C

A screw-mount lens commonly used on smaller 16mm cameras, such as the Bolex.

It is a sturdy lighting stand with three legs, featuring a long metal arm that can be adjusted to fit the steps and a round clamp head called a "gobon."

Abbreviation for "Camera Roll."

It is an abbreviation for "Color Temperature Blue." It refers to color correction gels used in lighting to convert the color temperature from tungsten to daylight. They come in gradients: Quarter Blue, Half Blue, Full Blue.

Color Temperature is an abbreviation for "Orange." It refers to color correction gels used in lighting to adjust the color temperature from daylight to tungsten. They come in gradients: Quarter Orange, Half Orange, Full Orange.

1) An insulated wire used to conduct electrical current. 2) Television stations that transmit their broadcasts to subscribers via cable.

Cable Technician

The path along which cables are laid to connect the power source (usually a generator) to the equipment that will use the power.

A sync audio recording method once used involved running a cable from the Pilottone generator inside the camera to the recording device.

The process of measuring and marking focus distances and the aperture on a lens. During a shoot, the first camera assistant adjusts the lens to pre-determined focus points, allowing the camera operator to focus on composition and camera movements.

The time and location where the next day’s or night’s shoot will take place. See CALL SHEET.

A list sent by mail or delivered in person to the people who will be working on a shoot before the day of the shoot. 17 This list, written by the second assistant director (SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) under the supervision of the first assistant director (FIRST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) and approved by the production manager (PRODUCTION MANAGER) , this list specifies the start times for actors, technical crew, and production crew members; which scenes will be shot; the order in which they will be shot; which sets or locations they will be shot on; and what special equipment (such as a CRANE or STEADICAM) is required.

The time each person is expected to begin working on a film set, as shown in the call sheet.

2) An invitation to continue working that applies to a day player (DAY PLAYER), unless it is specifically stated that their work is finished at the end of the workday.

A small role played by a famous actor in a film to boost box office receipts (BOX OFFICE).

A minor character role, typically played by a well-known actor or celebrity. These roles are usually minor, mostly non-speaking, and often carry special significance within a production (for example, the appearance of actors who starred in the original film in a remake) or may involve unannounced cameos by famous individuals.

Camera

Camera Angle

The movement of the camera within a scene.

Camera Car

A 2-inch core.

Camera Crew

Film Jam

Camera Mount

Camera Movement

The sound the camera makes while operating. According to some claims, even silent cameras produce certain sounds.

A professional operator of a film or video camera who is part of a film crew. The DP may operate the cameras themselves or receive assistance from a camera operator or second camera person.

A member of the camera crew who operates the camera under the direction of the director of photography. This person is not responsible for lighting setups or the style of camera movements. Their responsibility is to keep the action within the frame, follow the unfolding action, and ensure that camera movements feel purposeful.

A slightly clearer way of saying "Original."

Camera Report

A type of documentation used to record shoots and take notes for use in the lab or during future editing. There is typically one camera report per camera reel.

Right or left relative to the camera’s direction. This means that if an object needs to be moved “camera left” and you are facing the camera, the object actually needs to be moved to the right.

Each roll you shoot becomes a camera roll. It is generally helpful to label these with a number in the order they were shot. The abbreviation C.R. followed by a number is commonly used. The lab assembles and prints them in this order. This helps minimize confusion when you receive your first prints.

This refers to film. To distinguish it from print stock, it is also called camera stock.

A white cloth tape used in film shoots—similar to gaffer’s tape—that is typically used in conjunction with a Sharpie to label the emulsion type and number on a camera reel. It is acceptable to use the terms “gaffer’s tape” and “camera tape” (since they are essentially the same type of tape).

Ray

Camera Operator, Director of Photography

Excessively exaggerated, artificial, or generally affected in a humorous manner. Camp aesthetics subverts many of modernism’s notions of what art and film can be and what qualifies as high art, and it subverts aesthetic qualities such as beauty, value, and taste by inviting a different mode of perception and consumption. Camp art is often associated with kitsch, and things possessing camp appeal are frequently described as cheap. John Waters is one of the filmmakers known for his camp-style films.

2) Headphones used by the sound engineer to monitor the recording. 3) A small rectangular lamp that uses a 1,000-watt bulb.

