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Industry glossary terms

All

CD-ROM

A compact disk that holds text, music and images. One of the principal new venues for interactive video games as well as for full motion video films. Acting for CD-ROM's is a new arena for actors. SAG 's Interactive Media Contract covers salaries and working conditions for this new medium.

CHANGES

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.

CHECKING THE GATE

A verbal command to check the lens on the camera; if the lens is - OK - the cast & crew will move on to the next scene or shot.

CHIEF ELECTRICIAN

Heads the electrician crew; also called the Gaffer.

CINEMATOGRAPHER

Director of Photography

CLOSE-UP (CU)

Camera term for tight shot of shoulders and face.

COLD READING

Unrehearsed reading of a scene, usually at an audition.

COMMISSION

Percentage of a performer's earnings paid to agents or managers for services rendered.

COMPOSITE

A series of photos on one sheet representing an actor's different looks.

CONFLICT

Status of being paid for services in a commercial for one advertiser, thereby contractually preventing performing services in a commercial for a competitor.

COPY

The script for a commercial or voice over.

COVERAGE

All camera shots other than the master shot; coverage might include two-shots and close-ups.

CRAFT SERVICES

On-set beverage and snack table. Different from the Caterer.

CRANE SHOT

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.

CREDITS

Opening names in a film or TV show; also refers to one's performance experience listed on a resume or in a program

CUE

Signal, often an off-stage light or hand signal, by the assistant director to indicate an actor's entrance or action.

CUT

The verbal cue for the action of the scene to stop. At no time, may an actor call, "cut!"

CUTAWAY

A short scene between two shots of the same person, showing something other than that person.

D.P

Director of Photography or Cinematographer.

DAILIES

Screening of footage before it is edited.

DAY PLAYER (DAY PERFORMER)

A principal performer hired on a daily basis, rather than on a longer-term contract.

DAYTIME DRAMA

Soap opera.

DEMO TAPE

An audio or video tape that agents use for audition purposes.

DGA

Directors Guild of America.

DIALECT

A distinctly regional or linguistic speech pattern.

DIALOGUE

The scripted words exchanged by performers.

DIRECTOR

The coordinator of all artistic and technical aspects of any production.

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY (D.P.)

Supervises all decisions regarding lighting, camera lenses, color and filters, camera angle set-ups, camera crew and film processing.

DOLLY

A piece of equipment that the camera sits on to allow mobility of the camera.

DOLLY GRIP

The crew member who moves the dolly.

DOUBLE

A performer who appears in place of another performer, i.e., as in a stunt.

DRESS THE SET

Add such items to the set as curtains, furniture, props, etc.

DRIVE-ON PASS

In Los Angeles, a pass to drive onto and park on a studio lot.