Another term for "Academy Leader."

The portion of a frame that is visible on the screen when a film is shown on television.

Additional footage shot as a backup after a successful take.

A film base made of cellulose acetate that burns slowly. Before 1950, films were made with a nitrate base that burned quickly.

Abbreviation for Screen Actors Guild.

See: Check Print.

One of the main components of set equipment (GRIP PACKAGES). A small bag made of canvas or plastic, similar to a satchel with two pockets, each filled with sand and sewn shut at the top. It is used on set as a weight to prevent certain items (such as a lamp stand) from tipping over.

A satire is a film that mockingly targets social, religious, political, or economic institutions. *Tropic Thunder* is a satire that pokes fun at Hollywood and overly serious actors.

The degree of intensity of a color in an image. The higher the saturation, the more vivid and rich the colors appear. As saturation decreases, colors become weaker and take on a pastel-like quality. Low-saturation colors are often used to create a specific effect.

The minimum wage set by unions or professional organizations. Experienced crew members are paid more than this set wage.

A common practice regarding an actor’s fee. In addition to the actor’s fee, an extra amount equal to 10 percent of the fee is paid to cover the actor’s manager’s fee.

Instead of this Italian-origin word, the term “SCREENPLAY” is used today. The older term is now used primarily to mean “the main plotline or summary of a story.”

1) A scene may consist of a single shot or a series of shots that take place in a specific location (LOCATION) or that form a coherent sequence of action within itself. 2) In a screenplay breakdown (BREAKDOWN), a scene may refer to the events that occur or the dialogue spoken within a unified setting and time frame. Each scene is assigned a number. Generally, the scene number does not change when an actor enters or exits the scene, but this is not a strict rule.

The area where materials used in set design are stored.

The name of the location where the event takes place or the name given to an event (Amy’s room, the knife-throwing scene).

Any part of a set that evokes a sense of place.

An artist who paints fabric panels or backdrop paintings to be used in sets. They also retouch sets and props to make them look lived-in, used, or weathered.

A lamp capable of illuminating a wide area.

A score is the musical component of a film’s soundtrack. It typically consists of music composed specifically for the film. It includes background music and orchestral pieces.

To compose music for a specific film.

Film Music

Music Studio

Scraper

A long scratch-like damage in a film is usually irreparable because a portion of the emulsion or base is missing. A scratch on the base can be reduced using a Wet Gate print. Scratches on the workprint are not very significant because you will revert to the original camera-run film for your final print.

A mix in which the sound is blended with minor adjustments is typically done to screen the film on a monitor with all audio tracks in place, in order to identify any changes that need to be made. It is generally not done in low-budget productions because the additional cost defeats the purpose.

A copy printed from the edited work print (WORK PRINT). This is done at the request of the editor to save time; one copy is sent to the negative editor, and another to the sound engineer for mixing and synchronization.

Before shooting, a scratch test is performed by running through the first foot or two of a film reel to check for scratches, ensuring that the camera or film spools have not caused any scratches on the film.

A synchronized recording made under conditions where the original audio is unusable, typically serving as a dubbing reference for sound editors or actors.

Scratch

The surface onto which the image is projected during a film screening.

A screen is a mesh mounted on a metal frame used to reduce the intensity of light, but it does not block the light completely.

An actors' union that sets wages, working conditions, etc.

Screen direction refers to the guidance of how characters and objects move within a scene. Some common screen directions may include “camera to the right” or “camera to the left.” A jump cut can also be a form of screen direction.

Although it is not as powerful as SAG or AFTRA, it provides its members with services similar to those offered by other unions and associations.

Short Film

A screening copy is a physical copy of a film sent to film critics and award voters. Film studios send these as a courtesy during awards season.

A screening at which the entire film or a portion of it is shown to an invited audience (friends, academy members, distributors, etc.).

Screening Room

Screenplay

Screenwriter

Screenwriter

A wire mesh with open spaces placed in front of a light source to reduce light intensity.

