method that creates a sense of depth by viewing an object from two different points, similar to the human eye. The two images obtained from different points are superimposed, allowing the viewer to perceive the distance and size of the object being viewed. Images in standard films are two-dimensional. Films referred to as “3D” attempt to create this sense of depth.

Short biographies of actors, directors, producers, and key creative personnel for use in press releases and film promotional materials. A PR representative or other marketing professionals working on a film may request this information from those involved in the project.

A film that dramatizes a person’s life, whether fictional or based on historical events. This genre differs from docudramas and historical dramas because it generally seeks to cover a person’s life story or, at the very least, the most historically significant years of their life.

A system used to create a matte shot (MATTE SHOT) or a double exposure (DOUBLE EXPOSURE).

A high-angle view of an object or location from a very steep vantage point creates a perspective that makes the viewer feel as if they are flying like a bird.

A small speaking role with two or three lines of dialogue. Do not confuse with “SILENT BIT.” (See “SILENT”)

A black-and-white film. Before the invention of color film stock, all films were shot in a single color and were referred to as “black-and-white” or “monochrome.” Black-and-white is often abbreviated as BW or B&W.

It is a subgenre of dark humor. It typically addresses serious topics—such as death and war—and approaches them with macabre humor. Films like Fargo, American Psycho, and Fight Club are considered prime examples of black comedy.

A style of comedy that sheds light on topics generally considered taboo—often issues that are normally serious or require serious discussion. Writers and comedians typically use this as a tool to provoke their audience into feeling discomfort, engaging in serious thought, and enjoying entertainment.

The black, opaque film typically used by the negative cutter when preparing A&B reels is generally referred to as a black emulsion leader. When used for A&B reels, it is very important that the leader be an emulsion leader, since a plastic leader cannot be joined with a cement splice. It must also be highly opaque; not just any piece of black film will do.

A zero print (ANSWER PRINT) that contains no sound track and features only the printed image.

The act of a person, group, production company, or hiring authority compiling a blacklist; this means that hiring or trusting the individuals on this list is considered unacceptable. As a verb, it can mean to place a person or a company on such a list, or to remove a person or a company from such a list.

Backdrop

Dry and Tight

A subgenre derived from the combination of the words “Black” and “Exploitation.” It is an exploitation film subgenre that emerged in the United States in the early 1970s. Blaxploitation films were initially aimed at a Black audience, but the genre’s appeal quickly expanded beyond racial and ethnic boundaries. Hollywood recognized the potential profit in expanding the audience for blaxploitation films.

Tropeze

Blimp

The term is used to describe a camera designed with internal sound insulation, rather than a camera housed inside a blimp. For example, in “Arri BL,” “BL” does not mean “blimped”; it means “self-contained.”

A distributor forcing a theater owner to purchase films for screening without having seen them first.

Package Sales

A work of entertainment typically produced by a major film studio as a feature film. The term has also come to refer to any large-budget production marketed on a scale that financially underpins the future of a film studio or distributor, typically one aimed at achieving "blockbuster" status.

Planning the arrangement of a scene involving actors and/or the camera.

The process by which a director determines where the actors will stand, where the lights will be positioned, and how the camera will be set up. A director typically blocks a scene before actually filming the actors.

Coating glass surfaces within the camera’s field of view with a special substance to prevent glare. (See DULLING SPRAY)

2) A triangular staple driven into the splice on the optical sound track, or painting over the splice using special paint (Blooping ink). The process is referred to as both “Blooping” and “DE-blooping.”

2) A mispronounced line, a missed cue.

The actual term used for the reverse of a blow-up is, however, referred to by Colorlab in Rockville, Maryland, as a down-size print from Super 16mm to regular 16mm, as a much more expensive alternative to blowing up Super 16mm to 35mm.

Agrandissement, Enlargement

A colorless, light-hearted, inappropriate, or obscene comedy film, typically involving sexuality. It often contains profanity or sexual imagery that may shock or offend some viewers.

Blue Page

Blue Screen, Blue Back, Blue Curtain

A special effects process in which actors perform in front of a uniformly lit, monochromatic (usually blue or green) background, screen, or floor. The background is later replaced in post-production using chroma keying or optical printing, allowing other images or computer-generated imagery (CGI) to form the background. Since 1992, most films have used a green screen.

An abbreviation for “Blimped Noiseless Camera” (a camera that does not produce noise), referring to a type of camera manufactured by Mitchell.

Abbreviation for "Box Office"

A stunt double for an actor is typically used during dubbing or nude scenes.

Devices such as the STEADICAM or PANAGLIDE that allow the camera to be supported by the cameraman’s body during handheld shooting.

Body Makeup Artist

Makeup applied below the neck or on the wrists.

One of the non-16mm synchronized cameras manufactured by the Paillard Company in Switzerland. There are various types: non-reflex, reflex, spring-wound, and electric motor-driven. However, when someone says “Bolex,” they usually mean a reflex, spring-wound model, such as the Rex-4.

The massive film industry in India. It takes its name from Bombay (now Mumbai) and Hollywood. Films such as *Sholay* and *Mother India* are examples of Bollywood films.

The Indian film industry is based in Mumbai (Bombay) and produces films shot in Hindi. Hindi Cinema was formerly known as Bombay Cinema.

Failure. The opposite of a HIT.

It refers to the opening and closing scenes of a film, linking the two scenes in a way that complements each other or resolves a plot twist established at the beginning of the film.

