8 x 10 - The industry's standard for glossy photos, usually "head shots".
"91 DAY
OUT" CLAUSE - A stipulation in SAG contracts stating that if a performer doesn't earn an agreed to amount of money from commercials within 91 days after signing a contract, he or she can legally terminate the contract.
19 mm
TAPE
- 19 mm tape,
or
more commonly known as 3/4" tape, is a
magnetic recording tape used in the
D2
professional video format.
A
A-PLOT
- is a cinema
and television term referring to the plotline that
drives the story. This doesn't necessarily mean it's the
most important, but rather the one that forces most of
the action.
A &R DIRECTOR - Record company executive in charge of the Artists & Repertoire Department who is responsible for finding and developing new artist and matching songs with artists.
A/C - Adult contemporary music.
A.D. - Assistant Director.
A-SIDE - The side of a single which is considered to have "hit" potential and is promoted as such by the record company.
ABBY SINGER - 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.
ABOVE
THE LINE (film production)
- In the movie industry, above-the-line expenditures are
those that are negotiated or spent before filming
begins. These costs can include rights for the material
on which the screenplay is based; and the salaries for
the screenwriter, producer, actors, director, and
assistants to directors (not to be confused with
assistant directors). The distinction originates from
the early studio days when the budget top-sheet would
literally have a line separating the above-the-line and
below-the-line costs. Similarly, in television
production, above-the-line expenses include salaries for
the positions mentioned above (typically all employees
working under individual contracts) but are budgeted on
a weekly or episodic basis for the run of a series.
ACTION - The command from the
director for the scene to begin. It indicates that the
camera is rolling.
ACM - Academy of Country Music.
ACOUSTICS - The science of sound. In performance it is generally used to describe the quality of sound reproduction in a room or theatre.
ACT CURTAIN - Curtain at the front of the stage used to open and close each act. It may also be used between scenes.
ACTION - Verbal cue on a film/video set that
indicates that the camera is rolling.
ACTIONING - If Verbing is a cognitive approach to playing intention, Actioning is a physical approach. Actors work with a text and connect a physical movement or gesture with each intention. These gestures are magnified in rehearsal but remain in the body for the performance. This is also known as embodying the character.
AD LIB - Extemporaneous
delivery without relying on a prepared
script.
ADR - Automated Dialogue
Replacement. Dialogue added to a scene in post
production. Sometimes erroneously called "looping".
ADVERTISING AGENCY - Companies that do the artwork and production for advertisements.
ADVERTISING LAYOUT - The art layout of the advertisement being produced.
AEA - Actors' Equity
Association; often called simply "Equity". SAG's sister
union which represents stage actors.
AGE RANGE / AGE
CATEGORY - Ages that an actor can possibly portray. The range can
include the actor's real age but doesn't necessarily have to.
AGENCY - Either a model/talent agency or an
advertising agency. The former handles the bookings of models/talent, and the
latter places advertising for clients, which involves creating and producing
print ads, tv commercials or promotions.
AFI - The American Film
Institute
AFM - American Federation of Musicians. A union for musicians and arrangers.
AFTRA - 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.
AGMA - American Guild of
Musical Artists
AGVA - American Guild of
Variety Artists
AIMP - Association of
Independent Music Publishers.
AIR PLAY - The radio
broadcast of a recording.
AMERICAN DINNER THEATRE
INSTITUTE (ADTI) - A clearinghouse for
Equity-franchised dinner theatres in the USA that
supplies news of interest to the theatres and negotiates
Equity dinner theatre contracts on the theatres' behalf.
AMERICAN CROWD - The American Crowd is a film cliché which appears
mainly, if not exclusively, in Hollywood films,
generally of a comic or light dramatic genre. When main
characters of a film have some kind of scene to play out
in front of a crowd of people, wherever they are, the
crowd watching or listening will display certain
characteristics completely unlike that of a real crowd;
generally displaying much more altruism and patience
than anyone would ever encounter in real life.
ANAMORPHIC LENS -
Camera lens that distorts a wide image to fit on a
narrower 35mm frame of film; the film projector that
later presents the film to audiences must then also have
an anamorphic lens to reproportion the image to fit on
the wider screen.
ANNCR or V/O -
Announcer or voice over.
AOR - Album-
Oriented Rock.
APRON - On a
proscenium stage, this is the frontal lip of the stage,
the part closest to the audience.
ART DEPARTMENT - Art department in movie terms means the section of a
production's crew concerned with visual artistry.
Working under the supervision of the production designer
and/or art director, the art department is responsible
for arranging the overall look of the film (i.e.
modern/high-tech, rustic, futuristic, etc.) as desired
by the film director. Individual positions within in
this department include: production designer, production
buyer, special effects supervisor, draftsman, art
director, assistant art director, set decorator, set
dresser, property master, lead man, swing gang, and
property assistant.
ART DIRECTOR - Person who
conceives and designs the sets.
ASCAP - American
Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
ASL - American Sign
Language.
ASPECT RATIO - The
width divided by the height of a film/TV screen. Modern
TVs and pre-1950 films typically have an aspect ratio of
1.33; films made after 1950 typically have one ranging
from 1.66 to 2.35.
ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC ARTS
- An organization supporting Hispanic theatre companies
with technical assistance; planning and financial
management systems; identification of new and
up-and-coming Hispanic playwrights; and marketing.
ATA - Association of
Talent Agents.
ATMOSPHERE - The
extras in a film/TV production who appear in a scene to
help establish the time, place, or mood of a scene.
ATMOSPHERIC
THEATRE
- An atmospheric theatre is a historical type of movie
palace (cinema) that used design and architectural
elements to to convey an impression of being seated in a
fantastic foreign setting, which might be anything from
a palace or village square to a garden or outdoor
auditorium at night, including the illusion of an open
sky complete with twinkling stars.
AUDITION
(performing arts)
- An audition is a sample performance by an actor,
singer, musician, dancer or other performer. It involves
the performer displaying their talent through a
previously-memorized and rehearsed solo piece: for
example, a monologue for actors or a song for a singer.
For actors, the audition piece is typically not from the
show being considered; an actor wishing to be cast in
Hamlet would not likely do a monologue from that play.
However, most performers do have a range of audition
pieces and select something appropriate; an actor
auditioning for Hamlet would have a dramatic
Shakespearean monologue ready, and not perform a
monologue from an Oscar Wilde comedy, or a contemporary
playwright. Similarly, a singer auditioning for a role
in a musical theatre production would not, unless
instructed otherwise, sing opera or country music, and a
musician auditioning for a seat in an orchestra would
not perform rock. Occasionally a musical theatre
audition may require the performer to sing something in
the genre to which the musical pertains.
Some auditions involve cold reading, or performing a
script that the actor is not familiar with. Likewise,
musicians may be asked to sight read music at various
levels of difficulty. This is similar to many dance
auditions, in which the focus is on learning new
choreography, rather than showcasing prepared work.
For smaller roles in a large production, mass auditions
are held at which many inexperienced or aspiring
performers, most without agents, show up. These are
popularly known as cattle calls, since the hopefuls are
often kept together in one large room like a herd. The
musical A Chorus Line begins with one of these. American
Idol also auditions its aspiring vocalists using this
technique, since there are so many auditions.
Although an actor's talents comprise crucial criteria in
the casting process, an almost equal amount of attention
is given to an actor's "type," (a combination of
personality, looks and general casting intuition) as
required for a particular production.
AUDIOVISUAL - Refers
to presentations which use audio backup for visual
material.
AVAIL - 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.
B
B-SIDE - The flip side of a
single promoted by a record company. Sometimes the
B-side contains the same song as the A-side so there
will be no confusion as to which song should receive
airplay.
B/W - Backed
with. Usually refers to the B-side of a single.
