Television and Film Terms
If you’re the next George Lucas but do not know what your D.P. means by the term Magic Hour, you might need the terms below. From Television to Film, our terms get you through the industry with professional style.
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Above the Line
A budgetary term for movies and TV. The line refers to money budgeted for creative talent, such as actors, writers, directors, and producers.
Action
A director’s cue to begin filming.
A.D.
An assistant director, and usually part of a hierarchy, whose duties will include helping to set up shots, coordinating and writing call sheets, and directing and corralling extras.
Annc.
An abbreviation for announcer. Often used by copy writers.
Atmosphere
Another term for “extras” or “background artists”.
Audition
A formally arranged session (usually by appointment through an agent) for an actor to display his or her talents when seeking a role in an upcoming production of a play, film or television project, usually to a casting director, director or producers.
Avail
A courtesy extended by a performer or agent to a producer indicating availability to work a certain job. Avails have no legal or contractual status.
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Background
Another term for extras or atmosphere.
Back-to-One
Direction given by the Assistant Director after a take. It means to go back to the position which you were in at the beginning of the scene.
Best Boy
They are either part of the grip or electrical department. They are the right hand persons of the Key Grip or Gaffer.
Big
A term used for actors giving too much of a performance in the interpretation of their scene. It refers to expression, voice levels, and body movement.
Billboard
To emphasize or set apart a copy point is to “billboard” it.
Billing
The size of an actor’s role such as starring or guest starring. Also, where the actor’s name will be placed in the credits and if the name will be shown on the screen alone or with others.
Biography
A concise account of an artist or group’s industry related experience or background.
Bit Part
A small part, usually consisting of a few lines.
Blocking
In rehearsals, actors practice the required movements, in a pattern or along a path, for a given scene that allows them to avoid any awkward positions, such as one actor walking in front of another actor or standing with his or her back to the camera.
Blocking Stage
Rehearsing as if you were on a stage but these early rehearsals are typically held in warehouses, parking lots or someone’s living space, naturally without actual props or sets.
Blue Screen
Also sometimes called Green Screen, it is a blank screen which acts as the backdrop to live action. Any background can be laid into the background and give the impression that the live action was really happening in the context of the blue screen.
Body-Shot Picture
Subject is seen in an outfit (body suit, work-out clothes, dance attire, bathing suit) or performing a special skill/stunt (martial arts, surf boarding, skiing, dancing) that accentuates their body in some way.
Breaking Character
Stepping out of the character an actor is performing
Breakdown Services
A fee-based service provided to agents that offers a daily breakdown of roles for each production submitted by participating casting directors.
Breaking-Up
An actor’s out-of-place laughter on stage
Broad
A performance that is exaggerated
Bump Up
An upgrade in pay and billing when an Extra says a few words or other special activity in a scene.
Buyout
A one-time payment for shooting and airing a commercial.
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Callback
A second audition opportunity or shooting the scene/commercial again for final approval.
Call Sheet
The daily sheet for a production that lists all the scenes to be shot that day as well as actor and crew arrival times.
Call Time
The time to report to the set.
Calling Service
Service company that provides extras and jobs for extras.
Camera Right
When looking into the camera, your left.
Call Time
The time to report to the set.
Calling Service
Service company that provides extras and jobs for extras.
Camera Right
When looking into the camera, your left.
Camera Left
When looking into the camera, your right.
Cast
As a noun, generally refers to the group of actors performing in a particular production. As a verb, refers to the final status of an actor that has won a role or part in a production over other competing performers.
Casting
When a casting director puts out the news that he needs to fill a certain role that requires an approximate age range and appearance such as a certain ethnicity, height, build or look.
Character Model
A model that, while not necessarily a classic beauty, has strong or interesting facial features and selling attributes for specific products.
Character Role
A supporting role with pronounced or eccentric characteristics.
Circle Takes
A director’s favorite or most usable filming of a particular scene. Used to expedite the editing process.
Class A Network Spot
Commercial airing at prime time on a major network. Residuals are highest for this type of spot.
Cold Reading
Delivering a speech or acting a scene at an audition without having read it beforehand.
Colored Pages
Pages onto which script rewrites are copied.
Commercial Head or Head Shot
Picture used to seek a commercial agent, and on commercial auditions.
