"K" has two different meanings, both of which apply to film lighting, so it is important to distinguish between them. 1) Abbreviation for kilowatt. There are 1,000 watts in 1 kilowatt. This is used when discussing quartz lights or HMIs to measure their brightness based on power consumption. A “1K” is a 1,000-watt light, a “2K” is a 2,000-watt light, and so on. 2) An abbreviation for Kelvin; for example, 3,200K for tungsten balance, 5,400K for daylight, etc.

A 750-watt spot light shaped like a beer keg.

Kelvin - The color temperature scale named after Lord Kelvin.

A brand of horizontal editing tables. See STEENBECK, MOVIOLA.

A general adjective indicating importance. Department heads are referred to as a “Key” or “Keys” on a film crew.

A member of the lighting crew who works directly with the lighting supervisor and the director of photography.

The primary light source that sets the mood of a scene. The cinematographer typically sets up this light first, then adjusts the other lights. See LIGHTING.

Fit Number

In productions employing multiple second assistant directors, the lead second assistant director who coordinates the work of the other second assistants. He or she reports to the first assistant director or the production manager. See SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR.

A distorted frame projected by a projector that is not aligned with the screen. This can sometimes also result from improper camera placement.

Contour Light

To turn off a light.

Recording a live television broadcast from the screen onto film. Before the invention of video, this was the only way to record a television broadcast.

A bank of fluorescent bulbs used to create soft light.

See: BOX RENTAL.

A powerful backlight used in front of theaters during film premieres. It is also used during filming to create a certain effect.

A Klieglight, a type of high-powered carbon arc lamp, produces an intense light. It is sometimes used in films, but it can also be used for promotional purposes at film premieres.

Metal, wood, or plastic panels, hollowed out in various shapes, placed in front of a lamp illuminating a flat surface to break up its monotony by casting shadows onto it.