B-ROLL - The Extra
performers. On the set, "Background!" is a verbal cue
for the Extras to start their action. B-roll or B roll
is supplemental or alternate footage intercut with the
main shot in an interview or documentary. This
technique of using the cutaway is common to hide zooms
in documentary films: the visuals may cut away to B roll
footage of what the person is talking about while the A
camera zooms in, then cut back after the zoom is
complete. The cutaway to B roll footage can also be used
to hide verbal or physical tics that the editor and/or
director finds distracting: with the audio separate from
the video, the filmmakers are free to excise "uh"s,
sniffs, coughs, and so forth. Similarly, a contextually
irrelevant part of a sentence or anecdote can be removed
to construct a more effective, to-the-point delivery.
This can also be used to change the meaning of the
speaker to fit the view of the producer. In fiction
film, the technique can be used to indicate simultaneous
action or flashbacks, usually increasing tension or
revealing information.
"B roll" also refers to footage provided free of charge
to broadcast news organizations as a means of gaining
free publicity. For example, an auto maker might shoot a
video of its assembly line, hoping that segments will be
used in stories about the new model year. "B roll" sometimes makes its way into stock footage libraries.
BACKGROUND - The Extra
performers. On the set, "Background!" is a verbal cue
for the Extras to start their action.
BACK TO ONE! - The verbal cue
for performers to return to the mark where they started
the scene.
BACKSTAGE - The area
off or behind the stage not seen by the audience.
BEAUTY
SHOT - On TV soaps, the
shot over which the credits are rolled.
BED - Prerecorded music
used as background material in commercials.
BELOW THE (film production) -
In budgeting a motion picture or television production,
below-the-line costs include the salaries of the
non-starring cast members and the technical crew, as
well as use of the film studio and its technical
equipment, travel, location, and catering costs, etc. In
contrast to above the line costs, the below-the-line
budget is usually fixed. The distinction originates from
the early studio days when the budget top-sheet would
literally have a line separating the above-the-line and
below-the-line costs.
Some of the positions that fall into the below the line
category are: Director of photography, Assistant
director, Dolly grip, Gaffer, Key grip Best boy
electric, Best boy grip, Art director, Editor,
Continuity, Composer, Production assistant
BEST BOY - The assistant to the
Chief Electrician, or Head Gaffer.
BETA - 1/2" videocassette format. The Beta System uses a smaller
cassette than that used with the VHS system.
BIG & TALL MEN -
Male models wearing size 44 suit and up.
BILLING - The order of the
names in the title of opening credits of a film or TV
show.
BIO - Short for "biography". A resume in
narrative form, usually for a printed program or press
release.
BLACK
HAT - A black hat is the villain or bad guy,
especially in a western movie in which such a character
would wear a black hat in contrast to the hero's white
hat. The phrase is often used figuratively, especially
in computing slang, where it refers to a hacker that
breaks into networks or computers, or creates computer
viruses.
BLOCKING - The actual physical
movements by performers in any scene. Also can refer to
the movements of the camera.
BLUE SCREEN - The
monochromatic screen a film/TV actor performs in front
of when the actor's image is to be later manipulated or
superimposed by special effects editors.
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.
BLUE SKY - A film
term that involves camera and editing tricks.
BMA - Black Music
Association.
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
- A performing rights organization.
BOOKER - An agency
employee who books the models for their assignments.
BOOKING - A firm commitment to
a performer to do a specific job.
BOOKING EDITOR -
Selects the models assignment's or jobs for the calendar
year.
BOOM - 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.
BOUNCING
BALL - The bouncing ball is a device used in
films to visually indicate the rhythm of a song, helping
audiences to sing along with live or prerecorded music.
As the song's lyrics are displayed on the screen
(usually one line at a time), an animated ball bounces
across the top of the words, landing on each syllable
when it is to be sung.
BOX SET - A set made up
of flats enclosing the acting space, usually used to
represent a room or an interior.
BUYER - A person who
does the wholesale buying of products for a company.
BUYOUT - An
agreed-to in advance of full payment to a performer in
lieu of residuals.
BUZZER - Sound
device used in a film/TV production that, with a single
long tone, cues everyone to be quiet for a scene, and
with two shorter tones, indicates that scene has
finished shooting.
BOX OFFICE SLUMP - A box office slump is an ongoing
occasion in which all major theatrical movies fail to
meet expectations at the box office.
BREAKAWAY - Specially designed prop or set piece
which looks solid but shatters easily. Breakaways props
are often glass items.
BREAKTHROUGH ROLE - A Breakthrough role is a term in the
film industry to describe the film of an actor or
actress which contributed significantly to the
development of their career. It may not always refer to
a film debut but a film which may have had some
mainstream success that resulted in the widespread
recognition or popularity of the actor. Such a moment in
an actor's career may often occur some time after they
begin acting. Often a breakthrough role is a significant
increase in importance in the actor's part in the film
moving up from a minor character or extra to one of the
leading cast. Most of the top actors and actresses in
Hollywood or in the world film industry can pinpoint
such a landmark which marked the beginning of commercial
success.
BREAKDOWN - A detailed listing and description of
roles available for casting in a production.
C
C & W - Country and
Western.
CABARET - Generally
a restaurant that features musical or other form of
entertainment while providing room for dancing.
CALLBACK - Any follow-up
interview or audition.
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.
CAMEO LIGHTING - Cameo lighting
in film is a spotlight that accentuates a single person
in a scene. It creates an 'angelic' shot, such as one
where God is shining down and a light shines down onto
this person.
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 LEFT - The
actor's right as he faces the camera.
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.
CAMERA RIGHT - The
actor's left as he faces the camera.
CANCELLATION - After
a model has been booked, he or she can be canceled out.
There is normally a clause regarding time that may
permit a model to still earn a percentage of the rate
paid. There are time limits to these, however.
CARAS - (Canadian
Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences): An association
of individuals involved in the Canadian music and
recording industry.
CARD - A term you'll
hear when your agent is negotiating your billing on a
film or TV show. Your name might appear alone on the
screen ("separate card") or with others ("shared card").
CAST ALBUM - An
audio recording featuring music from a live musical
theatre production.
CAST PARTY - Party
for cast (and often crew) of a theatrical production,
typically after the final performance.
CATALOG PHOTOGRAPHY
- Posing for a catalog assignment. The model will need
to know how to pose to show all the selling points of
the costume provided.
CASTING
DIRECTOR - The producer's
representative responsible for choosing performers for
consideration by the producer or director.
CATTLE CALL - A call for large
groups of people.
CATERER - Responsible for
breakfast, lunch and dinner on a set. Different from
Craft Services.
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.
CENTER STAGE -
(middle runway, midstage) The middle point or section of
a stage.
CHANGES - Outfits worn while
performing.
CHARACTER LOOK -
Appearance characteristic of a certain type.
CHARACTER MODEL - A
model who is neither a straight commercial type or an
attractive fashion model type. Character models usually
have very individual or unusual looks or skills.
CHARACTER TYPE - One
of a group or class of performers having similar
features or personalities.
CHART - The written
arrangement of a song.
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.
CHEAT TO CAMERA - To
slightly-turn your face to the camera so as to show more
of your face.
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.
CHILD LABOR LAWS -
Government regulations and guidelines covering the
employment of children. They vary from state to state.
CHILDREN'S MANAGER -
One who manages the careers of child performers. May be
a personal or business manager.
CHILDREN'S AGENT -
An agent, agency or agency division specializing in the
representation of child performers.
CHOREOGRAPHER (Dance
Designer) - One who creates and supervises dance
movement in a production.
CHR (Contemporary Hit
Radio) - Top 40 pop music.
CINEMATOGRAPHER
(Director of Photography) - The supervisor of the many usage's of a
motion picture film camera.
CINEMA NOVO - Cinema Novo was a movement among
Brazilian filmmakers in the 1950s and 1960s. It is
encapsulated in the Portuguese phrase "Uma câmera na mão
e uma idéia na cabeça" ("a camera in the hand and an
idea in the head"). The movement included directors
Glauber Rocha, Nelson Pereira dos Santos, Carlos Diegues
and Joaquim Pedro de Andrade. Its main topics revolved
around Brazilian poverty, mainly using the dry northeast
and large cities as settings.
CINEMAPHILE - A Cinemaphile or
Cinephile is most respectably noted as a person who
dedicates their life to the academic study of cinema.