Composite
A type of head shot popular in the commercial industry which positions several different images of the subject together on one 8″ x 10″ spread giving casting directors a quick way to determine how the subject will look in different settings.
Composite Card
Also known as a “comp card,” it is a grouping of 3-5 photos of a model on one sheet which includes the model’s statistics and sometimes biographical information. Used for promotional purposes, the photos should include at least one head shot and show poses which highlight the model’s best features.
Concept Meeting
A meeting of the producer, director and casting director to reach an agreement about the look and quality of each character in a script.
Consultation Meeting
The interview with a photographer which you have selected as a final choice which gives you a chance to ask questions regarding clothes, make up, what types of look you want to capture, etc.
Continuity
Matching action in each take of a scene with the same props, dialogue, extras, wardrobe, make up, etc.
Coogan Laws
Guidelines created by SAG and named after child-actor, Jackie Coogan, for the work and pay schedules of children.
Copy
Term for “dialogue” or “script.”
Copy Points
The items in a script that require particular attention, and therefore particular interpretation by the voice actor.
Cover Set
Set which is always ready for shooting on a moment’s notice. If a film crew is scheduled to shoot outside, and it rains, they move to the cover set.
Craft Service
The food table on a set, or refers to the person(s) who handle the food.
Crew
Everyone on the set who is contributing to the production, in addition to the cast.
CU
A close-up shot.
Cue Cards
The large flash cards that have an actor’s script printed on them and that are read when auditioning for a role in a TV commercial.
Cut
The director’s cue to stop filming.
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Day-out-of-days
Schedule made by the Assistant Director assigning time slots for when certain people or things will work on set.
Day-Players
Someone who is hired at SAG scale (minimum) for the day.
Day Shot
A specific scene in the script to be filmed or taped while the sun is out.
Dialogueless Commercials
Used to emphasize a visual image with the spoken words of an announcer as the only recorded sound.
Diaphragm
The lower part of the lungs, filling the abdominal space, that supports the voice when actors and singers breathe correctly on stage.
Diction
Clear, sharp pronunciation of words, especially of consonants.
Director
Person that influences the actions of actors and action sequences during filming, and supervises editing afterward.
Director’s Cut
Film that is slightly or drastically different from the final cut that the studio ultimately releases.
Distributor
Company that exclusively handles the sales of a film company’s product to jobbers and retail outlets for a certain territory.
Distribution Arranger
Independent producers are not usually involved in the distribution of films. Distribution is still the domain of the Hollywood-based major studios that generate more than 90% of U.S. box office, but there are also smaller distributors and independent sales agents who handle independent productions. There are also non-profit organizations that can lend a hand in various ways.
Donut
A type of spot that has prerecorded material at the beginning and at the end with a “hole” in the middle for the voice part. The parts can be reversed as well, with the voice being the donut and the pre-recorded material in the hole.
Double-take
An exaggerated facial response to another actor’s words or actions, usually used for comic effect.
D.P.
Director of Photography, in charge of designing and lighting the shot.
Drive To
Monies paid to an actor by a production company for driving to location other than a studio lot.
Dub
An audio or video copy. Also called a “dupe” (short for duplicate).
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Earprompter
A small tape recorder system which the entire script is recorded and is transmitted to an earpiece through a loop around the neck.It is activated by a foot or hand control. Known in the industry as “the ear.”
ECU
Extreme Close-Up
EXT.
Seen at the beginning of a new scene description in a script, refers to Exterior.
Exterior Shot
A scene filmed or taped out of doors.
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False Start
Term used to describe a take in which the talent makes an error within the first couple of lines. The take is usually stopped, and a new take is slated.
Favored Nations
An agreement which means that all terms are equal among all actors.
Featured Role
A co-starring role where you may have played a large role but weren’t necessarily the main character.
Finding Your Light
An actor’s ability to sense when he or she is properly placed in respect to stage lighting.
Fire in the Hole
An explosion or gunshot is ready to occur.
First Refusal
A request to hold an actor for a given day. It is not binding for either the producer or you. It is more of a sign of interest than an availability request, and it is not as good as a booking.
First Team
The actual cast members who are being used in a given scene.
Fit Models
Clothing manufacturers use fit models to test the sizing of sample garments. Fit models must match the company’s predetermined sample size exactly.