Screenplay

Screenplay Breakdown

Continuity Writer

Second Assistant Camera

Second Assistant Director A production staff member who reports to the First Assistant Director and the Production Manager and is generally responsible for the cast and crew. This includes handling daily administrative tasks such as call sheets, production reports, actor’s time sheets (Actor’s Time Sheets), and extras’ receipts; serving as a liaison between the First Assistant Director, the Production Manager, and the production office; and assisting the First Assistant Director (First AD), and, if applicable, organizing and supervising the work of the director’s assistant trainee (DGA Trainee) sent by the union. May serve as First Assistant Director on the Second Unit. See also: Key Second AD, Second Second.

Second Camera

Second Camera Operator

Second Film

When a production has crowded scenes of such intensity that a single second assistant director cannot handle them alone, one or more additional second assistants are hired for a few days to work under his or her supervision. Because the film *Taxi Driver* was shot on the streets of New York at night, it had a very complex production setup, and as a special exception, two second assistant directors worked on the film throughout its entire production.

If the clapperboard is not visible on the call sheet, the cinematographer may say "second sticks!", which alerts the person to mark the board a second time.

The production crew working on scenes where the main actors are not present—such as background shots (BACKGROUND) filmed in remote locations, background shots for process shots (PROCESS SHOT), and mid-range shots—or in scenes involving multi-camera shooting. This crew is led by the second unit director (SECOND UNIT DIRECTOR). Often, the second assistant director serves as the first assistant director for the second unit. In non-union productions, the camera operator may take on the role of cinematographer for the second unit.

The person responsible for directing sequences in which the principal actors (PRINCIPAL PLAYERS) do not appear. See SECOND UNIT, INSERT.

A cinematographer hired to shoot scenes that fall under the second unit category. Reasons for hiring a second unit cinematographer include scenes that the main unit does not have time to shoot, scenes requiring special skills and equipment (such as underwater shots), scenes to be shot at a remote location, or background shots. The first unit’s camera operator and first assistant camera operator may be promoted to serve as the second unit’s director of photography and camera operator.

The second unit is a team responsible for shooting less critical scenes, such as background shots at foreign locations or crowd scenes. This unit is essential in large film productions when the main crew is unavailable. It is led by the second unit director and a support crew.

Secondary Colors

Secondary Location

Abbreviation for Screen Extras Guild.

A term originating from the early days of radio and television. It refers to the transition from one scene to another accompanied by a short piece of music. See MUSIC BRIDGE.

Before you begin editing, it can sometimes be helpful to set aside all the footage you’ll be using. These are known as “selects.”

The brand of the motor used to operate two devices (such as a camera and a sound recorder) in a synchronized and coordinated manner.

A 5,000-watt spot lamp.

A sound system developed by Universal Studios. It enhances the realism of a scene by adding low-frequency vibrations to the sound track (as in the movie *Earthquake*).

A negative used in the THREE-STRIPE TECHNICOLOR system, consisting of three separate strips, each sensitive to a primary color.

Sepia Tone is an image that was originally black and white but has been converted to a dark olive brown. It is used to enhance the dramatic effect or create an “antique” aesthetic.

A sequel is a film that continues the events, characters, and setting of a previously made film. It is contrasted with a prequel. The Dark Knight is the sequel to Batman Begins.

Sequence

TV Series

Set

Set Decorator

Set Designer

Furniture, curtains, and other materials used to decorate a set.

A member of the art department responsible for estimating the costs of set construction.

Setting up the set by positioning the actors in their places and arranging the camera, lights, and other equipment before shooting begins.

Setting refers to the time and place in which a film’s story takes place. It encompasses many elements, including scenery, social structures, climate, moral attitudes, traditions, and codes of conduct.

Abbreviation for "Sound Effects."

A text in the credits where multiple names appear at once.

A sharp, clear image produced by a properly focused lens.

A permanent-tip marker useful for labeling boxes; for marking your leader during a shoot and in the editing room. Sharpie is the most common brand name for these markers.