The earliest cinephiles were that who bore the French
New Wave or La Nouvelle Vague - André Bazin, Jacques
Donial-Valcroze and Alexandre Astruc amongst others and
film movements.
CIRPA - Canadian
Independent Record Producers Association.
CLAPBOARD - Two
pieces of wood that are slammed together at the
beginning of a scene, for the purpose of facilitating
the later synchronization of picture and sound in the
editing process.
CLASS A COMMERCIAL -
Part of a system for the remuneration of commercial
residuals, this is the most lucrative type. Class A's
are aired in more than 20 cities. Other type of
commercials are Class B (6 to 20 cities) and Class C (1
to 5 cities).
CLASSICAL HOLLYWOOD CINEMA -
Classical Hollywood cinema or the classical Hollywood
narrative[1], are terms used in film history which
designates both a visual and sound style for making
motion pictures and a mode of production that arose in
the American film industry of the 1910s and 1920s.
CLASSICAL LOOK - A
timeless appearance of traditional quality, refinement.
CLIENT - A person or
company who hires a model.
CLOSE-UP (CU) - Camera term for
tight shot of shoulders and face.
CMA - Country Music
Association.
CMPA - Church Music
Publishers Association.
CMRRA - ( Canadian
Musical Reproduction Rights Association): A mechanical
rights agency.
CO-PUBLISH - Two or
more parties own publishing rights to the same song.
COLD READING - Unrehearsed
reading of a scene, usually at an audition.
COLLABORATOR -
Person who works with another in a creative endeavor.
COMMENTARY - Script
used by the commentator (or announcer) to describe
fashions for a fashion show.
COMMERCIAL CASTING CALL
- Interview or audition for parts in a commercial.
COMMERCIAL ACTOR -
Male or female actor who performs in television
commercials.
COMMERCIAL ARTIST -
One who does illustrations for advertisements in
magazines and other advertising media.
COMMERCIAL CHILDREN
- Children appearing in television, radio, or movie
theatre commercials. Also kids who are marketable as
talent.
COMMERCIAL COPY -
Spoken or written words of a commercial.
COMMERCIAL MODEL - A
special type model needed for an assignment. The model
need not be especially attractive.
COMMERCIAL CONTRACT
- An agreement to produce script, direct, film, tape or
act in a commercial.
COMMERCIAL GLOSSY (Commercial
Head Shot) - A glossy photo of a television
commercial actor, used for casting and promotion.
COMMERCIAL AGENT -
Agent or agency division representing performers who
work in television, radio or movie commercials.
COMMISSION - Percentage of a
performer's earnings paid to agents or managers for
services rendered.
COMPACT DISC - A
small disc (about 4.7 inches in diameter) holding
digitally encoded music that is read by a laser beam in
a CD player.
COMPOSITE -
A series of photos on one sheet representing an actor's
different looks. Poster
type papers, usually 6x8 inches with printed pictures of
a model in many different poses. The models name and
vital statistics and where they can be reached are also
included on the composite. Clients keep these composites
on file for future bookings of the model. Agencies mail
them out to potential clients.
CONFLICT - Status of being paid
for services in a commercial for one advertiser, thereby
contractually preventing performing services in a
commercial for a competitor.
CONTACT SHEET - A
photographic print sheet made up of all the shots from a
roll of film used to determine which photos are to be
used, and therefore, enlarged.
COPY - The script for a
commercial or voice over.
COPYRIGHT - The
exclusive legal right giving the creator of a work the
power to control the publishing, reproduction and
selling of the work.
COPYWRITER - The
writer of words in a commercial or print ad.
COVER RECORD - A new
version of a previously recorded song.
COVERAGE - All camera shots
other than the master shot; coverage might include
two-shots and close-ups.
COVERING -
Inadvertent blocking of the audience's or camera's view
of another actor.
CRAFT SERVICES - In film,
television or video production, crafts service or crafty
refer to the department that is available to service the
other departments, or “crafts” (camera, sound,
electricians, grips, props, art director, set decorator,
hair and makeup). In addition to policing they set down
layout boards and protect the set area as well as
provide buffet style snacks and drinks.
There is a difference between crafts service and
catering. Catering handles the regular hot sit down
meals that occur every six hours that lasts either
thirty minutes or an hour. Catering is brought in from
an outside company hired by the production, but crafts
service is a crew position and crafts service people are
represented by the union.
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.
CREATIVE EXECUTIVE
- In film production, a creative executive (often called
CE for short) is a low-level development executive
tasked with reading scripts and finding source material
which can be turned into motion picture content (feature
films, television series, television movies).
CREATIVE DIRECTOR - A
person who creates ideas for advertising assignments and
oversees their production.
CREDITS
- Opening names in a film or TV show; also refers to
one's performance experience listed on a resume or in a
program.
CRIA - Canadian
Recording Industry Association.
CROSSOVER - A song
that becomes popular in two or more musical categories.
CUE
- Signal, often an off-stage light or
hand signal, by the assistant director to indicate an
actor's entrance or action.
CUE CARD - A piece of
white poster board used in commercial auditions which
the casting director writes the copy with a magic
marker.
CULTURE
NOTE- A "culture note" (derived from
footnote) is small "pop-up" text that explains a
cultural element on a TV program or film that the target
audience is not expected to understand. Examples can be:
Cultural artifacts and symbols. Definitions for specific
terms. Puns that are hard or impossible to explain with
just subtitles. Usually a text-box appears for a few
seconds in the top part of the screen, with the note
itself being kept as small as possible. Other examples
include full-screen cultural notes prior to the start of
the program.
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.
CZECHOSLOVAK NEW WAVE - The
Czechoslovak New Wave (also Czech New Wave) is a term
used for the early films of 1960s Czechoslovak directors
Miloš Forman, Věra Chytilová, Ivan Passer, Jaroslav
Papoušek, Jiří Menzel, Jan Němec, Jaromil Jireš and
others. The quality and openness of the films led the
genre to be called the Czech film miracle.
D
D2
- D-2 is a professional digital video tape format
created by Ampex and other manufacturers through a
standards group of the Society of Motion Picture and
Television Engineers (SMPTE) and introduced at the 1988
NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) convention as
a lower-cost alternative to the D-1 format. Like D-1,
D-2 video is uncompressed; however, it saves bandwidth
and other costs by sampling a fully-encoded NTSC or PAL
composite video signal, and storing it directly to
magnetic tape, rather than sampling component video.
This is known as digital composite. D-2 had a relatively
brief heyday. As of 2003, only a handful of broadcasters
use the D-2 format, and even then only to access
materials recorded when the format was more popular.
DAILIES (Rushes) - Screening of footage
before it is edited. The selected and okayed day's film takes with sound that
the director approves for quick shipment to film and
sound labs for processing and subsequent synchronization
by an editor for next day viewing.
DAT - Digital Audio
Tape.
DAY PLAYER (DAY PERFORMER) - A
principal performer hired on a daily basis, rather than
on a longer-term contract.
DAYTIME DRAMA - Soap
opera.
DAY OUT OF DAYS - A
term your agent will use when negotiating your shooting
schedule on a TV show or movie-how many days you will
work out of the total production schedule of days.
DEALER SPOT - A type
of commercial in which the dealers that sell a
particular advertised product all toss some money into a
pot and have their names tagged on to the spot.
DEMO - A tape used
for auditioning, containing scenes from commercials,
programs, workshops, etc. Also an audio tape used by
singers and musicians for promotion and audition
purposes. A recording of a song submitted as a
demonstration of writer's or artist's skills.
DEMO TAPE - An audio or video
tape that agents use for audition purposes.
DEMONSTRATOR - A
model who demonstrates a product in a trade show,
convention or retail store.
DESIGN MODEL - A
model working for a fashion house designer used to show
collections in the showroom to buyers.
DGA - Directors Guild of
America.
DIALECT - A distinctly regional
or linguistic speech pattern.
DIALOGUE - The scripted words
exchanged by performers.
DIMMERS - Devices used
for controlling the intensity of lights.
DIRECTOR -
The individuals in charge of
coordinating talent, technical people, etc., in a
production.