An old-fashioned term referring to films that were shot exclusively or primarily on film stock wound onto reels. The slang term “in the can” means that a scene, take, or film has been completed, recorded, and archived.

A Canadian non-profit trade organization dedicated to advancing the art and craft of production design in Canada.

A non-profit Canadian trade organization with over 500 members that promotes the skills required for the art and craft of filmmaking.

Candela, Candle

Lighting provided by candlelight is used to create a warm color or tone and, with its soft glow, to evoke a sense of intimacy, romance, and harmony.

Also known as a Dutch Tilt.

A "capsule review" or "mini-review" is a type of review that offers a very brief critique of a specific entertainment production; it is typically associated with film journalism.

A written line appearing below a frame that explains or translates what the characters are doing or saying. It is helpful for deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers. Another term for this is “subtitles.”

Script, Subtitles

Backlight

A character appearing absurd due to a physical, psychological, or moral trait; a caricature typically depicts a character in a surreal, stereotypical style.

A paid day off when actors and/or crew members are paid but are not called to work.

A motion picture or television program that uses animation techniques to capture photographs of a series of drawings.

A film that generates a large amount of revenue for a company over a long period of time typically includes profits earned in addition to significant commercial sales, which are often used to support the company’s other operations. Generally, this refers to a long-running, popular franchise that consistently generates substantial profits for the industry. Examples include Star Wars, Star Trek, and Indiana Jones.

1) A special, light-tight film canister that allows the film to be loaded into the camera in daylight. See MAGAZINE. 2) A special protective case containing an audio or video tape.

A group of actors assembled for a film, television show, or other entertainment production.

Casting

Cast

Cast List

"Casting couch" is a euphemism for the practice of demanding sexual favors from an applicant, typically in exchange for employment in acting roles. The practice is illegal and is currently most closely associated with Harvey Weinstein’s illegal activities.

Casting Director

A professional organization founded in 1982 that represents approximately 1,200 casting directors and associate casting directors working in film, television, theater, and advertising in Canada, Europe, Australia, Asia, Africa, and the United States. The nonprofit organization announced in February 2022 that it had changed its name from the Casting Society of America to the Casting Society. Members use the postnominal letters “CSA” when credited for their work.

In the performing arts industry—such as theater, film, or television—a cast or casting call refers to the process of selecting an actor, dancer, singer, or extra of a specific type for a particular role or part.

A light source reflected in an actor’s eyes during a close-up shot.

An expression known for its repetitive nature. Such expressions typically emerge in popular culture and the arts and are usually spread by word of mouth and through various mass media. Some may become the trademark or signature of the person or character with whom they are associated and can contribute to how a particular actor is typically perceived.

The person or company responsible for providing main meals for the actors and crew on set or at the location.

During the climax of a film, the audience may experience a release or resolution of emotional tension, providing a sense of relief or therapeutic restoration.

Bridge, Pier

It follows the same structure as a story, warning the listener of a danger—much like in folklore narratives—and indicates a taboo or prohibition.

An individual hand-drawn page for an animated film. It represents a single animation frame that allows for a multi-layered composition. A background cel is used for comparison to illustrate the movement.

Base Surface

A transparent sheet on which objects are drawn or painted for traditional, hand-drawn animation. Real celluloid (made of cellulose nitrate and camphor) was used in the first half of the 20th century, but because it was flammable and dimensionally unstable, it was largely replaced by cellulose acetate. With the emergence of computer-assisted animation production, the use of cels in major productions has been all but abandoned. Disney Studios stopped using cels in 1990 when CAPS (Computer Animation Production System) replaced them in the animation process, and over the next decade, other major animation studios also phased out cels one by one.

Celluloid Base

Cola, Acetone

(See: Splice, Hot Splice, Century Stand (C Stand), Lamp Stand)

The process of determining what may or may not be made available to the public. Film censorship is practiced to varying degrees in different countries, typically by a rating board, though sometimes by powerful lobby groups or individuals. The films banned in a given country change over time.

Film rating boards in various countries or regions are responsible for reviewing films, determining their content, and assigning ratings based on their suitability for specific audiences. In many countries, films must be advertised as holding a specific certification or rating, which provides viewers with advance notice of content that might be objectionable.

Computer-Generated Image or Images; a term used to describe the creation of film images, special effects, and the illusion of motion using 3D computer graphics and technology.

