Film Production Vocab I

A strong wooden box used on film sets in various sizes to raise actors, equipment, or props to the correct height needed for a shot

Because the leading actor was shorter than his co-star, the director asked him to stand on an apple box so both of their faces appeared at the same level on camera.

The chief assistant to the gaffer (lighting chief) or key grip on a film set, responsible for managing equipment and crew members in that department

The best boy made sure all the lighting cables were safely organized before filming began.

The planning and rehearsal of the exact movements and positions of actors and cameras during a scene before filming begins

During blocking, the director showed the actors exactly where to walk and stand so the camera could follow them correctly.

A document distributed to the cast and crew before each filming day that lists the shooting schedule, call times for each person, locations, and other important information for that day

The assistant director sent out the call sheet the night before so every actor and crew member knew exactly what time to arrive on set the next morning.

The consistency of details such as costumes, props, and actor positions between different shots that are filmed separately but appear to follow each other in the final film

The continuity supervisor noticed that the actor's coffee cup was full in one shot but half empty in the next, so they had to reshoot the scene.

Raw, unedited footage that is filmed during a single day of production, reviewed by the director and crew at the end of each shooting day

After a long day on set, the director and producer sat down to watch the dailies to check if any scenes needed to be reshot.

A camera technique in which the camera is tilted to one side so that the horizon line appears diagonal, often used to create a feeling of unease, tension, or confusion

The director used a dutch angle when filming the villain's entrance to make the audience feel immediately uncomfortable and nervous.

The process of creating and recording everyday sound effects in a studio after filming, such as footsteps or rustling clothes, to be added to a film in post-production

The foley artist recorded the sound of crunching leaves to match the actor's footsteps in the forest scene.

A flat, opaque panel used on a film set to block or control light, preventing it from shining in unwanted areas or into the camera lens

The lighting assistant placed a gobo between the lamp and the actor's face to reduce the harsh shadows on her cheeks.

A film crew member responsible for setting up and moving camera equipment, dollies, tracks, and other mechanical support devices on a film set

The grip carefully pushed the camera dolly along the track to create a smooth moving shot.

The main and strongest light source used to illuminate a subject in a film or photograph, which establishes the overall look and mood of the scene

The cinematographer positioned the key light to the left of the actor's face to create a dramatic shadow effect.

A painted or digitally created background image that is combined with live-action footage to create settings or environments that would be too expensive or impossible to film in reality

The filmmakers used a matte painting of a grand medieval castle to create the impressive backdrop for the final battle scene.

A French term used in filmmaking that refers to everything visible within the camera frame, including sets, lighting, costumes, and actors' positions

The director paid great attention to the mise-en-scène, carefully choosing every object and color visible in the background of the scene.

A short, additional shot filmed after the main production has finished, used to capture a missing detail, correct a mistake, or add a small piece of footage needed for editing

The editor realized she needed a close-up of the telephone ringing, so the crew returned to film a quick pickup shot the following day.

A visual effects technique in which animators or artists trace over live-action film footage frame by frame to create realistic animated movements or to remove and replace backgrounds

The visual effects team used rotoscoping to carefully remove the safety harness from the actor's body in every frame of the flying scene.

Another term for dailies; the raw, unedited footage filmed during a day of production that is quickly developed and reviewed by the filmmaking team

The producer was very pleased when he watched the rushes and saw how well the outdoor scenes had turned out.

A small board held in front of the camera at the beginning of a film take, showing information like the scene number and take number, used to help editors organize footage

The assistant held up the slate and called out 'Scene 5, Take 3' before the director said action.

A small explosive device or packet of fake blood hidden under an actor's costume to simulate the effect of a bullet wound during filming

The special effects team attached a squib to the actor's jacket so it would burst and look like a gunshot wound during the action scene.

A brand-name camera stabilizing system worn by a camera operator that allows the camera to move smoothly without shaking, even while the operator is walking or running

The camera operator used a steadicam to follow the actor as she ran through the crowded market, keeping the shot perfectly smooth.

To finish filming for the day or to complete all filming on an entire project, signaling that the work is done

After 14 hours of shooting, the director finally called 'That's a wrap!' and everyone on the crew began to pack up the equipment.