A

A/B Printing:

Printing from original film stock which has been conformed into two rolls with alternating shots and black opaque leader. This methodology will eliminate any potential splice marks from showing up on prints and permits the incorporation of optical effects and titles.

A/B Rolls:

Two or more rolls of film having alternate scenes intercut with opaque leaders in such a way that the 'A' roll presents its picture at the same time that the 'B' roll presents opaque leader, and vice versa. (Film Editing)

Above the Line:

Refers to the creative elements of a production such as the writer, producer, director and actors. Literally, these are the elements which appeared above a bold line which divided standard production budget sheets. (Production)

AC:

Alternating Current. An electric current with periodically changing polarity (i.e. 60 times a second for 60Hz power). (Electricity)

Accent Light:

A light unit that emphasizes one subject. This might be a key light, a kicker, or a backlight. (Lighting)

Acetate Base:

The transparent cellulose acetate plastic film which for years served as the backing for magnetic recording tape. (Sound Recording)

Acetone:

An organic liquid chemical used in the manufacture of some types of film cement. Also used to clean film splicing equipment. (Film Editing)

Acoustics:

The science of the transmission of sound waves. Generally refers to the characteristics of auditoriums, theatres and studios with respect to their design.

Action Cutting:

The cutting of film from one shot to another in a way yielding the impression that action is continuous and uninterrupted. (Film Editing)

ADC:

Analog-to-Digital Converter. An electronic device used at the input of digital audio equipment to convert analog electrical signals to digital values whose numbers represent the level and frequency information contained in the original analog signal. (Sound)

ADR:

Automatic Dialog Replacement. Also known as "looping." A process of re-recording dialog in the studio in synchronization with the picture.

Address Track:

A control/timing track on the edge of videotape which contains control data for quick and accurate location of program material.

Aerial Shot:

An extremely high angle view of a subject usually taken from a crane or a high stationary camera position, but may also refer to a shot taken from an actual airplane or helicopter. (Production).

Aliasing:

An undesirable distortion component that can arise in any digitally encoded information (sound or picture).

Ambient Light:

General, non-directional, room light. (Lighting)

Ambient noise:

The total sound in a given are which is peculiar to that space (room tone). (Post Production)

Amplitude:

The strength of an electronic signal as measure by its waveform height. (Sound)

Amplitude Distortion:

The nonlinear relation of input and output induced harmonics which is a function of voltage fluctuations or power consumption. (Acoustics)

Analog:

An electrical signal that continuously varies in strength as related to some form of input.

Analog Recording:

A means of recording audio or video whereby the recorded signal is a physical representation of the waveform of the original signal.

Anamorphic:

An optical system having different magnifications in the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the image.

Angle of View:

This is the size of the field covered by a lens, measured in degrees. However, because of the aperture masks in film, the angle of view for a given lens is generally described in terms of the height and width of a lens. (Cinematography).

Answer Print:

The first print combining picture and sound which is submitted by the laboratory for the customer's approval. (Laboratory)

Anti-Aliasing:

Filtering of erroneous frequencies that are created during the analog to digital conversion process. (Sound/Picture)

Aperture:

A variable opening inside a lens that regulates the amount of light reaching the image plane. Also known as an iris. (Camera/Lighting)

Apple Box:

A box build of a strong wood or plywood which is capable of supporting weight. These may be of various sizes, the smallest of which is also known as a 'pancake' because it is nearly flat. (Lighting/Grip)

Arc:

A lighting unit that generates illumination from an electrical arc between two carbon electrodes. (Lighting)

Aspect Ratio:

The proportion of picture width to height (1.33:1, 1.66:1, 1.85:1 or 2.35:1).

Asperity Noise:

(Hiss) Noise that is caused by minute imperfections in the surface of a recording medium (tape). (Sound)

ASA:

The exposure index or speed rating of a film which denotes the film's sensitivity.

Assemble:

The work of organizing and joining the shots of a film in the sequence in which they will appear in the finished print. (Film Editing)

Associate Producer:

This is normally the person who acts as the liaison between a production company and the various personnel involved in the post production process.

Associational Editing:

The juxtaposition of shots in order to present contrast, comparisons or ideas. (Film Editing)

Asynchronous Sound:

Sound which is indigenous to the action but not precisely synchronized with the action.

Atmosphere:

Extras who are staged and photographed to portray normal human traffic needed to add detail in various script situations. (Production)

Attenuate:

To reduce a signal's strength.

Audible Spectrum:

When wave motion in the atmosphere has a frequency that lies between 20 and 15,000 Hz it produces a sound which is apparent to the average human. (Acoustics)

Automatic Slating:

A camera attachment which records the film shot and take numbers and a visible sync mark which corresponds to a tone fed to an audio recorder.

A-Wind:

An indication of the emulsion position on a roll of film. An 'A' wind is a roll with the emulsion facing the center of the roll. (Film Editing)

Academy Aperture

In 35mm this is the full frame exposed by the camera, with an aspect ratio of 1.33. When the film is projected there is a mask in the projector’s gate to change the aspect ratio to 1.85 or 1.66, cropping the top and bottom of the image. Older films were not shot to be masked and should be projected without a mask. The Academy Aperture is sometimes called the Full Academy Aperture.

 

Action axis

An imaginary line drawn between two subjects or along a line of motion to maintain continuity of screen direction. Crossing it from one shot to the next creates an error in continuity. It is also referred to as the "180-degree rule."

 

Action safe area

Approximately 90% of a the video frame, where action will be visible on a standard display.

 

A.D.R. - Automated Dialogue Recording. This is just Dubbing, done in addition to or as a substitution for Location Sound. The term A.D.R., being something of a mysterious acronym, has a certain appeal, as it obscures the fact that dubbing was involved when it appears in the credits of your film. This might have something to do with the current prevalence of the term.

 

Alpha channel - Information attached to each pixel that represents how that pixel is to be blended with background.

 

Analog Media - The term used to refer to the media found on traditional videotape recordings.

 

Anamorphic - A method of creating a wide screen image with standard film, using a special lens on the camera and projector that compresses the width of the image that is exposed on the film and then expands it when projected.

 

Animation - Any change of a parameter over time. Generally refers to a change in position of the video frame, moving the video over a background while it plays.

 

Anti-Aliasing - The process of smoothing the edges of graphics and text to prevent flicker and jagged edges.

 

Answer Print - This is the first corrected print made from the A&B Rolls, printed with the optical track. It is sometimes called a married print because it is the first time that picture and sound are wed together on the same piece of print stock. If you are not overly optimistic about the results of the timing, you can call this the First Answer Print. When there are further corrections in timing the next print is known as the Second Answer Print, followed by a Third Answer Print and so on.

 

Aperture - This is the same as the Iris.

 

Aspect Ratio - Proportional height and width of a video image. The NTSC standard for is 4:3 for convential monitors such as home television sets, and 16:9 for HDTV. In 16mm and 35mm the camera photographs a slightly square image, with an aspect ratio of 1.33 to 1. Aspect Ratios are usually shorted to leave out the “- to 1,” taking for granted that it will always be in relation to 1, an so “1.33 to 1” can just be called “1.33” In 35mm 1.33 is known as the Academy Aperture. In 35mm the image is usually shot with the Academy Aperture and then masked in the projector to produce a wider image: 1.85 in the U.S. and 1.66 in Europe.

 

Assemble Edit

A method for editing onto a videotape in which a series of clips are placed one after the other to create, or assemble, a program. An assemble edit performs a correctly timed recording on to the end of the last recorded material - it is a full record, that is all tracks, control track, time code. Video and Audio. If you are using a virgin tape ( not blacked ) you will need to assemble edit. An Insert edit can record individual tracks, but can only be performed onto a previously recorded tape ( or blacked ) as then all the timing control signals are already on tape.

 

Audio Dub

Recording audio over an existing video program without affecting the video images.

 

AVC

Advanced Video Coding (AVC) is a digital video codec (compression / decompression) standard, which can achieve very high data compression rates.

 

AVCHD

Audio / video compression for High Definition, is a HD video Recording format

 

AVI

Audio-Video Interleave, which is a video format for Windows.

 

Animated Graphics

Logos, name keys or other graphics created with movement in either 2D or 3D using specialized software. Graphics can often add a great deal of production value to an otherwise stagnant video.

Aspect Ratio

The width to height ratio of the video image. The two choices are 4:3 and 16:9 (also referred to as 'Widescreen' or 'Anamorphic'

action safe area Approximately 90% of a the video frame, where action will be visible on a standard display.

alpha channel Information attached to each pixel that represents how that pixel is to be blended with background.

analog media The term used to refer to the media found on traditional videotape recordings.

animation Any change of a parameter over time. Generally refers to a change in position of the video frame, moving the video over a background while it plays.

anti-aliasing The process of smoothing the edges of graphics and text to prevent flicker and jagged edges.

aspect ratio Proportional height and width of a video image. The NTSC standard for is 4:3 for convential monitors such as home television sets, and 16:9 for HDTV.

assemble edit A method for building a videotape in which a series of clips are placed one after the other to create, or assemble, a program.

audio dub Recording audio over an existing video program without affecting the video images.

AVI Audio-Video Interleave, which is a video format for Windows.

Active Video Lines

All video lines not occurring in the horizontal and vertical blacking intervals.

 

AFC

Abbreviation for automatic frequency control, a circuit built into some

VCRs and TVs to automatically lock onto an incoming channel.

 

 

AFM

Audio frequency modulation is the type of audio recording used on

Beta HiFi and VHS HiFi VCRs. The audio is laid on the tape by audio

heads located on the video head assembly.

 

AGC

Abbreviation for automatic gain control. On a TV or VCR, AGC is a

circuit that automatically adjusts the incoming signal to the proper

levels for display or recording. On a video camera, AGC is a circuit

that automatically adjusts the sensitivity of the pickup tube to render

the most pleasing image.

 

Alarm Activated VCR

After pressing 'record'', a normal VCR takes about 20 seconds before

it starts recording usable pictures. With and alarm activated recorder

it can be set so that the tape is ready to start recording in about one

second. The signal to begin recording can be from an alarm or any

other input.

 

Aperture

The light gathering area of a lens, controlled by the iris.

 

Aspect Ratio

The ratio of the vertical to the horizontal image size. This is usually 3:4.

 

Attenuation

This refers to signal loss in a transmission system

 

Audio S/N Ratio

Signal-To-Noise Ratio is the ratio of pure audio signal versus noise.

 

Automatic Iris

A lens that adjusts automatically to allow the right amount of light to

fall on the imaging device. There is a tiny motor and amplifier built in

which receives a control signal from the camera to maintain a

constant one volt peak to peak

(1.0 Vp-p) video level.

 

 

B

Baby:

Usually a reference to a 1K light unit. It is also used to describe any light unit which is smaller than a standard size unit of comparable intensity (i.e. baby 1K, baby 2K, baby 5K, etc.). For grips, it refers to anything with a 5/8 inch stud (i.e. baby plate). (Grip/Lighting)

Baby Legs:

A short tripod. (Camera)

Baby Plate:

A steel plate with a baby pin (5/8 inch pin) welded on to it. These plates are used for mounting lights or grip heads on a wall, box, or other surface. (Grip/Lighting)

Background:

This is a term with a broad range of meanings, depending upon the context. In production, it has the same connotation as 'atmosphere', meaning extras who are staged to supply detail in the form of normal human traffic in a scene. In sound, it can mean the same as 'ambience' or it may refer to relative volume.

Backing Track:

Prerecorded accompaniment for a singer or voiceover actor who then listens through headphones to a replay as he/she performs. Generally, the two signals are ultimately mixed to produce the final recording. (Post Production)

Backlight:

A light which is generally mounted behind a subject to light the subject's hair and shoulders without illuminating a subject's front. (Lighting)

Balanced:

An audio circuit with 3 wires, two which carry signal, and a third which is contected to a ground (grounded). (Sound)

Balance Stripe:

On magnetic-striped film, a narrow band of magnetic coating applied to the edge opposite the magnetic sound track which serves to make the film lie flat when it goes over magnetic sound heads.

Bar Sheets - Lead Sheets:

A chart showing words of dialogue which have been recorded, and the number of motion picture frames of duration for each syllable.

Barndoors:

Folding doors which are mounted on to the front of a light unit in order to control illumination. (Lighting)

Base-to-Base Splice:

A splice made with the base side of the end of one piece of film overlapping the base side of the piece to which it is being attached. (Film Editing)

Bazooka:

Similar to a 2K stand, but without support legs. It has a junior hole at one end and a junior stud at the other, and it usually has a sliding riser. (Grip/Lighting)

Beat:

A periodic variation of amplitude resulting from the addition of two slightly different frequencies. (Sound)

Beaver Board:

A 2K pigeon on an apple box. (Lighting/Grip)

Bed:

Background music used underneath a narrator or foreground dialog. Primarily applied to commercial radio or television spots.

Beef:

The output of a light. (Lighting)

Beefy Baby:

A heavy duty 2K stand without wheels. (Lighting/Grip)

Beep:

A short duration sound track tone aligned to a point on the film for precise reference in synchronization in the editing and printing processes.

Below the Line:

Refers to the technical elements of the production staff. Literally, these are the budget elements that appeared below a bold line on a standard production budget form. (Production)

Best Boy:

The assistant chief lighting technician or the assistant to the key grip. (Grip/Lighting)

Bin:

A reference to a storage container lined with a cloth bag, into which cut film or sound stock may be arranged and hung. In digital audio and video terms, this can be related to a film and/or directory from which stored shots or sound segments are selected for use.

Bit:

A minor acting role in which an actor may only speak a few lines.

Black Leader:

Opaque film leader used in conforming original film for A and B roll printing. (Film Editing)

Black Wrap:

Black Aluminum foil which is used for wrapping lights, to control light spill, and for making small flags. (Grip/Lighting)

Blip Tone:

A sync pop. This is usually done by placing a piece of 'toned' tape on a particular frame of film to establish a 'synch' point. (Film Editing)

Blocking:

Plotting actor, camera and microphone placement and movement in a production or scene. (Production)

Blonde:

An open face 2K lighting unit, also known as a 'mighty'. (Lighting)

Bloop:

The sound produced in an energized amplifier and speaker system when a film splice passes the photo cell to which the amplifier is connected.

Blooping:

Any method of silencing unwanted noise produced by the passage of a splice through a sound reproducer. Traditionally, a small opaque tape is fixed over a splice. (Post Production)

Blooping Tape:

Tape used to cover unwanted portions of sound tracks.

Blow-Up:

A film enlargement from a smaller gauge of film to a larger gauge (i.e. 16mm to 35mm).

Bobbinet:

Black mesh cloth which is used for grip scrims. It also is available in rolls for darkening windows. (Grip/Lighting)

Boom:

A telescoping arm for a camera or microphone which might be available in a variety of sizes from the very small handheld types to the very large, which might be transported as an integral part of a motor vehicle.

Bottom Chop:

A flag or cutter which is used to keep light off of the floor or the lower part of a scene. (Grip/Lighting)

Box Rental:

A fee or allowance paid to a crewmember for providing his/her own equipment or other specialized apparatus for use in a production. (

Branch Holder:

A pipe-like unit with a locking nut which is used to hold branches, wooden poles, or other items. (Grip/Lighting)

Breakdown:

The separation of a roll of camera original negative into its individual takes or scenes. Also a very common term which refers to a preproduction function where discrete elements of a script are isolated and noted.

Breast Line:

A guide line attached to anything being hauled up on a crane or by a pulley. (Grip/Lighting)

Broad:

A rectangular open-faced light which is used for general fill or for cyc illumination. (Lighting)

Brute:

A brute arc light, usually 225 amps DC powered.

Bulk Eraser:

A device which magnetically aligns all of the iron oxide molecules on a magnetic tape or film, thus eliminating any 'sound' on them.

Burn-in Time Code:

A videotape in which a "window" displaying the time code count on the tape is superimposed over part of lhe picture.

Bus:

A mixing network that combines the output of two or more channels. (Electronics)

Butt Splice:

A film splice in which the film ends come together without overlapping. (Film Editing)

Butt-Weld Splice:

A film splice made by joining the two pieces of film, without an overlapping portion, usually by applying both heat and pressure. (Film Editing)

Butterfly (Butterfly Kit):

Assorted nets, silks, solids, and grifflons which are used for light control; usually 5' x 5', or 6' x 6' frame size. Commonly a 12' x 12' or 20' x 20' is called a butterfly kit, however, it they should be called an overhead kit. (Grip)

Butthead:

A producer who thinks he knows more about a film technicians job than the tech himself knows. (Film) Someone who changes lanes without looking. (General)

B-Wind:

An indication of the emulsion position on a roll of film. A 'B' Wind indicates that the emulsion is facing out, or away, from the center or core of the film roll. (Film Editing)

 

Back-Timing - Using a 3-point edit to mark two out points and one in point, allowing the computer to match up the two out points and calculate the remaining in point. For example, marking an in and out point on a source clip and an out point in a program and allowing the editing software to calculate the in point in the program.

 

Barn Door Wipe - A transition that opens or closes the first frame of an incoming clip over the outgoing clip as if it were two sliding doors.

 

Bin - A location or folder for storing and organizing clips in the Project window - Film clips were originally hung in bins.