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.
DISSOLVE - Fading
out of a scene while another scene fades in.
DOLLY - When they move the
camera toward you or away from you during a shot, that's
called "dollying". A piece of equipment
that the camera sits on to allow mobility of the
camera.
DOLLY GRIP - The crew member
who moves the dolly.
DONUT - A jingle
with singing at the beginning and end and instrumental
background in the middle. Ad copy is recorded over the
middle section.
DOUBLE - A performer who
appears in place of another performer, i.e., as in a
stunt.
DOWNGRADE - When they
hire you as a principal performer in a commercial, but
your footage winds up on the cutting room floor, they
will downgrade you from a principal to an extra.
DOWNSTAGE - This is
in front of an actor as he is standing on the stage
facing the audience.
D.P. - Director of Photography
or Cinematographer.
DRESS REHEARSAL - A
practice session of a performance, presentation of a
production, usually using all props, costumes, lighting,
sound effects, etc., usually done just prior to grand
opening.
DRESSER - People
hired to help models dress for a show. May also be
called wardrobe personnel.
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.
DUBBING - The
substituting of a voice for the on camera person's
voice.
DUPE - A duplicate copy of a
film or tape; also, called a "dub"
E
ECU - An abbreviation
for extreme close-up.
EXT
- Exterior.
8x10 - Commonly used size of a
performer's photos, usually in black and
white.
18-TO-PLAY-YOUNGER - A
performer legally 18 years old, who can convincingly be
cast as a younger age.
EDITORIAL MODELING -
Job shots for magazines, newspapers, and other
publications, but not advertisements. These jobs pay a
lower rate than commercial jobs.
EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
- Posing for a fashion assignment. The model will be
more concerned about mood, feeling and costume. Usually
more action is required.
ELECTRICIAN
- In film, crew members who place
lighting instruments, focus, gel and maneuver the
lights.
ELECTRONIC MEDIA - Work
that appears on radio, television, videotape, film
slides and other audio-visual presentations made for
commercial, industrial, entertainment or public
relations purpose.
ELLIPSOIDAL SPOTLIGHT
- A spotlight with a conic mirror for greater light
output and shutters that control the light shape.
EMPLOYER OF RECORD (EOR) - The
company responsible for employment taxes, unemployment
benefits and workers compensation coverage.
EP - Extended play
record (usually 12") containing more selections than a
standard single, but fewer than a standard LP.
EQUITY - Actors Equity
Association (AEA) Union representing stage
actors.
EQUITY WAIVER -
Term used for stage production
in which the actor's don't get paid. These plays are
showcases for the actor. Both equity and non-equity
actors may perform. In Los Angeles,
99-seat (or less) theatres, which were otherwise
professional, over which Equity waived contract
provisions under certain circumstances. Now officially
called "Showcase code", the term "Equity waiver" is
still used informally.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - Person
responsible for funding the production.
EVERGREEN - Any song
that remains popular year after year.
EXHIBITION MODEL -
Models who host conventions and other promotion
assignments. They may hand out brochures for souvenirs
or just pose and look good to help sell a product.
EXPENSE FORM - A
chart used by performers to record their expenses
related to jobs and for tax purposes.
EXPLOIT - To seek
legitimate uses of a song for income.
EXT: An abbreviation
for exterior.
EXT. (Exterior) - A scene shot
outside.
EXTRA - Background talent, used
only in non-principal roles.
F
FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY MODEL
- A model who poses for fashion pictures that are used
in advertising.
FASHION SHOW MODEL -
A model who poses for fashions live in front of an
audience and is capable of doing many different types of
live modeling including stage, runway, etc.
FASHION ADVERTISING
PHOTOGRAPHER - A photographer who shoots
fashion pictures for a newspaper or department store.
FASHION COORDINATOR
- The person who selects the clothing for a fashion
show, accessorizes and coordinates the overall look, and
books the models.
FASHION SHOW SEASONS
- The season when the new fashions will be shown on
models and in shows. August to October for fall; January
to April for spring and summer; May and June for early
fall and late summer lines.
FASHION PRINT - A
term used by models who are photography models.
FEATURE FILMS - Film
and videotape productions intended for mass release,
either via movie theatres or broadcast.
FICA - Social Security taxes
(Federal Insurance Corporation of America).
FIELD REP. - Union staff member
who ensures contractual compliance on sets.
FIRST A.D. - First Assistant
Director; person responsible for the running of the set.
Gives instructions to crew and talent, including calling
for "first team," "quiet," "rehearsal," and "take
five."
FIRST ASS'T. CAMERA OP. - First
Assistant Camera Operator is responsible for focusing
the camera lens during the shooting of a scene; also
known as the Focus Puller.
FIRST TEAM - The production
term for the principal actors in a scene.
FIRST-RUN SYNDICATION
- Describes television programs that are produced for
and sold to independent TV stations all across the
country; this is an alternative to selling a show to one
of the three networks which would, in turn, feed the
programming to its affiliates.
FITTING MODEL - A
model who stands while a fashion is being pinned and
draped on her by a designer. May often work freelance
and is hired during the extra busy season.
FITTING - Time
booked for a model to be fitted into fashions for a
show.
FOUR A's (4-A's) -
Associated Actors and Artist's of America, the umbrella
organization for AFTRA, SAG, and other performer's
unions.
FLIPPER - False teeth
for children used solely for cosmetic purposes.
FLOODLIGHT (bunch light,
olivette) - An open -faced box on a stand housing
a large bulb for general lighting.
FLOOR PLAN -
Schematic or drawing showing the location of scenery as
propped on the stage.
FOLEY - To enhance
individual sound effects on a film.
FOLIO - A softcover
collection of printed music prepared for sale.
FORCE MAJEURE -
Legal term used to describe the right to cancel an
actor's contract under catastrophic conditions (e.g., a
labor strike or natural disaster).
FORCED CALL - A call to work
less than 12 hours after dismissal on the previous day.
See TURNAROUND.
FOREGROUND CROSS - Action in a
scene in which an Extra Performer passes between the
camera and the principal actors; sometimes called a "wipe".
FREELANCE MODEL - A
Model On Your Own! One who is not registered with a
model agency. They book and bill their own jobs and do
all their own promotion and business negotiations.
FREELANCE - Actors
who work through more than one franchised talent agent
rather than signing exclusive contracts; models not
connected with agencies who must, therefore, handle
their own bookings, billing, promotion, etc.
FX (Effects) - Special
Effects.
G
GAFFER -
A film/video crew member who
handles the placement and positioning of lighting
equipment.
The Chief Electrician.
GOLDEN TIME - Contractually
called 16 Hour Rule Violation for Extra Performers, is
overtime, after the 16th hour, paid in units of one full
day per hour.
GMA - Gospel Music
Association.
GO-FER - A person
who does errands on a set.
GO-SEE - A term used
by professional models and agencies when a model is
going to interview with a client for a booking.
GRIPS - Members of the film
crew who are responsible for moving set pieces, lighting
equipment, dolly track and other physical movement of heavy lifting of film/TV
equipment.
H
HAU - Hebrew Actors'
Union.
HAIR STYLIST - One
who styles the hair for a certain look on an assignment.
HAIRDRESSER - One
who prepares model's hair while on assignment.
HAND MODEL - A model
who possesses hands that are ideal for showing products.
HARRY FOX ASSOCIATION
- Organization that collects mechanical royalties.
HAUTE COUTURE - The
French expression for high fashion.
HEAD SHEET - A letter
size sheet of small pictures of models on an entire
page. Sometimes a small body shot is next to the head
shot of each model. An agency can place approximately 15
to 20 head shots on one page. These are mailed out to
clients.
HEADSHOT - Black and
white photo of an actor facing the camera, usually from
the neck up, occasionally from the waist up.
HIATUS - Time during which a TV
series is not in production
HIGH FASHION MODEL -
A type of fashion model who can look more sophisticated.
She is taller, 5'8" to 6" tall.
HIP-HOP - A dance
oriented musical style derived from a combination of
disco, rap and R & B.