Flap
In animation, movement of the mouth. If the talking stops and the character’s mouth keeps moving, an actor will be called in to add either internally, at the beginning, or at the end of the line so that the mouth flaps match the rhythm of the speech.
Flashing
What is said when taking a flash picture.
Forced Call
Making an actor or crew member come to work without the required turn-around time.
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Generation
The process whereby each time you copy a piece of film or tape it losses some clarity.
Glamour Modeling
A broad term for modeling where the model’s appearance, rather than the attire or product, is the central focus.
Golden Time
Refers to overtime paid after working sixteen hours straight, equal to one’s daily rate every hour.
Go-See
The action of a model visiting a client to investigate what a particular assignment entails.
Green Lit
The process that follows after a script has been developed and moves into production. Production involves building sets, designing costumes, measuring and fitting actors for costumes, and rehearsals.
Green Lighted
When a studio commits to starting a project.
Grip
Someone who handles, carries, moves, and stores lighting, electrical, and other equipment on the set.
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Ham
An actor who gives a very broad or exaggerated performance.
Heads Out
Manner in which a reel-to-reel tape is stored, with the loose end at the beginning of the tape, enabling the tape to be played immediately.
Hiatus
Time of year when the cast and crew of a television series is on vacation.
High-Speed Dub
A tape copy that is made at several times normal speed. Often used in reference to tape duplication. High speed dubs are often less costly and have a quicker turn-around time than real time or at speed dubs. They can be susceptible to problems, so always check your dubs before releasing them to prospective clients.
Hitting Your Marks
The ability to physically stop on a preset mark or put down the product in an exact spot.
Hold
When an actor is being paid, but is not working.
Hold Over
When a director decides to use an actor for an extra day not originally scheduled.
Holding Area
A place where extras are kept on a set or location.
Honey Wagon
A bank of dressing and mini-bathroom rooms attached together and pulled by a tractor trailer to a shooting location.
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Insert
A form of pick-up where a short segment of the script is reread from one point to another.
INT
Seen at the beginning of a new scene description in a script, refers to Interior.
Interior Shot
A scenic shot inside a sound stage or inside a set on location.
In The Can
A phrase borrowed from the film business and used in voice-overs. When a good take is achieved, it is considered ready for processing or “in the can.” It generally means that the director has the take he wants.
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Laundry List
A long series of copy points in a script. The object for the talent is to read the points with varying emphasis so they don’t sound like a list.
Lead Role
Considered a starring role in a production.
License
As a noun, it means a legal permit; as a verb, it is to authorize by legal permit.
Line Producer
Concerned with the day-to-day details of finishing a project or just keeping the project moving forward smoothly and on schedule.
Local
A commercial airing in only one city, generally close to where it is cast.
Long-Form TV
Movies of the Week (MOW) or miniseries.
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Magic Hour
The time of day when the sun casts a light which DPs have referred to as magic; a choice, for a brief period of time, during which filmmakers have to shoot.
Mannerisms
Gestures, facial expressions, and vocal tricks that a particular actor uses again and again in different roles.
Mark
Exact locations of an actor’s feet on the floor during sequences of a shot.
Meal Penalty
Additional monies paid if a working cast or crew member has not been fed after the six hours allotted by union contracts.
Method Acting
An internalized form of acting that uses experiences from an actor’s personal life to help produce onstage emotion.
Mic
Attaching a wireless transmitter to an actor’s body or clothes to record dialogue.
Monologue
A speech used by an actor to demonstrate his or her ability at an audition.
MOS
Without sound, attributed to a German director who pronounced it, “Mit out sound.”
Moviola
A projection machine that reduces film to a small viewing screen.
Must Join
A situation in which an actor has used up the 30-day grace period to join a union and upon hiring for the next job must join that union as mandated by the Taft-Hartley law.
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National
A commercial airing everywhere in the United States.
Night Shot
xxx
Non-Linear Editing
Putting scenes together on a computer using film editing software capable of moving them around, and/or out of order, for ease in building a demo tape, or a scene in a movie or commercial.
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Off-Book
When an actor knows his or her lines and no longer needs to carry the script.
Off-Camera
A part for which you supply your voice to a TV spot or video presentation.