 

Blacked - A Blacked (or Coded) tape has a video signal, usually black, recorded onto the tape for the full length of the tape. This Records Time code and control track to the tape and allows the user to INSERT edit Video / Audio onto the tape. (when insert editing, control track and time code track are not effected as part of the edit) - Also see Assemble edit

 

 

Blu-Ray DVD - Blu-ray is a high definition DVD format. Blu-Ray DVD has capacities averaging 25GB and 50GB, and bigger discs on the way.

 

Bolex - One of the more widely used 16mm non-sync cameras, it is made in Switzerland by the Paillard Company. There are many varieties, non-reflex, reflex, springwound and electric motor driven. But when someone says “Bolex,” typically they mean a reflex, springwound model, such as the Rex-4.

 

Bounce Card - A white or silver card used for soft indirect lighting of the subject by bouncing light off the card. Can also be used to provide a gentle brightening of shadow areas. Especially out-of-doors as it does not require power.

 

Basecamp

Web-based software we use to centralize communication and publish project updates in a secure online workroom. Each of your productions will have its own Basecamp project and it's completely free for you to use.

Boom Operator

Also referred to as a sound mixer, the audio specialist on our crew who may operate a 'boom mic' when required.

back-timing Using a 3-point edit to mark two out points and one in point, allowing the computer to match up the two out points and calculate the remaining in point. For example, marking an in and out point on a source clip and an out point in a program and allowing the editing software to calculate the in point in the program.

band wipe Transition that produces the effect of displaying an incoming clip as alternating bands that eventually cover the outgoing clip.

barn door wipe A transition that opens or closes the first frame of an incoming clip over the outgoing clip as if it were two sliding doors.

bin A location for storing and organizing clips in the Project window.

Back Focus

 

A mechanical adjustment in a camera that moves the imaging device

relative to the lens to compensate for different focal lengths of lenses.

This is important when a zoom lens is fitted.

Balanced Signal

 

A video signal is converted to a balanced signal to enable it to be transmitted along a 'twisted pair' cable. Used in situations where the cabling distance is too great.

 

Bandwidth

 

The range of signal frequencies that a piece of audio or video equipment

can encode or decode; the difference between the limiting frequencies

of a continuous frequency band. Video uses higher frequency that

audio, thus requires a wider bandwidth.

 

BetaCam & BetaCam SP

 

BetaCam was first introduced in 1982. It is currently geared for broadcast use, although there have been some less expensive models destined more for industrial use. Pictures you will get using a BetaCam system (or other component format) will generally be markedly superior to those you would get using any of the preceding formats. Colors in particular come out looking much more vibrant and objects appear three-dimensional. The superiority of BetaCam shots comes partly from the technical aspects of the tape format but also in large part because of the use of superior optics and other camcorder and VTR components (and generally better operators!).

The difference between BetaCam and BetaCam SP, introduced in 1986, is in the tape. Betacam SP uses a metal tape and is an improvement over BetaCam.

BetaCam cassettes are large. Ninety minute cassettes measures 5.5 by 10 inches (14 by 25 cm). Typically BetaCam field units (camcorders or dockable decks) handle only smaller cassettes with shorter lengths of tape (30 minutes and less). These smaller cassettes are 4 by 6 inches (10 by 16 cm) in size.

 

Betamax

 

Betamax tapes were a format originally introduced by Sony in the 80's. It was thought to be a better format at the time. However, the Beta vs VHS wars took place and VHS was the victor. There are still a few Beta fans out there though and you can still get a Betamax machine if you look around.

Blooming

 

Picture distortion caused by a high video level. Blooming results when the

image sensor of the video camera picks up a very bright subject or an area

with high illumination.

Burst

 

A component of a television signal that carries color information.

 

Brightness

 

In color video, the characteristics that makes pictures appear to be most

intense, created by luminosity; also the quality of being filled with light.

 

C

C-47:

Ordinary wooden clothespins which are used to secure gels to barndoors. They are also known as a #1 wood clamp. (Grip/Lighting)

C Stand:

A general purpose grip stand. (Grip/Lighting)

California Scrim Set:

A scrim set with two doubles. (Lighting/Grip)

Call Sheet:

A form which refers to all of the scenes to be filmed and all of the personnel and equipment required for shooting on a particular day. (Production)

Camera Angle:

The view point chosen from which to photograph a subject. (Cinematography)

Camera Blocking:

The process of notating the changing position of the camera, lens size, and focus during a particular scene. (Production)

Camera Log:

A record sheet giving details of the scenes or shots photographed on a particular roll of negative.

Camera Wedges:

Small wooden wedges, usually 4 inches long by 1/2 wide at the thickest end. (Camera)

Cam-Lok:

A feeder cable connector which is similar to a Tweco, but with a more positive locking mechanism which is easier to disconnect. (Grip/Lighting)

Candela:

A unit of light intensity, a standard candle. (Lighting)

Canted Frame:

Often described as a 'Dutch Angle' or 'Dutching'. This is a device or process whereby the camera is angled so that the horizontal frame line is not parallel to the horizon. (Production)

Capacitance:

An electrical component's ability to store electrical charges. (Post Production)

CC Filters:

Color compensating filters made in precise density values of the primary and secondary colors. (Cinematography)

Clipping:

The phenomenon where an input signal exceeds the capability of electronic or digital equipment to reproduce the signal. This results in an audible distortion (analog) or an incomprehensible noise (digital). (Sound)

CD (Compact Disc):

A digitally encoded disc capable of containing more than one hour of music at a sampling frequency of 44.1 khz. The data is read by a laser beam. (Sound)

Celo:

A type of cookie which is made from wire mesh coated with plastic. (Grip/Lighting)

Center Track:

A standard position for the placement of the audio signal on magnetic film. The placement is in a narrow band centered between the two edges of the film. (Sound)

Century Stand (C-Stand):

A multipurpose grip stand. (Grip/Lighting)

Chain Vise Grip:

A vise grip with a chain that is used for its clamping capability. (Grip)

Changeover Cue:

A mark at the end of a release print reel to indicate the moment at which to switch over to the next reel on the second projector. (Film)

Checkerboard Cutting:

A technique of splicing A/B rolls in order to eliminate the image of the film splice from the duplicates or to allow for rapid readjustments of optical printer settings from shot to shot. (Film Editing)

Cinch Marks:

These are marks which may result if the center of a roll of film is rigidly held while the outside end is moved. (Film Editing)

Cinemascope:

A trade name for a system of anamorphic widescreen projection.(Cinematography)

Cinex Strip:

A short test print in which each frame has been printed at a different exposure level. (Film/Laboratory)

Click Track:

A prerecorded track of electronic metronomic clicks used to ensure proper timing of music to be recorded. Essential in music scoring sessions. (Music)

Coded Edge Numbers:

A system of marking films with a series of sequential numbers for the purpose of maintaining an established synchronous relationship. (Film Editing)

Combo Box:

A six pocket stage box that can be converted from three-phase four-wire to single phase three-wire operation. (Lighting)

Combo Stand:

A heavy duty 2K stand without wheels. It is called a combo because it can be used for both reflectors and lights. (Grip/Lighting)

Compander:

Refers to a device that compresses an input signal and expands the output signal in order to reduce noise. (Sound)

Completion Bond:

An insurance guarantee that principal photography on a given film will be completed. It indemnifies a production against the unforeseen costs of any type, whether or not they result from problems which are covered by other types of insurance.

Composite Print:

A motion picture print with both picture and sound on the same strip of film. (Laboratory)

Compression:

The reduction of a span of amplitudes done for the purpose of limiting the reproduction of those amplitudes. (Post Production)

Condenser Microphone:

The simplest type of microphone in which the capacitance (electrical charge) is varied by sound, causing movement in one plate (diaphragm) in relation to a fixed backplate. (Sound)

Contingency:

A designated amount of a budget which is added in anticipation of potential cost overruns.

Continuous Printing:

A method of printing in which both the original and the raw stock move continuously past the point of exposure. (Laboratory)

Control Track:

A recorded track used to adjust or manipulate a recording or playback device. Generally, these are used to maintain consistent playback speed of video and/or sound recorders consistent with the recorded speed. (Post Production)

Cookie:

A perforated material which is used to break up light or create a shadow pattern. Also known as a cucoloris. (Grip/Lighting)

Core:

A plastic cylinder on which film is wound for transport or storage.

Coupler:

A chemical incorporated into the emulsion of color film stocks which produces a dye image associated with the developed silver image.

Counter:

A device for measuring lengths of film by counting the number of frames.

Coverage:

An indeterminate number of more detailed shots which are intended to be intercut with a master shot or scene. (Production)

Cover Set:

A location which is kept in reserve to serve as an alternate shooting site in case the chosen shooting site is unusable. It is most commonly used in the context of shooting planned for an out of doors location. (Production)

CP Filters:

Color printing filters made in precise density values for the colors; yellow, cyan, and magenta. (Cinematography)

CRI:

Color Reversal Intermediate. This is a duplicate color negative which is made by the reversal process. (Laboratory)

Cribbing:

Short pieces of lumber which are used for various grip purposes. (Grip/Lighting)

Crossfade:

The gradual mix of sound sources accomplished by the simultaneous manipulation of two or more mix console faders. (Post Production)

Crossmodulation Tests:

Tests which are used to determine the correct negative and print densities for a variable area optical sound track. (Sound)

Crossover:

The frequency at which a signal is split in order to feed separate parts of a loudspeaker system. (Sound)

Crosstalk:

In stereo, this is the breakthrough between channels measured as separation (in decibels) between the wanted sounds of the desired channel and the unwanted sounds from the second channel. (Sound)

Cucoloris:

A perforate material used to break up light or create a shadow pattern. Also known as a cookie. (Grip/Lighting)

Cueing:

A term with a broad range of meanings depending on the particular context. For Voice-Over Narration or Dialogue Replacement: The marking of the cue point in a way which will permit a signal to be given to the 'talent' to begin each element of work at the appropriate time. In General: Any system used by a second person to signal 'talent' that recording should begin.

Cue Patch:

A piece of self adhesive magnetic or metallic material placed on the edge of film as a means of actuating a printer light change or an automatic stop on a projector. (Film Editing)

Cup Blocks:

Wooden blocks with a dish or indentation in the center which are used to keep the wheels of light stands from moving. (Grip/Lighting)

Cutaway:

A single shot inserted into a sequence of shots that momentarily interrupts the flow of action, usually introducing a pertinent detail. (Production/Editing)

Cutting:

The selection and assembly of the various shots or sequences for a reel of film.

Cyan:

A blue-green color which is the complementary color to red.

Cyc Lights:

Row lights for evenly illuminating a cyclorama or other background. (Lighting)

Cyclorama:

Permanent background built in a studio which is nearly always coved or curved at the floor line to create a shadowless, unending backdrop. (Grip/Lighting)

Camera Assistant

On larger productions such as multi-camera shoots or those involving a jib arm or dolly, a camera assistant may be required to provide support for our crew. Also referred to as a production assistant.

 

Camera Operator

A professional trained in videography using a variety of types of cameras and equipment.

Our operators have a wide range of experience including Film and Broadcast Television Production.

Capturing

The beginning of the post-production process where footage is digitized or transferred from a tape or other source to a computer in preparation for editing.

Casting

The process of auditioning and hiring actors for videos which require professional talent, such as a dramatic recreation or an infommercial with on-camera host.

Commercial

A type of promotional video which is typically either 30 or 60 seconds in length and intended for television broadcast or for the web.

Compression

The process of encoding a digital video into a smaller filesize while preserving as much of the quality as possible, such as encoding for the web or dvd authoring.

Corporate Video

Any video produced for business communications such as a promotional video, training video, or event video. Most of our work would be considered to be corporate video production

C-Mount - A screw mount type of lens, commonly used on smaller 16mm cameras, like the Bolex.

 

Camera Tape - Cloth tape specifically for use on film shoots, much like gaffer’s tape. Camera tape is typically 1 inch wide and white so that it can be used together with a sharpie for labeling magazines with the emulsion type and camera roll number. It is valid to use the terms gaffer’s tape and camera tape interchangeably (they are both really the same type of tape) depending on how the tape is being used. It is designed not to leave a sticky residue behind on the camera.

 

Changing Bag - A double chambered black bag with a zipper on one end and two elasticized arm holes on the other side, used for loading film into magazines.

 

Character Generator (CG) - The equipment used in a linear editing suite to create titles or other text on video.

 

CGI - Computer Generated Imagery. 3D computer graphics and special effects.

 

Chrominance - Portion of video signal that carries hue and saturation color information. Luminance carries the brightness information.

 

Chroma Key Filter - ( or CSO - Chroma Separation Overlay ) - A filter that allows for a selected color in a clip to be made transparent. It is generally used to superimpose one clip on another.

 

Clip - A set of contiguous frames beginning at a designated In point and ending at a designated Out point.

 

Closeup (CU) - A tightly framed camera shot in which the principal subject is viewed at close range, appearing large and dominant on screen. Pulled back slightly is a "medium closeup" while zoomed in very close is an "extreme closeup (ECU or XCU).

 

Codec - term used to describe the software process used to Code and Decode a video signal or Compress and Decompress it

 

Coded - A coded (or Blacked) tape has a video signal, usually black, recorded onto the tape for the full length of the tape. This allows the user to insert edit into the tape. (when inserting control track and time code are not effected)

 

 

Component - Video signal that keeps the three component signals separate (red, green and blue).

 

Composite - Video signal the combines luminance and chrominance in a single signal. Less expensive than component video, but lower picture quality.

 

Composition - Visual make-up of a video picture, including such variables as balance, framing, field of view and texture all aesthetic considerations. Combined qualities form an image that's pleasing to view.

 

Compression - The digital representation of media in an efficient storage format. For video, motion-JPEG is often used. Compression may be lossy in that the original picture cannot be reconstructed exactly.

 

Consolidate - AVID uses this term when you 'consolidate' media to a new drive or destination, that is to copy all relevant media to the new drive / destination

 

Color Adjust Filter - A the editing software filter that produces a change in the color aspects of a clip by allowing adjustment of individual channels.

 

Color Palette - Software's tool for choosing a desired color for use with many of the filters and transitions. A color might be chosen to be replaced, to be keyed out, to be changed, etc.

 

Color Replace Filter - A filter that produces a change in the color of objects or areas within a clip based on their hue values.

 

Crawl - The gradual movement of text across a clip.

 

Cross Fade Audio Transition - A transition that causes the end of one audio clip to fade out, while the beginning of the next clip fades in.

 

Cut - An abrupt transition between two clips. The first frame of the incoming clip immediately follows the last frame of the outgoing clip.

 

Cutaway - Transitional footage normally inserted between cuts containing the same subject in slightly different screen positions to avoid a 'jump cut'.

 

Cut Point - The position of a cut relative to an overlying transition.

character generator (CG) The equipment used in a linear editing suite to create titles or other text on video.

chrominance Portion of video signal that carries hue and saturation color information. Also see luminence.

chroma Key filter A filter that allows for a selected color in a clip to be made transparent. It is generally used to superimpose one clip on another.

clip A set of contiguous frames beginning at a designated In point and ending at a designated Out point.

component Video signal the keeps luminance and chrominance separate for better picture quality.

composite Video signal the combines luminance and chrominance in a single signal. Less expensive than component video, but lower picture quality.

compression The digital representation of media in an efficient storage format. For video, motion-JPEG is often used. Compression may be lossy in that the original picture cannot be reconstructed exactly.

color adjust filter A the editing software filter that produces a change in the color aspects of a clip by allowing adjustment of individual channels.

color replace filter A filter that produces a change in the color of objects or areas within a clip based on their hue values.

crawl The gradual movement of text across a clip.

cross fade audio transition A transition that causes the end of one audio clip to fade out, while the beginning of the next clip fades in.

cut An abrupt transition between two clips. The first frame of the incoming clip immediately follows the last frame of the outgoing clip.

cutaway Transitional footage normally inserted between cuts containing the same subject in slightly different screen positions to avoid a 'jump cut'.

cut point The position of a cut relative to an overlying transition.

C-Mount

 

The standard screw mounting for 2/3" and 1" camera lenses. The distance

from the flange surface to the focal point is 17.526mm. A C-Mount lens can

be used on a camera with a CS-Mount by adding adapter ring to reduce the

distance to 12.5mm.

 

CS-Mount

 

A new generation of lenses designed for 2/3", 1/2" and 1/3" cameras incorporating CS-mounts. The distance from the flange surface to the focal point is 12.5mm. CS-mount lenses cannot be used on cameras with C-mount configuration. These lenses are smaller and cheaper than the C-mount equivalents.

 

CATV

 

An abbreviated term for Community Antenna Television, now generally

regarded as "cable TV".

 

CCD

 

Charged-Couple Device used in some video cameras instead of an image

pickup tube. Light-sensitive microprocessor that converts an image into an

electrical flow. CCDs are not prone to image smear or lag and make light

weight cameras possible.

 

CCIR

 

Committee Consulat International Radiotelegraphique. This is a standards

committee of the International Telecommunications Union, who have made

the technical recommendation for European 625 line standard for video signals.

 

Chroma

 

Short for chrominance. Chroma is the color component of the video signal.

 

Clipping

 

An effect of distortion where the peaks of driven signals are chopped off.

Clipping usually occurs in the amplifier when it is turned up too high, but it

can occur in maladjusted circuits in a VCR or TV set.

 

Color Burst

 

The signal, at approximately 3.57MHz in the video bandwidth, that stores the instantaneous intensity and hue of the color for a particular spot in the TV image.

 

Comb Filter

 

An electric filtering system designed to pass a certain set of frequencies but

reject others.

