Industry glossary terms
There are 201 entries in this glossary.All
- 4-A's
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Associated Actors and Artist's of America; umbrella organization for SAG, AFTRA, Equity and other performers' Unions.
- ABBY SINGER
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The shot before the last shot of the day. Named in honor of former first A.D., Abby Singer, who used to call the last shot of the day one shot too early.
- ACTION
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The command from the director for the scene to begin. It indicates that the camera is rolling.
- ADR
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Automated Dialogue Replacement. Dialogue added to a scene in post production. Sometimes erroneously called "looping".
- AEA
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Actors' Equity Association; often called simply "Equity". SAG's sister union which represents stage actors.
- AFTRA
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American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Represents radio artists and news broadcasters, and, in earlier times, television performers. In more recent times, however, television performers may be represented by either AFTRA or SAG, depending on the producer's contract. Discussions about merging the two organizations have been ongoing for several decades; recently the Television & Film and Commercial Contracts have been jointly negotiated.
- AUDITION
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A tryout for a film, TV or stage role. Usually auditions involve reading from the script, but can also require improvisation.
- AVAIL
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A courtesy situation extended by performer or agent to a producer indicating availability to work a certain job. Avails have no legal or contractual status.
- BACKGROUND
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The Extra performers. On the set, "Background!" is a verbal cue for the Extras to start their action.
- BIO
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Short for "biography". A resume in narrative form, usually for a printed program or press release.
- BLOCKING
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The actual physical movements by performers in any scene. Also can refer to the movements of the camera.
- BLUE SCREEN
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Shooting in a studio against a large blue or greenish backdrop, which allows a background to be superimposed later on the final image. The actors must imagine the set they are on and be aware of the limitations of their movements. Blue Screen shooting is often used to create CD-ROM video games using actors.
- BOOM
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An overhead microphone, usually on an extended pole. The Boom Operator is the member of the sound department responsible for holding the boom pole, with mic attached, over and sometimes under the actors. Also usually responsible for placing radio mics on actors.
- BREAKAWAY
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Specially designed prop or set piece which looks solid but shatters easily. Breakaways props are often glass items.
- CALL SHEET
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A sheet containing the cast and crew call times for a specific day's shooting. Scene numbers, the expected day's total pages, locations, and production needs are also included.
- CAMERA CREW
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With the D.P. (Director of Photography) as its chief, this team consists of the camera operator, the first assistant camera operator (focus puller), the second assistant camera operator (film loader and clapstick clapper) and the dolly grip.
- CAMERA OPERATOR
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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.
- CASTING DIRECTOR
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The producer's representative responsible for choosing performers for consideration by the producer or director.