The Shepard Tone is an auditory illusion that creates a sensation of a continuously rising or falling pitch.

To show a segment or the entire film or television program.

The process of screening a film or television program.

The crew responsible for shooting a film.

The ratio of the length of the shot negative to the length of the release print. A 4:1 ratio is considered economical, while a 20:1 ratio is considered wasteful. Luis Buñuel was famous for shooting at a 1:1 ratio.

A detailed list showing when each scene in the screenplay will be shot, as well as what is needed and who is required for each shoot. It is prepared using information from the call sheets and the production board (PRODUCTION BOARD).

The final, approved version of the screenplay used by the director, containing all dialogue (DIALOGUE), detailed camera positions and movements, and other information.

The remaining unexposed portion of a short film after the exposed section has been cut and removed from the reel. Many student films and experimental films are made from such segments.

A film that is 30 minutes or shorter.

The unused portion of a film reel in a magazine is clipped off and placed in a box for later use. Unlike a recan, a shotend is less than 400 feet long.

A section filmed in a single, uninterrupted take (TAKE). See also: SEQUENCE, SCENE.

A shot list is a list typically given to the film crew the day before shooting. It details all the shots the director wants to shoot that day.

A shot, a scene, and a sequence are concepts that make up a film’s dramatic narrative. Scenes are composed of shots, while sequences are composed of scenes. Films consist of all these sequences.

A directional microphone that picks up sound from a very narrow area (DIRECTIONAL MIKE). Its pickup pattern is much narrower than that of a standard directional microphone. If we consider a standard directional microphone to be a normal lens, then a shotgun microphone is a telephoto lens.

See: Cue Cards.

A showrunner is the individual who has primary creative control and oversight of a TV show. While they are not always the show’s creator, they are typically a writer.

Shrinkage in the dimensions of the film caused by moisture loss during long-term storage or laboratory processing. As a result, the image may become distorted, and the film is prone to tearing during projection.

A camera component that closes the aperture while the camera is moving on a dolly and opens it when the camera comes to a stop, thereby allowing the frame to be exposed.

Exposure time refers to how long a film frame remains exposed. A traditional exposure angle is 180 degrees; the film itself is exposed for 1/48 of a second at 24 frames per second.

The part of the camera that holds the grip and enables its movement in various directions.

A device used to mount a camera next to a car.

A short script containing the scenes to be shot specifically that day.

A company that has signed a collective bargaining agreement with a union or association.

SILENT ROLE

This term is often somewhat confusing because it does not simply refer to a camera that is inherently silent—and therefore cannot be used for synchronized sound—but rather refers to a noisy, non-silent camera used exclusively to shoot silent, M.O.S. scenes.

A positive print without a sound track (SOUND TRACK).

If sound is not to be used with the visuals, a film speed of 16–18 frames per second is sufficient.

Silhouette

İpek

A simile is a figure of speech that draws a comparison between two different things by using the words “like” or “as” to highlight their similarities.

See: Broad.

Single Cardboard

Single-Take Shot

16mm film with perforations along one edge. The film can will have a "1R" label indicating this.

A 35mm reel contains 1,000 feet of film (or usually slightly less).

Single System

Singulars

Skipping a frame is an optical printing effect used to cut or skip specific frames from the original scene.

Frame Skipping

Sky Filter

A clapperboard is a digital board held in front of the camera that identifies the cinematographer, director, take number, and title. It also has a number on it, and the clapperboard operator claps their hands after saying “mark.” This is used for sound synchronization.

Clapperboard

A film that, contrary to everyone’s expectations, achieved great box office success.

See Scratch Print.

The effect achieved in footage shot with a camera operating at a frame rate higher than 24 frames per second. The opposite is slow motion (ACCELERATED MOTION).

A burnt or damaged film strip temporarily inserted into the print to replace a torn, missing, or later-to-be-replaced shot. See FILL.

A realistic and quickly achieved fog or smoke effect created mechanically indoors or outdoors. It is safe and long-lasting.

Abbreviation for the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.