HIT - A song or
record that achieves Top 40 status.
HITTING YOUR MARKS -
The ability to stop on a designated mark or put down a
prop in an exact spot.
HOLA - (Hispanic
Organization of Latin Actors): A liaison between
Hispanic talent and the industry through a talent
referral network, a source book, showcases, etc.
HOLD - An offer of
employment; whether you work on the day's shoot or not,
you are entitled to a session fee.
HOLDING FEE - The
amount of money paid to an actor every 13 weeks for as
long as a commercial is being held by an ad agency-the
fee is generally the same as the original session fee.
HOLDING - The designated area
to which the Extra Performers report and stay while
waiting to go on set.
HONEY WAGON - A towed vehicle
containing one or more dressing rooms, as well as crew
bathrooms.
HOOK - A memorable "catch" phrase or melody line which is repeated in a
song.
HOUSE LIGHTS - The
soft lights that illuminate the audience in a theatre.
I
IATSE -
International Alliance of
Theatrical Stage Employees and Motion Picture Machine
Operators of the United States and Canada;
the union which represents most off-camera crew members.
IAU - Italian Actors' Union.
ILLUSTRATION MODEL -
A model who poses with a product representing anything
but fashion.
IMAGING - As an actor embodies her/her character he/she begins to have a self-image as the character and the character's virtual world. As these images become part of how the actor sees his/her world, the audience also becomes aware of world of the play.
IMPROVISATION - The creation of music,
comedy, drama, etc. at the time of the performance.
IMU - International Musicians Union.
INDIE - An independent record label.
INDUSTRIAL -
A filmed or live production
used for promotion. It may be an educational, sales or
instructional film meant for general release.
Non-broadcast film or video, usually of an educational
nature.
INFANT MODEL - A baby
usually between 6 and 18 months old who appears in
television commercials or print ads.
INFORMAL MODELING -
In a department or retail store, restaurant, dress
salon, but not on a platform, and able to converse with
a customer if needed.
INSERTS - Shots, usually
close-ups of hands or close business, inserted into
previously shot footage.
INT. (Interior)
- Interior, a scene shot
inside as opposed to outside.
"IN" TIME - The actual call
time or start time; also, return time from a
break.
INTERVIEWS - Commonly
known as a "Go-See". A meeting between client and model
to see if model is right for the job.
IPS - Inches per
second; a speed designation for tape recording.
IRC - International
reply coupon, necessary for the return of materials sent
out of the country. Available at most post offices.
J
JINGLE - Usually a
short verse set to music designed as a commercial
message.
JUNIOR MODEL - A
young teen model who is small-boned, young looking,
and fits the smaller sizes.
K
L
LARGE
SIZE MODEL (PLUS SIZE) - Model (female) wearing size 12, 14,
16 and up.
LASS - Los Angeles Songwriters
Showcase.
LAYERING - The process by which an artist (in this case an actor) builds elements of work overtop of previously developed elements. In the case of the actor, layers of a character are created (with the imagination and experientially) in the context of work from previous rehearsal or moments in a performance.
LEADER
- Plastic (non- recordable) tape at the beginning and between songs for
ease in selection.
LEG MODEL
- A model who has well-proportioned legs for showing hosiery, beauty
products for legs, shoes, etc.
LIGHTING
STAGE MANAGER - Person in charge of all a production's
backstage technical operations.
LINE PRODUCER - The producer
responsible for keeping the director on time and budget;
generally the most visible producer on the
set.
LITERARY
AGENT - A representative between writer and publisher.
LMDA - (Literary
Managers & Dramaturgs of the Americas: A national
membership organization which serves literary managers,
dramaturgs, artistic associates, and other theatre
professionals through conferences and symposia,
insurance, programs, exchanges, etc.
LOA - Letter of
Agreement.
LOCATION -The site
of a film/video shoot out of the studio, either indoors
or outdoors.
LONG SHOT (LS) - A camera shot
which captures the performer's full body.
LOOPING - An in-studio
technique used to fix dialogue already performed during
principal photography by matching voice to picture.
LORT - (League of
Resident Theatres): Negotiating body for equity resident
theatres in the USA (LORT theatres must produce a series
of plays and are non-profit organizations).
LOUPE - A small
magnifying glass used to magnify slides and contact
sheets.
LP - Designation for
long playing record at 33 1/3 rpm.
LYRIC SHEET - A
typed or written copy of a song's lyrics.
M
MAJOR MARKETS - The
most populated cities. In the USA the largest markets
are New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago.
MAJOR - One of the
two modes of scales in Western music, the other being
Minor.
MAKE-UP ARTIST - One
who is an expert in applying make-up on a model for an
assignment. May represent a company.
MAKING THE ROUNDS -
Going to go-sees, interviews and auditions in order to
get work.
MARK - The spot, usually indicated
with a piece of tape on the ground, where the actor is
supposed to stand when "action" is called. The exact position(s)
given to an actor on a set to insure that he/she is in
the proper light and camera angle; generally marked on
the ground with tape or chalk.
MARKER! - A verbal cue that the
take has been identified on camera both verbally and
with the slate board.
MARTINI SHOT - The last shot of
the day.
MASK - To set or
hang scenery and props so as to prevent the audience
from seeing backstage.
MASTER REEL - An
audio demo tape made by a voice-over talent agency to
present to clients.
MASTER PROPERTY MAN
- The stagehand in charge of all props and prop crew.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN -
The stagehand in charge of all lighting and of the
lighting crew.
MASTER CARPENTER -
The stagehand in charge of all scenery and the crew that
handles the scenery.
MASTER SHOT - A camera shot
that includes the principal actors and relevant
background activity; generally used as a reference shot
to record the scene from beginning to end before
shooting close-ups, over-the-shoulders, etc.
MAXI-SINGLE - The
cassette equivalent of a 12" single. Also called
Maxi-cassettes or Maxi-plays.
MATCHING
ACTIONS - The requirement
that the actor match the same physical movements in a
scene from take to take in order to preserve the visual
continuity.
MEAL PENALTY - A fee paid by
the producer for the failure to provide meals or meal
breaks as specified by the contract.
MEASURE (bar) - A
grouping of musical notes and beats that appears
throughout a musical piece.
MECHANICAL RIGHT -
The right to profit from the physical reproduction of a
song.
MECHANICAL ROYALTY -
Money earned from record, tape and CD sales.
MIDI - Musical
Instrument Digital Interface. Universal standard
interface which allows musical instruments to
communicate with each other and computers.
MINI-PORTFOLIO - A
small portfolio.
MISSES - A model who
is more mature looking than a junior model and may be a
little taller. More of a college student type.
MIX - To blend a
multi-track recording into the desired balance of sound.
MIXER - Chief of the sound
crew; responsible for the quality of the sound recording
on a shoot.
MODEL AGENCY - A
company that registers models and has models available
for job assignments. A small percentage of the model's
fee is paid to the agency for services rendered.
Agencies promote, book, bill, protect and pay models.
MODEL'S BOOK - A
model's portfolio of pictures. An important item on
go-sees.
MOR - Middle of the
road. Easy -listening popular music.
MOS (Out Sound/Motion Only
Shot) - Any shot without dialogue or sound
recording.
MOTION PICTURE MODELING
- Modeling in all types of movie films.
MOVIE COMMERCIAL - A
filmed ad for film, up to three minutes long, played in
movie houses. A shortened version , usually 20-30
seconds, is aired on TV. Also called a movie ad, movie
spot, film commercial, film promo, or coming attraction
trailer.
M.O.W. (MOW) - Movie of the
week
MS.: Manuscript.
MRE - More
Remunerative Employment.
MUSIC PUBLISHER - A
company that evaluates songs for commercial potential,
finds artists to record them, finds other uses (such as
TV or film) for the songs, collects income generated by
the sings and protects copyrights from infringement.
MUSIC JOBBER - A
wholesale distributor of printed music.
N
NAIRD - National
Association of Independent Record Distributors.
NARAS - National
Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
NARM - National
Association of Record Merchandisers.
NAS - National
Academy of Songwriters, formerly Songwriters Resources
and Services (SRS).