Off-Card
A union actor working on a non-union project is known to be working ‘off-card.’
Omnies
In unison, sounds or exclamations extras make as a group.
On-Camera
A part in a TV spot or video production where you actually appear on screen. It pays more than off-camera voice-over, but often requires more work, as well as applying make-up.
Oh Hold
A situation that occurs when an actor is contracted to be available for the next day’s shoot but will not have to report to the set until called.
On Location
Place other than a studio lot where filming is done.
On-or-About
A date which implies three different days, giving production twenty-four hours before and after the on-or-about date to start an actor.
Open Audition
Audition open to the public.
Open Casting Calls
Auditions open to anyone.
Option
Acquiring the rights to a story, such as a current events, true-life story, that guarantees that no one else can work with the party who sold the story. Options typically last for a year or less.
Out Takes
Parts of an original filming or taping that will not be used in editing the finished product.
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P.A.
A production assistant is someone that usually manages the extras.
Pace
The speed at which a scene is played.
Pan
A very bad review from a critic.
Pantomine
Being silent, yet appearing to talk.
Pausing for Effect
A deliberate pause within or between lines, used by an actor to call special attention to a moment.
Pay-per-airing
Monies paid to an actor each time a television commercial is shown.
Per Diem
Money given to actors and crew when on location to cover the expense of food and other personal incidentals.
Period Piece
A play from an earlier time, played in the style, costumes, and sets representing the period it depicts.
Phone Patch
A session where the talent and the director are in separate locations. The session must be “patched” over telephone lines so everyone can hear everyone else.
Photo Double
An actor, usually an extra, used in place of a principal actor who is either unavailable or only seen partially, and never has any speaking lines.
Physical Film Producer
Once you have a script, director, cast and financing, you can then proceed to make a movie. Details and procedural steps will include: setting up a production company (if one isn’t already in place); hiring employees or engaging independent contractors; setting up accounting and payroll services, becoming signatory with the talent and craft guilds, finding location; clearing the script and title of any obstacles; while shooting, getting the best performances from cast, crew and director; while watching budgets and time; in post-production, helping to edit shot footage into the story line.
Pick-Up
To start reading the script from a place other than the beginning. A “pick-up” is usually when the top part of the script has been successfully completed and only the end needs to be worked on. Narration scripts are usually done in a series of pick-ups. Pick-up can also be a request to read faster.
Pick-Up Shot
Small parts of a scene that are re-shot, usually because all angles were not captured satisfactorily during the first shooting.
Picture Car
A car being filmed.
Pilot Presentation
A one-day shoot to give a network an idea of the look and feel of a proposed program available to be produced into a new series.
Pipeline
A listing or schedule of movie projects in some stage of production.
Pirating
The unauthorized reproduction and selling of television shows, series, movies, etc.
Pitching
The action a producer takes in trying to convince a studio to invest money in a project based on a concept or a script.
Plot
Storyline
Points
A percentage of money producers and artists earn on the retail list price of 90 percent of all records sold.
Post
A short form of “post production.” This is the term applied to all the work that goes into a production after the talent leaves. This includes such processes as editing, multi-tracking, music selection, adding special effects and mixing.
P.O.V.
The point of view that is filmed, usually referring to that of one of the actors.
Pre-Reads
An advance reading by a casting director who is unfamiliar with an actor’s work prior to taking the actor to meet a producer or director.
Presence
An actor’s ability to command attention onstage, even when surrounded by other actors.
Press
The manufacture of a large quantity of records duplicated from a master for commercial sale.
Principal Player
An actor with lines, paid at least SAG scale.
Director’s cue that the shot was good enough to “print” or use.
Producer
The individual who oversees the making of a single or long playing record, radio, television or stage show from inception to completion.
Production
The technical aspects of the music industry, including sound systems and lighting requirements as well as video and recording process.
Proof Sheet
After a roll of film is shot and developed, it is printed onto sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 or 11 x 14 inch paper, holding up to 36 exposures. Use a photographer’s loop to check the lighting and focus.
Props
Any moveable object, from a letter to a sword, used by an actor during a performance.
Protection
You may be asked to “do another take for protection.” This means that you have given the director a take she likes but she wants you to do it again to make sure it was the best. Also referred to as “insurance.”
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Rave
An extremely good review from a critic.