Cut

A mark used as a signal that a film reel is to be changed. It alerts the projectionist that the film reel needs to be replaced. Today, since most films are shown on a single reel or projected digitally, change marks are no longer common.

Charging Pouch

Character

A supporting actor who typically plays distinctive, interesting, or standout characters. The term is often contrasted with “leading actor” and is somewhat abstract and open to interpretation. Strictly speaking, all actors could be considered character actors, since they all play characters; however, the term generally refers to an actor who plays a recognizable and significant supporting role. Character actors are usually recognized by the audience by their appearance, if not by their names.

When the creator of a work introduces multiple characters at the same time—such as at the beginning of a film—viewers need a way to distinguish and remember them. By assigning a specific color motif to each character, the audience can associate the character with a color at a glance and easily distinguish between them.

The number assigned to a character on the production board (PRODUCTION BOARD). The more scenes an actor appears in, the lower the character number. Leading stars typically have character numbers ranging from one to five.

An analysis or description of a character’s or an individual’s traits; typically found in a creative work where the plot and narrative take a back seat to the character. It is also referred to as a short narrative or sketch that focuses on the fundamental development of a character.

A curve illustrating the relationship between the density of a film emulsion and exposure.

Deception

Control Copy, Zero Copy

Slide Control

Removing the camera lens to inspect the film for scratches; this is done after every camera setup and is typically performed by the 1st AC.

The way two actors display sparks that indicate they are a good match on screen or in the eyes of the audience. Watching such pairs can be especially exciting. For example, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga have been said to have great chemistry in their 2018 film *A Star Is Born*.

A combination of two Italian words for “light” and “dark”; it refers to the striking, contrasting use of light and shadow in scenes; it is typically achieved using a spotlight; this lighting technique has its roots in German Expressionist cinema.

A term sometimes used pejoratively to describe a film genre specifically targeted at and marketed to a female audience. It generally appeals to a younger female audience and typically focuses on love and romance.

Child Actor

A fabric frame that transforms harsh light into soft light.

The Chimera Softbox is designed to handle large-scale lighting projects such as commercials and films. Its increased depth allows a large Fresnel fixture to fully fill the fluorescent light screen and deliver a beautiful, translucent light quality.

Oil Pastel

A tracking shot in which the camera moves away from the subject while simultaneously panning horizontally.

Choreographer

A masking technique used in video that is similar to the blue screen (BLUE SCREEN) used in film. See MATTE SHOT.

Color Deviation

A text-based graphic superimposed on video content, such as in television programs and films. “Chyron” is a general term for any graphic overlaid on a video or live broadcast. Although a chyron is typically placed at the bottom of the frame, it can appear anywhere within the frame.

Scratches formed on the film surface when the reel is compressed by pulling on the end of the film strip. See ABRASIONS.

It means “film enthusiast” or “film fan.”

The venue where screenings take place. It is also known as the art of film.

The Cinema Sound Society was founded in 1964 with the aim of bringing together sound mixers, informing and educating the general public and the film and television industries about the proper and effective use of sound, and ensuring that sound mixers receive the recognition they deserve as key contributors to the entertainment industry.

Long takes, no narration, and little or no directorial or editing control over the final product—a method or style of making documentary and narrative films; used to refer to a documentary-style film or, more loosely, to minimalist cinema; popularized by the French New Wave movement in the 1950s; it currently tends to (often incorrectly) be associated with the use of handheld camera techniques.

A cinematographic process in which special lenses are used to compress a wide image into a standard frame. The image is then expanded again during projection. As a result, the image appears nearly two and a half times as wide as it is tall.

CinemaScope

Cinematic, Film-related

(See Director of Photography)

The person responsible for the filming or recording of a movie, television production, music video, or other live-action piece. The cinematographer is the head of the camera and lighting crew and is generally responsible for making artistic and technical decisions regarding the visuals, including selecting the camera, film stock, lenses, and filters. The field of work and practice in this area is known as cinematography.

The art and science of moving pictures.

A vehicle invented by Fuad Said in the 1950s for use during on-location shoots, capable of carrying all the necessary equipment for a film crew. Some models include dressing rooms, showers, and restrooms.

Sinerama

A machine that prints a frame from the negative under standard printing light to determine its color and tone, and then prints the same frame using different color filters.