 

Composite Video

 

A picture signal combined with synchronization and (possibly) color

information. Usually called baseband video, or just video.

 

Control-L

 

Also referred to as LANC, this is a control protocol found on 8mm and some

VHS decks that provides computer control of unit operation. Units are

connected through a special cable.

 

Control Track

 

A linear track, consisting of 30- or 60-Hz pulses, placed on the bottom of

videotape that aids in the proper playback of the video signal.

 

Convergence

 

Three colors-red, blue, and green-are used in television to produce all colors.

These separate scanning beams (one for each color) must strike their targeted phosphors (screen's internal coating) with precise accuracy. If the beams are out of alignment, then the image and colors appear muddied.

 

Crosstalk

 

A signal from one stereo channel that bleeds into the other. Also, a signal

from a video track on a tape bleeding into the signal on the adjacent track.

 

CRT

 

Cathode Ray Tube. The main part of a normal monitor or television.

AKA the screen.

 

D

Dailies:

The first positive prints made by the laboratory from the negative photographed on the previous day. It also now refers to video which is transferred from that original negative. (Laboratory)

Dance Floor:

A floor built of 3/4 inch plywood which is usually covered with masonite to provide a smooth surface for free-form dollying. (Grip)

DAT (Digital Audio Tape):

Two-channel digital audio has become increasingly common as a professional master reference and for use in field recording. (Sound)

DAW (Digital Audio Workstation):

A computer-based recording and editing machine used for manipulating sounds. (Sound)

Day Out of Days:

A form designating the workdays for various cast or crewmembers of a given production.

Deal Memo:

A form which lists the pertinent details of salary, guaranteed conditions, and other essentials of a work agreement negotiated between a member of the cast or crew and a production company.

Decoder:

The device which reads the enclosed signal or pulse and turns it into some form of usable information.

Deep Focus:

A style of cinematography and staging that uses relatively wide angle lenses and small lens apertures by maintaining objects in the extreme background and foreground simultaneously focused. (Cinematography)

Dead spot:

A place in which a sound waves are canceled by reflections arriving out of phase with the wanted signal thus creating an area of silence or poor audibility. (Acoustics)

Dead Sync:

An editorial term meaning that sound and picture elements are perfectly aligned. (Film Editing)

Degausser:

A device used to erase recordings on magnetic tapes and films or to demagnetize magnetic recording heads.

Density:

A factor which indicates the light-stopping power of a photographic image.

Depth of Field:

The amount of space within lens view which will maintain acceptable focus at given settings (i.e. camera speed, film speed, lens aperture). (Cinematography)

Developing:

The chemical process which converts a photographic exposure into a visible image. (Laboratory)

Deuce:

A 2K fresnel lighting unit. (Lighting)

DGA:

Director's Guild of America. A union which represents directors, assistant directors, production managers, and various video personnel.

Dialogue track:

A sound track which carries lip sync speech. (Sound)

Differential Rewind:

A device designed to permit simultaneous winding of film on more than one reel at a time even though the diameters of the rolls are unequal. (Film Editing)

Digital:

A reference to a system whereby a continuously variable analog signal is reduced and encoded into discrete binary bits that establish a mathematical model of an original signal or other information.

Digital Recording:

A method of recording in which samples of the original analog signal are encoded on tape or disk as binary information for storage or processing. The signal can then be copied repeatedly with no degradation. (Sound)

Dimmer:

A device for varying power to the lights. (Lighting)

Dingle:

Branches which are placed in front of a light as a cookie would to cut the light and provide a shadow pattern. (Grip/Lighting)

Dissolve:

A transition between two scenes where the first merges imperceptibly into the second. (Film/Video)

Distortion:

A modification of the original signal appearing in the output of audio equipment which had not been present in the input. (Audio)

Directional Characteristic:

The variation in response or perception for different angles of sound incidence. (Acoustics)

Dolby Digital:

This is a 5.1 channel digital film format that if optically recorded on to a film release print in the blocks of space located between the film's sprocket holes. (Sound)

Dolby SR:

Spectral Recording. An encoding/decoding noise reduction system developed by Dolby Laboratories and used increasingly in film sound.

Dolly Shot:

Any shot made from a moving dolly. These may also be called tracking or traveling shots. (Production)

Doorway Dolly:

A plywood dolly with four soft tires which is narrow enough to fit through a doorway. It is used to carry a camera on a tripod or for transporting other heavy items. (Grip)

Dots:

Small nets and flags used to control light. (Grip/Lighting)

Double-System Sound:

Sound and picture on separate transports. This refers to the normal methodology of recording the picture on a camera while recording sound of a separate magnetic tape recorder. (Film)

Drift:

Flutter which occurs at random rates. (Acoustics)

Drop-In:

The process of inserting recorded audio by playing up to a chosen point and switching from playback to record mode. (Video/Audio)

Drop Frame:

American system of time code generation that adjusts the generated data every minute to compensate for the spread of the NTSC television system running at 29.97 frames per second.

Drop Out:

Loss of a portion of a signal, usually due to a loss of a tape's oxide coating or due to dirt or grease covering a portion of a tape.

DTS:

This is a film sound system which utilizes a CD-ROM disc which is sychronized to film by means of timecode which is optically encoded into the exhibition film print. (Sound)

Dub:

To make a taped copy of any progam source record, CD, tape. Also, the copy itself. Sometimes used to refer to the ADR process. (Audio/Video)

Dub Stage:

Term generally used in California but to refer to the room where the final audio mix is made for a program or film. It might also be known as a mix stage.

Dubber:

A high quality sound reproducer which is mixed with outputs from other dubbers that are generally loaded with sprocketed magnetic film. (Post Production)

Dubbing:

An actor's voice synchronization with lip movements which are not the originally recorded sound. This is used to replace unusable dialogue or recordings, and also used to prepare foreign films for new markets. (Post Production)

Dupe:

A copy of a negative. Short for duplicate negative.

Dutch Angle:

This is the process where a camera is angled so that the horizontal frame line is not parallel to the horizon. (Production)

Duvetyne:

A heavy black cloth, treated with fire proofing material, which is used for blacking out windows, making teasers, hiding cables, and hundreds of other uses. (Grip)

Dynamic Distortion:

Alteration of volume range of a sound when it is transmitted. (Acoustics)

Dynamic Range:

The difference in decibels between the loudest and quietest portions of audio. (Sound)

Director

The person in charge of creative decisions throughout a project. Typically your project will be assigned a project manager who will act as both director and producer.

Director of Photography (DP or DOP)

Any camera operator who is also responsible for decisions on lighting and potentially camera angles and framing.

Dolly

Equipment upon which a camera and occasionally a jib arm is mounted.

It adds additional 'production value' to a video by creating horizontal camera movement within a given shot.

A dolly may move on either a fixed track or on wheels, and will require the aid of a camera assistant.

DVD-ROM

A DVD intended for use on a computer equipped with a DVD-ROM drive, as opposed to one which has been created for playback on a television through the process of DVD authoring.

DVD Authoring (or Authouring)

The process of creating a DVD which can be played on a standard DVD player. We offer a variety of DVD authoring services from a simple 'auto-play' DVD, to an interactive CD-ROM and have an article which explains the DVD authoring process in detail.

DVD Duplication

The process of burning additional copies of a DVD. The difference between this and DVD replication is explained in our article DVD Duplication and Replication.

DVD Replication

The process of manufacturing large quantities of DVD's. The process is explained in our article DVD Duplication and Replication.

DVCAM

A type of standard definition video format which is of broadcast quality and yet very cost effective when producing video for the web or DVD.

Dailies - The workprint, before it has been edited, so called because the minority of labs will have it ready later the same day it was dropped off (if you are a client to whom they give some type of priority). Also known as rushes

 

Daylight Balanced - The color temperature of daylight which is 5,400K on the color temperature scale (it does vary during the day, being higher at noon and lower in the earlier and later parts of the day). Color film for outdoor shooting is balanced for daylight, otherwise the image would appear blue in hue. If daylight balanced film is used indoors without a correction filter the image will have a orange hue

 

Decompose - AVID uses this term when managing sequences. If you decompose a sequence, you create new clip references for every clip in a sequence. A typical operation would be: The offline is finished and ready to online. The sequence would be duplicated for the online. Audio removed ( unless you need to re conform audio ), Now decompose the sequence ( with or without handles as needed ) . New reference clips are now created with no media linked. Note all tapes needed and collect. Open Digitize tool and select online resolution. Select all new clips then select Batch digitize. When finished, edit sound back from offline. This method is better than selecting the sequence and selecting batch digitize as you can digitize Video only, see what tapes are needed, and see what clips / rolls have been skipped if any.

 

 

Depth of Field - Range in front of a camera's lens in which objects appear in focus. Depth of field varies with subject-to-camera distance, focal length of a camera lens and a camera's aperture setting.

 

Device Control Software - A software module that controls a video deck to allow the capture of source clips to the hard drive of a computer.

 

Diffusion - A filter used on the camera to create a soft focus effect. OR A white or pearlecent sheet of material used on a movie light to soften the shadows.

 

Digital Zoom - A zoom created by electronically enlarging / zooming in the image.

 

Diopter - The diopter is part of the viewfinding system of a camera that can be adjusted to compensate for your own particular eyesight, allowing you to see the groundglass clearly.

 

Digital8 - Sony's proprietary digital camcorder format, which records digital video onto standard 8mm and Hi8 tapes.

 

Digi Slate - A clapper board which displays timecode information. This is usually the code from an audio playback device, eg music when filming a music video. The editor can use the timecode display to sync the takes, and multiple cameras during editing.

Digitize - To convert an analog video or audio signal into a digital signal that can be used by a computer.

 

Dissolve Transition - A transition in which the end of one clip gradually blends with the beginning of the next.

 

Dolly Shot - A dolly shot is one where the camera is placed on a dolly and is moved while filmming. Also known as a tracking shot.

 

Double Perf - 16mm film with a row of perforations running along both edges. On the film can this will be indicated by 2R appearing on the label.

 

Dropout - Videotape signal 'voids', which are visible as white specks or streaks. Normally the result of tiny bare spots on a tape's magnetic particle coating, or tape debris covering particles and blocking signals.

 

Drop Frame Timecode - Timecode that is accurate relative to actual video running time. The numerical reference drops two numbers every minute to allow for the fact that there are actually 29.97 frames of video per second, rather than 30 frames per second.

 

Drop Shadow - A shadow that is offset from an object or text in a video.

 

Dutch Tilt - A composition with the camera viewing the scene at a diagonal. Same as a canted angle.

 

DVE Effects - A digital video effect (DVE) is created by taking any existing video source and manipulating its position within the video frame.

 

DVCPRO HD - Based on the standard definition of DVCPRO format, the DVCPRO HD from Panasonic uses a data rate of 120 MBps and intraframe compression, both of which will provide strong protection from generational loss.

depth of field The area between the nearest object in focus and the furthest object in focus.

device control software A software module that controls a video deck to allow the capture of source clips to the hard drive of a computer.

Digital8 Sony's proprietary digital camcorder format, which records digital video onto standard 8mm and Hi8 tapes.

digitize To convert an analog video or audio signal into a digital signal that can be used by a computer.

dissolve transition A transition in which the end of one clip gradually blends with the beginning of the next.

dropout Videotape signal 'voids', which are visible as white specks or streaks. Normally the result of tiny bare spots on a tape's magnetic particle coating, or tape debris covering particles and blocking signals.

drop frame timecode Timecode that is accurate relative to actual video running time. The numerical reference drops two numbers every minute to allow for the fact that there are actually 29.97 frames of video per second, rather than 30 frames per second.

drop shadow A shadow that is offset from an object or text in a video.

DVE effects A digital video effect (DVE) is created by taking any existing video source and manipulating its position within the video frame.

Decibel (dB)

 

A unit of power measurement. A 6 dB rise in signal strength represents a

100-percent increase (or doubling) in power.

 

Demodulate

 

To remove the carrier signal and leave only baseband audio and video.

 

Depth of Field

 

The are in which all objects picked-up by the camera lens appear in focus.

Depth of field depends on subject-to-camera distance, focal length of the

lens, and f-stop.

 

Digital 8

 

The DIGITAL 8 format is far superior to HI-8 or 8MM. Sony was the first to introduce this format and has done a great job. It is backwardly compatible, meaning that the new Digital8 camcorders and VCR's will also play your 8MM and HI-8 tapes. You do not have to buy special tapes to record in Digital8. A regular 8MM or HI-8 tape will record up to 60 minutes of digital video and audio. Because of the design, using regular tapes is not a problem, but it uses twice as much tape. A 2 hour HI-8 or 8MM tape will record 60 minutes when done in the Digital mode. For more information on Digital8, Click Here.

Digital Signal

 

An analogue signal that has been converted to a digital form so that it can be processed with less error.

DNR

 

Dynamic Noise Reduction.

 

 

E

Ear:

To put a flag up on the side of a lighting unit to block light. Better known as a 'sider'. (Grip/Lighting)

EBU:

European Broadcast Union. This generally identifies a 25 FPS time code standard.

Echo:

A sound wave that has been reflected and returned with sufficient magnitude and delay to be perceived as a wave distinct from that which was initially transmitted.

Edge Numbers:

Coded numbers printed along the edged of a strip of film for identification purposes.

Edge track:

A standard position for the placement of the audio on a single perforation magnetic film.

Edison Plug:

An ordinary household plug with two flat blades and a ground pin. (Lighting)

Edit Decision List (EDL):

The list of SMPTE codes, in footage and frames, and including instructions for fades, dissolves and other special effects which corresponds to all the segments that the editor of a film or videotape production has decided to use in the final cut.

Edit Master:

Video industry term for the tape containing the finished (edited) program.

Edit Points:

Also known as "edit in" and "edit out." The beginning and end points of an edit when a video program or soundtrack is being assembled.

Effective Output Level:

The microphone sensitivity rating defined as the ratio in dB of the power available relative to sound pressure. (Acoustics)

Emulsion:

The gelatine layer of photo-sensitive material in which the image is formed on film. (Film)

Envelope:

The shape of the graph as amplitude is plotted against time. A sound's envelope includes its attack, decay, sustain and release (ADSR). (Sound)

Environmental Sound:

General low level sound coming from the action of a film, which can either synchronous or nonsynchronous.

Equalization:

The alteration of sound frequencies for a specific purpose, such as to remove 'noise' frequencies or to improve speech clarity.

Equivalent Noise:

A microphone in a completely silent room still generates some residual noise. This noise can be measured and can be computed. That computation is the 'Equivalent Noise'. (Acoustics)

Establishing Shot:

Usually a long shot at the beginning of a scene which is intended to inform the audience about a changed locale or time for the scene which follows. (Production)

Exciter Lamp:

An incandescent lamp used to supply nonvarying luminous energy to a photoresponsive cell. Used in film projectors to illuminate the optical sound track.

Editing

Our non-linear or digital video editing services typically involve either re-assembling or removing portions of a video using a computer equipped with specialized software and hardware.

This term is often applied to the post-production process as a whole, including things like the creation of animated graphics.

Editor

A professional trained in the specific software and processes used for non-linear editing.

Our video editors are  experts in all aspects of post-production, including encoding, DVD authoring, and the production of both 2D and 3D animated graphics.

Edit Suite

The desk or station at which an editor would work, including its collection of equipment an accessories.

Educational Video

Any video which aims to educate the viewer, similar to an instructional video or training video.

 

Electronic Press Kit (EPK)

'Behind-the-scenes' footage of a film or television production intended for publicity or as added-value materials for a DVD, such as interviews with cast & crew and 'making-of documentary' featurettes.

See our Electronic Press Kits for examples.

Encoding

The process of either making a digital video smaller in filesize using compression or converting it to a different format, such as encoding for the web or dvd authoring.

Executive Producer

For our purposes this is our team of executives in charge of overseeing all of our productions and maintaining quality control, as opposed to a producer who would manage the details of a given project.

EDL - Edit Decision List.

 

Edit Decision List - A computer generated list containing information about a specific program, the SMPTE timecodes and options chosen during production. It is used to inform an editing system of all the parameters involved in the creation of that program. An EDL is generally used to assemble a program in a traditional video editing suite.

 

Edge Numbers or Latent Edge Numbers - The edge numbers are small numbers running along the edge of the film, in between the perf in 16mm, and just to the far side of them in 35mm. The are photographed onto the film in its manufacture, and are there to aid the negative cutter in lining up shots in the process of conforming the negative. They are sometimes called latent edge numbers to distinguish them from inked-on code numbers.

 

Eliminate - A procedure for removing media from a video program and also removing the space that the media occupied in the program. Using Eliminate forces the remainder of the program to adjust accordingly and shortens the length of the entire program. Sometimes called a ripple edit.

 

End Board - If it is not practical to slate ( clapper ) a take at the start of a take, it can be slated at the end of a take, or end boarded. The clapper board is held upside down to show it's an end board.

 

Erase - A procedure for removing media from a video program, leaving black space (called filler) in its place to maintain the spacing and length of the entire program. Sometimes called a non-ripple edit.

 

Essential Area - Boundaries within which contents of a television picture are sure to be seen, regardless of masking differences in receiver displays. Also called the "critical area" or "safe action area," it encompasses the inner 80 percent of the screen.