Reader
Another actor who is paid, or volunteers, to help the casting office by playing all the other characters during an audition so the casting director can concentrate on the actor being screened.
Read-Through
When the director and the actors sit around a table and read through the entire script to get familiar with the story, their roles, and their fellow actors.
Recall
When at the end of a work day, a production company decides to use your services for an additional day.
Recurring Role
Typically found on television shows where your character pops up from time to time in a few episodes of a regular show.
Reel/Tape
A video tape compilation of an actor’s best work.
Regional
A commercial airing in a part of the United States.
Release
Marketing – The issuing of a record by the record company, or a film by a studio. Legal – Legal document releasing producer from liability, usually refers to talent allowing the producer to use his or her likeness on film and soundtrack.
Residuals
Also known as royalties, these are additional monies to actors (but not extras) for film, TV or commercial work airing on local television or international television stations.
Rider
An addition to a performer’s union contract that outlives a special circumstance for pay, and airing privileges given to the production company by a union.
Rolling
Camera have been turned on and film is rolling.
Run Throughs
Rehearsals before the actual filming of a scene.
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SAG-Eligible
A non-union actor who is eligible to join SAG by being cast in a principal role, being a member of an affiliated union and having had a principal role under that union’s jurisdiction, or performing three days of union extra work. Also known as a “must join.”
SAG-Franchised
Status of an agent or agency that has signed papers with SAG and agrees to operate within SAG guidelines.
Scale
Minimum SAG daily wage for principal actors.
Scene Study/Analysis
A pre-audition practice of studying a few pages of a script ahead of time.
Screen Test
A type of audition during which an actor will be filmed performing a particular role, often not on the set or in proper wardrobe or makeup.
Second Meal
The meal served six hours after the end of lunch.
Second Take
Being taped or filmed an additional time in a scene or audition allowing an actor to change his or her performance.
Second Team
A group of stand-ins who take the primary actors’ places allowing them to rest during lighting changes and camera rehearsals.
Set
As a noun, the physical design of the stage area within which the actors perform; as a verb, to make permanent the way in which a scene is being played.
Set Call Time
The moment the actor is expected to be in front of the camera in full make up and wardrobe, ready to begin working.
Set Dressing
Items placed in the scene to complement the story.
Shoot Around You
Shooting other scenes in a script until a particular actor is available.
Sides
Designated scenes pulled out of an entire script to be used for auditions.
Sign-In Sheet
Exhibit E SAG/AFTRA Audition Report which an actor fills out and initials upon arrival at a casting office.
Signing Out
The act of entering the time you exit an audition on the Exhibit E Sign-in Sheet.
Silent Bit
When an actor or extra performs a noticeable or required action in a scene, but with no lines.
Slate
An audible announcement of the take number recorded ahead of your read. The slate aids the engineer in finding the favorite takes for editing.
Small
A very subtle performance by an actor.
Sister Union
One or more additional unions you join after the first one. The first union you join is your parent union.
Size Card
A form filled out at commercial casting sessions to inform wardrobe people of your clothing sizes.
Slice-of-Life Commercial
A miniature play that quickly identifies a problem and just as quickly offers a solution.
Spec
Short for speculative. It usually means volunteering your services and postponing payment until a project sells.
Spec Script
Several writers may work together to put words to an idea, and in the process create a script in hopes that someone will buy and produce the script concept. Also, a production company may hire writers to create a script from a story idea that they already own.
Speed
Exclamation that indicates the film and the audiotape are running simultaneously at the correct speed.
Spot
A commercial for radio or television.
Squibs
Radio-controlled explosive pockets of fake blood attached to an actor’s body.
Stable
The roster of models an agent represents.
Stand-In
After a scene has been set for the next sequence of filming — moving props, checking the sound, adjusting the lighting, and arranging different camera angels — a crew of actors other than the principal ones are used to go through the actions that the principal ones will follow, such as walking through a door, sitting in a chair, picking up a object, etc.; an actor who has a similar height, build and look of the principal actor, is used (instead of using the time of the principal) where the principal is going to stand while the crew makes sure that lighting and camera angles are okay.
Station 12
Report which a casting director must obtain from SAG before employing one of its actors.
