Glossary

A.D
Assistant Director.Assistant Director.
ADR
Automated Dialogue Replacement. Dialogue added to a scene in post production.Automated Dialogue Replacement. Dialogue added to a scene in post production.
AEA
Actors' Equity Association ("Equity") Union represents live performance stage actors and stage managers.Actors' Equity Association ("Equity") Union represents live performance stage actors and stage managers.
AFTRA
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Represents radio artists and news broadcasters. Television performers are sometimes represented by AFTRA or SAG depending on the producer's contract.American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Represents radio artists and news broadcasters. Television performers are sometimes represented by AFTRA or SAG depending on the producer's contract.
AGMA
American Guild of Musical ArtistsAmerican Guild of Musical Artists
AGVA
American Guild of Variety ArtistsAmerican Guild of Variety Artists
APRON
The part of the stage that is in front of the curtain.The part of the stage that is in front of the curtain.
ARBOR
The frame that holds the counterweights in a theater.The frame that holds the counterweights in a theater.
ART
Person who conceives and designs the sets.Person who conceives and designs the sets.
ATA
Association of Talent AgentsAssociation of Talent Agents
AUDITION
A tryout for a film TV or stage role.A tryout for a film TV or stage role.
AUTEUR
French word for author.French word for author.
BACK
A large piece of canvas or other material on which a scene is drawn or projected behind actors.A large piece of canvas or other material on which a scene is drawn or projected behind actors.
BACK
Verbal cue for performers to return to the mark where they started the scene.Verbal cue for performers to return to the mark where they started the scene.
BACKGROUND
Extras. Also used as a verbal cue for the Extras to start their action.Extras. Also used as a verbal cue for the Extras to start their action.
BANJO
Rail along which a curtain is hung.Rail along which a curtain is hung.
BAR
A pipe suspended above a stage from which lights are hung.A pipe suspended above a stage from which lights are hung.
BARN
Metal leaves placed in front of a spotlight lens that control the shape of the light beam.Metal leaves placed in front of a spotlight lens that control the shape of the light beam.
BEAUTY
Shot over which credits are shown on a soap opera.Shot over which credits are shown on a soap opera.
BEST
The assistant to the Chief Electrician or Head Gaffer.The assistant to the Chief Electrician or Head Gaffer.
BILLING
The order of the names in the title of opening credits.The order of the names in the title of opening credits.
BIO
A resume in narrative form for a printed program or press release.A resume in narrative form for a printed program or press release.
BLACKOUT
Turning all lights off at once in a theater.Turning all lights off at once in a theater.
BLACKS
Black curtains at the sides and back of a stage.Black curtains at the sides and back of a stage.
BLOCKING
Instructions for movements by performers in a scene.Instructions for movements by performers in a scene.
BLUE
Shooting in a studio against a large blue or greenish backdrop which allows a background to be superimposed later on the final image.Shooting in a studio against a large blue or greenish backdrop which allows a background to be superimposed later on the final image.
BOOKING
A firm commitment to a performer to do a specific job.A firm commitment to a performer to do a specific job.
BOOM
An overhead microphone usually on an extended pole.An overhead microphone usually on an extended pole.
BOOM
Person responsible for holding the boom pole near the actors.Person responsible for holding the boom pole near the actors.
BOX
Place where tickets are sold. Also used to describe the size of an audience.Place where tickets are sold. Also used to describe the size of an audience.
BREAKAWAY
Specially designed prop or set piece which looks solid but shatters easily. Breakaways are often furniture or windows.Specially designed prop or set piece which looks solid but shatters easily. Breakaways are often furniture or windows.
BREAKDOWN
A detailed listing and description of roles available for casting in a production.A detailed listing and description of roles available for casting in a production.
CALL
A list containing the cast and crew call times for a specific day's shooting. It usually includes scene numbers the day's total pages to be shot locations and other production needs.A list containing the cast and crew call times for a specific day's shooting. It usually includes scene numbers the day's total pages to be shot locations and other production needs.
CALL
The time an actor is due on the set.The time an actor is due on the set.
CALLBACK
A follow-up interview or audition.A follow-up interview or audition.