 

 

Establishing Shot - Opening image of a program or scene. Usually, it's a wide and/or distant perspective that orients viewers to the overall setting and surroundings. EDL Edit Decision List

Edit Decision List. A computer generated list containing information about a specific program, the SMPTE timecodes and options chosen during production. It is used to inform an editing system of all the parameters involved in the creation of that program. An EDL is generally used to assemble a program in a traditional video editing suite.

eyedropper A cursor symbol that appears when a color box is clicked. It is used to choose new colors from anywhere on the screen.

eliminate A procedure for removing media from a video program and also removing the space that the media occupied in the program. Using Eliminate forces the remainder of the program to adjust accordingly and shortens the length of the entire program. Sometimes called a ripple edit.

erase A procedure for removing media from a video program, leaving black space (called filler) in its place to maintain the spacing and length of the entire program. Sometimes called a non-ripple edit

EIA

 

Electronic Industry Association. An industry lobbying group; it collects

statistics and establishes testing standards for many types of home electronics.

 

EIAJ

 

Electronics Industry Association of Japan. The Japanese equivalent of the EIA.

 

 

F

5.1 Channel Digital Sound:

The film digital sound exhibition standard which utilizes five output speaker channels (left, center, right, right surround, left surround, and subwoofer). (Sound)

Fade:

An optical effect in which the image of a scene is gradually replaced by a uniform dark area or vice versa.

FAST:

The camera assistant's motto. Everything he/she must do before each shot (Focus, Aperture, Shutter, Tach). (Camera)

FAY:

A 650 watt PAR light with daylight balance dichroic fliter. (Lighting)

Feather:

Moving a 'flag' closer to or further away from a light source that it is in front of will feather (soften/harden) the shadow on the surface upon which the light falls. (Grip/Lighting)

Feed Lines:

Lines of dialogue which are read outside camera range for the benefit of an 'on camera' or 'on microphone' actor or voice over artist.

Fill Leader:

Film leader used to fill in the blanks in picture workprint. (Film Editing)

Film Base:

The flexible, usually transparent support on which photographic emulsions and magnetic coatings are carried. (Film Editing)

Film Cement:

A common term for the welding solvent used in splicing film. (Film Editing)

Film Notcher:

A device used to punch out a small portion of the edge of a piece of film in order to permit electrical contacts on a printer to come together and thus activate light changes. (Film Editing)

Filter:

A transparent material having the ability to absorb certain wavelengths of light and transmit others.

Fingers:

Small flags used to control light. (Grip/Lighting)

Fixing:

The removal of unexposed silver halides from the film during processing.

Flat:

Usually an agreement to perform work or provide a service for a fixed fee or wage which will not be affected by overtime restrictions of unexpected costs. Also used in terms of sets and set construction elements which are generally used to create walls.

Flatbed:

A modern film or sound editing system where reels are laid horizontally on "plates" on a mechanized table with sound and picture heads.

Flicker:

The alternation of light and dark which can be visually perceived.

Float:

Periodic vertical movement of the image which occurs as a result of mechanical faults in the camera, printer, or projector.

Flood:

The widest beam spread on a lensed light. (Lighting)

Flop-over:

An optical effect in which the picture is shown reversed from left to right.

Flutter:

The rapid period variation of frequency caused by unsteadiness of the film or tape drive. (Sound)

Flux:

An amount of light which is present as measured in lumens.

Foamcore:

Polystyrene which is sandwiched between paper. It is used to relectors, soft boxes, and other items because it is stable and easily cut. (Grip/Lighting)

Focus Pull:

The refocusing of a lens during a shot to keep a moving subject in focus or to change the person or object of attention. (Cinematography)

Fog Level:

The minimum density of the unexposed area of processed film.

Foley:

Creating sound effects by watching picture and mimicking the action, often with props that do not exactly match the action.

Format:

The size or aspect ratio of a motion picture frame.

Frame:

The individual picture image on a strip of motion picture film. Also, one complete screen on videotape.

Frame Rate:

The frequency at which film or video frames run (i.e. 24 fps; 29.97 Hz in NTSC; 25 Hz in PAL European format).

Freeze Frame:

An optical printing effect in which a single frame image is repeated so as to appead stationary when it is projected.

Frequency:

The number of times a signal vibrates each second as expressed in cycles per second (cps) or Hertz (Hz). (Sound)

Frequency Discrimination:

Exaggeration or diminution of particular frequencies in relation to others. (Acoustics)

Frequency Response:

This represents the sensitivity of a given sound, video, or other recording/playback system.

Fresnel:

A stepped convex lens. It is most commonly used to descripe tungsten-incandescent lamps. (Lighting)

Full-Coat:

Film which is coated with an iron oxide compound on which sound is recorded and from which sound is reproduced.

Format Conversion

The process of converting a video from one format to another, using either encoding for digital files or performing a transfer for tape-based formats.

Frame Rate

The number of frames per one second of video. The two options are '30 fps' and '24 fps', which essentially results in two different 'looks' to the video. Refer to our article Video Formats Demystified for more info.

Fade Filter - The filter that raises or lowers video levels in clips. With the Fade filter a clip will change over time to all one color or black (fade out); or will gradually develop from a color or black (fade in).

 

Field - Half of a video frame, either the even or odd scan lines.

 

Filler - Blank space added to the time line in the course of editing a program.

 

Filter - A computer software module used to process and modify digital video for adding special effects to a program. OR A tinted glass or small tinted plastic sheet placed in front of the lens or behind the lens in a filter holder, used to change the color rendition of the entire shot. Filters are used to convert tungsten balanced film for use in daylight or vice versa. The can also be used for aesthetic reasons, such as a red filter to darken the sky when filming in black and white.

 

Flag - black cloth or card on a frame used on a shoot to keep light out of part of the composition.

 

Flex-Fill - A round cloth bounce card mounted on a flexible ring that can be folded up when not in use.

 

FPS - Frames per second.

 

Focal Length - The distance from a camera lens's focal point to its CCD imaging chips with the lens focus set to infinity. Wide angle views use short focal length; narrow field of view (telephoto) use longer focal lengths. Zoom lenses have a variable focal length.

 

Foot Candle - Measurement of light. One foot candle is the light of one candle, one foot away. Many light meters will use foot candles as a starting number, which then must be converted into an f-stop based on the sensitivity of the film you are using.

 

Follow Focus - Controlling lens focus so that an image maintains sharpness and clarity despite camcorder and/or subject movement.

 

Force an Edit - To insert a cut at a desired point in a clip.

 

Frame - One complete still image of video media. Video media is made up of a series of frames. Each video frame has two interlaced fields.

 

Framing - Act of composing a shot in a camcorder's viewfinder for desired content, angle and field of view.

 

French Flag - A small black metal flag attached to the camera with a positionable arm that is used to shade the lens from light in the case of a flare.

 

Full Field - A complete video image consisting of two fields of video per frame.

 

FX Track - A separate track on the time line used strictly for creating special video effects with filters and/or transitions.

 fade filter The filter that raises or lowers video levels in clips. With the Fade filter a clip will change over time to all one color or black (fade out); or will gradually develop from a color or black (fade in).

field Half of a video frame, either the even or odd scan lines.

filler Blank space added to the time line in the course of editing a program.

filter A computer software module used to process and modify digital video for adding special effects to a program.

fps Frames per second.

focal length The distance from a camera lens's focal point to its CCD imaging chips with the lens focus set to infinity. Wide angle views use short focal length; narrow field of view (telephoto) use longer focal lengths. Zoom lenses have a variable focal length.

force an edit To insert a cut at a desired point in a clip.

frame One complete still image of video media. Video media is made up of a series of frames. Each video frame has two interlaced fields.

full field A complete video image consisting of two fields of video per frame.

FX track A separate track on the time line used strictly for creating special video effects with filters and/or transitions

 

F-Connector

 

The standard connector used with coaxial cable and the RF inputs/outputs

of most video equipment.

 

Field

 

One-half of a video field, comprising the odd or even scan lines. There are

60 fields in one second of video.

 

Flagging

 

Bending at the top of a picture played back by a VCR.

 

Focal Length

 

The distance between the secondary principal point in the lens and the plane of the imaging device. The longer the focal length, the narrower is the angle of view.

Footcandles

 

(Ft-c) Lumens per square foot; the measurement of the intensity of light on

a camera.

 

Frame

 

One complete video picture, comprising both odd and even fields. There

are 30 video frames per second.

 

Frame Store

 

An electronic method of capturing and storing a single frame of video. All slow scan transmitters include a frame store that holds the picture at the moment of alarm, while the control is being dialed up. When the link is confirmed, the picture is transmitted

 

G

Gaffer:

The chief lighting technician for a production who is in charge of the electrical department.

Gain:

The ratio of the signal level at the output of an audio device to the signal level at its input. Expressed in decibels (db).

Gamma:

The degree of contrast in a negative or print.

Gang Synchronizer:

A synchronizing device having more than One sprocketted wheel which is used to set up synchronized relationships between film and sound tracks which have been recorded to magnetic film. (Film Editing)

Gate:

The aperture assembly at which the film is exposed in a camera, printer, or projector.

Gigabyte (GH):

A unit for measuring computer memory capacity, equivalent to 1,000 megabytes (MB).

Gobo:

A grip head or "C" stand head used as a clamping device for holding other equipment. (Grip)

Grading:

The process of selecting the printing values for color and density fo successive scenes in a complete film to produce the desire visual effects. (Laboratory)

Grifflon (Griff):

A durable material made of three ply high density rubber. The material is attached within a frame and used as either a soft reflector of sunlight or cut or soften direct sun. It generally comes in three sizes: 6' X 6', 12' x 12', and 20' x 20'. (Grip/Lighting)

Grip Tape:

This is Duct tape style tape, also known as gaffer's tape or cloth tape. (Grip)

Guillotine Splicer:

A device used for butt splicing film with splicing film. (Film Editing)

Green-Screen

When a person is filmed against a green background to be digitally 'composited' over a new background in post-production.

Green is the colour that is furthest opposite on the spectrum from that of the human face, allowing them to be isolated from the background quite easily.

Learn more in our article on Green-Screen Video Production.

Gaffer’s Tape - Cloth tape specifically for use on film shoots, usually 2 inches wide in black or silver. The nice thing about gaffer’s tape is that, unlike duct tape, it is designed not to leave a sticky residue behind.

 

Gate - The opening on a camera or a projector just behind the lens, through which a single frame is exposed (in the camera) or projected (in the projector).

 

Gel - A large sheet of transparent tinted plastic used as a filter for a movie light, or to cover a window. There are two basic types: ones that will covert one color temperature to another.

 

Generation - Original recorded footage is called "first generation." A copy of the original is second-generation video. A copy of a copy is called third generation, and so forth.

generation Original recorded footage is called "first generation." A copy of the original is second-generation video. A copy of a copy is called third generation, and so forth.

Gain

 

The level of amplification of a signal.

 

Gen-Lock

 

Alignment of the sync generators of one or several sources to main sync

source. Used in multi source camera shoots or editing.

 

H

Handle:

An extra number of frames attached to the head and tail of an optical print as a safety precaution. (Laboratory)

Hard Disk:

A data storage and retrieval device consisting of a disk drive and one or more permanently installed disks. Increasingly common for storing sound effects and archiving for future use.

Harmonic Distortion:

Acoustic distortion characterized by unwanted changes between input and output at a given frequency. (Acoustics)

Hazeltine:

A machine which a color time at a lab or optical house uses to determine how to 'time' a film print for the proper amounts of red, blue, and green light. Also called a color analyzer. (Laboratory)

Hertz (Hz):

Unit for measuring frequency of d signal; formerly called "cycles per second."

Hi-Con:

Generally a high contrast film print which provides the maximum contrast between the light and dark elements. (Laboratory)

Highboy:

A heavy-duty rolling stand, usually with a combo head, that has a junior receiver and a large grip head. Also called Overhead Stands. (Grip/Lighting)

Highkey:

An overall brightly lit scene with realtively few shadows. (Lighting)

High-Pass Filter:

An electronic filter used in various audio circuits to attenuate all frequencies below a chosen frequency.

Hiss:

Asperity Noise. Noise caused by minute imperfections in the recording medium (tape). (Sound)

HMI:

An enclosed, AC mercury arc lamp. (Lighting)

Hollywood Box:

A stage plug-type box without fuses. (Lighting)

House Sync:

An internal timing reference used to synchronize all transports within a facility.

Horse:

A support for one or more rolls of film used on a cutting table.

Hot Splicer:

A film splicing machine of precision construction in which portions of a film are overlapped, cemented, then warmed and dried by a heating unit. (Film Editing)

High Definition (HD)

A group of video formats which offers high image quality and resolution than standard definition. See our article on High Definition Video Production for a complete explanation

HDCAM - High Definition Video format from Sony is based on DigiBeta and can record in 24p, 25p, 50i, and 60i. It uses a high data rate of 140MBps.

 

HDV - HDV is a high definition format recorded on mini DV tapes. HDV uses high compression rates enabling high quality shooting and editing with low cost tools.

 

Headroom - Space between the top of a subject's head and a monitor's upper-screen edge. Too much headroom makes the subject appear to fall out of the frame.

Hi Hat - This is a square of plywood with a bracket attached, to which a tripod head may be added (or is sometimes permanently affixed) used for filming with the camera very low to the ground. Its name is a bit of a contradiction, to its use nowadays, but it used to be that a Hi Hat was for shooting from very high up, with the plywood board being mounted up high somewhere.

 

HMI - This is a type of light. HMI stands for Halogen Metal Incandescence. HMIs are very bright, power efficient lights.

 

Hold - An interpolation setting that maintains settings from one key frame until the next key frame and uses the space of only one frame to jump to the next setting.

headroom Space between the top of the subject and a monitor's upper screen edge. Leaving space for "headroom" is common practice.

hold An interpolation setting that maintains settings from one key frame until the next key frame and uses the space of only one frame to jump to the next setting.

Helical Scan

 

The technical name for the way the video heads in a VCR record and play

back picture information. Also used to record and play back stereo HiFi audio.

 

HI-8

 

HI-8 camcorders record their signal at about 400 lines of resolution, slightly less than Mini DV, but substantially higher than 8mm or regular VHS formats. Most often, HI-8 camcorders record sound in hi-fi stereo. Slight quality loss is suffered when copying or editing from HI-8, but a better than average image is maintained. Tapes from HI-8 camcorders generally must be played using the camera as the source, which means the user often must connect cables to their television or VCR.   HI-8 tapes can be bought in 30, 60, and 120-minute lengths.

 

Horizontal Resolution

 

The number of vertical black and white lines that can be defined, as measured along a horizontal line

 

I

Incoming Scene:

The second scene to appear in a dissolve or wipe effect.

Inductance:

The resistance of a coil of wire to rapidly fluctuating currents which increases with frequency. (Acoustics)

Inkie:

A small (250 watt) fresnel type light. (Lighting)

Insert Editing:

Used in videotape or digital audio editing to describe the process of replacing a segment located between two specific and previously dubbed segments.

Intercutting:

An editing method whereby related shots are inserted into a series of other shots for the purpose of contrast or for some other effect. (Film Editing)

Interlock:

A term that generically refers to two or more machines running in sychronization; often shortened to "locked."

Interlock Projector:

A projector used to reproduce the picture while synchronized sound is played back on an accompanying machine or other linked sound device. (Film Editing)

Intermediates:

A general term for color masters or duplicates.

Intermodulation Distortion:

An amplitude change in which sum and difference tones (harmonics) are present in the recorded signal. (Acoustics)

Internegative:

A color negative duplicate made from a color positive. Internegatives are used for release printing in order to protect the original negative from damage.

Interpositive:

Any positive duplicate of a film which is used for further printing.

Invisible Cut:

A cut made during the movement of a performer which is achieved by overlapping the action or by using two cameras, then matching the action during editing. (Film Editing)

IP/IN:

The process of making a new negative of a film by striking an interpositive and then, from that, striking a new negative (internegative). (Laboratory)

Iris:

A variable aperture that controls exposure or the amount of light which is released from a lighting unit. (Camera/Lighting)

Iris Wipe:

A wipe effect in the form of an expanding or diminishing circle.

Instructional Video

Any video which aims to instruct the viewer, such as an exercise video. Often referred to as an educational video or training video, and could include seminars and conferences.

Interactive DVD

A DVD which has been created with interactive menus or other features through the DVD authoring process, as opposed to an 'auto-play' DVD which simply plays one or a series of video streams with limited control by the viewer.

Identifier - Name or number given to a clip or segment of a video to allow for easy recognition of the segment and its contents.

 

IEEE1394 - Also known as DV / Firewire / i.Link - A communication standard to transfer high speed digital data between devices.

 

Image Resolution - A measurement of the quality of a video image based on the number of pixels that make up the image.

 

In Point - The SMPTE time code of the specific frame at which a clip begins.

 

Insert Edit - On NLE systems Placing a section of a source clip in the time line with the media currently to the right of the insertion point is moved farther to the right to accommodate the insertion of the new clip (just as on film you would cut the film to open a space, insert the new clip and splice the ends). Or when using a VT machine, An Insert edit can record individual tracks, but can only be performed onto a previously recorded tape (blacked or coded tape) as then all the timing control signals are already on tape. An assemble edit is a method for building a videotape in which a series of clips are placed one after the other to create, or assemble, a program. An assemble edit performs a correctly timed recording on to the end of the last recorded material - it is a full record, that is all tracks, control track, timecode etc. If you are using a virgin tape (not blacked or coded) you will need to assemble edit.