Storyboard
A frame-by-frame artist’s drawing of key scenes with the dialogue printed underneath serving as a rough plan for the way the commercial or film should appear and what camera angles the director should use.
Strike
To remove something from a set, or tear it down.
Studio
Monolithic “Hollywood” entity that oversees the approval of concepts leading to the creation and production of major motion pictures.
Studio Hire
Union term for actors who work in the same area in which they are hired or reside.
Studios
Acting schools usually founded by and built around a single master teacher and his or her vision or theory of the acting craft. They generally offer a variety of classes that can be taken in eight- or ten-week segments, or longer terms.
Stunt
A dangerous scene; alternately, a publicity event designed to call attention to a project or a particular actor.
Stunt Pay
Additional hazard money paid to a actor or stunt person to perform dangerous scenes.
Subtext
The subtleties between the lines of a scene.
Supporting Role
Usually a small role where you had some acting and speaking parts.
Syndication
A popular television show is sold to be broadcast in a local or regional market.
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Tag
A short portion of a spot, usually placed at the end. A tag may say something such as, “Available at all OfficeMax outlets through Sunday.” Tags are often delivered by a voice talent different from those in the main body of the ad.
Take
The attempted shooting of a scene. The “attempted” refers to the usual circumstance in which it usually takes several takes to get the scene right from the actor, director, camera person and sound mixers standpoint.
Telegraphing
Broad charade-type actions used by inexperienced actors to get a point across.
Teleprompter
A machine placed in front of the lens of a camera on which an actor’s dialogue is projected. The dialogue scrolls by and is read when at eye level.
Test Audience
Special screenings used to gauge the reaction of the group, and help determine certain scenes to be dropped and new ones added.
Test Commercial
A commercial that will be aired in a small area and monitored for its effectiveness. You must be told that the commercial will be a test commercial before the audition.
Test Photographers
Photographers willing to barter their services at a reduced rate to help themselves and a new model build their respective portfolios.
Trailer
A mobile dressing room for an actor sometimes in a camper. Also known as Honey Wagon.
Treatment
A shortened version to a full script which includes a short description of the story and the characters involved, and typically ranges from one to six pages in length.
Turnaround
Cast and crew rest time, from wrap until next day’s call time.
Two-Shot
Camera shot with two people in frame.
Type Casting
Assigning a role to an actor on the basis of his or her surface appearance or personality.
Typed-Out
The elimination of an actor during auditions because of such obvious features as height, weight or age.
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Under-Five
An acting role designation calling for five lines or less on AFTRA shows. This category has a specific pay rate, which is less than a day-player.
Understudy
An actor, often playing a small role, who learns another role, so as to be able to perform it if the regular actor is ill.
Union Scale
Minimum wage scale earned in employment by members of AFTRA, AF of M, SAG, etc.
Upgrade
A pay-rate increase, usually from “extra” status to “principal” status.
Usage Fee
The practice of assigning each city in the U.S. points based on population. An actors residuals on television commercials are calculated based on the accumulation of these points in 13-week cycles.
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Video Toaster
A popular computer editing system for actor’s demo tapes.
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Walk Through
To perform a role at less-than-usual intensity, such as during a technical rehearsal; also used critically, as in “he walked it,” for a lazy performance at a matinee.
Walking Meal
Usually second meal; company doesn’t actually stop filming, but food is provided.
Weather Day
If the weather is not right for the shoot and it does not take place, it will be postponed until the weather day. When this happens, you will receive a half day’s pay for each canceled day.
Weekly Player
Actor being paid on a weekly contract.
Wild Line
A single line from the script that is reread several times in succession until the perfect read is achieved. Wild lines are often done in a series. The slate may say something such as, “This is wild line pick-up take twelve A, B & C.” This means you will read the line three times on this slate without interruption by the director. It is considered “wild” because it is done separately from the entire script. In video or film work, they are lines that occur when the camera is on something other than you. They are “wild” because it is not necessary for them to be in sync with your mouth.
Wild Spot
A commercial that runs on a non-network station, or a spot that runs on a network sation but airs between scheduled programming.
Will-Notify
A call given to actors when call time is uncertain, indicates an actor will work, but no specific call time has been determined.
Work Vouchers
A paper given to an extra at the time of check-in. It must be filled out and turned in at the end of the day of shooting to receive wages.
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