Translation Example

Blur Ring

A type of light fixture that can be screwed into a screw hole includes a spring-loaded clamp that is not very reliable for mounting next to a door. It often includes an aluminum reflector plate.

Also known as "The Slate."

Clapboard

A device used in film and video production to help synchronize video and audio.

The Slate, or two sticks held together to mark the start of a sound recording.

A black-and-white board or piece of board on which information about the shoot is displayed on screen. It typically includes the director’s name, the film’s title, and details about the scene being shot. Today, electronic clapperboards have also become popular.

Griff

An animation technique using movable clay figures and stop-motion recording. It is a film style frequently seen in children’s films and cartoons. This is a meticulous process in which the production of some feature-length films can take months or even years.

Sound free of noise or defects.

Dialogue free of noise and background artifacts.

Permission—whether obtained with or without payment—to use material (such as books, songs, poems, etc.) and locations in a film, video, or television show that is owned by another party.

A magnetic film loop (LOOP) used when recording music or composing a score for a musical segment in a film, onto which the clicks of a metronome have been recorded. To ensure the clicks are not recorded during the session, the conductor listens to this track through headphones. When filming a dance scene, these clicks are also audible in the playback (PLAYBACK) music so that the actors can perform in time with the rhythm.

An event that serves as an editing device, typically occurring at the end of a film or an episode of a multi-episode series, characterized by scenes of intense suspense, danger, adventure, tension, or high drama, leaving the fate of the character(s) unresolved. A cliffhanger is intended to encourage viewers to watch to see how the characters resolve their predicament. Some series end with the phrase “To Be Continued” or “The End?” In movie series and television series, the next episode sometimes begins with a recap.

The point of highest anxiety or tension in a story or film; the central character or protagonist confronts the consequences of all their actions, faces off against the main antagonist, or reaches a climax in the conflict; a crisis typically leads to a climax; it is also referred to as the high point, peak, or crescendo of a film; an anticlimax or resolution may follow a climax.

Excerpt

A short segment extracted from a film and typically shown; a section taken from a film, sometimes like a clip, sometimes like an entire scene or sequence from a film.

Shoulder Shot

Closed captions are the text version of the spoken dialogue in a television program, movie, or computer presentation. Closed captions were developed to assist people who are deaf or hard of hearing, but they are also useful in a variety of other situations.

Closed Set

A type of magazine with two side-by-side chambers, where the supply and take-up reels are mounted like wheels on opposite ends of the same shaft.

A co-producer is someone who, together with the producer, oversees various aspects of the film production process. Key players may be referred to as co-producers during the production process when they play a significant role in financing the production or providing other benefits, such as services or specialized equipment.

A device used by the special effects (SPECIAL EFFECTS) team on set to create artificial spider webs, which sprays rubber adhesive in thin strands.

In Italian, it means “tail” and is generally used in reference to music selections; in film, it refers to the final segment that provides the epilogue, conclusion, or summary of a film’s preceding story (usually without dialogue).

An organization that classifies films according to different audience groups. See RATING.

Mapping Numbers

A cold open (also known as a teaser sequence) is a narrative technique used in television and film. It typically involves jumping directly into the story before the title sequence or opening credits are shown.

Color Bar

1) A system used when creating a breakdown (BREAK-DOWN) to produce a production board (PRODUCTION BOARD). Each item in the screenplay (actors, props, locations, etc.) is marked with different colors and then transferred to the breakdown list. A second color-coding system is also used on the production board to distinguish interiors from exteriors and day scenes from night scenes. 2) A standard system used to identify changes or additions to a screenplay or a page within a screenplay. The color sequence used from the first change to the last is: White, Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, and Gold-red.

Color Correction

(See CRI)

Color Temperature

A laboratory technician responsible for ensuring that a film’s color balance and values are accurate and as intended. Works closely with the cinematographer. See TIMING.

The process of changing the color of a black-and-white film. It was a popular—though controversial—process in the 1980s when classic films were given modern updates.

This is a film credit from years past. In the early days of color film production, Technicolor was required to maintain high standards throughout the production and printing stages in order to deliver a consistent, high-quality product. In addition to cameras, cinematographers, and set technicians, the “Technicolor package” included a color consultant to advise on appropriate colors for color makeup, costumes, and set design.