Bum

Bum Operator

A shot taken with a camera mounted on the end of a special crane and moved in such a way that the angle of view constantly changes.

A high-angle shot taken from a boom or jib that resembles a mechanical arm, sometimes while the camera is moving.

A device that increases the voltage to boost the light output of lamps.

A backlight used during outdoor shoots to illuminate shadows and reveal details.

An unauthorized version of a film or show—one that has been made, copied, or sold illegally—is sometimes recorded at a private screening, but more often downloaded illegally or copied from a legal copy of the production. A copy of a production is legal when it is purchased, rented, or otherwise obtained from the copyright holder.

In episodic television, a “bottle episode” is an episode produced on a low budget using as few regular cast members, effects, and sets as possible, and is not used extensively. Bottle episodes are typically filmed on sets built for other episodes; they consist largely of dialogue and scenes set in the series’ main interior sets and feature scenes that require no special preparation. They are commonly used when a script falls through or when another script needs to be written due to budget constraints. Bottle episodes have also been used for dramatic effect, as the limited setting and cast allow for a slower pace and a deeper exploration of character traits and motivations.

(See: Reflector)

A white or silver card used to provide soft, indirect lighting by reflecting light onto the subject. It can also be used to gently illuminate shadowed areas. It requires no power, especially when used outdoors.

A device or board used to reflect light during filming; the board is typically a large white surface made of foam or poster board.

1) The place where tickets are purchased in movie theaters. 2) Revenue generated from ticket sales for a film. 3) An element with the potential to generate revenue (Robert Redford is considered a good BOX OFFICE draw.)

A daily or weekly fee paid to a crew member for the use of their personal supplies during production. (Such as makeup supplies or hair styling supplies.)

A technique for shooting the same shot or scene using different camera settings—typically by adjusting the F-stop. Bracketing is recommended and generally useful in situations where it is difficult to achieve a satisfactory result with a single setting, especially when a small change in a single exposure parameter has a significant effect on the result.

A slang expression used to wish someone good luck. It stems from a superstition that believes wishing someone good luck brings bad luck.

The additional amount of money a television network pays to a production company for an actor.

Props such as bottles, chairs, and windows that are specially prepared to be broken or knocked over during filming.

1) A detailed breakdown prepared by the production manager (PRODUCTION MANAGER) or assistant director, in which every element of the shooting script is listed individually. These elements are reorganized to ensure the production is carried out in the most efficient and economical manner. 2) A detailed report prepared by the script supervisor (SCRIPT SUPERVISOR) regarding the timing of the script. 3) The separation of the film’s independent segments at the beginning of the editing process.

(See: Production Strip Board)

An organization established for the purpose of producing a film or television show.

A detailed list of all the elements, people, props, equipment, etc., required for a shoot. Keeping such lists helps ensure continuity and allows actors and the crew to optimize their time.

The amount at which a film’s revenue equals the expenses incurred for its production, distribution, and advertising. Investors in the film begin to realize a profit at this point.

A fluctuation in sharpness caused by the movement of the film negative in the camera window.

A shot that indicates the passage of time between two scenes. For example, a series of newspaper headlines or the tearing of a calendar page.

An independent trade association and charity that supports, develops, and promotes the arts of film, television, and video games in the United Kingdom.

A film and television charity that promotes and supports film and television production in the United Kingdom.

It is not a British cultural, educational, or professional organization, nor is it a labor union or guild. The association was founded in the United Kingdom to advance the science and art of cinematography.

A lamp that illuminates a wide area without disrupting the composition of the scene lighting. It uses single bulbs rated at 500–750 watts and dual bulbs rated at 1,000 watts.

The most powerful lamp on a set: a carbon arc with a 1-meter-diameter lens that draws 225 amps.

A jam caused by the film curling and becoming bunched up in the camera or projector

A subgenre of adventure and comedy films in which two characters are brought together and embark on an adventure, mission, or journey. The two characters typically have vastly different personalities, which creates an entertaining duo on screen.

Budget

Budget Form

Creating a crescendo in a scene—building up to a climax—by using filmmaking techniques such as increasing tempo, speed, rhythm, or emphasis.

A pre-film segment shown before the main feature begins. It typically includes the film studio’s logo. For example, Disney films feature a bumper with a magic pencil.

It generally refers to short musical pieces or animated graphics that are typically no longer than fifteen seconds and are used during openings, closings, and transitions. For example, the short pre-film segment showing the studio logo before the movie begins is a studio bumper.

Titles or text superimposed on the image to identify a person, place, or object, or to translate dialogue into another language.

Tropeze

A technical crew (CREW) term referring to a workday on location. The workday begins when they board the bus to go to the location and ends when they get off the bus upon returning from work. Overtime (GOLDEN TIME) for on-location work begins after 14 hours. For studio work, this period is 12 hours.

2) A term used by people working in the film industry to refer to the film industry itself. (He works in the business)

(See: Splice)

A large white cloth used during filming to soften bright sunlight and harsh shadows.

A television term describing a dramatic or comically climactic moment at the end of a scene.

1) A member of the props (PROP) or wardrobe (WARDROBE) department who locates, purchases, or rents the props or costumes to be used in a film. 2) A film buyer is the person responsible for deciding which films a movie theater or theater chain will purchase.

It expresses excitement or anticipation regarding a film, television show, director, actor, producer, or other film creators.

An audio track containing indistinct background sounds that the editor uses to fill in the gaps between dialogue. Without these sounds, the dialogue sounds stilted and artificial. (See AMBIENCE, WALLAH)