 

Intelligent accessory shoe - A hot shoe connection on a camera (usually a camcorder) that can communicate with a device connected.

 

Internegative - An intermediate copy of a film, made on a very fine-grained stock, and used to make a greater number of prints than it is practical to make from the A&B Rolls.

 

Interpositive - An intermediate copy of a film, made on a very fine-grained stock, usually required as an intermediate step to making an internegative.

 

Insertion Cursor - Double triangles that appear on the FX tracks showing where a filter will be inserted.

 

Interesting Time - A place in a video program where an editorial event occurs, such as the beginning of a filter or transition, new clip, or key frame.

 

Interpolation - The progressive calculation of a parameter between key frames.

 

Iris transition - A transition that creates the appearance of an enlarging opening revealing a incoming clip underneath. It is made to look like the iris of the eye opening, or enlarging.

 

ISO - The equivalent of ASA and IE just with another name Treat it just as if it was ASA. ISO stands for International Standards Organization.

identifier Name or number given to a clip or segment of a video to allow for easy recognition of the segment and its contents.

image resolution A measurement of the quality of a video image based on the number of pixels that make up the image.

In point The SMPTE time code of the specific frame at which a clip begins.

Insert Edit Placing a section of a source clip in the time line with the media currently to the right of the insertion point is moved farther to the right to accommodate the insertion of the new clip.

insertion cursor Double triangles that appear on the FX tracks showing where a filter will be inserted.

interesting time A place in a video program where an editorial event occurs, such as the beginning of a filter or transition, new clip, or key frame.

interpolation The progressive calculation of a parameter between key frames.

iris transition A EditDV Unplugged transition that creates the appearance of an enlarging opening revealing a incoming clip underneath. It is made to look like the iris of the eye opening, or enlarging.

IR

 

Abbreviation for infrared.

 

Image Enhancer

 

Electronic device that smoothes out irregularities in a video signal to

improve picture definition.

 

Impedance

 

The degrees of resistance that an alternating electrical current (ac)

encounters when passing through a circuit, device, or wire. The

amount of impedance is expressed in ohms.

 

Infrared Light

 

The wavelength of light produced above the visible part of the spectrum.

Interlace

 

Each television frame (30 per second) or individual picture is comprised of two fields (A and B). These two fields seem to appear at once on the TV screen, but each field is scanned separately in the picture or image-creation process. Each field contains 260 lines of picture information. How well these lines are interlaced determines the resolution of the resulting picture.

 

Internal Sync

 

The internal generation of sync pulses in a camera using a crystal controlled

oscillator. This is needed on non-mains powered cameras.

Iris

 

Adjustable lens opening that regulates amount of light entering the camera.

 

 

J

J-Lar:

A transparent tape which is used to splice jels together. (Grip/Lighting)

Jam Sync:

A process of locking a time code generator to an existing coded tape in order to extend or replace the code, used when code is of poor quality.

Japanese Lantern:

A paper-covered wire frame globe into which a socket and bulb may be placed. (Lighting)

Jib Arm:

A mechanical are which is supported on a dolly, tripod, or other device, which is counterweighted to hold a camera for an increased range of motion. (Production)

Juicer:

An electrician.

Jump-Cut:

An editorial device where the action is noticeably advanced in time, either accidentally or for the purpose of creating an effect on the viewer. (Film Editing)

Junior:

A 2K fresnel light unit. It may also mean any 1 1/8 inch spud or mounting pin or any 1 1/8 inch female receiver. (Grip)

Jib-Arm

A small type of crane which adds additional 'production value' to a video by creating horizontal and/or vertical camera movement.

Jog - To move forward or backward in video or audio media by playing at slow speed through it.

 

JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Group. An international standard for still picture data compression.

 

Jump Cut - An instantaneous transition between two scenes that have identical subjects in slightly different screen locations, which makes the subject appear to jump within the screen. A cutaway shot remedies the distracting jump appearance.

jog To move forward or backward in video or audio media by playing at slow speed through it.

JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group. An international standard for still picture data compression.

jump cut An instantaneous transition between two scenes that have identical subjects in slightly different screen locations, which makes the subject appear to jump within the screen. A cutaway shot remedies the distracting jump appearance.

 

K

K:

Kelvin, the unit of measurement used for absolute temperatures and color temperatures.

KEM:

A brand name for a common 'flatbed' film editing machine. (Film Editing)

Key Grip:

The chief grip who works directly with the gaffer in creating shadow effects for set lighting and who supervises camera cranes, dollies and other platforms or supporting structures according to the requirements of the director of photography. (Production)

Key Light:

The main light on a subject. (Lighting)

Key Numbers:

Numbers placed on the edge of the film stock by the manufacturer as a unique identification point (35mm - every 16 frames: 16mm - every 20 frames). (Film Editing)

Kick:

An object with a shine or reflection on it from another object. (Grip/Lighting)

Kiss:

A light that gently brushes a subject. (Lighting)

Kerning - The amount of space between text characters. Kerning varies between fonts.

 

Keyframe - A frame at which a set of specific parameters is assigned. Nonlinear edit and graphics systems automatically calculates differences between key frames in a clip and adjusts the frames accordingly.

 

Key Out - Removing a section of video by making it transparent by creating an alpha channel based on color (Chroma Key) or on brightness (Luma Key).

kerning The amount of space between text characters. Kerning varies between fonts.

keyframe A frame at which a set of specific parameters is assigned. EditDV Unplugged automatically calculates differences between key frames in a clip and adjusts the frames accordingly.

key out Removing a section of video by making it transparent by creating an alpha channel based on color (Chroma Key) or on brightness (Luma Key). Chroma and Luma are filters in EditDV.

 

 

L

L-C-R-S (Left, Center, Right, Surround):

The four playback channels used in 35mm motion pictures, now available on home hi-fi systems. L, C and R speakers are located behind the screen. The S channel surrounds the audience and may be mono or encoded stereo.

Lamp:

A reference to the bulb inside a lighting unit, but may sometimes be used to refer to the entire lighting unit. (Lighting)

Latitude:

The range between overexposure and underexposure in which a film will still produce usable images. (Camera)

Lavalier Mic:

A small microphone that can be easily hidden on a piece of clothing so as not to be seen by the camera.

Layback:

Transfer of the finished audio mix back onto the video edit master.

Layoff:

Transfer of audio and time code from the video edit master to an audio tape.

Layover:

Transfer of audio onto multitrack tape or hard disk. Also referred to as "layup."

Lexan:

A plastic sheeting material, available in varying widths, that is optically clear and used to protect camera personnel from explosions or the results of other action. (Grip/Camera)

Leader:

A length of nonimage film which is used for threading, identification, or fill-in purposes. (Film Editing)

Leko:

An ellipsoidal reflector spot light. Usually used for theatrical purposes. (Lighting)

Level:

The ratio of an acoustic quantity to a reference quantity. A measurement of amplitude in decibels. (Acoustics)

Library Shot:

Stock footage shot or other footage which is germane to a given visual presentation but which was not generated for that specific film or television presentation. (Film Editing)

Light-Struck Leader:

Film which was fully exposed to light which is then used as leader. (Film Editing)

Light Value:

A reference to a fast acting, variable opening shutter to control the light intensity in printing film. (Laboratory)

Lip-Sync:

The relationship of sound ad picture that exists when the movements of speech are perceived to coincide with the sounds of speech.

Liquid Gate:

A printing system in which the original is immersed in a liquid at the moment of exposure. This is done in order to reduce the adverse effects of surface scratches and abrasions.

Looping:

A continuous sound track that runs repeatedly in playback as a guide for re recording. (Post Production)

Low Contrast Original:

An original reversal film which is designed to yield prints having good projection contrast.

Lowboy:

A heavy duty rolling stand, usually with a combo head, but without the height of a 'highboy'. (Grip/Lighting)

Lowkey:

A high contrast lighting style with lost of shadows and large areas of darkness. (Lighting)

Lowpass Filter:

A filter that attenuates frequencies above a specified frequency and allows those below that point to pass.

Location Release Form

Typically filming would take place at a client's office or within our own studio.

When this is not the case, a location release form will have to be signed by a manager or landlord when filming on private property. In some cases proof of liability insurance may be required, which we can provide.

For more legal considerations, refer to this article.

Lab Roll - A large roll (usually up to 1,000 feet) made up of camera rolls joined together by the lab for printing.

 

Latent Edge Numbers - Precisely, the edge numbers on film, and not inked-on code numbers.

 

Leading - The space between lines of text.

 

Lens Flare - It is caused when light strikes the lens and either causes the entire image to be fogged in appearance, or for a little row of polygons (the silhouette of the iris) to appear from the light hitting the surfaces of the many elements in the lens. It is solved by flagging the lens.

 

Linear Editing - The traditional form of tape based video editing.

 

Lip Sync - Another way of saying sound sync.

 

Location Sound - This is the sync sound, or any other sort of wild track or room tone that was recorded at the shoot.

 

Log - The numbers, either SMPTE or computer generated (for video that doesn’t contain SMPTE timecodes), that Edit systems use to identify media and video lips. The log can also includes additional information, such as tape identifiers and clip duration.

 

Long Lens - A lens with a focal length greater than 25mm in 16mm, or 50mm in 35mm.

 

Long shot (LS) - Camera view of a subject or scene from a distance, showing a broad perspective.

 

Low Con Print - A low contrast print specifically for transfer to video, which favors less contrast in the transfer process.

 

Luma Key filter - A filter in post production that allows the areas of light or dark in a clip to be made transparent, revealing the background clips in those regions.

 

Luminance - Black and white portion of a video signal representing picture contrast and brightness.

leading The space between lines of text.

linear A setting in the EditDV Unplugged Interpolation pop-up that allows the creation of movement between key frame settings along straight lines.

linear editing The traditional form of tape based video editing.

log The numbers, either SMPTE or computer generated (for video that doesn’t contain SMPTE timecodes), that EditDV uses to identify media. The log also includes additional information, such as tape identifiers and clip duration.

Luma Key filter EditDV filter that allows the areas of light or dark in a clip to be made transparent, revealing the background clips in those regions.

luminance Black and white portion of a video signal representing picture contrast and brightness.

Line Locked

 

The sync pulses of cameras are locked to the AC mains frequency.

 

Line Powered

 

A camera in which the power is supplied along the same coaxial cable that carries the video signal.

 

Loop Frame Store

 

The principal is that a series of video frames is compressed and stored in a continuous loop. This records a certain number of frames and then records over them again until an alarm signal is received. When this happens it carries on recording for a dozen frames or so and then stops. This means that frames before and after the incident are recorded. This eliminates the boring searching through hours of video tape and concentrates on the period of activity.

Luminance

 

The term used to denote the brightness or black-and-white picture of a video image.

 

Lux

 

A measurement of illumination. The metric equivalent of footcandle.

 

M

Machine Leader:

Strong leader threaded through a film processing machine which is used to pull film through the machine during its operation. (Laboratory)

Mater:

A small adjustable clamp with a baby stud which can be interchanged with a variety of accessories. (Grip)

Magenta:

A red-purple color which is the complementary color of green.

Magnetic Film (mag film):

Film which is coated with an iron oxide compound on which sound is recorded and from which sound is reproduced.

Masking:

A phenomenon whereby one or more sound "trick" the ear into not hearing other, weaker, sound that are also present. (Audio)

Master (print master):

A positive print made specifically for duplicating purposes. (Laboratory)

Match Cut (match-action cut):

A cut made on action or movement between two shots in which the action has been overlapped either by repetition of the action or by the use of more than one camera. (Film Editing)

Match Dissolve:

A dissolve linking images which have similar content. (Film Editing)

Match-Image Cut:

A cut from one shot to another shot having an image of the same general shape as the one in the prior shot. (Film Editing)

Matching:

Arranging for the impedances presented by a load to be equal to the internal impedance of the generator. This is essential to avoid loss of power. In microphones, the loss results in poorer signal-to-noise ratio. Matching is done by means of a transformer. (Acoustics)

Matching Action:

The process of aligning or overlapping the shots of a film sequence in order to achieve a smooth transition from the action in one shot to the action of the succeeding shot. (Film Editing)

Maxi-Brute:

A 9 light unit with (9) 1000 watt PAR 64 lights. (Lighting)

MB:

The acronym for megabytes which is a measure of computer storage capability; the equivalent of 1,000 bytes.

ME Track:

This refers to the music and effects tracks which are combined into one (or a stereo pair) for use with foreign language re recording of a film or video program.

Meat Axe:

An grip arm-like accessory which is designed to clamp onto the hand rail of a studio overhead catwalk, or other suitable surface, and has a gobo head at the end of the arm. (Grip)

Mercer Clip:

A trade name for a small plastic clip which is used to hold film ends together during film assembly. (Film Editing)

Mickey:

An open faced 1K lighting unit. Also known as a 'Redhead'. (Lighting)

Microphone Impedance:

The nominal load impedance for a microphone indicates the optimum matching load which utilizes the mike's characteristics to the fullest extent. Impedance is a combination of dc resistance, inductance and capacitance, which act as resistances in ac circuits. An inductive impedance increases with frequency; a capacitative impedance decreases with frequency. Either type introduces change in phase. (Acoustics)

MIDI:

Musical Instrument Digital Interface. A machine protocol that allows synthesizers, computers, drum machines and other processors to communicate with and/or control one another. (Sound)

Mix:

Electrically combining the signals from microphones, tape, and/or reproducers and other sources. (Post Production)

Mix Cue Sheet (cue sheet):

A sheet having several columns for notations of footage, fades. volume levels, and equalizations which are used in mixing sound tracks where each column usually represents one track.

Montage:

The assembly of shots and the portrayal of action or ideas through the use of many short shots. (Film Editing)

MOS:

Silent filming. Traditionally explained as Motion Omit Sound.

Motivated Lighting:

A lighting style in which the light sources imitate existing sources, such as lamps or windows. (Lighting)

Moviola:

A trade name for an upright film editing machine.

M-S:

(Mid-Side). A stereo microphone technique where two microphones are incorporated into a special configuration for recording. (Audio)

Multichannel:

In film, used to refer to a final mix that includes more than stereo information (i.e., LCRS or six-channel surround formats).

Multitrack:

An audio tape recorder capable of handling more than two tracks of information separately.

Musco Lights:

An array of permanently crane mounted HMI lights. (Lighting)

MiniDV

Similar to the DVCAM format, but recorded to a tape which is physically smaller in size and which offers less recording time.

 

Multi-Camera

Filming using two or more cameras and operators, as opposed to a single-camera shoot.

A director is typically required to coordinate the camera operators and their shots.

Magazine - An attachment to a film camera with one or two light-proof chambers that hold 400 or 1,000 feet of film. One camera will typically have two or three magazines which can be loaded ahead of time.

 

Mag Stock, Mag Track or Magnetic Film - Mag track is a piece of film that is coated with an emulsion of magnetic oxide instead of silver halides. Basically, it is sound recording tape that is the same size as film, complete with perforations. For editing, all the sound, location sound and additional sound, is transferred to mag stock, where it is run on an editing machine in tandem with picture, one frame of picture equaling one frame of sound.

 

Master Shot - A single shot, usually a wide shot, that incorporates the whole scene from beginning to end. Typically a master shot will be filmed first, and then all the close-ups and other shots afterwards.

 

Matte Box - A square shade that goes in front of the lens, usually supported by a pair of rods that attach to the camera. A matte box often has filter holders for square glass filters.

 

M and E – M and E stands for Music and Effects. After a mix a big production will have an M&E track made, which is used when the film is dubbed into other languages so that all the Music and Effects do not also have to be redone. An M&E track is only essential if you plan on dubbing your film into a different language.

 

Medium shot (MS) - Defines any camera perspective between long shot and closeup, viewing the subjects from a medium distance.

 

Meta Data - Information attached to a file, e.g. a video clip could contain meta data detailing recording date, exposure info etc.

 

Mirror filter or Flop filter - that flips frames horizontally to create an opposite but identical image.

 

MPEG - Video Codec

Mirror filter EditDV Unplugged filter that flips frames horizontally to create an opposite but identical image.

Macro-Focus

 

Some zoom lenses include this feature, which allows you to get as close as one or two inches to your subject. This is a great feature for video taping small objects such as coins, stamps, or insects.

 

Macro-Lens

 

Lens capable of close-up focusing.

 

MII

 

Introduced in 1986, MII is Panasonic's answer to Betacam SP. All MII tape is metal. The 90 minute cassette at 4 by 8 inches (11 by 19 cm) is considerably smaller than the 90 minute Betacam SP cassette. However the dockable decks take only a small 20 minute cassette (3.6 by 5 inches - 9 by 13 cm). Technically, MII is equal to or superior to Betacam SP. Panasonic MII field equipment includes several small dockable decks usable with a variety of camera heads and some excellent portable decks.

Be aware if you get into MII that at some point repairs may become an issue and that few duplicating facilities or clients are likely to have MII. Therefore you will probably have to copy your MII programs to another format at some stage.

Mini DV

 

Mini DV tapes are the smallest of the video formats. They take and maintain crystal clear images because of the nature of a digital format. Editing enthusiasts benefit from Mini DV as well, since copying between two units is done with no quality loss. That means edited or copied video looks and sounds every bit as good as the original footage. Mini DV tapes are available in 30, 60 and 63 minute lengths.  You can also have Mini DV tapes transferred to VHS. For more information on Mini DV, Click Here.

