Madison Locations, Inc. - The Film Location Network

| Location Scouts Online: 22

Industry Terminology

Above the Line - The "Creative" members of the production team, such as the Director, Writer, Actors and the Producer. The costs of their services appear on the top half of the budget summary, above a heavy line, which divides the page.

Angle of View - The amount of a shot, or scene, taken in by the Camera lens, usually expressed in degrees. (Also referred to as P.O.V. - Point of View)

Air Date - In Television and Commercial production, the specific date on which a series episode, Commercial or Television Movie is to be "Aired," broadcast or televised.

Apple Box - A small wooden box, usually with handholds on the side, used to raise Actors or equipment up to a required height in order for a shot to be accomplished.

Available Light - Filming using only naturally occurring light (daylight).

Back Lot - Studio property made up of Exterior Sets, such as Western towns, New York streets, small town houses, etc., used instead of filming on location.

Base Camp - The staging area for equipment and large vehicles when filming in a variety of locations, or when parking adjacent to the filming location is not possible. Base camp can also be the site of activities not directly related to the filming process, such as a dressing area, or for the Caterer to provide a meal service.

Blackout Cloth - Heavy, densely woven black cloth used to cover windows, doors and skylights, in order to control the light on the Set or Location. (see Day for Night)

Blanks - (Blank Cartridges) An explosive charge used in guns for the movies, in order to give the effect of actually shooting a gun or rifle, but without the bullets or other projectiles (as in a shotgun). Blank cartridges are measured in "Loads", a term used to describe the actual amount of gunpowder in the blanks (such as Full Load, Half Load and Quarter Loads).

Boom Mike - A microphone with a long "telescoping" arm, enabling the operator to position the microphone above the Set (out of Camera's POV), and follow the Actors.

Break-Away - A Set, Hand Prop, or other item (such as a beer bottle, chair or window) constructed to break in a specific (and harmless) way upon cue, usually during a "fight."

Bullet Hit - A Special Effect that simulates a bullet striking an object or person. This is a Pyrotechnic Effect, and is also known as a "Squib".

Butterfly - A Net stretched over an outdoor scene to soften the sunlight.

C-Stand - A highly versatile free-standing metal bracket used for positioning a lighting accessory, such as a flag. Often used to hold up or support "leafy branches" or other shadow-making devices related to Lighting a Set. (Archaic: known as a Century Stand due to its being capable of over 100 different positions and uses)

Call Sheet - A typed "form" specifying all the Scenes to be filmed, and all the personnel and equipment required to film those particular Scenes on a given day. Includes a map and directions to the Location, as well as any information intended for the entire Crew.

Call Time - The precise time that an individual member of the cast or crew is expected to report to Location, and to be ready to work. This schedule is listed on the Call Sheet and is the responsibility of the AD's (Assistant Directors). Call Times vary depending on the department, the activity, the Location and the Wrap Time the preceding day.

Camera Car - A Pick-Up truck specifically rigged to carry Camera equipment and Crew. This is used to film moving vehicle shots. (Also called an Insert Car)

Camera Left / Right - The Left or Right side of the Camera. Opposite from stage directions, these directions are oriented from the Camera's point of view.

Camera Mounts - A sturdy device that allows the camera to be attached to something. Most often used when filming Actors driving or riding in a car. These would include "Hood Mounts" or a "Hostess Tray" (where the Camera is mounted on the side of the door), to look in on the Driver and Passenger.

Cover Set - An alternative Set or Location, to be used in the event that bad weather (rain) forces a cancellation of filming any exterior scenes planned for that day.

Coverage - The combined total of individual shots (from a variety of different angles) to be inter-cut with the Master Shot.

Crab Dolly - A small wheeled-vehicle that eliminates the use of metal tracks and permits the Camera to be moved around the Set in a variety of horizontal directions while keeping the Camera focused on the Actors or their action.

Crane - A large mobile Camera mount, on which the Camera and an Operator may be suspended high above the scene or action.

Cut - (1) To stop the Camera, (2) to stop the action, (3) to edit or shorten a scene by cutting the film, (4) the end of a scene.

Day for Night - A scene that takes place at night, but is actually filmed during the day. For filming an Interior scene on Location, all windows and skylights are covered with Blackout Cloth. For Exterior scenes, the use of a special filter on the Camera creates the dark nighttime effect.