Screening a film in a theater before its official release to gauge audience reaction or generate buzz in the market. It is very common for changes to be made to the film based on audience reaction following this screening.

Pipe

Snow Effect

A “snub” is a term used to describe a situation during awards season where a notable film, crew, actor, or director is inexplicably excluded from nominations. People say that a film has been “snubbed” by the Academy.

A professional organization that sets technical standards in the film and television industry.

Soft

Blurry, Out of Focus

Soft Light, Soft Lamp

Soft Cut

Sound

It is essentially a blanket used to cover the camera. It is usually draped over the camera (and the camera operator) and serves as a makeshift sound dampener to reduce camera noise.

Sound Recording Camera

The sound crew consists of a sound mixer (PRODUCTION MIXER/SOUNDMAN/RECORDIST), a boom operator (BOOM OPERATOR), and a cable puller (CABLE PULLER).

Sound Effect

See "Filler."

A playback head for reading film stock is mounted on a bracket attached to a synchronizer. It is connected to the squawk box.

See "Filler."

Sound Speed

Sound Recording Studio

A thin magnetic layer applied to the edge of the film strip.

2) A record, tape, or compact disc containing a film’s soundtrack, released for sale. SOUP

A soundstage is a large, soundproof room used for film productions. Elaborate sets can be built there, giving filmmakers greater control over sound, lighting, and climate.

A soundtrack is the audio component of a film. Technically, it refers to the dialogue, sound effects, and musical score that accompany the film. However, in popular usage, it refers to the songs heard in the film that are sold as an album.

Abbreviation for "Special Effects."

A metal cylinder with a flat plate at one end and a hole in the center is used to space the spools on a winding reel at equal distances, similar to the “gangs” on a synchronizer. Although it is slightly shorter, you can use the cores as spacers in a pinch.

A film genre that was quite popular in the 1960s consisted of low-budget Westerns shot in Italy. Actor Clint Eastwood and director Sergio Leone gained fame through these films.

A spec script is a screenplay that a screenwriter submits to a studio without having been commissioned or requested, in the hope of landing a paid job. It is also submitted in the hope that the script itself might be purchased or optioned.

A member of the camera crew (CAMERA CREW) who specializes in specific camera conditions, such as underwater, steadicam, and aerial shots. Depending on the length and complexity of the project, they are typically hired on a daily rate.

Special Effects

Special Effects Department

A camera that can be mounted on systems such as PANAGLIDE and STEADICAM to achieve smooth, fluid movements during filming. It is used to shoot scenes that cannot be captured with a camera mounted on a tripod or a dolly.

1) The speed at which film passes through the camera, projector, or printer’s feed mechanism, measured in frames per second (FPS). The standard frame rate for 35 mm film is 24 frames per second. See FOOTAGE. 2) The light sensitivity of raw film, measured in ASA, DIN, or ISO values.

A loud warning given by the sound technician to the director when the sound recording device, once started, reaches the desired speed.

A connecting piece used to prevent the camera tripod from sliding on the ground.

A connector used to provide an electrical connection to multiple cables.

This is a term derived from theater. They are small strips of tape placed around the legs of furniture or tripods. They make it easier to return objects to their original positions after they have been moved.

Excessive and unwanted light that falls on a location or object on set where it should not be.

A spin-off is a derivative work of another film that features characters from a sequel or a previous film, but takes them in a different direction than a straightforward sequel would. *Alien vs. Predator* is a spin-off of both *Alien* and *Predator*.

Appendix

Adhesive

A special type of tape used to splice film—which cannot be substituted with Scotch tape—comes in perforated (for use with Rivas) and non-perforated (for use with Guillotine) varieties. Transparent splicing tape is used for images, while white splicing tape is used for sound.

Ara Net

Detachable Reel

Split Screen

Two different short films used during the silent era to create a single feature-length film. These were too short for separate screenings, so they were spliced together onto a single reel for presentation.