Modulation

 

A way in which one signal modifies or controls another signal for such

purposes as enabling it to carry information. Often used to describe radio

frequency (RF) transmission. FM is a frequency modulation; AM is

amplitude modulation.

 

Monitor

 

A video display. A monitor is like a TV except it lacks the ability to tune in

channels. A monitor may or may not have a sound amplifier and speaker.

 

Monochrome

 

Black and White.

 

Multiplexor

 

An electronic system that can accept a number of camera inputs and record

them virtually simultaneously. They can also provide multi screen displays

with four, nine, sixteen etc. cameras on the screen at once. Mulitplexors can be used to transmit multiple pictures down a single video line whether it is a coaxial cable, microwave, infrared link etc. This requires a multiplexor at each end of the line.

 

 

N

Negative:

( 1) For a black-and-white image those tonal values which are the opposite of those in the original subject. (2) For a color image, those color values which are the complement of those in the original subject. (Film Editing)

Nets:

A bobbinet on a frame used to cut lighting intensity by either a half stop or full stop. (Grip/Lighting)

Neutral Density (ND):

Colorless filters that reduce the amount of light in controlled degrees. (Camera/Lighting)

Noir:

Usually refers to the classic black and white film noir style used in detective mysteries, typically employing hard lighting and dark, low key lighting. (Camera/Lighting)

Noise:

In audio systems, noise is the electrical interference or other unwanted sound introduced into the system (i.e. hiss, hum, rumble, crosstalk, etc). (Sound)

Notch:

A recess on the edge of a piece of film which automatically triggers a mechanism effecting some modification of the duplication process, commonly a change of exposure light intensity. (Film Editing)

NTSC:

National Television Standards Committee. The organization that sets the American broadcast and videotape format standards for the FCC. Color television is currently set at 525 lines per frame, 29.97 frames per second.

Non-drop frame timecode - Timecode that does not compensate for the 29.97 frames of video per second of NTSC video, rather than 30 frames per second. Each frame is assigned a unique, consecutive SMPTE time code.

 

Nose Room - The distance between the subject and the edge of the frame in the direction the subject is looking. Also called "look room."

 

NTSC - The National Television Standards Committee.

 

NTSC signal - The standard composite video signal adopted by the NTSC that has 525 interlaced lines at a frame rate of 29.97 frames per second.

non-drop frame timecode Timecode that does not compensate for the 29.97 frames of video per second of NTSC video, rather than 30 frames per second. Each frame is assigned a unique, consecutive SMPTE time code.

NTSC The National Television Standards Committee.

NTSC signal The standard composite video signal adopted by the NTSC that has 525 interlaced lines at a frame rate of 29.97 frames per second.

Noise Bars

 

White streaks in a picture, usually caused when video heads trace parts

of the tape that have no recorded signal, also known as guard bands.

 

NTSC

 

National Television Standards Committee. A group of businesses and

engineers originally created to decide on early standards for color and black-

and-white televisions in the U.S.. The NTSC system is also used in Japan.

Other television standards around the world include PAL (most of Europe) and SECAM (France, parts of Africa and Russia).

 

O

Obie:

An eyelight mounted on the camera. (Lighting)

Octave:

The interval between two sounds having a basic frequency ratio of 2 to 1. (Sound)

Offline:

The videotape editing process whereby the final edit list is compiled, usually in a more inexpensive edit room, in preparation for the on-line edit. (Video)

Off-Scale:

Outside the range of the standard light values of a printer. (Laboratory)

One-Light Print:

A print made with a single printer light setting for all shots in the film being printed. A common method to produce a 'daily' color print. (Laboratory)

Online:

The videotape editing process that creates the final video edit master, including effects, from the offline edit list. (Video)

Opacity:

The ratio of the amount of light falling on a surface to the amount of light which is transmitted. (Lighting)

Opaque Leader:

Any strip of flexible, optically opaque material used to space picture in A/B roll film cutting and editing. (Film Editing)

Optical Effects:

A laboratory or print procedure in which shots are modified by use of an optical printer. These are most commonly seen as fades and dissolves, however, it can include a wide range of special effects procedures. (Laboratory)

Optical Printer:

A printer in which an image of the original is transferred to raw film stock by means of light and a lens system. (Laboratory)

Optical Sound:

A sound track in which the recording uses variation of a photographic image.

Optical Stereo:

A film recording system replayed by scanning the stereo tracks by means of a photo cell lamp.

Outgoing Scene:

The first scene of a dissolve or wipe effect which changes into the second, or incoming scene.

Out-Take:

A take of a scene which is not used for printing or for the final assembly of a film.

Overlapping and Matching Action:

Repeating part of the action in one shot at the beginning of the next shot, or covering the action with two or more cameras, then matching the overlaps on the editing table for the purpose of making a smooth cut on action. (Film Editing)

Off Line - When no disk file exists for a reference to a clip in a program, the file is said to be off line.

 

Opacity - The degree to which an image is transparent, allowing images behind to visually show through.

 

Opticals - Effects produced through optical printing, including transitions, superimposed titles, etc. Sometimes called Optical Effects. However, anything optically printed can be called an optical, so even blowing film up from 16mm to 35mm, though it does not involve an effect, is an optical.

 

Out Point - The SMPTE time code defining the end of a clip. The frame with this time code is not included in the clip.

 

Out Takes - The footage from your workprint that is not used in your edited version. Very small bits, a few frames or as little as one frame, are known a trims,

 

Overcrank - To run the camera faster, producing slow motion. The term has survived from the time when you would crank a camera.

 

Over-The-Shoulder Shot - View of the primary subject with the back of another person's shoulder and head in the foreground. Often used in interview situations.

 

Overwrite Edit - Placing a section of a source clip on the time line in the Sequencer and replacing or "overwriting" that program section.

off Line When no disk file exists for a reference to a clip in a program, the file is said to be off line.

on Disk The media file for a clip is stored on a hard drive and referenced from within a program.

opacity The degree to which an image is transparent, allowing images behind to visually show through.

out point The SMPTE time code defining the end of a clip. The frame with this time code is not included in the clip.

overwrite edit Placing a section of a source clip on the time line in the Sequencer and replacing or "overwriting" that program section.

Overscanning

 

A technique used in consumer display products that extends the deflection of a CRT's electron beam beyond the physical boundaries of the screen to ensure that Images will always fill the display area. See also underscanning

 

P

Packaging:

A combination of several creative elements such as a script, actor/s, and director which is used to attract interest in a production for the purposes of obtaining financing or distribution.

PAL (Phase Alternating Line):

The European color television standard that specifies a 25Hz frame rate and 625 lines per frame.

Pan:

A horizontal movement of a camera on a fixed axis.

Parallels:

Temporary Scaffolding, used as a platform for the camera, lighting, or other rigging. (Grip/Lighting)

Pay or Play:

A contract provision which commits the production company to compensate a cast or crew member for a project whether or not that project ever goes into production.

Phase Distortion:

This is a shifting of output voltage relative to input by an amount which is disproportional to frequency. This will not detectable until it an amplifier. (Acoustics)

Phase shift:

The displacement of a waveform in time. Some electrical components introduce phase shift into a signal. When various frequencies are displaced differently, distortion occurs. Electrical cancellation may occur when two equal signals are out of phase by 1~3()ˇ. However, this may also be used are a encoding method where the shift is removed on playback (similar to the method in which a Dolby Surround sound track is encoded and played back. (Post Production)

Phantom Power:

A method of remotely powering the preamplifier or impedance converter which is buitlt into many microphones by sending a voltage along the audio cable. (Audio)

Phase:

The timing relationship between two signals. (Audio/Electronics)

Pick-up Shot:

Reshooting a portion of a scene, the rest of which was acceptably filmed in a previous take.

Pilot Tone:

A sine wave signal, recorded by various field audio recorders at a known frequency, which is used to resolve the tape speed on playback to retain sync with film camera footage.

Pin:

A component of a camera or printer mechanism which engages with a perforation hole to move and locate film for exposure.

Pink noise:

A sound signal that has an equal amount of energy per octave or fraction of an octave. (Sound)

Pitch:

The distance between two successive perforations along a strip of film.(Film) The frequency of audible sound (Sound).

Plate:

A background for any type of process shot. (Laboratory)

Playback:

A technique of filming music action first, the playing the music through loudspeakers while performers dance, sing, etc.

Positive Scratch:

The black image on a print of a scratch on the positive from which the print was made. (Film Editing)

Post-Production:

The period in a project's development that takes place after the picture is delivered, or "after the production." This term might also be applied to video/film editing or refer to audio post-production.

Practical:

Any light that appears in the scene. (Lighting)

Preamplifier:

An electronic device that boosts extremely weak signal voltages, such as those from microphones or mag heads, to a level that is usable by power amplifiers. (Electronics)

Pre-Blacked:

A video tape which has already had a control track, usually with SMPTE encoded time code, but without any picture or sound. This is done to facilitate the video editing or assembly process.

Prescoring:

Recording of music or other sound prior to the shooting of the picture which is to accompany it. The most common usage is in animated film. (Sound)

Principal Photography:

The main photography of a film and the time period during which it takes place. (Production)

Printing Sync:

The relation between the picture and sound components in which they are printed to give the necessary displacement for projection as a composite print. (Laboratory)

Prism Shutter:

A device used on many film viewers, editing machines, and some high-speed cameras, consisting of a rotating prism of four or more sides through which the viewer light passes as film is pulled continuously through it. (Film Editing)

Process Shot:

A shot that will be composited from two other shots. The background part of this process is called a 'plate'. (Laboratory)

Production Dupe:

A duplicate negative prepared in the final form for release printing. (Laboratory)

Production Sound:

Recording and/or mixing sound on location during the film or video shoot. Typically this has been recorded to an analog Nagra reel-to-reel machine, though DAT recorders and other digital formats are now making significant inroads.

Projection-Contrast Original:

An original reversal film which is designed to have normal contrast when projected. (Film Editing)

Projection Leader:

A short length of film having standard markings on it, used to enable projectionists to make instant changeovers from one projector to another. (Film Editing)

Punch:

A device for punching a hole in film leader to locate a starting point for editorial or printing synchronization. (Film Editing). Also refers to specular light. (Lighting)

PAL

 

Phase Alternate by line is the 625-line color video system currently used in

most of Western Europe, England, Australia, and South Africa.

 

Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ)

 

A device that can be remotely controlled to provide both vertical and horizontal movement for a camera, with zoom.

PCM

 

Abbreviation for pulse code modulation, a way of digitally recording an audio

signal. Used in most 8mm decks and in some high-end VHS and S-VHS decks.

 

Peak to Peak

 

The measurement of any signal from the lowest value to the highest. In a composite or full video signal, this should be 1 Volt.

 

Pixel

 

Picture element.

 

Pre-Set Controller

 

A function contained within a telemetry system that, on receipt of a signal, causes a particular camera to pan, tilt and zoom to a predetermined field of view. Most systems can accommodate up to sixteen preset positions for each camera. This is an especially useful feature on larger systems with alarmed areas.

PAL - Phase Alternating Line.

 

PAL Signal - The most common composite video signal used in Europe. It has a frame rate of 25 fps. ( 625 lines at 50Hz )

 

Pan - When used in reference to video, it is the sweeping movement of a camera across a scene or the appearance of such movement generated as an effect.

 

Pan Setting - When used in reference to audio, the setting that determines how audio output is divided between left and right speakers.

 

Patch Matrix - Allows the user to direct the flow of the source signal, video / audio / time code etc, to the destination input.

 

Pedestal - A balanced device to move camera in vertical plane, often on wheels.

 

Pigeon - This is a heavy round disc with a lighting stud, used to position a light on the floor, much lower than a stand will go. Basically, it is a Hi Hat for lights.

 

Picture View - A display mode on edit systems showing small thumbnails of the clips stored in the bins in the Project window.

 

PIP - Abbreviation for Picture in a Picture, a video effect which places several complete images on the screen at the same time.

 

Pixel - A single picture element. The smallest element in a graphic image. Pixels are combined with other pixels to make up a graphic image. Picture quality increases as the number of pixels increase in a measured area of an image.

 

Point - A standard measurement unit for type sizes. One point equals approximately 1/72 of an inch.

 

point-of-view shot (POV) - Shot perspective whereby the video camera assumes a subject's view and thus viewers see what the subject sees.

 

Prime Lens - A prime lens is one with a single focal length, wide, normal or telephoto, as opposed to a zoom lens which has a variable focal length. They often come in a set of different focal lengths. Prime lenses tend to be sharper, faster and will often focus closer than zoom lenses.

 

Primary source clip - A source clip that has media attached to it. The original source clip from which secondary source clips and reference clips are created.

 

Preroll - Preroll is extra time at the beginning of a sound take to accommodate the slow lock-up time of some post production time code devices.

 

Program - A sequence of reference clips arranged in a meaningful order. The final result of production with a video program.

 

Project - Organizational unit containing the media units that when incorporated and edited will constitute a program.

 

Project Preset - Options that define the parameters for the production of a program, such as audio sampling rate that are established before beginning production.

 

Pull Down - A transfer of sound slowed down from film speed, 24 film frames per second, to video speed, 29.97 video frames per second, which is the equivalent of 23.98 film frames per second. This must be done to line it up with a video transfer of picture when transferring sync sound to video.

 

 

Pull Up - This term can be a little confusing since it has three meanings that both apply to sound. (1) The process of offsetting the sound 26 frames ahead of picture when making a print. (2) Pull Ups, as a noun, are transfers of the first 26 frames of sound from a reel that are spliced onto the outgoing sound of the previous reel so that sound is not lost when the film is printed with the sound pulled up, since 26 frames of sound are cut off when reels are joined. (3) A transfer of the sound from a video, sped up from video speed, 29.97 video frames per second, which is the equivalent of 23.98 film frames per second, to film speed, 24 film frames per second. This must be done when the optical track is made after having mixed in video.

 

 

PZR filter - A filter that enables the rotation of clip frames around any of three axes, the positioning of a frame in any of three dimensions and the control of the point of view through perspective adjustments.

Post-Production

Any work done after filming, including editing, DVD authoring, encoding, compression, DVD duplication & replication, and animated graphics.

Pre-Production

The work that happens prior to beginning filming or editing, such as scripting, storyboarding, and casting.

Producer

You will typically be assigned a project manager who will act as producer on your project to ensure that your project is delivered on-time and on-budget.

Production

A term which can be applied to either the stage of a video production project where footage is filmed or to the project as a whole.

Production Assistant

On larger productions an assistant may be required to provide support for the crew. Sometimes referred to as a camera assistant.

Product Video

Any promotional video intended specifically to promote a product, as opposed to a service, and which typically involves the fiming of 'product shots' in a studio.

Project Manager

Also referred to as the producer of your project who will ensure that your project is delivered on-time and on-budget.

 

Promotional Video

Any video that is intended to persuade the viewer, such as a commercial or sales video. View our promotional video production & commercials work for an example.

 

Q

Quarter Inch:

A reference to the standard width magnetic audio tape which is used to record film production sound. (Sound)

Quartz:

Tungsten-Halogen lights or lighting units. The name is derived from the material which encloses the lighting element. (Lighting)

Quartz Light - Can also be called halogen light or tungsten light. A quartz light is a very bright type of light that uses a tungsten filament that is contained in a quartz envelope. The color temperature will be a fairly consistent 3,200K. They can get very hot when in use. It is also very important never to touch the bulb with your bare hands at any time. Oil from your hands will cause the bulb to blister and explode.

 

QuickTime - System software from Apple Computer, Inc. that enables the storage, editing, and playing of digitized video and audio media on a computer.

 

Quick Release - A latching device for quickly mounting and removing the camera from the tripod.

 

 

Quick Release Shoe - The part of the quick release that attaches to the camera is called the quick release shoe, and is inevitably worth double-checking, as they frequently stray away the tripod when left behind on the camera.

QuickTime System software from Apple Computer, Inc. that enables the storage, editing, and playing of digitized video and audio media on a computer.

Quad Screen

 

Display where 4 cameras are viewed on the same screen, each camera image occupying a quarter of the display area. Other 'multi-screen' modes are possible such as 9, 16 and 25 way. The splits do not always have to be equal and other configurations can be possible.

 

R

Rack:

A frame carrying film in a processing machine. Ofter used to refer to frame edit alignment in which the projected film remains properly framed on the screen (in rack). (Laboratory)

Rank:

A shortened term which refers to a "Rank-Cintel Flying Spot Scanner". This is a telecine device which transfers a film image into electronic signals which are then recorded on to video tape.

Reaction Shot:

A shot of a player listening while another player's voice continues on the sound track. (Production)

Redhead:

An open faced 1K lighting unit. Also known as a 'Mickey'. (Lighting)

Reduction Printing:

The production of a copy of a film which is of a smaller size or gauge than the original (i.e. 35mm to 16mm). This is done of an optical printer. (Laboratory)

Relational Editing:

Editing of shots for the purposes of comparison or for the contrast of content. (Film Editing)

Release:

The general distribution of a film for public exhibition.

Release negative:

A duplicate negative from which release prints are made. (Film Editing)

Re-recording:

The process of mixing all edited music, effects and dialog tracks of a film or video production to mono, stereo, multichannel or whatever audio format is desired for the final print master.

Resolving:

The process of regulating tape speed by comparing a reference signal on the tape with an external reference and adjusting the speed so that they match.

Reverberation:

The presence or persistence of sound due to repeated reflections.

