Encyclopedia

2106 entries · Page 3 of 36

• Audio matrix

  A routing structure sending multiple inputs or mixes to multiple independently controlled outputs.

• Audio mult

  A parallel signal distribution point supplying the same source to several approved destinations.

• Audio polarity

  The positive-versus-negative orientation of an audio signal or transducer connection.

• Audio subgroup

  A console bus combining related channels for common level or processing control.

• Audio system controller

  A hardware or software interface monitoring and controlling networked sound-system devices.

• Audio-description mix

  A program mix incorporating narration that describes important visual information for blind or low-vision audiences.

• Audio-description script

  A timed script identifying visual information to describe and wording for the narration.

• Audition notice

  A public or private notice describing an audition’s project, role, materials, timing, and submission route.

• Austrian curtain

  A curtain that gathers upward in multiple vertical swags using lift lines.

• Authorized person

  A worker approved or assigned by the employer for specified duties or locations.

• Auto-sync

  Software-assisted alignment of separate picture and sound clips using timecode, waveform, or metadata.

• Automated external defibrillator

  A portable device analyzing heart rhythm and guiding shocks during eligible cardiac arrest.

• Autopole

  A telescoping compression pole used between suitable surfaces for lightweight backgrounds or accessories.

• Autosave

  An automatically created project recovery version written at configured time or change intervals.

• Auxiliary send

  A console path creating an additional mix from selected input channels.

• Auxiliary timecode

  An additional timecode field stored alongside primary source timecode for alternate synchronization or reference.

• Availability check

  A request to confirm whether a performer or crew member may be available for specified dates.

• Available light

  Light already present at a location before production adds or substantially modifies sources.

• Avails

  Informal shorthand for collected availability information or a request for that information.

• AVB

  A family of IEEE Audio Video Bridging technologies that provides time-aware transport and resource reservation on compatible Ethernet networks.

• AVI

  Audio Video Interleave, a Microsoft container for interleaved picture and sound streams.

• B Camera Operator

  A B Camera Operator runs an additional camera that captures complementary coverage alongside A camera. They find useful angles without entering the primary frame, protect eyelines and lighting, coordinate lenses and timing, and adapt quickly when the additional camera must become the principal or specialty angle.

• B-frame

  A bidirectionally predicted picture reconstructed from surrounding reference pictures and residual data.

• B-roll

  Supplementary footage used to illustrate, contextualize, cover edits, or provide visual alternatives to the primary action or interview material.

• Baby pin

  A nominal five-eighth-inch mounting pin used for compatible lighting and grip equipment.

• Baby plate

  A flat mounting plate with a 5/8-inch baby pin used to attach a small fixture or accessory to an approved surface.

• Baby spot

  Traditional set-lighting slang for a small Fresnel spotlight, commonly in the roughly 500-to-1,000-watt tungsten class.

• Baby stand

  A portable lighting stand ending in a baby pin for small and medium compatible fixtures.

• Back light

  A source placed generally behind a subject to create separation, rim, or motivated illumination.

• Back to one

  An instruction for performers, camera, or moving elements to return to the established starting position for another take.

• Background action

  A cue starting background performers or environmental action separately from principal action.

• Background Actor

  A Background Actor creates the believable population around principal action without drawing unintended focus. They follow wardrobe, hair, makeup, props, blocking, continuity, and reset instructions; repeat crosses and business across multiple takes; react naturally within the scene; remain available through holding and coverage; and help the Assistant Directors maintain a consistent living environment around the story.

• Background Artist

  A Background Artist designs or paints the environments behind animated action, creating locations that support story, mood, geography, lighting, depth, and style without distracting from character performance. They follow layout and art direction, maintain perspective and scale, build reusable location continuity, and deliver layered or production-ready artwork for compositing and camera movement.

• Background count

  The planned number and breakdown of background performers required for scenes or production days.

• Backline

  Performer instruments, amplifiers, stands, and related equipment supplied for a live music event.

• Backstage

  Production and performer areas not intended to be visible to the audience during a live event.

• Backstage pass

  A controlled event credential granting defined access to nonpublic production areas.

• Backup console

  A secondary control surface or processor prepared to assume operation after primary failure.

• Balanced audio

  A signal connection using two conductors with opposite polarity relative to a shield or reference.

• Ball camera head

  A support head that levels or positions a camera through a lockable ball-and-socket platform.

• Ballast

  A device that starts and regulates current for certain discharge or fluorescent lighting systems.

• Ballast plan

  A documented arrangement of weight resisting overturning or sliding of temporary structures.

• Banana

  A direction for a performer or moving camera to travel along a curved path rather than a straight line.

• Barn doors

  Hinged metal leaves mounted at the front of a lighting fixture to limit spill and shape the beam.

• Base camp

  A location-production staging area for cast facilities, production offices, catering, transport, large vehicles, and support services away from the active set.

• Base-camp plan

  A site plan for cast trailers, wardrobe, hair and make-up, holding, toilets, catering, and support vehicles.

• Basket hitch

  A sling configuration passing under a load with both ends supported above.

• Basso blocks

  A compact modular riser system that provides apple-box-like height combinations while nesting for transport.

• Bay-o’s

  Informal, uncommon slang for the conspicuous combination of automatic-weapon fire, roaring engines, and military-style sound or dialogue associated with action spectacle.

• Beadboard

  A lightweight textured board used to bounce a soft, broad source.

• Beat outline

  An ordered list of dramatic beats describing the essential changes within a story or sequence.

• Beat sheet

  An ordered list of story beats used to examine dramatic progression before or during drafting.

• Beauty work

  Selective retouching of faces, skin, wardrobe, or appearance within moving images.

• Beef

  Informal lighting slang for output or intensity, as in asking for more light from a unit or setup.

• Beefy Baby stand

  A heavier-duty steel baby stand with a 5/8-inch pin, designed for greater strength than a lightweight aluminum baby stand.

• Beginners call

  A theatre call instructing performers appearing at the beginning of an act to go to their starting positions.

• Below the line

  A budgeting classification for production labor and technical costs traditionally listed below the dividing line on a budget top sheet.

• Best Boy Electric

  A Best Boy Electric is the Gaffer’s lead assistant and the operational coordinator of the electric crew. They organize labor, equipment, orders, timecards, trucks, power logistics, and communication so the Gaffer can concentrate on executing the Cinematographer’s lighting plan.

• Best Boy Grip

  A Best Boy Grip is the Key Grip’s lead assistant and the day-to-day coordinator of the grip department. They organize crew, equipment, trucks, orders, timecards, rigging logistics, and communication so grip work for light shaping, camera support, and safe mounting stays ready and accountable.

• BFL

  Informal abbreviation for a very large, high-output lighting fixture; the expanded phrase is often vulgar and is not a technical model name.

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