The process of filming two separate actions independently and then combining them side by side within a single frame. This makes the events appear to have occurred simultaneously. It is also known as a multiple shot.

Any information containing details of a film’s plot or ending, if known in advance, can spoil the viewing experience. Many critics note that they should include spoiler warnings in their writings to inform readers.

A 400-foot roll of film is used to wind onto four 100-foot daily reels, which are used with a camera that can only take 100-foot rolls of film. Spooling down can only be done in complete darkness. Winding 42 turns per daylight reel onto a spool divides a 400-foot reel quite evenly. It is also important to wind the film completely once and then transfer it to the reel; otherwise, the edge numbers will be on the wrong side and will not be printed on the workprint.

A type of meter used to obtain a short, telescopic reading of reflective light. It is a type of meter that allows you to obtain a very specific reflective reading.

Spot

A meeting held during post-production (POST PRODUCTION) where the director, composer, and editor decide which footage the film’s music will be synced to.

A component attached to the base of a tripod with three arms prevents the tripod legs from splaying outward.

A round, spring-loaded clamp attached to the end of a rewind reel that allows several reels to be rotated together.

The teeth on a sprocket that engage with the sprocket holes on the film. Sprocket holes are sometimes also referred to as sprocket holes.

Perforation, Perforation Hole. See Perforations.

Same as "Perf."

Gears that drive the film strip through the camera, projector, or printer.

In the past, heat-resistant layers of glass wool were used to soften the light. Today, plastic sheets are used for this purpose.

A small, amplified speaker used on an editing console that receives audio from the Sound Reader.

The industry term used for an anamorphic lens.

A device triggered by electricity to simulate the effect of a bullet hitting a target. The ends of two wires are connected to a chemical substance. When electricity is applied, a short circuit occurs at the wire ends, causing a small explosion. If this device is to be used on an actor, a protective layer is placed between the actor’s body and the detonator so that the explosion is directed outward. A small bag filled with blood is placed next to the detonator to make the “hit” look realistic.

2) An indoor or outdoor location where sets are built and filming takes place.

A person who acts as a stand-in for a star while a scene is being set up and the lighting is being arranged.

The preferred style for typing the screenplay. If it is written in a different style, the production manager (PRODUCTION MANAGER) may have difficulty calculating the shooting time for the scenes.

Film with a width of 35 millimeters.

A set that is continuously maintained, whether indoors or outdoors.

The famous actor in the lead role. Often, simply having a star accept a role is enough to resolve a project’s financial issues.

Start, Start Signal

This refers to an actor’s first day of work. Since certain rules are applied based on this day, it is important to determine the first day of work correctly.

Static Traces

Any shot in which the camera remains completely stationary. This is typically achieved by using a tripod to ensure zero movement.

Stedikam

A brand of editing suites.

A screenplay development method in which the decision to proceed to the next stage is made based on the outcome of each stage: synopsis, treatment, first draft, etc.

See Synopsis.

An optical printing method in which each frame is printed individually while being held in place with registration pins to absolutely prevent any shifting. This method is used specifically for printing shots intended for rear-projection and traveling matte.

A sound system used in many widescreen films since the 1950s. Today, many standard-format films (standard films) are also released with stereo soundtracks. It adds a sense of realism and movement to the sound. It is particularly important for music and sound effects.

A technique that creates a three-dimensional effect on the screen when viewed through special glasses. These films are also shot using special cameras.

1) Tripod or tripod legs. 2) Clapperboard.

1) An image captured by a camera. 2) An 18×24-inch photograph of an actor or a scene from a film used for promotional purposes.

A person responsible for taking photographs on set to ensure continuity or for use in advertisements.

A colloquial term used by electricians to refer to an extension cord. It is not a very common term in general.

Unexposured and unprocessed film.

Footage of a wide variety of subjects that has been previously shot and archived for use in a new production. It is used in situations where reshooting is expensive, difficult, or impossible.

See also: APERTURE, F-STOP, T-STOP.

Reducing the aperture of the lens by closing the diaphragm to decrease the amount of light passing through the lens and achieve depth of field (DOF).

