Encyclopedia

2106 entries · Page 31 of 36

• Split reel

  A two-part flanged reel that opens so core-wound film can be mounted for handling or projection preparation.

• Split-diopter shot

  A shot using a partial close-focus optic to hold separated near and far planes sharp.

• Split-screen shot

  A composition dividing the frame into separate simultaneous images or viewpoints.

• Spot line

  A temporary or dedicated line used to lift or position a load at a nonstandard stage location.

• Spotter

  A designated person who watches movement, clearance, traffic, or hazards while another person operates equipment.

• Spotting session

  A review in which filmmakers decide where music, effects, dialogue work, or other sound cues should begin and end.

• Squib

  A small pyrotechnic or pneumatic effect used to create a controlled impact, burst, or bullet-hit illusion.

• ST map

  A two-channel image encoding horizontal and vertical sampling coordinates for image warping.

• Staff Writer

  A Staff Writer is an employed member of a television writing staff who helps break stories, generate ideas, research, develop character and season arcs, write or revise outlines and scripts, and respond to the Showrunner’s direction. The title commonly describes an early-career rung in a writers’ room, although actual duties, episode assignments, and producing responsibilities vary.

• Stage apron

  The portion of a stage deck extending audience-side of the proscenium opening.

• Stage batten

  A pipe or structural member suspended to carry scenery, curtains, lighting, or equipment.

• Stage border

  A horizontal masking curtain used overhead to conceal rigging, luminaires, and the upper stage.

• Stage counterweight

  A standardized weight loaded into an arbor to balance a batten and its suspended load.

• Stage gridiron

  The overhead structural level supporting loft blocks, rigging hardware, and access above a fly loft.

• Stage left

  The performer’s left side when facing the audience from the stage.

• Stage leg

  A tall narrow masking curtain hung at the side of the stage.

• Stage lift

  A powered platform moving people, scenery, or equipment vertically through the stage.

• Stage line

  A practical set term for the current action axis governing compatible camera positions.

• Stage manager

  The live-event lead who coordinates cues, departments, performers, and the running order of the show.

• Stage masking

  Curtains or scenic elements hiding backstage areas, equipment, and unwanted sightlines.

• Stage Medic

  A Stage Medic provides first-aid readiness for crews and performers working on soundstages, backlots, shops, offices, and nearby production facilities. They maintain a known aid location and mobile response supplies, treat within credentialed scope, coordinate emergency access through controlled facilities, document care confidentially, monitor recurring stage hazards, and remain informed about effects, builds, rehearsals, heat, smoke, and extended hours.

• Stage Performer

  A Stage Performer presents acting, music, dance, comedy, variety, or other live material to an audience in real time. They rehearse blocking and cues, project clearly, sustain character or stage presence, adapt to venue acoustics and sightlines, coordinate with fellow performers and stage crews, and recover safely from mistakes or changing audience energy without stopping the performance.

• Stage plot

  A diagram showing performer positions, inputs, monitors, microphones, and other live-event stage requirements.

• Stage revolve

  A rotating stage platform used to move scenery, performers, or entire playing areas.

• Stage right

  The performer’s right side when facing the audience from the stage.

• Stage tabs

  Curtains or masking panels used to shape the stage opening or conceal offstage areas.

• Stagebox

  A stage-side connection point that carries multiple audio or control channels to a console or system.

• Stand-In

  A Stand-In substitutes for a principal performer while the crew establishes lighting, camera position, focus, movement, eyelines, and technical timing. They match the performer’s height and general physical placement, reproduce blocking accurately, communicate changes, remain close to set, and help departments prepare each setup without requiring the principal cast to stay under working lights between takes.

• Standby cue

  An advance warning that a named operator or department must prepare to execute a specific cue.

• Static shot

  A shot designed without intentional camera movement during the recorded action.

• Stationary vehicle process

  A vehicle-motion illusion created with moving light, reflections, backgrounds, sound, and performer motion while the vehicle remains still.

• Steadicam Operator

  A Steadicam Operator wears and controls a body-mounted stabilization system that allows the camera to move fluidly through spaces where a dolly, crane, or handheld approach may not fit. They compose the shot, balance and tune the rig, rehearse movement with performers, and execute precise paths safely.

• Steel sling

  Set shorthand for a rated wire-rope sling used in suspension or restraint.

• Stem

  A separately delivered submix of a defined program element group, such as dialogue, music, or effects.

• Stinger

  Set slang for a portable extension cord used to bring power to a temporary production position.