CAMERA
With the D.P. as its leader this team consists of the camera operator the first assistant camera operator (focus puller) the second assistant camera operator (film loader and clapstick operator) and the dolly grip.With the D.P. as its leader this team consists of the camera operator the first assistant camera operator (focus puller) the second assistant camera operator (film loader and clapstick operator) and the dolly grip.
CAMERA
The member of the camera crew who actually looks through the lens during a take. Responsible for panning and tilting and keeping the action within the frame.The member of the camera crew who actually looks through the lens during a take. Responsible for panning and tilting and keeping the action within the frame.
CANS
Headphones.Headphones.
CAST
The list of characters and the actors who play them.The list of characters and the actors who play them.
CASTING
The person responsible for choosing performers for consideration by the producer or director.The person responsible for choosing performers for consideration by the producer or director.
CATERER
Generally provides meals such as breakfast lunch and dinner not snacks (Craft Services) on a set.Generally provides meals such as breakfast lunch and dinner not snacks (Craft Services) on a set.
CATTLE
A call for large groups of people to audition.A call for large groups of people to audition.
CD-ROM
A compact disk that holds text music and images. A CD-ROM that holds movies is usually referred to as a DVD.A compact disk that holds text music and images. A CD-ROM that holds movies is usually referred to as a DVD.
CENTER
The middle of the performance space.The middle of the performance space.
CHANGES
Different outfits worn while performing.Different outfits worn while performing.
CHEAT
The actor's adjustment of body position away from what might be absolutely "natural" in order to accommodate the camera; can also mean looking in a different place from where the other actor actually is.The actor's adjustment of body position away from what might be absolutely "natural" in order to accommodate the camera; can also mean looking in a different place from where the other actor actually is.
CHECKING
A verbal cue to check the lens on the camera.A verbal cue to check the lens on the camera.
CHIEF
Heads the electrician crew; sometimes called a Gaffer.Heads the electrician crew; sometimes called a Gaffer.
CINEMATOGRAPHER
Director of PhotographyDirector of Photography
Clip
A Short segment of filmA Short segment of film
CLOSE-UP
Camera term for tight shot of shoulders and face.Camera term for tight shot of shoulders and face.
COLD
Unrehearsed reading of a scene.Unrehearsed reading of a scene.
COMMISSION
Percentage of a performer's earnings paid to agents (10%) or managers (15%) for services rendered.Percentage of a performer's earnings paid to agents (10%) or managers (15%) for services rendered.
COMPOSITE
Multiple photos on one sheet displaying an actor's various looks.Multiple photos on one sheet displaying an actor's various looks.
COPY
The script for a commercial or voice over.The script for a commercial or voice over.
CORNER
Place from which the stage manager controls a play.Place from which the stage manager controls a play.
COVERAGE
All camera shots other than the master shot.All camera shots other than the master shot.
CRAFT
Snacks & beverages on the set.Snacks & beverages on the set.
CRANE
A camera shot raised over or above the set or the action.A camera shot raised over or above the set or the action.
CRAWL
Usually the end credits in a film or TV shot which "crawl" up the screen.Usually the end credits in a film or TV shot which "crawl" up the screen.
CREDITS
Generally names shown at the opening or closing segments of a film or TV show; also a list of an actorGenerally names shown at the opening or closing segments of a film or TV show; also a list of an actor
CUE
Signal often an off stage light or hand signal indicating an actor's entrance or action.Signal often an off stage light or hand signal indicating an actor's entrance or action.
CURTAIN
Taking a bow in front of the audience at the end of a play usually just calledTaking a bow in front of the audience at the end of a play usually just called
CUT
The verbal cue generally by the director for the action of the scene to stop.The verbal cue generally by the director for the action of the scene to stop.
CUTAWAY
A short scene between two shots of the same person showing something other than that person.A short scene between two shots of the same person showing something other than that person.
D.P
Director of Photography or Cinematographer.Director of Photography or Cinematographer.
DAILIES
Screening of raw footage before it is edited.Screening of raw footage before it is edited.
DARK
Day or night when there is no performance in a theater.Day or night when there is no performance in a theater.
DAT
Digital audio tape.Digital audio tape.
DAY
A principal performer hired on a daily basis.A principal performer hired on a daily basis.
DEMO
An audio or video tape (or CD) that agents use for audition purposes.An audio or video tape (or CD) that agents use for audition purposes.