Color film is a type of photographic film capable of capturing color images. It consists of a plastic base coated with chemical layers. These chemicals react when exposed to light and record the image you see through your camera’s lens.

Color temperature is a system that uses numerical values to measure the color characteristics of a light source. These values are called degrees Kelvin (K). Two common standard color temperatures for film and video lighting are 3200K for “Tungsten” and 5600K for “Daylight.”

Photography is an analog laboratory process used for color manipulation in chemical film workflows. This process alters the amounts of red, green, and blue light used to create a film positive (or print) from a film negative.

Colorists are involved in the final stages of post-production. Once a film’s edit is locked, the final cut is sent to the colorist. The colorist typically begins by correcting exposure and color issues in a wide-angle shot of a scene. Then, they adjust the other clips to match the look of the first shot. By the end of this process, all shots in the scene will be properly exposed and appear with a neutral color balance.

The process of digitally colorizing a black-and-white film; it became popular in the 1980s but remains controversial.

(See also: Composite Print, Commissary)

An actor who specializes in films intended to be humorous at times; he is also known as a comedian.

A film that creates laughter or humor by celebrating or highlighting the eternal ironies of human existence; genres include screwball comedy, black comedy, farce, slapstick, deadpan, parody, and romantic comedy.

In a dramatic film, a comic or farcical interlude—often provided by a foolish character—intended to alleviate dramatic tension or enhance the emotional impact through contrast.

A film subgenre associated with challenging rites of passage (from adolescence to adulthood), the onset of adolescence, the loss of innocence and childhood dreams, the experience of growing up, and the discovery of sexual identity.

It generally refers to a surprising performance given by an actor. Most often, this performance occurs immediately before the actor’s death.

Invitation

(See: Completion Guarantee)

Completion Guarantee

(See: Completion Guarantee)

Composer

Composite Print Negative

Composite Master Print

Composite Print

The process or techniques of combining visual elements from separate sources into a single image are generally used to create the illusion that all these elements are part of the same scene. For compositing, live-action footage is referred to by various terms, such as “chroma key,” “blue screen,” “green screen,” and others.

It refers to the arrangement of different elements within a frame (e.g., colors, shapes, figures, lines, movement, and lighting).

Compositors create the final image of a frame, shot, or VFX sequence. They combine all digital assets, computer-generated (CG) imagery, live-action footage, and matte paintings, and blend them together so that they appear as a single, cohesive image or shot. Compositors consider the visual aspects of a scene.

A specialized software developed by Disney and Pixar in the late 1980s, consisting of scanner camera systems, servers, networked computer workstations, and a collection of specialized desktop units.

A set or scene created digitally because it would be difficult or expensive to build and film on a studio set.

A concert film is a film that records a live musical performance by a band, singer, or stand-up comedian. It may consist of footage from a single performance or a compilation of footage from multiple concerts.

Conductor, Orchestra Conductor

A cone-shaped flood (FLOOD) lamp that illuminates a wide area with diffused, soft light. It comes in SENIOR, JUNIOR, and BABY sizes.

Subsequent versions of a film during the editing phase are generally known as “conformations,” which are typically identified by a date. Conformations are important in large-scale productions to ensure that different editing departments are working from the latest conformation.

Aligning one part of a film with another (Conforming original negative to cut work print.) See NEGATIVE CUTTING.

Sound Mixing Console

A tool used to adjust lighting.

Set construction coordinators oversee the construction of sets and scenes for film productions. They coordinate all stages of the set construction process, from initial planning to the final coat of paint on the completed sets.

Production Crew

A list containing the names, addresses, and phone numbers of service providers—such as vendors, manufacturers, and service providers—with whom a film company may need to establish contact during production. This list is constantly updated with new information.

Contact Print

(See: Printer)

The method used by the lab to duplicate a film. The original film and unexposed print stock are placed together on a machine (logically) called a Contact Printer so that their emulsions face each other, exposing them to the same image. All workprints, answer prints, and release prints are contact prints. The only other type of print is optical printing, which is typically done to add an effect or to create an enlarged or reduced print.

These are films set in the modern era and relevant to the present day.

Contingency Fund

Continuity

(See also: Script Supervisor, Contractor)

Continuity reports are detailed records that include each day’s shots, camera settings, camera angles, weather conditions, sets, and deviations from the script. Continuity reports are a great way to ensure that everything—even sound quality—remains consistent from one take to the next.