ND MEAL (NON
DEDUCTABLE MEAL) - A 15
minute meal break provided to actors by the production
company to bring actors in sync with crew break time. It
must be completed within 2 hours of performers call
time.
NEEDLE-DROP - Use of
a pre-recorded cut from a stock music house in an
audiovisual soundtrack.
NETWORK APPROVAL -
The approval of an actor for a project being handled by
a network studio.
NIGHT PREMIUM - A surcharge for
certain work performed after 8 p.m.
NMPA - National
Music Publishers Association.
NO QUOTE - A term
used in TV to indicate that you are receiving less than
your usual rate, or "quote", for an acting job, but
everybody promises not to tell.
NON-EQUITY - A play
that's produced without the sanctioning of Equity;
members can't appear in this type of production.
NON-SAG - A
production that is produced without the sanctioning of
SAG; members may not appear in this type of production.
NON-UNION - A
performer, crew member, agency, part or production,
etc., that is not a signatory of, or affiliated in some
way with a union or guild.
NSAI - Nashville
Songwriters Association International.
O
OFF-CAMERA (OC or OS) -
Dialogue delivered without being on screen.
ONE-STOP - A
wholesale distributor of records ( and sometimes
videocassettes, blank tapes, and record accessories),
representing several manufacturers to record stores,
retailers and jukebox operators.
OPEN CALL - Known more formally as an Equity
principal interview or, on the street, as a cattle call,
this is where the casting process is theoretically
thrown open to all comers.
OPEN AUDITION - A
tryout or reading that is open to all who fit
requirements of the part.
OPERA - A play in
which the performers sing their roles rather than speak
them, usually to the accompaniment of instruments, props
and costumes. An "Operetta" generally more casual than
an opera, is the predecessor of musical comedy.
OVER-THE-SHOULDER - A shot over the shoulder of one actor,
focusing entirely on the face and upper torso of the
other actor in a scene; generally shot in pairs so both
actors expressions can later be edited
together.
OVERDUBBING -
To record an additional part
(vocal or instrumental) onto a basic multi-track
recording. To sweeten.
In studio singing or voice work, the process of laying
one soundtrack over another.
OVERTIME (OT) - Work extending
beyond the contractual work day.
OVER SCALE - In TV
commercials, payment that's higher than the amount
established by the unions.
OVERTURE - Musical
selection, typically a medley of tunes which the
orchestra plays at the very beginning of a musical
theatre production.
OUT OF FRAME - An actor outside
the camera range.
"OUT" TIME - The actual time
when you are released after you have changed out of
wardrobe and make-up.
P
P.A. - Production
Assistant; public address; press agent; power of
attorney; per annum.
PACT - Producers' Association of Children's
Theatre.
PAYOLA - Dishonest payment to broadcasters in
exchange for airplay.
PAN - A camera shot which
sweeps from side-to-side.
PAYMASTER - An independent
talent payment service acting as the employer of
record.
PENSION & HEALTH PAYMENT -
An additional amount of money paid by the employer to
cover employee benefits under union contract.
PER DIEM - Fee paid by producer
on location shoots to compensate performer for
expenditures for meals not provided by the producer.
A set daily allowance, usually for living
expenses not covered by the producer for one's work on
location.
PERFORMING RIGHTS ORGANIZATION - An
organization that collects income from the public
performance of songs written by its members and then
proportionally distributes this income to the individual
copyright holder based on the number of performances of
each song.
PERFORMING RIGHTS - A specific right granted by
US copyright law that protects a composition from being
publicly performed without the owner's permission.
PERSONAL MANAGER - One who guides and develops
the career of a performer for an agreed upon percentage
of earnings. A personal manager is not an agent but
works closely with an agent as well as others.
PHOTO DOUBLE - An actor cast to
perform on camera in place of another.
PHOTOGRAPHY RELEASE - A contract
between model and photographer whereby the model
releases the right to the photographer to use pictures
taken as defined in the release. The model should read
the release carefully before signing.
PICK UP - Starting a scene from
a place other than the beginning.
PICTURE'S UP! - Warning that
the sequence of cues to shoot a scene is about to
begin.
PIT - In a musical theatre production,
the area beneath the stage where the orchestra performs.
PITCH - A musical tone's height or depth that is
dependent on the frequency of vibration of the sound's
source.
PLAYING INTENTIONS - In each beat of the play, each character has an objective they want to achieve. Dramatic Conflict results from characters, they need to determine what their character is trying to do to achieve his/her objective in each beat. That is referred to as the intention.
PLACES - The verbal order given by a stage manager
for cast and crew to get ready.
PLAYLIST - List of songs that a radio station will play.
PLOT -
In literature, a plot
is all the events in a story particularly rendered
towards the achievement of some particular artistic or
emotional effect. In other words, it's what mostly
happened in the story or novel, such as the mood,
characters, setting, and conflicts occurring in a story.
PLUG - A favorable mention, broadcast or performance of a song;
to pitch a song.
POINTS - A negotiable percentage paid top producers and artists
for records sold.
POST-PRODUCTION - The phase of
filmmaking that begins after the film has been shot.
Includes scoring, sound and picture editing, titling,
dubbing, and releasing. Everything that takes
place on a TV show, movie or commercial after shooting
is completed.
POV SHOT - Point-of-View shot;
camera angle from the perspective of one
actor.
PRACTICAL - The term applied to any stage prop or
object used by the actors during a production, i.e. furniture that is
sat on, doors that are opened, glasses that are drunk from, etc.
PRE-PRODUCTION - The phase of
filmmaking before shooting begins; includes writing,
scouting locations, budgeting, casting, hiring crews,
ordering equipment and creating a shooting
schedule. Everything that takes place on a TV
show, movie or commercial before shooting commences.
PRE-SCREEN - The casting director wants to "check you
out" before you read for the producer and director, so "pre-screens" you. It might involve a cold reading, the opportunity to present
prepared monologues, or just a meeting.
PRESS SHOWING - A live showing of the coming season's
fashions at an exclusive viewing for the press only. News releases are
then sent out regarding the showing.
PRIME TIME - Network programming aired 8:00 to 11:00 PM, (7:00
to 10:00 PM Central / Mountain time zones).
PRINCIPAL - A performer with lines or
action that specifically advance the plot line.
"PRINT!"
- A call from the director at the end of a take that
that particular take is good enough to be
printed.
PRINT WORK - Photos or illustrations,
on imprinted materials, such as publications, packaging,
posters, etc.
PRODUCER - The
person responsible for the business of making decisions
on a production. Often called the
Line Producer; the person responsible for the day-to-day
decision-making on a production.
PRODUCT DEMONSTRATION - Showing how a
product works in promotional modeling.
PRODUCT CONFLICT -Two commercials airing for
products competing in the same market for which an actor
is being "held".
PRODUCT ADVERTISING - Posing with a product for a
picture or film.
PRODUCTION COMPANY - The
company actually making the film or television
show. Movie and film companies that do
productions in live or film media.
PROOFS - Individual or a number of small pictures
on one page made from negatives. These pictures are
studied to determine which are best for print.
PROPS -
Any objects used by actors in a scene. Things on
the set that are not part of the set itself, such as
furniture, vehicles, etc.
PROSCENIUM ARCH - The opening between
the stage area and the audience through which a play is
viewed.
PRS - Performing Rights Society of England.
PSA - Public Service
Announcement: a free broadcast "advertisement" for a nonprofit service organization.
PUBLIC DOMAIN - Any composition with
an expired, lapsed or invalid copyright.
PURCHASE LICENSE - Fee paid for music used from a
stock music library.
Q
QUERY - A letter of inquiry to a potential song
buyer soliciting his interest.
R
R & B - Rhythm and blues.
RACK FOCUS - Technique in which a film/TV camera lens is
adjusted, so that one image in the frame is slowly brought out of focus
while another image is brought into focus.
RAKED STAGE - A slanted theatre stage that is higher as it is
farther from the audience.
RATE - The amount per hour a performer or model charges for
services. A "day rate" is the charge for a whole day. A model might be
booked for a weekly rate or an overall job rate.