Dolly - A small wheeled-vehicle for mounting a Camera and accommodating a Camera Operator and Assistant. The Camera Dolly frequently rides upon a set of Dolly Tracks, which are a pair of parallel metal tracks laid on the ground, in order to allow the Dolly to move smoothly over rough or uneven surfaces or ground.

Dolly Shot - A shot accomplished while the Camera is moving or traveling, as opposed to a "pivotal" pan shot, which is where the camera remains in a stationary position.

Dulling Spray - An aerosol spray that leaves a "dull" film on any surface that might be causing a glare in the Camera lens. Often used to hide or remove the reflection of the crew when seen by the Camera on a reflective surface, such as the chrome bumpers on a car. Easily washes off with soap and water.

Establishing Shot - A long shot, usually at the beginning of a scene, which establishes the place, time and other important elements of the "following" scenes.

Exterior - Any scene filmed outside, and not within a structure.

Fill Light - The light source, which is used to fill in the shadow area of a subject, (most often in the background) allowing for details to be seen in those areas.

First Unit - The principal people and crew needed on the Set, including the Director and Actors, for filming scenes that require the recording of dialogue.

Flag - A device used to manipulate the amount of light used to illuminate a scene by casting controlled shadows on the Set. Usually made of black cloth stretched over a metal frame, Flags come in wide variety of shapes and sizes and are mounted onto C-Stands to be near the light source (e.g. Cutters; Floppies; Blades; Dots; etc.).

Flat - A large flat wall section of a Set, usually modular and made of a thin plywood for easy removal and transporting. Surface treatments vary from paint to plaster, to wood paneling to wallpaper, to papier-m?h?and even sheet metal. May contain windows or a doorway, or simulated stone fireplaces, etc.

Fog Effect - The Special Effects process of using a device to vaporize a liquid to create fog or smoke. This can be as simple as using an aerosol spray, or the release of dry ice vapor. Mechanical devices (Foggers or Smokers) range from hand held units to large devices with internal combustion engines. Liquids being vaporized (fog juice) can be either water or oil based.

Foley - The Post Production process of using sound effects to "sweeten" the sound track with sounds not recorded during filming.

Fuller's Earth - A soft dusty powder, not unlike talcum powder, available in a wide variety of brown and gray shades, used as "dirt" or "dust" on clothing and make-up.

FX - The abbreviation for "Effects" or Special Effects.

Gaffer's Tape - A wide strong gray (or black) colored cloth adhesive tape, used for securing equipment, stands, cables, props, etc. and a variety of other uses on the Set.

Gel - Colored sheets of transparent plastic applied to lights and windows to change the intensity or color of the light.

Generator - Used to provide electrical power for the production when filming on Location. Usually a part of the Grip or the Electric Truck, but it may also be a "stand-alone" piece of equipment, if the Base Camp is too far from the Location.

Golden Light - Term referring to the warm light which occurs naturally shortly before sunset and just after sunrise.

Greens - The use of real and artificial plants, bushes and trees to dress a Set. Often used on Location in order to hide or camouflage equipment or cables in the shot.

Honey Wagon - A large trailer containing mobile toilets and dressing rooms.

Hot Set - A Set that is completely ready for filming. It can also refer to a Set in which the Crew has broken for lunch in the middle of filming a scene, and as a Hot Set, nothing on the Set is to be touched or moved in order to preserve the "continuity" of the scene being filmed.

Insert - A shot added to enhance or explain an element of the scene or story, e.g., a Close-Up of a handwritten letter, or a newspaper headline.

Interior - Filming inside a building or structure, generally using artificial light.

I.T.C. - Intermittent Traffic Control is when the production requires uniformed Police Officers, or Highway Patrol Officers, to stop and hold traffic on a road in one (or both) directions for a period of time, generally not to exceed three minutes.

Key Light - The main source of light used to light a subject or Set. Its direction and amount relative to other lights and establishes the mood of illumination.

Location - Any place away from the studio & used as a background for filming

Magazine - (1) The "light-tight" container that feeds and takes up the film used in a Motion Picture Camera. (2) A special metal box, designed to meet the legal requirements for the storage and transportation of Pyrotechnic materials.

Marks - Pieces of tape (or chalk) used to give Actors (or the Camera) a specific reference point for where they should be at a certain time while filming a scene.

Master Shot - The term used to describe a complete overall shot of an entire scene. This is the "spine" of the scene and is supplemented by additional shots from different angles in order to get additional "coverage".

