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Industry glossary terms

C

CALL SHEET

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.

CALL TIME

The actual time an actor is due on the set.

CALLBACK

Any follow-up interview or audition.

CAMERA CREW

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

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

The producer's representative responsible for choosing performers for consideration by the producer or director.

CATERER

Responsible for breakfast, lunch and dinner on a set. Different from Craft Services.

CATTLE CALL

A call for large groups of people.

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.