Glossary
Assistant Director.Assistant Director.
Automated Dialogue Replacement. Dialogue added to a scene in post production.Automated Dialogue Replacement. Dialogue added to a scene in post production.
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.
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.
American Guild of Musical ArtistsAmerican Guild of Musical Artists
American Guild of Variety ArtistsAmerican Guild of Variety Artists
The part of the stage that is in front of the curtain.The part of the stage that is in front of the curtain.
The frame that holds the counterweights in a theater.The frame that holds the counterweights in a theater.
Person who conceives and designs the sets.Person who conceives and designs the sets.
Association of Talent AgentsAssociation of Talent Agents
A tryout for a film TV or stage role.A tryout for a film TV or stage role.
French word for author.French word for author.
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.
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.
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.
Rail along which a curtain is hung.Rail along which a curtain is hung.
A pipe suspended above a stage from which lights are hung.A pipe suspended above a stage from which lights are hung.
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.
Shot over which credits are shown on a soap opera.Shot over which credits are shown on a soap opera.
The assistant to the Chief Electrician or Head Gaffer.The assistant to the Chief Electrician or Head Gaffer.
The order of the names in the title of opening credits.The order of the names in the title of opening credits.
A resume in narrative form for a printed program or press release.A resume in narrative form for a printed program or press release.
Turning all lights off at once in a theater.Turning all lights off at once in a theater.
Black curtains at the sides and back of a stage.Black curtains at the sides and back of a stage.
Instructions for movements by performers in a scene.Instructions for movements by performers in a scene.
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.
A firm commitment to a performer to do a specific job.A firm commitment to a performer to do a specific job.
An overhead microphone usually on an extended pole.An overhead microphone usually on an extended pole.
Person responsible for holding the boom pole near the actors.Person responsible for holding the boom pole near the actors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The time an actor is due on the set.The time an actor is due on the set.
A follow-up interview or audition.A follow-up interview or audition.
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.
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.
The list of characters and the actors who play them.The list of characters and the actors who play them.
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.
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.
A call for large groups of people to audition.A call for large groups of people to audition.
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.
The middle of the performance space.The middle of the performance space.
Different outfits worn while performing.Different outfits worn while performing.
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.
A verbal cue to check the lens on the camera.A verbal cue to check the lens on the camera.
Heads the electrician crew; sometimes called a Gaffer.Heads the electrician crew; sometimes called a Gaffer.
Director of PhotographyDirector of Photography
A Short segment of filmA Short segment of film
Camera term for tight shot of shoulders and face.Camera term for tight shot of shoulders and face.
Unrehearsed reading of a scene.Unrehearsed reading of a scene.
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.
Multiple photos on one sheet displaying an actor's various looks.Multiple photos on one sheet displaying an actor's various looks.
The script for a commercial or voice over.The script for a commercial or voice over.
Place from which the stage manager controls a play.Place from which the stage manager controls a play.
All camera shots other than the master shot.All camera shots other than the master shot.
Snacks & beverages on the set.Snacks & beverages on the set.
A camera shot raised over or above the set or the action.A camera shot raised over or above the set or the action.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Director of Photography or Cinematographer.Director of Photography or Cinematographer.
Screening of raw footage before it is edited.Screening of raw footage before it is edited.
Day or night when there is no performance in a theater.Day or night when there is no performance in a theater.
Digital audio tape.Digital audio tape.
A principal performer hired on a daily basis.A principal performer hired on a daily basis.
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.
Directors Guild of America.Directors Guild of America.
A distinctly regional or nationalistic speech pattern.A distinctly regional or nationalistic speech pattern.
The scripted words exchanged by performers.The scripted words exchanged by performers.
Electrical socket set in the floor.Electrical socket set in the floor.
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.
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.
Equipment that allows a camera to be moved while shooting.Equipment that allows a camera to be moved while shooting.
The crew member who moves the dolly.The crew member who moves the dolly.
A performer who appears in place of another performer.A performer who appears in place of another performer.
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.
Add such items to the set as curtains furniture props etc.Add such items to the set as curtains furniture props etc.
A duplicate copy of a film or tape.A duplicate copy of a film or tape.
Digital Video Disk a CD- ROM that contains movies.Digital Video Disk a CD- ROM that contains movies.
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.
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.
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.
The company responsible for employment taxes unemployment benefits and workers compensation coverage.The company responsible for employment taxes unemployment benefits and workers compensation coverage.
Actors Equity Association is the union that represents stage actors.Actors Equity Association is the union that represents stage actors.
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.
Person responsible for funding the production.Person responsible for funding the production.
A scene shot outside.A scene shot outside.
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.
Union staff member who ensures contractual compliance on sets.Union staff member who ensures contractual compliance on sets.
Light used to eliminate shadows.Light used to eliminate shadows.
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 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.
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.
Delivering lines off the cuff not written in a script.Delivering lines off the cuff not written in a script.