L-C-R-S (Left, Center, Right, Surround):
The four playback channels used in 35mm motion pictures, now available on home hi-fi systems. L, C and R speakers are located behind the screen. The S channel surrounds the audience and may be mono or encoded stereo.
Lamp:
A reference to the bulb inside a lighting unit, but may sometimes be used to refer to the entire lighting unit. (Lighting)
Latitude:
The range between overexposure and underexposure in which a film will still produce usable images. (Camera)
Lavalier Mic:
A small microphone that can be easily hidden on a piece of clothing so as not to be seen by the camera.
Layback:
Transfer of the finished audio mix back onto the video edit master.
Layoff:
Transfer of audio and time code from the video edit master to
an audio tape.
Layover:
Transfer of audio onto multitrack tape or hard disk. Also referred to as "layup."
Lexan:
A plastic sheeting material, available in varying widths, that is optically clear and used to protect camera personnel from explosions or the results of other action. (Grip/Camera)
Leader:
A length of nonimage film which is used for threading, identification, or fill-in purposes. (Film Editing)
Leko:
An ellipsoidal reflector spot light. Usually used for theatrical purposes. (Lighting)
Level:
The ratio of an acoustic quantity to a reference quantity. A measurement of amplitude in decibels. (Acoustics)
Library Shot:
Stock footage shot or other footage which is germane to a given visual presentation but which was not generated for that specific film or television presentation. (Film Editing)
Light-Struck Leader:
Film which was fully exposed to light which is then used as leader. (Film Editing)
Light Value:
A reference to a fast acting, variable opening shutter to control the light intensity in printing film. (Laboratory)
Lip-Sync:
The relationship of sound ad picture that exists when the movements of speech are perceived to coincide with the sounds of speech.
Liquid Gate:
A printing system in which the original is immersed in a liquid at the moment of exposure. This is done in order to reduce the adverse effects of surface scratches and abrasions.
Looping:
A continuous sound track that runs repeatedly in playback as a guide for re recording. (Post Production)
Low Contrast Original:
An original reversal film which is designed to yield prints having good projection contrast.
Lowboy:
A heavy duty rolling stand, usually with a combo head, but without the height of a 'highboy'. (Grip/Lighting)
Lowkey:
A high contrast lighting style with lost of shadows and large areas of darkness. (Lighting)
Lowpass Filter:
A filter that attenuates frequencies above a specified frequency and allows those below that point to pass.
