Film & Broadcast Glossary
Film & Broadcast is about telling stories – whether fiction or factual. This combines high standards of training in production skills to make programs – dramas and documentaries for radio, television and cinema
Film & Broadcast
5.1 Channel Digital Sound
The film digital sound exhibition standard which utilizes five output speaker channels (left, center, right, right surround, left surround, and subwoofer). (Sound)
Film & Broadcast
A-Wind
An indication of the emulsion position on a roll of film. An ‘A’ wind is a roll with the emulsion facing the center of the roll. (Film Editing)
Film & Broadcast
A/B Printing
Printing from original film stock which has been conformed into two rolls with alternating shots and black opaque leader. This methodology will eliminate any potential splice marks from showing up on prints and permits the incorporation of optical effects and titles. (Film Editing)
Film & Broadcast
A/B Rolls
Two or more rolls of film having alternate scenes intercut with opaque leaders in such a way that the ‘A’ roll presents its picture at the same time that the ‘B’ roll presents opaque leader, and vice versa. (Film Editing)
Film & Broadcast
Above the Line
Refers to the creative elements of a production such as the writer, producer, director and actors. Literally, these are the elements which appeared above a bold line which divided standard production budget sheets. (Production)
Film & Broadcast
AC
Alternating Current. An electric current with periodically changing polarity (i.e. 60 times a second for 60Hz power). (Electricity)
Film & Broadcast
Accent Light
A light unit that emphasizes one subject. This might be a key light, a kicker, or a backlight. (Lighting)
Film & Broadcast
Acetate Base
The tranparent cellulose acetate plastic film which for years served as the backing for magnetic recording tape. (Sound Recording)
Film & Broadcast
Acetone
An organic liquid chemical used in the manufacture of some types of film cement. Also used to clean film splicing equipment. (Film Editing)
Film & Broadcast
Acoustics
The science of the transmission of sound waves. Generally refers to the characteristics of auditoriums, theatres and studios with respect to their design.
Film & Broadcast
Action Cutting
The cutting of film from one shot to another in a way yielding the impression that action is continuous and uninterrupted. (Film Editing)
Film & Broadcast
ADC
Analog-to-Digital Converter. An electronic device used at the input of digital audio equipment to convert analog electrical signals to digital values whose numbers represent the level and frequency information contained in the original analog signal. (Sound)
Film & Broadcast
Address Track
A control/timing track on the edge of videotape which contains control data for quick and accurate location of program material.
Film & Broadcast
ADR
Automatic Dialog Replacement. Also known as “looping.” A process of re-recording dialog in the studio in synchronization with the picture.
Film & Broadcast
Aerial Shot
An extremely high angle view of a subject usually taken from a crane or a high stationary camera position, but may also refer to a shot taken from an actual airplane or helicopter. (Production).
Film & Broadcast
Aliasing
An undesirable distortion component that can arise in any digitally encoded information (sound or picture).
Film & Broadcast
Ambient Light
General, nondirectional, room light. (Lighting)
Film & Broadcast
Ambient noise
The total sound in a given are which is peculiar to that space (room tone). (Post Production)
Film & Broadcast
Amplitude
The strength of an electronic signal as measure by its waveform height. (Sound)
Film & Broadcast
Amplitude Distortion
The nonlinear relation of input and output induced harmonics which is a function of voltage fluctuations or power consumption. (Acoustics)
Film & Broadcast
Analog
An electrical signal that continuously varies in strength as related to some form of input.