Reversal film:

A film that is manufactured and processed in such a way as to produce a positive image after exposure. (Film Editing)

Reversal Intermediate:

A second generation duplicate which is reversed to make it the same type, negative or positive, as the original. It is used for printing in order to protect the original. (Film Editing)

Reversal Original:

A reversal film designed to be exposed in a camera. (Film Editing)

Reverse Action:

An optical effect in which the action appears backwards from its chronological sequence. (Laboratory)

Reverse Angle:

A shot that is turned approximately 180 degrees in relation to the preceding shot. (Cinematography)

Rim:

A hard backlight, is generally on the same level as the subject, that casts more light than the key light. (Lighting)

Riser:

(1) A cylindrical metal device placed betwen the dolly head and the camera base to raise the camera. (2) A prebuilt platform used to raise the set, camera, or lights. (Grip/Lighting)

RMS (root-mean-square):

Effective sound pressure. (Acoustics)

Room Tone:

The "noise" of a room, set or location where dialog is recorded during Production. Used by film and dialog editors as a "bed" to form a continuous tone through a particular scene. This is often confused with ambience, which might be sound effects and/or reverberation added when the dialog is mixed.

Rough cut:

A preliminary trial stage in the process of editing a film. Shots are laid out in approximate relationship to an end product without detailed attention to the individual cutting points. (Film Editing)

Run of the Picture:

A cast member whose work may be required any of the days scheduled for principal photography without incurring liability for additional compensation.

Rushes:

This refers to daily prints of a film used for evaluation purposes. (Laboratory)

Real Time Recording

 

Refers to the top speed of a video recorder; governed by the monitor - pictures are available as fast as the video can accept them.

 

Remote Switcher

 

A video switcher which is connected to the camera cables and which contains the switching electronics. This unit may be remotely located and connected to a desk top controller by a single cable for each monitor.

Residual Color

 

This is the amount of color in the image of a white target after a color camera has been white balanced. The less color, the better the camera.

 

Resolution

 

The clarity or sharpness of the picture. Resolution is most often stated in

the number of total lines that make up an image or in MHz.

radial wipe transition A transition that sweeps away the outgoing clip with a circular or semi-circular motion to reveal the incoming clip.

reference clip A clip created from a source clip when the source clip is placed on the time line in the Sequencer. A reference clip does not contain any digitized media but refers to the digitized source clip. A reference clip only exists in a sequence and is the only kind of clip that a sequence contains.

render The processing of a series of individual clips, transitions and filters into a single playable track.

roll edit An editing process where both outgoing and incoming clips are trimmed at a cut point to shorten one while lengthening the other to maintain the overall length of a program.

rotate A function of EditDV's PZR filter that allows clip frames to be turned on any of three axes.

rule of thirds This is the basic principle that is the most valuable to a new photographer. This rule takes our rectangular shape and divides it into thirds. The key elements or objects in a composition should fall on one of these thirds lines. The one point on our photograph where the viewers' eye comes to rest should fall on one of these lines where both a horizontal and a vertical line come to rest.

Rack Focus - Shifting focus between subjects in the background and foreground so a viewer's attention moves from subject to subject as the focus shifts.

 

Radial Wipe Transition - A transition that sweeps away the outgoing clip with a circular or semi-circular motion to reveal the incoming clip.

 

Raw Stock - Unexposed film.

 

Reduction Print - An optical reduction of a film from one gauge to another, such as 35mm to 16mm.

 

Reference Clip - A clip created from a source clip when the source clip is placed on the time line in the Sequencer. A reference clip does not contain any digitized media but refers to the digitized source clip. A reference clip only exists in a sequence and is the only kind of clip that a sequence contains.

 

Remote - Video shoot performed on location, outside a controlled studio environment.

 

Render - The processing of a series of individual clips, transitions and filters into a single playable track.

 

Reversal - A type of film and method of processing that yields a positive original. This is the movie-film equivalent of slide film and processing, in still photography.

 

Reverse Shot - A shot from the other side of the previous shot (though preferably on the same side of the 180° Line), such as cutting between two characters talking, a person exiting and entering though a doorway, a reaction shot and P.O.V. shot, etc.

 

Roll Edit - An editing process where both outgoing and incoming clips are trimmed at a cut point to shorten one while lengthening the other to maintain the overall length of a program.

 

Rotate - A function of EditDV's PZR filter that allows clip frames to be turned on any of three axes.

 

Rough Cut - The edited film, between the stages of being an assembly and a fine cut.

 

Rushes - The workprint, when it is just back from the lab, unedited, called the rushes because of the rush to see that everything came out alright. Also known as dailies.

 

Rule of Thirds - This is the basic principle that is the most valuable to a new photographer. This rule takes our rectangular shape and divides it into thirds. The key elements or objects in a composition should fall on one of these thirds lines. The one point on our photograph where the viewers' eye comes to rest should fall on one of these lines where both a horizontal and a vertical line come to rest.

 

S

Score:

The original-music composition for a motion picture or television production which is generally recorded after the picture has been edited.

Scrim:

A metal 'window screen' that can be placed in front of a lighting unit to decrease the lighting intensity by a predetermined amount. (Grip/Lighting)

Scrub:

Moving a piece of tape or magnetic film back and forth over a sound head to locate a specific cue or word.

Scrub Wheel:

A mechanical control for scrubbing film or magnetic tape.

SDDS:

Sony Dynamic Digital Sound System. A film sound format which encodes eight tracks of digital audio outside of the sprocket holes on both edges of a film print. (Sound)

Second Unit:

A photographic team that shoots scenes which do not involve the principal cast, such as stunts, car chases, or establishing shots.

Senior:

A 5K fresnel lighting unit. (Lighting)

Senior Stand:

A braced junior stand sufficiently rugged for large lights such as a 5K, 10K, or 'Big Eye'. (Grip/Lighting)

Sensitivity:

An indication of recording or playback efficiency as might be measure of a microphone or audio tape recorder.

Sequencer:

The hardware or software based brain of a MIDI studio. It receives, stores and plays back MIDI information in a desired sequence.

Set Dressing:

Items of decoration which are not designated in the script or by the director as part of specific action. (Production)

Set Up:

Each discrete position of the camera, excluding those in which a dolly or crane is used to move the camera during filming. (Production)

Shiny Boards:

A grip reflector used for reaiming sunlight to provide a key or fill light. (Grip/Lighting)

Shotgun Mic:

A highly directional microphone, usually with a long, tubular body; used by the production sound mixer on location or on the set for film and television productions.

Showcard:

A white artists' cardboard which is used as a reflector or for making other special rigs. It is easily cut and formed. (Grip/Lighting)

Siamese:

A splitter that divides a power line into two parts. (Grip/Lighting)

Sibilance:

An exaggerated hissing in voice patterns. (Post Production)

Sider:

A device which cuts the light from the side of a lighting unit, usually a flag or a cutter. (Grip/Lighting)

Sight Line:

An imaginary line that is drawn between a subject and the object that he/she is looking at.

Silk:

A lighting diffusion or reflective material, formerly real silk. (Grip/Lighting)

Single:

A shot with only one subject in the frame. (Production)

Signal:

The form of variation with time of a wave whereby information is conveyed in some form whether it is acoustic or electronic.

Signal to Noise Ratio:

This is the ratio of the desired signal to the unwanted noise in an audio or video record/playback system.

Single-Stripe:

Magnetic film that contains a single audio track, which is coated with oxide.

Single System:

A method of recording sound and picture on the same medium, most typically used in news gathering.

Skip Frame:

An optical printing effect which eliminates selected frames of the original scene to speed up the action. (Laboratory)

Slate:

The identifier placed in front of the camera at beginning of a take.

Slave:

An audio tape or videotape transport, projector or mag film dubber whose movements follow the movement of a single master transport. Accomplished electronically by using SMPTE time code numbers or mechanically by motor linkage of sprocketed machines.

Slug:

A strip of blank leader or image-bearing film used as leader. (Film Editing)

SMPTE:

Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.

SMPTE Time Code:

Also known as Longitudinal Time Code. A high frequency signal that allows the accurate "locking" of film audio and video equipment. Locator information is displayed as numbers.

Snake:

A multi-channel audio cable intended for use with microphone level signals and/or line level signals. (Audio/Video/Electronics)

Sound Designer:

A film sound specialist responsible for the development and augmentation of all soundtrack material, or a significant portion thereof, and is ultimately in charge of the entire sound production. Occasionally, it is used to refer to a person who is responsible for creating unique sounds or sound elements which are incorporated into a sound track. (Sound)

Sound Effect:

A recorded or electronically produced sound that matches the visual action taking place onscreen.

Sound Master Positive:

A sound print on made from the sound negative for producing duplicate negatives of the sound record track for release printing.

Sound Mixer:

The person responsible for capturing sound as it plays out live, determining microphone types and placement. (Sound)

Sound Negative:

A negative sound image on film which is obtained by exposure through a positive sound image.

Sound-on-Sound:

A method in which previously recorded sound on one track is rerecorded onto another track while new material is added.

Sound Print:

Any positive sound track print which is obtained by printing from a sound negative, or direct positive recording. or by the reversal process from another negative.

Soundtrack:

Generically refers to the music contained in a film, though it literally means the entire audio portion of a film, video or television production, including effects and dialog.

Spacer:

A hub placed between reels on rewinders to keep the reels in the proper position to feed into, or take up from, a synchronizer. (Film Editing)

Specular:

A term used to describe highly directional, focused light. This is often perceived as a very 'hard' light. (Lighting)

Speed of sound:

The velocity of sound in air is 770 mi/hr. This speed however, is influenced by temperature and air pressure. (Acoustics)

Spill:

Light that is escaping from the sides of a lighting unit, or any light that is falling where it is not wanted. (Grip/Lighting)

Splice:

The act of joining two pieces of film by any of several methods. (Film Editing)

Split Screen:

An optical or special effects shot in which two separate images are combined on each frame.

Spool:

A flanged roll on which film is wound for general handling or projection.

Spot:

On a lensed light, the smallest beam spread. (Lighting)

Spotting:

Used in scoring and sound effects editing to identify the specific scenes or points where music cues or effects cues will take place. Usually, this will include information on length and style.

Sprocket:

A toothed driving wheel used to move film through various machines by engaging with the perforated holes in film stock.

Stage Box:

A distribution box with six pockets for stage plug connectors.

Standing waves:

A deep sound in a small room or booth from low frequency caused by long waves with short reflection patterns. (Post Production)

Step Printer:

A printer in which each frame of the negative and raw stock is stationary at the time of exposure. (Laboratory)

Stinger:

A single extension cord. Most often referred to a single 'hot' extension that is left lying around for occassional use. (Grip/Lighting)

Stock:

A general term for motion picture film, particularly before it is exposed.

Stock Numbers:

Edge numbers provided on film raw stock by the manufacturer.

Stop Frame:

An optical printing effect in which a single frame image is repeated in order to appear stationary when it is projected. This may also refer to a camera technique in which only one frame at a time is exposed.

Striking:

The breakdown process of a camera position, location, or set.

Suicide:

A term for a distribution wiring connector with male plugs at both ends, (Grip/Lighting)

Surround Sound:

Sound that is reproduced through speakers above or behind the audience.

Sweeten/Sweetening:

Enhancing the sound of a recording or a particular sound effect with equalization or some other signal processing device.

Sync Beep (sync tone):

In double system shooting with certain cameras, a tone feed into a magnetic tape recorder at the same time that a light in the camera exposes a few frames of film. The fogged section is later aligned with the beep tone to achieve synchronization of the sound to the picture.

Synching Dailies:

Assembling, for synchronous interlock, the picture and sound workprints of a day's shooting. (Film Editing)

Single-Camera

Filming using only one camera and operator instead of multi-camera. This can often eliminate the need for addition crew such as a director as well.

Sound Mixer

A specialist who sets up and monitors microphones and controls the live mix of multiple audio sources.

Also referred to as a boom operator when a boom microphone is required.

Standard Definition (SD)

A term which refers to a variety of video formats including DVCAM, often used to distinguish from high definition.

Stock Footage

Footage which was previously shot and is available for licensing to be incorprated into a new project, typically at a much lower cost than the acquisition of original footage.

Stock Music

Music which was previously recorded and is available for licensing and use in a new project, typically at a much lower cost than the creation of original music.

Streaming

Also known as webcasting, the process of broadcasting a live video feed on the internet as in our live video streaming services.

 

Studio

Our on-site 750 sq. ft. production studio allows for a variety of scenarios to be filmed or photographed in a controlled environment.

Safety - An additional take, done after a successful one, as a backup.

 

Scratch Mix - A mix with little correction of the sound, that is usually done before the final mix in order to screen the film with all the sounds in place, to determine if there are any changes to be made. Typically this is not done on lower budget productions, as the added cost would be self-defeating.

 

Scene - In the language of moving images, a sequence of related shots usually constituting action in one particular location. [See shot]

Scroll - Moving text from the bottom to top and continuing off the visual boundaries.

 

Scrub - To play through an audio or video clip interactively (under manual control) to evaluate it or locate a specific event. EditDV provides a display for observation of the audio waveform as it is scrubbed.

 

Secondary Source Clip or Sub Clip - A source clip created from a primary source clip, a subclip. It contains no media, it only refers to the primary clip.

 

Second Sticks - If the clapper on the slate was not visible when the shot was being marked the camera person might call out “second sticks!” to tell the person with the slate to mark it a second time.

 

Selects - Sometimes it is useful to separate out all the shots you are going to use before beginning to edit. These are known as selects.

 

Shot - Intentional, isolated camera views, which collectively comprise a particular scene.

 

Shooting Ratio - The ratio of how much film shot compared to running time of the finished film. For instance a 5 minute film for which you shot 30 minutes of footage would have a shooting ratio of 6 to 1.

 

 

Shuttle - To move smoothly, forward or backward, through video or audio media at a constant rate.

 

Sky View - A graphic overview of the program in the time line. Visually relates the current view of the time line to the complete program.

 

Slug – Another name for filler.

 

SMPTE - Abbreviation for the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.

 

SMPTE Leader – another term for Academy Leader.

 

SMPTE timecode - The timecode used by the SMPTE to identify frames in a videotape. Each frame has a unique address in an hours:minutes:seconds:frames format.

 

Source Clip - A clip that refers directly to the original physical media.

 

Sparks - The name given to electricians.

 

Spider – Another term for spreader, attached to bottom of tripod.

 

Spikes - Spikes are a term that comes from theater. They are little pieces of tape placed around the legs of furniture, or the tripod legs, before they are moved, making it easy to return things to their original position.

 

Splice - The physical act of cutting a medium, such as film or audio tape, to add new tape to it or take out portions of it.

 

Spline - A setting in graphics and edit systems that produces movement between key frame settings along curved lines; creating a smooth, flowing motion.

 

Split Edit (L-cut or J-cut) - Adjusting synchronized audio or video clips so that one starts slightly before or after the other.

 

Step - To move forward or backward one frame at a time.

 

Stereo - Audio split on two physical tracks, one on the right and one on the left.

 

Sticks - Camera tripod or the tripod legs OR The clapper on the slate.

 

Sync - The degree to which sound and picture are lined up, in-sync being lined up exactly, and out-of-sync not so exactly. It can be applied to any specific sound and picture relationship, not just voices and not just sync-sound, but any type of specific effect too.

 

 

Syncing - The actual lining up of sound and picture before editing a sync sound film. This also involves cutting the excess sound between takes, and adding filler, so that the picture and sound are now in sync for beginning to end.

 

Sync Sound - Sync sound is sound recorded while shooting picture. Usually it involves footage of people speaking, and is thus sometimes called lip sync. It must be recorded with either crystal or cable sync to line up and not drift out of sync.

scroll Moving text from the bottom to top and continuing off the visual boundaries.

scrub To play through an audio or video clip interactively (under manual control) to evaluate it or locate a specific event. EditDV provides a display for observation of the audio waveform as it is scrubbed.

secondary source clip A source clip created from a primary source clip, a subclip. It contains no media, it only refers to the primary clip.

shuttle To move smoothly, forward or backward, through video or audio media at a constant rate.

SkyView A graphic overview of the program in the time line. Visually relates the current view of the time line to the complete program.

SMPTE Abbreviation for the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.

SMPTE timecode The timecode used by the SMPTE to identify frames in a videotape. Each frame has a unique address in an hours:minutes:seconds:frames format.

source clip A clip that refers directly to physical media.

splice The physical act of cutting a medium, such as film or audio tape, to add new tape to it or take out portions of it.

spline A setting in the EditDV Unplugged Interpolation pop-up that produces movement between key frame settings along curved lines; creating a smooth, flowing motion.

split edit (L-cut or J-cut) Adjusting synchronized audio or video clips so that one starts slightly before or after the other.

step To move forward or backward one frame at a time.

stereo Audio split on two physical tracks, one on the right and one on the left.

Saturation

 

The strength or amount of a certain color present in a television picture;

saturation is expressed as the purity of the color.

 

Scene Illumination

 

The density of light falling on the area to be viewed. For best results the ratio

of the lightest to the darkest areas should not be more that a factor of two.

 

Screen Splitter

 

A term usually used for a device that can combine the views from two cameras on a single screen. Normally the camera syncs need to be locked together.

S/N Ratio

 

Signal-to-Noise ratio is the amount of desired signal as compared to

undesired signal. In video Tape, noise appears as "snow," audio noise is

the tape hiss heard upon playback. A way of measuring how good a

picture or a sound will be.e The higher the ratio between the desired type of

signal and the unwanted noise, the better the results.

