Glossary of Filmmaker Terms
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Above the Line Clapboard Generally the portion of a film's budget that covers A small black or white board with a hinged stick on the costs associated with major creative talent: the top that displays identifying information for each shot stars, the director, the producer(s) and the writer(s). in the movie. Assists with organizing shots during (See also Below the Line) editing process; the clap of the stick allows easier Art Director synchronization of sound and video within each shot. The crew member responsible for the design, look Construction Coordinator and feel of a film's set. Includes props, furniture, sets, Also known as the construction manager, this person etc. Reports to the production designer. supervises and manages the physical construction of Assistant Director (A.D.) sets and reports to the art director and production Carries out the director’s instructions and runs the set. designer. The first A.D. is responsible for preparing the Dailies production schedule and script breakdown, making The rough shots viewed immediately after shooting sure shooting stays on schedule and on budget. The each day by the director, along with the second A.D. is responsible for distributing information cinematographer or editor. Used to help ensure and cast notifications, keeping track of hours worked proper coverage and the quality of the shots gathered. by cast and crew, management of extras, signing Director actors in and out and preparing call sheets. The The person in charge of the overall cinematic vision of second A.D. is also in charge of the production the film and the performance of the actors. assistants. Director of Photography (D.P.) Below the Line In charge of the camera department and responsible The portion of a production budget allotted to crew for the overall look of the film from a cinematography and expenses that are not classified as major creative perspective. Sets composition for each shot, selects talent. camera, film stock, lenses, lighting and color scheme. Best Boy Dolly Grip Chief assistant to either the gaffer or key grip. Prepares and operates the camera dolly, or a wheeled Responsible for the daily running of the lighting or camera platform that moves on rails. grip department. Double Blocking A person who temporarily takes the lead actor's place The physical movements and actions of actors in a for a stunt or to stand in for the actor in a shot when given scene. they are not available or unwilling to be shot (such as Blue (or Green) Screen in a nude scene). Shots are done in a way to avoid A blue or green backdrop to which computer seeing the double's face. generated images will be added to complete the Editing background. The process of arranging and selecting the shots (or Boom parts of shots) that will be used in the final film and Overhead microphone, held on a long pole over the collating them into the order determined by the actors' heads. script. Call Sheet Electrician The schedule (generally issued daily) that gives each In charge of all wiring, lighting and power for the member of each department the times and places to shoot. report to set. Executive Producer Camera Operator Party not invoved in technical aspects of a production The crew member, reporting directly to the director but who has played a crucial creative or financial role of photography, who physically handles and operates in its development. the camera. Extras CGI The people who appear in nonspecific, nonspeaking Computer Generated Imagery; refers to the inclusion roles (part of a crowd or background) for the purpose of computerized graphics in otherwise live-action of lending a more realistic atmosphere to a shot. films to enhance special effects. Flat Cinematography A section of a studio's set constructed of wood that The art of selecting devices, angles, recording media, simulates a wall. One side is decorated; the other is lenses, framing and arrangement of lighting to structural only. capture moving images (see DP). Foley/Foley Artist The process of adding noises or sound effects to a film in post-production in synchronization with the action on the screen. Lunch & Learn Series AICP MN 2015 Gaffer Production Designer Head of the electrical department, responsible for Works with the director to achieve the overall look of designing and implementing the lighting scheme for a the film from an artistic design perspective. production. Supervises set construction, scenery, costumes and Greenlit or Greenlight any other item that will appear in front of the camera. A commitment from a financing entity that allows a Production Manager/Unit Production Manager project to move from development to preproduction. In charge of the production office, this person makes Grip business deals with local vendors and hotels, hires Works with both the electrical and camera and fires crew, approves schedules and call sheets departments. Trained lighting and rigging technicians and keeps track of the budget. who put in lighting set-ups, move set pieces and Property Master equipment around and rig camera mounts. Handle Responsible for acquiring, placing and maintaining lighting equipment needed to diffuse and shape light any props used on set. at the direction of the D.P. The “key grip” is head of Rigger the department. Workers responsible for setting up lighting and Lead Man scaffolding on film sets. Assistant to the set decorator, supervising the sets Screenwriter crew. The writer of the original or adapted script from Line Producer which the production is shooting. See production manager/unit production manager. Script Supervisor Location Manager Monitors the script during shooting, making sure Scouts and manages all filming locations. Negotiates there are no continuity errors and that the film can contracts with property owners of shooting locations later be cut together in postproduction. Keeps track on behalf of the production company. Secures of all the details of each day’s shooting, including shooting permits and coordinates schedules with number of scenes shot and takes of each scene, what local officials. Makes sure there is proper parking for happened in the scene and any changes in the script cast and crew at the locations and that locations are that may impact future shooting days. Provides left in good condition after filming is completed. detailed reports to the production team and the Location Scout editors. Searches and photographs locations during Set Decorator preproduction based on the needs of the script. Works with the production designer on set design Prepares photo presentations for the director, and decoration and oversees the dressing of the set. producer or production designer. Sometimes Soundstage becomes the location manager once shooting begins A large soundproof area in a studio used to house or works under him or her. elaborate sets. Allows greater control over climate, Producer lighting and sound. The person who brings the entire project together Special Effects and oversees all aspects of production. In the early Also FX, SFX, SPFX. The techniques used to create stages, the producer may choose a script, hire a illusions (such as space travel, animatronics, etc.) or director, help in casting and find a place to shoot the to safely perform or give the appearance of project. Once cameras are rolling, the producer performing normally dangerous acts (explosions, makes sure the project comes in on time and on gunshots, etc.). budget. May also become involved in the editing and Stand-In postproduction phases, as well as marketing and A person who is physically similar to an actor and distribution. takes their place during preparation and blocking of a Production Assistant (P.A.) scene. Differing from the double in that they do not Assigned to a department or production office to appear on camera. assist with general tasks. Steadicam Production Coordinator A special harness-based system that allows a Serves under the production manager/unit cameraman to perform steady, dolly-like shots with a production manager (U.P.M.). Sets up and organizes handheld camera, allowing for much greater freedom the production office; coordinates travel and lodging of movement. for the crew; handles all paperwork related to Storyboard insurance, daily progress reports and other matters; A group of illustrations that summarize the various coordinates communication with the set and delivery shots required and provide a general overview of a of props, costumes, etc.; wraps out the production proposed film. office and closes all outstanding accounts at the end Talent of shooting. Term used to refer to all actors on a set. Lunch & Learn Series AICP MN 2015 Treatment A summation of a script, longer than a synopsis, with character descriptions, scene-by-scene descriptions and sometimes limited samples of dialog. Visual Effects Mostly executed in postproduction, visual effects involves coordinating live action footage with CGI or other footage (animation, models) to produce a visual that would otherwise be too costly, impossible or dangerous to film. Walk-through First rehearsal on the set, used to figure out lighting, sound, camera positions and some rudimentary blocking. Wrap The term used to signify the end of shooting (either for a day or the entire production). Lunch & Learn Series AICP MN 2015 .