DGA
Directors Guild of America.Directors Guild of America.
DIALECT
A distinctly regional or nationalistic speech pattern.A distinctly regional or nationalistic speech pattern.
DIALOGUE
The scripted words exchanged by performers.The scripted words exchanged by performers.
DIP
Electrical socket set in the floor.Electrical socket set in the floor.
DIRECTOR
The person in charge of all artistic and technical aspects of any production.The person in charge of all artistic and technical aspects of any production.
DIRECTOR
Also known as a cinematographer. Directs all decisions regarding lighting camera lenses color and filters camera angle set-ups camera crew and film processing.Also known as a cinematographer. Directs all decisions regarding lighting camera lenses color and filters camera angle set-ups camera crew and film processing.
DOLLY
Equipment that allows a camera to be moved while shooting.Equipment that allows a camera to be moved while shooting.
DOLLY
The crew member who moves the dolly.The crew member who moves the dolly.
DOUBLE
A performer who appears in place of another performer.A performer who appears in place of another performer.
DOWNSTAGE
Part of stage closest to the audience opposite of upstage the part furthest from the audience.Part of stage closest to the audience opposite of upstage the part furthest from the audience.
DRESS
Add such items to the set as curtains furniture props etc.Add such items to the set as curtains furniture props etc.
DUPE
A duplicate copy of a film or tape.A duplicate copy of a film or tape.
DVD
Digital Video Disk a CD- ROM that contains movies.Digital Video Disk a CD- ROM that contains movies.
Eight
Common size of a performer's photos usually in black and white. A resume is often stapled to the back.Common size of a performer's photos usually in black and white. A resume is often stapled to the back.
EIGHTEEN
A performer 18 or older who can be cast to play a character of a younger age.A performer 18 or older who can be cast to play a character of a younger age.
ELECTRICIAN
Depending upon the setting sometimes just in charge of providing electricity to various pieces of equipment of setting up and running generators at remote locations. Other settings they place lighting instruments focus gel and maneuver the lights.Depending upon the setting sometimes just in charge of providing electricity to various pieces of equipment of setting up and running generators at remote locations. Other settings they place lighting instruments focus gel and maneuver the lights.
EMPLOYER
The company responsible for employment taxes unemployment benefits and workers compensation coverage.The company responsible for employment taxes unemployment benefits and workers compensation coverage.
EQUITY
Actors Equity Association is the union that represents stage actors.Actors Equity Association is the union that represents stage actors.
EQUITY
In smaller theatres which were otherwise covered over which Equity waived contract provisions under certain circumstances.In smaller theatres which were otherwise covered over which Equity waived contract provisions under certain circumstances.
EXECUTIVE
Person responsible for funding the production.Person responsible for funding the production.
EXTERIOR
A scene shot outside.A scene shot outside.
EXTRA
Background performer usually non- speaking receiving no Credits used in non-principal roles.Background performer usually non- speaking receiving no Credits used in non-principal roles.
FIELD
Union staff member who ensures contractual compliance on sets.Union staff member who ensures contractual compliance on sets.
FILL
Light used to eliminate shadows.Light used to eliminate shadows.
FIRST
First Assistant Director; person responsible for the running of the set. Gives instructions to crew and talent including calling for "first team" "quiet" "rehearsal" and "take five."First Assistant Director; person responsible for the running of the set. Gives instructions to crew and talent including calling for "first team" "quiet" "rehearsal" and "take five."
FIRST
First AC. First Assistant Camera Operator is responsible for focusing the camera lens during the shooting of a scene; also known as the Focus Puller.First AC. First Assistant Camera Operator is responsible for focusing the camera lens during the shooting of a scene; also known as the Focus Puller.
FIRST
The production term for the principal actors in a scene. They are generally members of one of the component unions of the Associated Actors and Artistes of America (4A); an umbrella organization for SAG AFTRA Equity and other performers' Unions.The production term for the principal actors in a scene. They are generally members of one of the component unions of the Associated Actors and Artistes of America (4A); an umbrella organization for SAG AFTRA Equity and other performers' Unions.
LIB
Delivering lines off the cuff not written in a script.Delivering lines off the cuff not written in a script.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024