"M.O.S." - Legend has it that when "Talkies" were first replacing the silent films, this expression originated from Director Joseph Von Sternberg, who often did not want to record sound during a scene, so he could tell his Actors how to perform while filming. So he would frequently shout out with his thick German accent "We will film this scene Mit Out Sound!" …and to this day, M.O.S. means "with out sound."

Musco Light - Brand name for a large truck with a telescoping arm which supports an array of huge, powerful lights, intended to brightly illuminate a large area.

M.O.W. - Abbreviation for "Movie of the Week". These are usually films 90 minutes or longer, shot for broadcast on TV, and often produced as a possible "Pilot" in the hopes of having a potential spin off TV series.

N.D. - Abbreviation for Non-Descript. Used to designate vehicles in the background or Extras who add a sense of realism to a scene

Night for Day - Shooting at night, but lighting to simulate daytime. Most often done when shooting interiors on location. As the natural sunlight fades, large movie lights are set up to blast light through the windows to simulate sunlight.

Outtakes - Film shot & developed but not used in the final version of the film.

Pan - A pivotal Camera move on a horizontal plane. For example, the camera moves (pans) from left to right as it follows an Actor walking by.

Parallel - A platform or scaffolding used to raise a Camera and crew or lighting above the ground for high-angle shots. Often used on Location to film through a window, or to light a room on the second floor of a two-story house.

Picture Car - The vehicle that is actually being filmed.

Post Production - The process and period of time in a production schedule in which the film is processed, cut and assembled into all the scenes required in order to deliver the finished print. Activities in this process include Editing; Music Scoring and Editing; Sound Effects; and Special Visual Effects.

P.O.V. - "Point Of View" is what is seen through the Camera, and appears on screen.

Practical - A term that refers to something on the Set or Location that actually works, like a kitchen sink, a desk lamp or TV, as opposed to a prop that is non-functioning and used only as set dressing.

Prep Day - A workday preceding filming, used for a variety of purposes, including set construction, set dressing, or for pre-rigging lights and equipment.

Pre-Production - All of the activity leading up to the first day of Filming. This includes budgeting; creating a schedule; Script changes; Set design & construction; Costume rentals and Fittings; casting Actors and the final choices for the Locations.

Print - (1) The order given to the Script Supervisor by the Director upon the successful completion of a shot that was just filmed. (2) A copy of the positive film that was shot and developed.

Process Shot - A Special Effects Shot developed in the early days of filmmaking. Used primarily for the illusion of "riding" in moving cars, trains or stagecoaches. Previously filmed background footage is projected upon a transparent screen (outside the window), while the Actors sit in a specially designed vehicle where the front, sides or back can be removed in order to show the Actor with the moving landscape in the background.

Production - Generic term for all types of film, television, commercials, music videos, "info-mercials" and other related forms of film projects. Also that portion of the schedule that starts on the first day of filming, and ends on the last day of principal photography.

Props - Movable hand-held objects for use on a Set, normally handled by the Actors as part of a scene (such as telephones, cigarettes, keys, etc.).

P.T.C. - Pedestrian Traffic Control is when the production requires uniformed Police Officers to stop and hold pedestrian traffic on a sidewalk or walkway in one or both directions for a period of time, generally not to exceed three minutes.

Pyrotechnics - Controlled materials (used in the process of creating special effects for film) that can be ignited, burned or exploded on cue or command by the members of the Special Effects Crew. A Pyro-technician who is licensed by the State of California must handle pyrotechnic materials. Some of these materials include propane fire rings; bullet hits and squibs; and all types of explosives.

Reverse - (1) What is seen in the opposite direction of the Location or Set being shot. (2) A shot of what is directly behind the camera, or adjacent to the establishing shot.

Ritter - A Wind Machine that looks like a giant oscillating desk fan. These powerful fans often use an automobile engine to spin an airplane propeller in order to produce strong and powerful winds.

"Rolling!" - A Direction called out by the Assistant Directors at the beginning of filming a scene, or a shot, for EVERYONE on the Set to stand absolutely still and to NOT TALK or even whisper while filming. This is due to the tremendous sensitivity of the tape recorder being used on the Set to record the Actor's dialogue.

Running Shot - A shot where a moving Camera films a moving vehicle.

Sand Bag - A sturdy burlap bag filled with varying amounts of sand (10lb; 20lb and 35lb), used to temporarily steady pieces of equipment, such as C-Stands.