See also: FREEZE FRAME, HOLD FRAME.

An animation technique in which the object being filmed is moved after every one or two frames of exposure. It is frequently used in commercials that depict inanimate objects moving.

A story department staff member who reads and reviews literary works (screenplays, treatments, novels, short stories, etc.)—which may include film concepts—submitted to a studio’s or company’s story department each week. See READER.

A member of the story department who serves as a consultant to a studio’s story researchers. This person reviews the researchers’ reports and forwards them to the studio head with a recommendation on whether or not to acquire the work for development.

A draft consisting of drawings or photographs that show how certain sequences or the entire film will look when shot.

Cut

A grease pencil mark on a workprint indicating a fade or resolution, because when projected, it resembles a streamer hanging from the screen.

A scratch on the print caused by friction or compression on the negative. See ABRASIONS.

The magnetic layer applied to the edge of the film strip when creating a magnetic sound track. The final sound track is transferred to this magnetic layer.

Strobe

Studio (Organization, Company)

Gag Editor

Stunt Performer

See: POINT OF was known for never starting a shoot without first creating storyboards for all its shots. Storyboards are widely used in commercial films. The advertising agency shows them to the client to get approval, then gives them to the production company to carry out the shoot.

Generally, a secondary or supporting story that complements the main story. While the main story is known as the “A story,” the subplot is referred to as the “B story.”

The deeper meanings behind a character’s actions or spoken lines. Subtext helps viewers understand a film’s true meaning by encouraging them to read between the lines.

Lines of text that appear below the frame. Subtitles can be used to translate a statement into a foreign language or to identify a place and time.

A format that uses single-perforation 16mm film to provide a wider image; it typically uses a wider image than standard 16mm and occupies the space normally reserved for the soundtrack. Super 16mm is generally designed specifically for blowing up to 35mm and is usually not well-suited for any other purpose.

A stylish term used by Zeiss to describe a fast prime lens, typically with a T-stop of 1.3.

An optical printing process that directly superimposes one image onto another on the same strip of film. For example, in the film *Vertigo*, Scottie’s face is superimposed onto a drawing.

An art movement that primarily focuses on images and narratives arising from the subconscious. These works typically present a fantastical, distorted, or nightmarish dream-like state. David Lynch is known for his surreal films.

A camera rotation moving rapidly along the X-axis deliberately creates a dizzying effect. It can be performed on a dolly, gimbal, or tripod. It is also known as a whip pan.

The art of imbuing objects/things with meaning—the art of making them represent more than the sum of their parts.

A situation in which the two halves of an image (or a story) clearly mirror each other. Directors such as Stanley Kubrick and Wes Anderson make extensive use of symmetrical frames in their work.

"In-sync" refers to a state where sound and image are perfectly aligned, while "out-of-sync" refers to a state where they are not perfectly aligned. This applies not only to a specific relationship between sound and image—not just to sound in general or to sync sound—but also to any type of special effect.

1) The point at the beginning of a take where the clapsticks come together and the sound is synchronized with the track. 2) An “X” mark used on the first frame at the beginning of a film reel, synchronized with a roll of film (it can also be used wherever needed). Sync marks are also used when starting A&B rolls.

Sync audio is the sound recorded during the filming of a scene. It typically includes footage featuring people speaking and is therefore sometimes referred to as lip sync. It must be recorded using crystal or cable sync so that it can be aligned and does not become out of sync.

A very useful tool in the editing room is a synchronizer, a device consisting of a central shaft and several gear wheels attached to it. The wheels are called “gangs.” The film is clamped to the gangs so that it can be measured using a meter counter in front of the synchronizer. One revolution of the synchronizer is equivalent to one foot of film. For the assembly of A&B reels by the negative cutter, several elements—such as film and sound of the same length—can be easily run together and synchronized.

The process of aligning audio and video before editing. This also involves cutting out excess audio between takes and adding fillers, so that the image and sound are in sync from start to finish.