REEL - A videotaped composite of excerpts from your
film, TV, or commercial work, usually on a 3/4 inch format.
RELEASE - This is a contract signed by the model permitting the
use of those photographs taken at that particular sitting for a
specific purpose.
REHEARSAL - A designed sequence of experience that gives individual actors the ability to develop a nuanced character.
RESIDUALS -
Money earned every time a television commercial is used.
The fee paid to performers for rebroadcast of a
commercial, film or TV program.
RESUME - A
sheet giving the background of a performer, including
professional experience, education, vital statistics,
etc. It is often attached to the back of a photo.
List of credits, usually attached to an 8x10 or
composite.
RETAIL MODELING - A fashion model who
models fashion in a dress salon or department store.
REWRITE - Changes in the
script, often using color-coded pages to indicate the
most current version.
RIAA - Recording Industry Associations
of America.
RIGHT-TO-WORK-STATES - Those
states which do not honor certain union
provisions.
ROLLING! - The verbal cue for
the camera film and audio tape to start
rolling.
ROOM TONE - A sound recording
(sometimes made upon completion of a scene) to record
existing noise at the location. Also called "wild
track".
ROYALTY - Percentage of money earned
from the sale of records or use of a song.
RPM - Revolutions per minute. Refers to
phonograph turntable speed.
RUNNING LINES - The process of actors rehearsing
lines (but not blocking) with one another in preparation
for a more formal rehearsal or performance.
RUNAWAY - A raised platform 3 to 4 feet wide and
of various lengths upon which models display fashions.
S
SAE - Self-addressed envelope (with no
postage attached).
SAG (Screen Actors Guild) - A theatrical union
for television actors and actresses.
SAMPLE MODEL - A model upon whom the original
sample dress of a designer is made. A tedious job of
standing still for hours.
SASE - Self-addressed stamped envelope.
SCALE - Minimum payment for
services under union contracts.
SCALE WAGE - Minimum wage as
designated by the unions.
SCRAPBOOK - A large book full of pages
with tear sheets from the model's jobs over the years;
usually kept at home but available upon request.
SCRIPT - The written form of a
screenplay, teleplay, radio or stage play.
SCRIPT SUPERVISOR
- The person who supervises takes and sees that
each shot fits in the finished production.
The crew member assigned to record
all changes or actions as the production proceeds.
SCREEN-TEST - A "go-see" session , at
which a short scene by a performer is viewed for
evaluation.
SCREENING - Interviewing many models and
selecting the most suitable for the assignment.
SDI - State Disability
Insurance.
SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR -
Often two or three on a set, they handle checking in the
talent, insuring proper paperwork is filed, and
distribute script revisions. Actors check in with the
2nd A.D. upon arrival on the set.
SECOND TEAM! - The verbal cue
for the stand-ins to come to the set and be ready to
stand in.
SEG (Screen Extras Guild) - Union in
some cities for "background" or "atmosphere actors",
people who do not speak any lines in feature films,
filmed TV shows, and filmed commercials.
SEGUE - In film or tape
editing, a transition from one shot to
another.
SELF-CONTAINED - A band or recording
act that writes all their own material.
SESAC - A performing rights
organization.
SESSION FEE - Performance pay for single airing
of a commercial.
SET - The immediate location where the scene
is being filmed.
SET-UP - Each time the camera
changes position.
SFX - Sound effects.
SHOP - To pitch songs to a number of
companies or publishers.
SHORT - A film with a running time under thirty
minutes.
SHOWCASE PLAYS - Plays that are produced for the
benefit of actors, writers or directors. There is no pay
for such plays. In LA, they are called 'Equity Waiver'
plays and in NYC they're called 'Off Broadway' plays
under the 'Showcase' code.
SHOWCASE CLUB - A nightclub that presents variety
acts, usually without monetary payment, it serves as a
good venue for performers to further tune acts.
SHOWCASE CODE - The Equity agreement of many
Off-Off Broadway theatres in NYC. Any actor, Equity or
not, may audition for these plays.
SHOWROOM - The wholesale room where the
manufacturers sell fashions to buyers often using models
to demonstrate.
SIDES - Pages or scenes from a
script, used in auditions or (if on a film set) those
scenes being shot that day.
SIGNATORY - An employer who has
agreed to produce under the terms of a union
contract.
SLATE
(clapboard) - A chalkboard with a clapper used to
identify scenes for editing and often to start the
action. A small chalkboard and
clapper device, often electronic, used to mark and
identify shots on film for editing; also the process of
verbal identification by a performer in a taped audition
(e.g., "Slate your name!").
SMPTE - Society of Motion Picture and
Television Engineers.
SOAP/SOAP OPERA - A continuing serial, usually
broadcast during the daytime.
SOCAN - Society of Composers, Authors and Music
Publishers of Canada.
SOLICITED - Songs or materials that have
been requested.
SONG PLUGGER - A songwriter representative whose
main responsibility is promoting uncut songs to music
publishers, record companies, artists and producers.
SOUND TRACK - The music for a film.
SOUNDSTAGE - A soundproof building used for
shooting movies, TV shows, or commercials.
SOUNDTRACK - The audio, including music and
narration, of a film, videotape or audiovisual program.
SPEED! - A verbal cue that the
audio tape is up to speed for recording.
SPT - Small Professional Theatre.
SPECIALTY MODEL -A model with special attributes
such as hands, legs, feet, hair, etc.
SPIKING THE LENS - Looking
directly into the lens during a scene; since it destroys
the illusion of realism, actors should never spike the
lens unless specifically directed to do so for specific
effect.
SPLIT PUBLISHING - To divide
publishing rights between two or more publishers.
SPOKESMODEL - An attractive,
well-spoken individual who represents a product,
service, company, etc.
SPOT - A commercial, often a local or random
showing.
SPOTLIGHT - A highly concentrated light enclosed
by a metal box, covered by a lens for specific lighting.
SSDC - (Society of Stage Directors & Choreographers): An independent labor union representing
directors and choreographers working in all areas of
professional theatre.
STAGE RIGHT - To the
performer's right side, to the audience's left side.
Likewise, STAGE LEFT is to the performer's left, the
audience's right. Stage directions are for actors, not
audiences, therefore they are always given from the
actor's point of view to the audience.
STATISTICS - A model's vitals listed
on the composite or resume'; Age group, size, height,
weight, measurements, hair coloring, eye color. Some
include special talents like golf, sailing, horseback
riding, etc.
STATUTORY ROYALTY RATE - The maximum payment for
mechanical rights guaranteed by law that a record
company may pay the songwriter and his publisher for
each record or tape sold.
STANDARD UNION CONTRACT - The
standard format/contract approved by the Unions and
offered to performers prior to the job.
STANDARDS & PRACTICES - The
network TV censorship departments.
STAND-IN - Extra
Performers used as substitutes for featured players, for
the purpose of setting lights and rehearsing camera
moves; also known as the second team. A
substitute for featured players, usually from the extra
ranks, used for light settings.
"STICKS" - Slate or
clapboard.
STORYBOARD - A series of cartoon-like
drawings outlining the shots required for a TV
commercial. It is combined with a story guideline.
STREET CASTING - The opting for non-models from
streets or public places to appear in photographs, film,
etc., to create a more realistic effect.
STRIKE - The term for removing scenery, props and
lights from the stage.
STRIP LIGHTS - A group of lights placed together
to light up a particular area.
STUDIO - A building, recording
room or sound stage which accommodates film or TV
production.
STUNT COORDINATOR - The person
in charge of designing and supervising the performance
of stunts and hazardous activities.
STUNT DOUBLE - A stunt person
who performs stunts for a principal.
STUNT PERSON - A specially
trained performer who actually performs
stunts.
STYLIST - Individual responsible for acquiring
props for a shot or set; it may include acquiring
clothes, finding a location.
SUBSTITUTION - Often actors have no life experiences with things that characters do in plays. (Murder is often given as an example.) In this case the actors use their own life experiences to substitute for the character's actions (Substitutions can be either rational or physical.) This has also been referred to as sense memory.