1) The contrast of a subject is the difference in the light-reflecting capabilities of its various parts. 2) Luminance contrast is the difference in light intensity falling on different parts of a subject. 3) The contrast of a film stock is determined by the manufacturer and is the greatest possible difference in density between the minimum and maximum densities of the silver deposit that can be achieved with the smallest possible change in exposure. 4) Development contrast is the gamma value of a film’s development process and is controlled by the chemical developer, development time, development temperature, and the movement of the film or the development bath.

The expected elements of a film genre, without any question marks, thoughts, or evaluations.

A more elegant way of saying "Gobo" or "Cookie."

This is an important law passed in the late 1930s that aims to protect the earnings of child actors. Under this law, a portion of the child’s earnings is placed in a court-administered trust fund to be distributed to the child upon reaching adulthood. This law is named after the child actor Jackie Coogan and serves as a guideline for working child actors.

(See Kook)

(See Bank/Coop)

Helicopter Mount

(See: Dub, Transfer)

It is a type of intellectual property that grants its owner exclusive rights to copy, distribute, adapt, display, and perform a creative work, typically for a limited period of time.

A person who separates and copies the parts for specific instruments from a musical composition for use by musicians and the conductor.

An audio recording device that operates using a motor powered by the precise frequency signals emitted by a vibrating crystal, eliminating the need for a sync cable between it and the camera. The camera used in conjunction with it also employs the same type of motor.

Tropeze

Same as "Timed Print."

Further changes to the timing of a take.

Unforeseen, unexpected expenses not included in the budget.

Expense Report

Total Expenses

The amount of money spent to date from various budget categories for the production. See COST REPORT, COST TO COMPLETE.

It refers to the clothing worn by actors/performers in a film.

Costume Designer

A costume drama is a film that typically takes place during a specific historical period and features elaborate costumes.

Costume supervisors work with the costume designer to ensure that costumes or clothing meet the required standards and are ready on time for rehearsals, recordings, or live performances. During filming, they oversee the continuity, cleanliness, and maintenance of the costumes, as well as any necessary repairs or adjustments.

Costume Designer

A Set Costumer is responsible for fitting an actor’s wardrobe on set and ensuring that the Costume Designer’s vision is realized. Set Costumers monitor the costumes to ensure they are loaded and unloaded safely and that this is done without causing any damage or stains.

Backup Set

Backup Plan

2) A brief synopsis of a project’s content and main storyline, prepared by a story analyst (STORY ANALYST).

Coverage

In modern filmmaking, a “cowboy shot” refers to a shot that frames a character from the head down to the hips or mid-thigh. Because this angle is perfect for showcasing a gun holstered at a cowboy’s hip, it quickly became a staple in classic Western films.

A dolly that allows the camera to perform complex tracking movements by moving in any direction on its wheels.

A lens support used to carry heavy and bulky lenses by attaching them to the camera head.

The department of the film crew responsible for providing coffee, soft drinks, snacks, and similar items on set. They are also in charge of small tasks such as sweeping and cleaning up.

It provides food and beverages for the crew; it should not be confused with catering, which refers to the hot meals the crew receives.

Crane, Hoist

A camera shot taken from a large camera dolly or an electronic device (such as a crane) that can lift the camera 20 feet or higher off the ground, such as an extendable mechanical arm (or boom); a crane allows the camera to move smoothly in almost any direction (with vertical and horizontal movement), enabling changes in elevation and angle; crane shots typically provide a bird’s-eye view of a scene.

Fuel

This is a credit given to individuals who serve as consultants on a film or television script. In the television industry, those who hold this credit typically work closely with an executive producer and a head writer/showrunner. They may be involved in the writing process (proposing and editing story ideas and scripts).

When two creative individuals (such as a producer and a director, or a director and an actor) have very different ideas, they find it impossible to work together. When a key member of the cast or crew is fired during a film production, creative differences are cited as the reason.

A person who develops a significant portion of a TV show’s format, concept, characters, and pilot script. They are typically the creator and may also serve as the showrunner or producer. Sometimes they are the author of the series bible or the writers’ guide.

Credits

Crew

(See: Call, Call Sheet)

Used to refer to those involved in the technical production of a film who are not actual performers.

Intermediate Negative

The period of highest tension immediately preceding a film’s climax (there may be more than one); the point at which the tension of the events reaches its peak.