• Stop-Motion Animator

  A Stop-Motion Animator creates performance by physically adjusting puppets, objects, replacement pieces, or materials one photographed frame at a time. They plan poses and timing, maintain balance and continuity, work within miniature sets and lighting, use rigs and motion-control tools, and commit each increment carefully because every frame becomes part of the final movement.

• Stop-work authority

  The explicit right and responsibility to pause work when a person perceives an uncontrolled hazard or material change.

• Story Analyst

  A Story Analyst reads scripts, books, treatments, articles, and other submitted material and produces concise coverage for development or acquisition decisions. They summarize the work accurately, evaluate premise, structure, character, dialogue, tone, audience, producibility, and company fit, research relevant context, and make a clear recommendation without rewriting or claiming authorship.

• Story area

  A concise prose proposal for an episode or storyline before a detailed outline or script.

• Story day

  A unit of chronological time within the narrative used to track continuity across scenes.

• Story Editor

  A Story Editor is a television writer-producer level that contributes to breaking stories, shaping season and character arcs, writing and revising episodes, evaluating pitches, maintaining continuity, and helping less experienced staff develop material under the Showrunner. The exact seniority and producing duties vary, but the job combines authored writing with broader responsibility for story quality.

• Story world document

  A development reference defining the places, systems, history, and rules of a fictional world.

• Storyboard

  A sequence of drawings or frames that communicates intended composition, action, and camera movement.

• Storyboard animatic

  A timed storyboard assembled with temporary sound to preview pacing, coverage, and transitions.

• Storyboard Artist

  A Storyboard Artist translates a script, outline, or Director’s ideas into sequential drawings that define staging, composition, action, performance, continuity, camera language, and editorial possibilities before expensive production begins. They pitch sequences, revise structure and comedy or drama beats, clarify geography, and provide panels that editorial assembles into an animatic.

• Straight alpha

  An alpha convention in which stored color channels are not multiplied by opacity.

• Striking an arc

  Starting the electrical arc in a discharge lamp so the fixture reaches operating output.

• Stringout

  A long assembly of potentially useful material placed in sequence for review or selection.

• Stripboard

  A schedule board that visualizes scenes, company moves, cast, locations, and production-day groupings.

• Stripboard color

  A color convention used on schedule strips to distinguish interior, exterior, day, night, or other scene attributes.

• Studio teacher plan

  The schedule and staffing plan for required education and welfare supervision of working minors.

• Stunt adjustment

  Negotiated additional compensation for stunt work beyond a performer’s underlying engagement; it is not a universal fixed-rate payment.

• Stunt airbag safety

  Planning, setup, inspection, spotting, and operation of a purpose-built inflatable landing system for falls or jumps.

• Stunt breakdown

  A script-derived record of actions requiring stunt evaluation, coordination, doubles, equipment, rehearsal, or special safety planning.

• Stunt Coordinator

  A Stunt Coordinator designs, plans, staffs, rehearses, and supervises action that presents unusual physical risk to performers or crew. They translate the Director’s story needs into controlled methods, select qualified stunt professionals, coordinate with safety-critical departments, lead briefings and rehearsals, assess changing conditions, and stop or revise work when it cannot be performed responsibly.

• Stunt Double

  A Stunt Double performs planned action in place of a specific actor while matching the character’s physical presentation closely enough for editing and camera placement. They study the actor’s movement, costume, hair, scale, handedness, and prior performance, rehearse the approved stunt, coordinate concealment and coverage, and maintain both action safety and visual continuity across takes.

• Stunt Driver

  A Stunt Driver performs planned vehicle action that requires specialized control, timing, precision, or risk management beyond ordinary picture driving. They evaluate the vehicle and route, rehearse marks and communication, coordinate camera and surrounding action, use the approved safety plan, report mechanical or surface changes, and execute repeatable maneuvers only within their demonstrated discipline and conditions.

• Stunt Performer

  A Stunt Performer executes planned physical action that requires specialized skill, preparation, or risk control beyond ordinary performance. They study the story and camera, disclose relevant abilities and limitations, rehearse the approved method, inspect their assigned equipment, follow coordination and safety instructions, communicate changing conditions, and perform the action consistently while protecting cast, crew, and continuity.

• Stunt ratchet

  A powered or tensioned device used to pull a performer rapidly along a planned path.

• Stunt Rigger

  A Stunt Rigger prepares, installs, tests, operates, monitors, and removes specialized systems used to support or control performers and objects during approved stunt action. They work from the Stunt Coordinator’s plan, account for loads, movement, redundancy, clearances, equipment compatibility, performer fit, communication, and rescue needs, and stop work when conditions differ from the verified setup.

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