 

S-VHS or Super VHS

 

A VHS format that enables recording and playback of very high resolution

video. The format uses a 4 pin din cable to carry the separated signals,

chrominance and luminance, versus the composite type that combines

the signal over one wire.

 

S-Video

 

Type of video signal used in the Hi8 and SVHS videotape formats. S-Video

transmits luminance and colour portions separately, using multiple wires, thus avoiding the colour encoding process and its inevitable loss of picture quality.

 

Switcher

 

A simplified SEG that selects and mixes video signals from two or more sources.

 

Sync

 

Short for synchronization, a broad term to indicate the proper order of

electrical signals to generate and display sound and picture from a videotape.

 

T

T Stop:

A true f/stop as opposed to one dereived mathematically. It is the actual light transmission of a lens as measured on an optical bench. (Camera)

Tail Leader:

Leader used at the finish end of a strip of film. (Film Editing)

Take Down:

Reducing the light on an object by means of nets, scrims, dimmers or wasting light. (Grip/Lighting)

Telecine:

A machine that transfers film to a video signal. This also generically refers to the process of film-to-tape transfers.

Temp Dub:

A preliminary mixing of dialogue, music, and sound effects, usually so that a first cut may be viewed with all of these elements incorporated. (Post Production)

Tenner:

A standard studio 10K lighting unit, as opposed to a baby 10 or a Big Eye, which are also 10K lighting units. (Lighting)

THX:

A theatrical film exhibition sound system which maintains a consistent sound standard from theatre to theatre. Generally, this system uses Dolby Stereo Surround as the basis of the exhibition standard, although a number of other systems have also now qualified. (Sound)

Tie In:

A power feed obtained by temporarily clipping on to the main service of a location. This methodology is illegal in many areas. (Lighting)

Time Base Signal:

A signal recorded on the edge of film in a camera to match a signal recorded on a magnetic recording which is used as a fast means of synchronizing film and sound workprints.

Time Code:

Also known as Longitudinal Time Code. A high frequency signal that allows the accurate "locking" of film audio and video equipment.

Timing:

The process of selecting the printing values for color and density of successive scenes in a complete film in order to produce a desired visual effect. (Laboratory)

Trailer:

A short publicty film which advertises a film or forthcoming presentations.

Traveling Matte:

A process shot in which foreground action is superimposed on a separately photographed background by an optical printer. (Laboratory)

Trims:

Portions of a scene left over after the selected section has been used in final cutting.

Trombone:

A tubular, extending device which is generally used for suspending lights from set walls. (Grip/Lighting)

Turtle:

A flat, on the floor mount, for large lights with a junior receiver. (Grip/Lighting)

TV Safe:

The area of a filmed image which will normally appear on a home television set after a film has been transferred in a telecine and then transmitted.

Tweco:

A device similar to a slip pin connector, which is used on a feeder cable, and which has a positive twist connection. (Lighting)

Telemetry

 

The system by which a signal is transmitted to a remote location in order to control CCTV equipment e.g. to control pan and tilt and zoom functions, switch on lights, move to preset positions etc. The controller at the operating position is the transmitter and there is a receiver at the remote location. The signal can be transmitted along a simple 'twisted pair' cable or along the same coaxial cable that carries the video signal.

 

Television & Film History

 

A history of Film & Television can be found Here.

 

Terminating Resistor

 

A resistor (usually 75 ohms) attached to the end of a cable or to an input

or output on a piece of video equipment. The resistor restores proper system

impedance.

 

Test Patterns

 

A test pattern is used to check out video systems, cameras and control equipment. Several examples can be found Here.

 

Time Lapse VCR

 

A type of video recorder that can be set to record continuously over long periods. This can be anything from three hours to 480 hours, achieved by the tape moving in steps and recording one frame at a time. This means that if set to record over long periods much information can be lost. On receipt of an alarm signal these machines can be automatically switched to real time mode.

text box A box surrounding text created by the Titling filter. Allows for the text to be moved or adjusted in one piece.

text object EditDV Unplugged provides this option that allows you to work with text produced by the Titling filter as one unit, instead of individual text characters.

text view A mode of appearance for EditDV Unplugged’s Project window. The text view contains names, descriptions, and numbers of clips stored in the Project window bins.

time line The graphic representation of a program displayed in the Sequencer window.

tint filter A filter that produces the appearance of viewing video through colored glass.

title safe area The standard area of a video in which text can be seen on a television screen.

titling filter A filter that produces text in a video in various fonts, sizes, and colors. Text can also be enhanced by using the filter’s ability to create different color and opacity gradients, borders, shadows, and backgrounds.

track A horizontal band across the time line window that graphically represents a series of clips in your program. The time line window has multiple tracks containing different types of media.

transition The change from one clip to another in a video program.

trim handles The frames before and after the In and Out points for a source clip to allow for trimming and transitions.

Tail - The end of a shot or a roll is called the tail.

 

Tail Slate or End Slate - Sometimes it is necessary to mark a shot at the end rather than at the beginning. When this is done it is called a tail slate. It is customary to call “Tail Slate!” just before clapping the slate, so that the person syncing the film does not get confused. To easily distinguish a tail slate, the slate is held upside down when marking the shot.

 

Take - Multiple versions of the same shot are called takes.

 

Telecine - A machine for transferring film to video.

 

Text Box - A box surrounding text created by the Titling filter. Allows for the text to be moved or adjusted in one piece.

 

Time Lapse - Time lapse is when single frame shooting is used to dramatically speed up the action over the course of a long period of time. Typically it is a process where a single frame is shot after a consistent pause. It could be one frame every ten seconds, or one frame every hour, and such.

 

Time Line - The graphic representation of a program displayed in the Sequencer window.

 

Tilt - Vertical camera rotation (up and down) from a single axis, as on a tripod.

 

Tint Filter - A filter that produces the appearance of viewing video through colored glass.

 

Title Safe Area - The standard area of a video in which text can be seen on a television screen. ( televisions overscan so blanking errors will not be seen, this is not as much of a problem these days but was a problem in the days of analogue TV ).

 

Tracking - Lateral camcorder movement that travels with a moving subject. The camcorder should maintain a regulated distance from the subject.

 

Transition - The change from one clip to another in a video program.

 

Trim Handles - The frames before and after the In and Out points for a source clip to allow for trimming and transitions.

 

Two-Shot - A camera view including two subjects, most generally applicable to interview situations.

Talent Release Form

Anyone appearing on camera should sign a proper release form supplied by Basetwo Media, whether being interviewed or appearing in the background of a shot. Some employment contracts may cover this type of thing but it is best to not have to re-shoot your video anytime a member of your staff who may have been featured leaves the company.

For more legal considerations, refer to this article.

Tape Stock

Any format of blank tape upon which footage may be filmed.

Teleprompter

 

Mounted to the front of a camera, it allows a person to read from a script while still maintaining their eyeline directly into the camera's lens.

The script is loaded on a laptop and then scrolled by an operator to keep up with the person reading it back, much like digital cue cards.

A special type of glass mounted at a 45 degree angle is used which reflects the words from a screen positioned underneath the camera, without refracting the image back into the lens.

Tradeshow Video

Any promotional video specifically intended for playback on a monitor within a tradeshow booth. This can also refer to a video which has been filmed at a tradeshow for distribution elsewhere.

 

Training Video

Any video which aims to train the viewer, similar to an educational video or instructional video.

These are quite useful for franchise training, like our work for 1-800-Got-Junk.

Transfer

The procedure of transferring or converting a video from one format to another. For instance, we offer VHS to DVD transfer services.

 

U

Ultrasonic Cleaner:

A device used to clean film without pressure or abrasion. (Laboratory)

Underscore:

Music that provides emotional or atmospheric background to the primary dialog or narration onscreen.

Unsqueezed Print:

A print in which the distorted image of an anamorphic negative has been corrected for normal projection.

Ultra-Sonic Cleaner - A sophisticated cleaning machine found at labs to clean negatives prior to printing or transfer to video. It uses sound waves to shake loose dust.

 

Ultra-Sonic Splicer - An expensive and sophisticated splicing machine.

 

 

Undercrank - To run the camera slower, producing fast motion. The term has survived from the time when you would crank a camera.

 

 

Underexposure - Filming a scene with less light than the emulsion of the film needs for a correct exposure. The image will be too dark. If compensated for in printing, the image will appear grainy, and very muddy.

 

Upright Moviola or Upright - An editing machine with arms in back to hold the take up and supply reels. The film moves up and around to a screen on the front. Foot petals control motors for sound speed and variable speed viewing.

U-Matic

 

U-Matic also known as 3/4" video tape. The format was introduced in 1971 but it is still used by some videographers who have been using the format for a long time. It can produce good quality video and 3/4" decks are still commonly available in duplicating houses. However, there is little reason for somebody to persue this format given the technical advantages of some of the other more recent formats. UMatic has been used by professionals the world round and found mostly in studios. The format is slowly being replaced with digital equipment such as DV and Mini DV.

Underscanning

 

A technique generally used by some TV and video systems as a way of ensuring that the complete image is always visible within a display area; the opposite of overscanning.

 

V

Variac:

A simmer that reduces the voltage. It stands for VARIable AC. (Lighting)

Varispeed:

Increasing or decreasing tape speed to match the musical pitch of tape playback.

Veeder Counter:

A trade name for a mechanical counter which is actuated using a rotary shaft movement which can be calibrated to any system of measurement such as feet or frames. (Film Editing)

Video Assist:

The process of simultaneously recording filmed picture onto video tape by means of the same lens system in order to immediately evaluate a take as soon as it is completed. (Production)

Virgin Stock:

Magnetic tape onto which nothing has yet been recorded.

VITC:

Vertical Interval Time Code. A time code signal that is written in the vertical interval by the rotating video heads, allowing it to be read when the tape is not moving. Requires special equipment to read and write.

Voice-over:

Narration or non-synchronous dialog taking place over the action onscreen.

VU Meter:

A meter designed to measure audio level in volume units which generally correspond to perceived loudness. (Audio)

VHS & VHS/C

 

Abbreviation for video home system, a VCR format pioneered by JVC. VHS/C and full size VHS record at a slightly lower resolution than 8MM. Their appeal, or course, is the convenience of easy playback. The large VHS camcorders are almost a thing of the past at this point. There are still a few models available, but their substantial size and weight make them a difficult sell against smaller camcorders. VHS/C compact models, on the other hand, remain a popular choice, offering many of the same key features as 8MM camcorders, at an equally affordable price.

 

Video Motion Detector

 

A method of detecting movement in the view of the camera by the electronic analysis of the change in picture contrast.

VU

 

Volume Unit is measured by sound-level meter. VU meters are usually

marked from -20 to +5 Vus. O Represents the loudest level before

distortion occurs.

venetian blind wipe A transition that produces the effect of having an outgoing clip displayed in strips over the incoming clip. The strips open, like a Venetian blind, to reveal the incoming clip.

Vari Speed - A motor or the control for a motor which will run a camera or an editing machine at speed faster or slower than sound speed.

 

 

Vault Box - A white, flat, square cardboard box designed to hold 1,000 feet of 35mm or two 1,000 foot rolls of 16mm.

 

Venetian Blind Wipe - A transition that produces the effect of having an outgoing clip displayed in strips over the incoming clip. The strips open, like a Venetian blind, to reveal the incoming clip.

 

Vignette - Visual special effect whereby viewers see images through a perceived keyhole, heart shape, diamond, etc. In low-budget form, vignettes are achieved by aiming the camera through a cutout of a desired vignette.

Video Conferencing

Similar to streaming or webcasting, two or more video feeds which are broadcasted on the internet to allow for individuals to interact using a camera and microphone.

Videography

Another word for filming, derived from the word 'cinematography' but pertaining specifically to the use of a video camera.

 

W

Walla:

Background ambience or noises added to create the illusion of sound taking place outside of the main action in a picture.

Waste:

Shining a light on an object, then slowing turning the light away so that some of the light will miss or fall off the object. (Lighting)

Wave:

A regular variation in electrical signal level or sound pressure level. (Sound/Electronics)

Wedges:

Wood wedges cut from 2x4 lumber which is used for leveling and stablizing. (Grip)

Western Dolly:

A plywood dolly, with four large soft tires, which is used as a camera dolly on smooth floors or on plywood. It is also used to transport other equipment. (Camera/Grip)

Whip:

A section of feeder cable siamesed off the main line to a secondary location. (Grip/Lighting)

White noise:

A signal having an equal amount of energy per hertz.

Widescreen:

A general term for film presentation in which a film is shown in an aspect ratio of greater than 1.33 to 1. In today's terms, this now means in an aspect ratio of greater than 1.85 to 1.

Wild Line:

A line of dialoge, recorded either on set or at a looping stage, without any picture running.

Wild Track:

Audio elements that are not recorded synchronously with the picture.

Wipe:

An optical transition effect in which one image is replaced by another with a boundry edge that moves in a selected pattern across the frame. (Laboratory)

Workprint:

Any positive duplicate picture, sound track print, or magnetic duplicate which is intended for use in the editing process. (Film Editing)

Workstation:

This term generally refers to a disk-based audio recording and editing system.

Wow:

Repetitive but slow variations in recording or playback tape speed.

Wow and Flutter:

The deviation of frequency resulting from irregular motion in the recording or from deformation of the recording medium. (Acoustics)

Wrap:

The span of the tape path along which the tape and head are in contact. (Audio/Video) More often, this refers to securing equipment at the end of the day or when work is completed at a particular set or location.

Webcasting

Also known as streaming, the process of broadcasting a live video feed on the internet as in our live video streaming services.

Webmercial

Any commercial or promotional video intended specifically for distribution on the web.

Wet Gate - A contact printing method, made on a specially equipped printing machine, where the film is in a liquid that temporarily fills in any scratches on the base, preventing them from refracting light and showing up in the print. Commonly, answer prints are printed with a wet gate. Labs often charge a little extra for wet gate printing.

 

Whip Pan (swish pan) - Extremely rapid camera movement from left to right or right to left, appearing as an image blur. Two such pans in the same direction, edited together one moving from, the other moving to a stationary shot can effectively convey the passage of time or a change of location.

 

Wide Lens - A lens with a focal length smaller than 25mm in 16mm, or 50mm in 35mm, which, like looking into the wrong end of a pair of binoculars, provides an extended view of a large area.

 

 

Wild - Not sync. A wild motor is one that runs close to 24 frames per second, but not close enough for sync sound. Also applies in a few other cases, such as, if you are filming a rear screen projection scene and the projector and camera are not Interlocked they can be said to be running wild.

 

 

Wild Sound - Non-sync sound, recorded without the camera running, usually recorded to supplement the sync takes.

 

 

White Balance - Adjusting a camera's light filtering system to ensure that the camera accurately records true colors. Different lighting conditions affect how cameras record colors.

 

Wipe - A type of transition that uses a moving edge to replace the current clip to reveal the next clip.

 

Workprint - A positive copy of the original negative that is cut during the editing process. At the end of editing the original negative is then cut by the negative cutter to match the workprint shot for shot, and an answer print struck from the cut negative. A workprint can also be made from reversal original.

 

 

Wrap or “It’s a Wrap!” - What to say when you are done shooting, either for the day, at that particular set, or on the entire film. Usually if it’s not the final shoot you would say you are just going to “wrap for the day.”

white balance Adjusting a camera's light filtering system to ensure that the camera accurately records true colors. Different lighting conditions affect how cameras record colors.

wipe A type of transition that uses a moving edge to replace the current clip to reveal the next clip.

White Balance

 

Assures the correct balance of red, green, and blue. Because these

colors are used to create all other colors in television, white balancing a

camera enables you to bring the colors in line for the existing lighting

conditions. Also refers to a camera control that accurately sets light levels

on a white surface.

 

Wide Angle

 

The wide-angle position of a lens enables the lens to capture a wider area

of view. Be careful when video taping people with a wide-angle lens at close

range.

 

X

Xenon:

A high intensity light, with a polished parabolic reflector. (Lighting)

XLR:

One of several varieties of sound connectors having three or more conductors plus an outer shell which shields the connectors and locks the connectors into place. (Sound)

X-Y Pattern:

A pair of cardioid microphones or elements aimed in crossed directions which feed two channels for stereo pickup. (Sound)

 

Y

Y M C Numbers:

The 'timing lights' that the negative is printed at, representing the numerical value of the red, blue and green lights used in the printing process. These printing lights are referred to by their complements: yellow, magenta, and cyan.

Y lead - A lead or cable, usually audio which splits a single feed into two feeds, this is a passive connection.

Y/C Video

Z

Zero Cut:

A method of preparing A and B rolls for printing in which the original shots overlap several frames or more. The change from one roll to another to match the edited workprint is done automatically by the printer. (Film Editing)

Zoom:

An optical effect in which the image rapidly grows larger or smaller as though the camera is moving closer or away from its subject.

zoom On a camera, to change the focal length to/from wide-angle and telephoto. In post-production, an editing filter that simulates the effect of having a camera move in very close to the subject, objects, or areas in a frame; or move away from the subject and display a wide view of the entire frame.

Z axis - The plane or axis in which an object moves closer or further away from the viewer

 

Zoom - On a camera, to change the focal length to/from wide-angle and telephoto. In post-production, an editing filter that simulates the effect of having a camera move in very close to the subject, objects, or areas in a frame; or move away from the subject and display a wide view of the entire frame.