SUBMISSION - An agent's
suggestion to a casting director for a role in a certain
production.
SUB-PUBLISHING - Certain rights granted by a US
publisher to a foreign publisher in exchange for promoting the US
catalog in his territory.
SUPERNUMERARY - In theatre, opera, etc.; an extra on stage who
has no lines.
SYNCHRONIZATION RIGHTS - Rights to use a composition in film or
video.
SYNCHRONIZATION - Technique of timing a musical soundtrack to
action or film or video.
SW - A notation on a call sheet
that an actor is starting on that day and working on
that day.
SWF - A notation on a call
sheet that an actor is starting, working, and finished
on that day.
SWEETENING - In
singing/recording, the process of adding additional
voices to previously recorded work.
SYNDICATION - Selling TV
programs to individual stations rather than to
networks.
T
TAFT-HARTLEY LAW - A federal
statute which allows 30 days after first employment
before being required to join a Union. Law
stating that a person can work a certain amount of time
on a union job without having to join that union. An
actor can work up to 30 calendar days of a first job
without joining the appropriate union. On the second
job, or any job obtained after 30 calendar days, or any
job that lasts over 30 calendar days, one must join
union.
TAKE - A
still shot or filmed/taped scene. The clapboard indication of a shot "taken" or printed.
"TAKE 5" - The announcement of
periodic five minute breaks.
TALENT SCOUT - A representative of a
talent agency, studio, production house, network, record
company, sports team, etc., who looks for talent to
hire, represent or promote.
TALENT AGENCY/TALENT AGENT - A representative
working on a commission basis who acts as a business
representative for a performer attempting to get work in
the entertainment industry.
TCG (Theatre Communication Group) - A
non-profit organization in NYC that helps theatres by
holding invitational auditions for specific plays. An
invitation to one of these auditions depends on the
actor's performance at TCG auditions, which are usually
held twice a year.
TEA ROOM MODELING - A fashion model who models
clothes during luncheon or dinner hours in a dining
environment.
TEAR SHEETS - Photographs kept from various
assignments in magazines, brochures, newspapers, etc.
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR - The person responsible for
creating a stage setting from a scenic design and for
controlling the set during a performance; often the set
designer.
TELEPROMPTER - A
device used in lieu of cue cards to help a performer
read without looking away from the camera.
The brand name of a device which
enables a broadcaster to read a script while looking
into the camera lens.
TEST SHOTS - Pictures taken of a
fashion model by a photographer to test new ideas.
TEST COMMERCIAL - A commercial scheduled to be
aired in a small area and monitored for its
effectiveness.
THE SONGWRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA - Organization
for songwriters, formerly called AGAC.
THEATRICAL - TV shows or
feature film work, as opposed to commercials.
THEATRICAL BOOKING - An engagement to
act or perform.
THREE BELLS! - An audible
warning for QUIET because a scene is about to be
filmed.
TIGHT SHOT (Go in Tight) -
Framing of a shot with little or no space around the
central figure(s) of feature(s); usually a close-up.
TILT - The up and down movement
of a camera.
TIME-AND-A-HALF - Overtime
payment of 1 1/2 times the hourly rate.
TRACKING SHOT - A shot taken
while the camera is moving, either on a dolly or mounted
on a moving vehicle.
TRADES - Short for "trade
papers" - The newspapers and periodicals such as the
Hollywood Reporter and Variety that specifically feature
information on the entertainment industry.
TRADE SHOW - A particular industry's
show usually held in a convention center to display
products and services.
TURNAROUND -
In a shoot, the amount of time between a "wrap"
one day and the "call time" on the next day. (a) The number of hours between
dismissal one day and call time the next day. (b) To
shoot a scene from another direction.
TV COMMERCIAL - A job requiring acting
or talking to sell a product on television.
TWO-SHOT - A camera framing two
persons.
TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) - An
Equity contract used for children's plays.
TYPECASTING - The casting of roles based on
appearance.
U
U/C - Urban contemporary music.
UNDER-5 - A part that calls for five speaking
lines or less.
UNDERSTUDY - A performer hired
to do a role only if the featured player is unable to
perform; used primarily in live theatre.
UPGRADE - The promotion of an
extra performer in a scene to the category of principal
performer.
UPM - Unit Production Manager -
Oversees the crews and handles the scheduling of all the
technical responsibilities of the production.
UP STAGE - (a) The area located
at the back of the stage. Down Stage is the area in
front of the performer. (b) To draw attention to oneself
at the expense of a fellow performer.
UNION CARD - A CARD proving that the
person holding the cad is a member of the named union.
UNION FEE SCALE - A schedule of graduated minimum
payments for work done under a union's auspices.
UNION INITIATION FEE - A one-time payment to a
union required by a new member upon first joining.
UNITED ARTIST SCENIC ARTISTS - The union
representing set, props, wardrobe and stylist
professionals in theatre, opera, film and tape.
UPSTAGE - Near or at the rear of the stage. Also
pertains to a performer trying to gain more attention
than other performers.
USAGE FEES - Additional fees paid to a model when
a photograph is exposed to a large number of readers.
V
VERBING - One approach to finding and playing intention is to assign an active verb to each line in the text. For example, when Elizabeth Proctor says, "I do not judge you" her intention might be to rebuff, to placate or even to judge. Actors go through the scene announcing verbs and then practicing playing them.
VHS - 1/2" videocassette format. The
VHS system uses a larger cassette than that used with
the Beta system.
VLA - Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts.
VOICE-OVER
- A model's voice will be substituted for another
model being photographed in a film or commercial.
VOICE TAPE
- An audio demo tape giving samples of a
voice-over talent's vocal abilities used for promotion.
VOLUNTEER LAWYERS FOR THE ARTS - Provides free legal
representation and counseling to eligible artists and
non-profit arts organizations that have arts-related
legal problems; sharing of information through
publications, clinics, workshops, etc.
V.O. - Voice over. An
off-camera voice coming either from an actor not in the
frame, or from a secondary source such as a speakerphone
or answering machine.
VOUCHER - A
receipt that a model receives from an agency ( or has
printed if you are on your own). This receipt is signed
by the client and the model at the end of the assignment
showing agreement on hours worked and fees earned.
Time slip with all pertinent
information needed for getting paid properly.
VTR (Video tape recorder) - A
reel-to-reel device for recording and playing sound and
video on magnetic tape.
W
W - A notation on the call
sheet indicating that an actor is working that
day.
WAIVERS - Union-approved
permission for deviation from the terms of a
contract.
WALKAWAY - A meal break in
which all cast and crew are on their own to get
lunch.
WALK-ON - A small non-speaking part in
which the person walks on-stage or on the set as the
script indicates during the course of a production. Also
called a "silent bit part".
WARDROBE - The clothing a
performer wears on camera.
WARDROBE ALLOWANCE - A
maintenance fee paid to on-camera talent for the use
(and dry cleaning) of talent's own clothing.
WARDROBE FITTING - A session
held prior to production to prepare a performer's
costumes.
WEATHER DAY - An outdoor location
shooting day; if the weather is inclement, shooting is
postponed until the weather day. A half-days wage is
paid for each inclement day that shooting does not take
place.
WEATHER PERMIT CALL - Due to
weather conditions, the production company has the
option to release an actor four hours after the call
time (if the camera has not started to roll) with a
reduced rate of pay for the day.
WIDESCREEN - Any film format with an
aspect ratio of at least 1.66.
WILD SPOT - A commercial that runs on
a non-network station, or a spot that runs between
scheduled network programming.
WILD TRACK - A recording of
dialog or sound effects on the set of a film but without
the camera running.
W/N - Will Notify. A notation
on a call sheet that tells the actor that he/she will
probably work that day but the specific time has not yet
been decided.
WRAP - The completion of a
day's filming or of an entire production.
X
Y
Z
Z-CARDS - See composite.
ZOOM - A
type of lens used to alter the depth and closeness of an
actor without moving the camera. A
camera technique with a special lens to adjust the depth
of a shot, accomplished without moving the camera.
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