A/B Printing:
Printing from original film stock which has been conformed
into two rolls with alternating shots and black opaque
leader. This methodology will eliminate any potential
splice marks from showing up on prints and permits the
incorporation of optical effects and titles. (Film Editing)
A/B Rolls:
Two or more rolls of film having alternate scenes
intercut with opaque leaders in such a way tshat the 'A'
roll presents its picture at the same time that the 'B'
roll presents opaque leader, and vice versa. (Film Editing)
Above the Line:
Refers to the creative elements of a production such
as the writer, producer, director and actors. Literally,
these are the elements which appeared above a bold line
which divided standard production budget sheets. (Production)
AC:
Alternating Current. An electric current with periodically
changing polarity (i.e. 60 times a second for 60Hz power).
(Electricity)
Accent Light:
A light unit that emphasizes one subject. This might
be a key light, a kicker, or a backlight. (Lighting)
Acetate Base:
The tranparent cellulose acetate plastic film which
for years served as the backing for magnetic recording
tape. (Sound Recording)
Acetone:
An organic liquid chemical used in the manufacture of
some types of film cement. Also used to clean film splicing
equipment. (Film Editing)
Acoustics:
The science of the transmission of sound waves. Generally
refers to the characteristics of auditoriums, theatres
and studios with respect to their design.
Action Cutting:
The cutting of film from one shot to another in a way
yielding the impression that action is continuous and
uninterrupted. (Film Editing)
ADC:
Analog-to-Digital Converter. An electronic device
used at the input of digital audio equipment to convert
analog electrical signals to digital values whose numbers
represent the level and frequency information contained
in the original analog signal. (Sound)
ADR:
Automatic Dialog Replacement. Also known as "looping."
A process of re-recording dialog in the studio in synchronization
with the picture.
Address Track:
A control/timing track on the edge of videotape which
contains control data for quick and accurate location
of program material.
Aerial Shot:
An extremely high angle view of a subject usually taken
from a crane or a high stationary camera position, but
may also refer to a shot taken from an actual airplane
or helicopter. (Production).
Aliasing:
An undesirable distortion component that can arise
in any digitally encoded information (sound or picture).
Ambient Light:
General, nondirectional, room light. (Lighting)
Ambient noise:
The total sound in a given area which is peculiar
to that space (room tone). (Post Production)
Amplitude:
The strength of an electronic signal as measure by its
waveform height. (Sound)
Amplitude Distortion:
The nonlinear relation of input and output induced
harmonics which is a function of voltage fluctuations
or power consumption. (Acoustics)
Analog:
An electrical signal that continuously varies in strength
as related to some form of input.
Analog Recording: A means of recording audio or
video whereby the recorded signal is a physicalrepresentation
of the waveform of the original signal.
Anamorphic:
An optical system having different magnifications in the
horizontal and vertical dimensions of the image.
Angle of View:
This is the size of the field covered by a lens, measured
in degrees. However, because of the aperture masks in
film, the angle of view for a given lens is generally
described in terms of the height and width of a lens.
(Cinematography).
Answer Print:
The first print combining picture and sound which
is submitted by the laboratory for the customer's approval.
(Laboratory)
Anti-Aliasing:
Filtering of erroneous frequencies that are created during
the analog to digital conversion process. (Sound/Picture)
Aperture:
A variable opening inside a lens that regulates the
amount of light reaching the image plane. Also known as
an iris. (Camera/Lighting)
Apple Box:
A box build of a strong wood or plywood which is capable
of supporting weight. These may be of various sizes, the
smallest of which is also known as a 'pancake' because it
is nearly flat. (Lighting/Grip)
Arc:
A lighting unit that generates illumination from an electrical
arc between two carbon electrodes. (Lighting)
Aspect Ratio:
The proportion of picture width to height (1.33:1, 1.66:1,
1.85:1 or 2.35:1).
Asperity Noise:
(Hiss) Noise that is caused by minute imperfections
in the surface of a recording medium (tape). (Sound)
ASA:
The exposure index or speed rating of a film which denotes
the film's sensitivity.
Assemble:
The work of organizing and joining the shots of a
film in the sequence in which they will appear in the
finished print. (Film Editing)
Associate Producer:
This is normally the person who acts as the liason between
a production company and the various personnel involved
in the post production process.
Associational Editing:
The juxtaposition of shots in order to present contrast,
comparisons or ideas. (Film Editing)
Asynchronous Sound:
Sound which is indigenous to the action but not precisely
synchronized with the action.
Atmosphere:
Extras who are staged and photographed to portray
normal human traffic needed to add detail in various script
situations. (Production)
Attenuate:
To reduce a signal's strength.
Audible Spectrum:
When wave motion in the atmosphere has a frequency
that lies between 20 and 15,000 Hz it produces a sound
which is apparent to the average human. (Acoustics)
Automatic Slating:
A camera attachment which records the film shot and take
numbers and a visible sync mark which corresponds to a
tone fed to an audio recorder.
A-Wind:
An indication of the emulsion position on a roll of
film. An 'A' wind is a roll with the emulsion facing the
center of the roll. (Film Editing)