An individual who evaluates or analyzes a film from an artistic or entertainment perspective. Film criticism typically analyzes and discusses a film’s details, content, and characters; film critics tend to be more philosophical and theoretical than film reviewers or commentators.

It is used to label your film canister when submitting it to the lab—specifically when the film runs out during a very important take and you want to ensure that every single frame is preserved.

To cut out of the frame, to leave out of the frame.

(See: Intercut)

Sometimes referred to as “cross-mode.” A test conducted by the mixing studio in collaboration with the laboratory you have selected to ensure that the mixing studio is set up and optimized for the best possible sound quality.

A technique generally used more by photographers. Cross-processing involves developing color negative film stock in the negative process. A positive print made from this negative will have unusual and rich colors, high contrast, and an overall yellowish tint.

A controversial practice carried out by the international distribution arms of major studios. The profits and losses generated from the operation of one or more films in foreign countries are treated as a single entity, and losses offset profits. While reviewing a single global report instead of separate financial reports for each country may seem convenient for the producer, the practice clearly benefits the distributor. On a smaller scale, cross-collateralization can be applied among various line items of a production project, so that even if some line items exceed the budget, the final accounts appear to be within or below budget.

An editing technique that interweaves one narrative action (scene, sequence, or event) with another—either sequentially, intertwined, or blended together—often in different locations, thereby combining the two; this editing method suggests parallel action (occurring simultaneously); it is frequently used in chase scenes to dramatically heighten tension and suspense; it is also known as inter-cutting or parallel editing.

The simultaneous reduction of one sound and amplification of another.

It refers to a film or production that is made for one audience but can easily “translate” to another unexpected audience; it also refers to a film, actor, or production that appeals to different demographic or age groups and can move between two or more different brands.

(See: Production Strip Board)

A scene or shot featuring a large group of people (usually extras) in a film; CGI is often used to film large crowd scenes in order to avoid high extra costs.

Crystal Sync

Abbreviation for "Close Shot" (chest shot)

Abbreviation for "Close-Up" (shoulder shot)

(See: Kook Cue Cards, Show Cards, Idiot Cards)

It is a type of flag cut into shapes that resemble tree branches, window curtains, etc.

Signal, Warning

A device provided to help actors deliver their lines (cards, a scrolling screen, a teleprompter, or other mechanism); an electronic director’s cue card is called a teleprompter.

A circular mark placed in the upper right corner of a frame near the end of a film reel to alert the projectionist that a reel change is imminent.

Sound Chart

It serves as a “roadmap” that helps the sound mixer locate the sounds while mixing your clips. It is organized as a grid where each piece forms a column and progresses through rows measured in 35mm film (even if the film is 16mm, you must convert the image to 35mm).

A film that generally attracts a small but loyal fan base and has been considered popular and cult-classic for many years, typically outside the mainstream. Cult films have a limited yet distinctive appeal and often feature unconventional or subversive elements or subject matter; they are typically screened as midnight movies for repeat viewings and audience participation (and a sense of group identity); they should not be confused with B-movies.

1) The transition from one shot to the next without using effects such as dissolves or wipes. 2) A version of a completed film. See DIRECTOR’S CUT, FINAL CUT. 3) Sections removed from the film or screenplay.

An editing term referring to the inclusion in the edit of a portion of a shot that was previously cut from a connected sequence.

Cut!

An editing term used when cutting from one shot to another to indicate that the portion cut from the first shot will be reinserted later in the edit.

A short shot that briefly interrupts a continuous action to quickly introduce another related action, object, or person (usually not part of the main scene or main action); it is usually shot from the character’s POV and is used to break up a sequence and provide visual relief, facilitate the transition from one shot to another, provide additional information, or imply an impending change; reaction shots are typically cut; a cross-cut suggests a series of cross-cuts and flashbacks; a cut is distinct from a transition shot.

Editor

(See: Editing)

Editing Room

Cyan

A science fiction subgenre that combines cyberpunk and punk elements and refers to a digital or information technology-driven society (with references to computers, the online world, cyberspace, and “hacking”); this subgenre also incorporates classic film-noir stylistic elements, such as alienation, dehumanization, the presence of countercultural anti-heroes, darkness, dystopia, and corruption.

A soft, seamless backdrop used on a set.