Scrim - Usually a metal circular screen placed in front of a light to "soften" the bright light. Scrims usually slip into clips built onto the front edge of the lights, or they are held in place by a C-Stand.

Setup - Each time there is a change in the position of the Camera angle, as well as any changes made in the actual scene being filmed.

Shiny Boards - Large boards (approx. 4'x4') covered with a metallic reflective surface, used to reduce the difference between lighted and shaded areas by bouncing light, or sunlight, into the darker areas of a Set.

Shot - One roll of the Camera; also known as a "Take".

Shooting - Using a Motion Picture Camera for "filming," as in "Shooting a Picture."

Slate - Two short boards (black with white stripes) hinged together above a black tablet with pertinent information regarding the shot being filmed, such as the Date, Scene #, Take #, project Title and the Director. When the two boards are sharply closed, they provide an audible "crack" which is recorded on film and sound tape simultaneously. This is to help synchronize the picture with the sound, for editing purposes.

Sound Cart - The wheeled cabinet on which the Sound Dept. 's recording equipment is placed to allow easy movement on the Set or Location.

Sound Stage - A large building specifically designed for the filming of Motion Pictures. Usually with thick and densely insulated walls to prevent any sounds or noise on the outside of the Stage from interfering with the recording of sound on the "Set" inside the stage. Usually constructed with high, unobstructed ceilings and "cat walks" to enable Lighting Technicians to place Lights above the Sets constructed on the Stage below.

Special Effects - A term used to describe any unusual effect to create an illusion on film. These range from the elements (rain, fog, snow) to pyrotechnics (explosions, fires, bullet hits) to intricate digital and optical visual effects.

"Speed!" - The verbal cue given when both the Camera and sound recorder have reached proper operating speeds. It's the signal that the Director can now say "Action!"

Squib - See "Bullet Hit".

Sticks - A term for a Camera Tri-pod. Older tripods were always made with wooden legs, thus the reference to "sticks".

Stock Shot - Film footage previously filmed for other productions, or purely as library footage, which can be purchased for use in a new production. An example of this would be footage of any news event, such as a riot, storm, or sports event, or anything that pertains to the story in the film. (Also known as Stock Footage)

Story Board - A series of sketches or drawings that reveal the sequence of shots in the order they are to be seen, in order to effectively communicate the requirements of each shot to each of the "Keys" (Heads) of each department. Storyboards look like a comic strip, as they visually tell all the action in the scene.

Strike - The removal or dismantling of a Set and/or equipment from a location, or a sound stage, at the end of a shoot. Also used to describe the changing of Camera positions and lighting setups; in preparation of the next setup.

Sync - Abbreviation for synchronization. Where the film and a given sound occur at the same time, as in keeping the Actor's lips "in-sync" with his dialogue.

Tail Lights - The last car, truck or production vehicle to leave a Location after "It's a Wrap!" has been called. (e.g. "We've gotta have Tail Lights by 10PM!")

Take - A scene, or part of a scene, recorded on film (and /or sound) from each start to each stop of the Camera (or sound recording). Each shot may be repeated in several Takes until satisfactory results are achieved. ("Cut! Print Take two, seven and nine!")

Tech Scout - Also called a technical scout, this is when a Director, Producer and the Department Heads visit a Location to see it first hand and to evaluate any possible conditions that may effect filming or require the use or rental of any special equipment.

Tow Shot - Shots in which the Picture Car is towed by another vehicle (usually the Camera Car) to allow dialogue or other action to take place between the Driver and the Passengers. This is done for safety as the lights and position of the Camera would obstruct the Driver's ability to drive.

Two Shot - A medium "close up" where two Actors are included in the frame of the shot, as in a scene with extensive dialogue.

Wet Downs - The actual wetting of pavement (sidewalks and streets) for filming (usually at night with a water truck). The wet streets are more interesting as they reflect the street lights and lighted neon signs. Most often requested for commercials.

Wild Track - Sound recording not specifically tied to the picture, such as background or ambient sounds in a nightclub or office building.

Wrap - "That's a wrap!" signals that the day of filming is over, and it's time to "wrap up" all the equipment and go home. Also refers to removing all of the set dressing, props, grip, lighting and Camera equipment from a Set or Location.

Zoom - A type of Camera Lens that give a "telescopic" view of something far away, by bringing it into closer view.