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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

Chain Vise Grip

A vise grip with a chain that is used for its clamping capability. (Grip)

Film & Broadcast

Changeover Cue

A mark at the end of a release print reel to indicate the moment at which to switch over to the next reel on the second projector. (Film)

Film & Broadcast

Checkerboard Cutting

A technique of splicing A/B rolls in order to eliminate the image of the film splice from the duplicates or to allow for rapid readjustments of optical printer settings from shot to shot. (Film Editing)

Film & Broadcast

Cinch Marks

These are marks which may result if the center of a roll of film is rigidly held while the outside end is moved. (Film Editing)

Film & Broadcast

Cinemascope

A trade name for a system of anamorphic widescreen projection.(Cinematography)

Film & Broadcast

Cinex Strip

A short test print in which each frame has been printed at a different exposure level. (Film/Laboratory)

Film & Broadcast

Click Track

A prerecorded track of electronic metronomic clicks used to ensure proper timing of music to be recorded. Essential in music scoring sessions. (Music)

Film & Broadcast

Clipping

The phenomenon where an input signal exceeds the capability of electronic or digital equipment to reproduce the signal. This results in an audible distortion (analog) or an incomprehensible noise (digital). (Sound)

Film & Broadcast

Coded Edge Numbers

A system of marking films with a series of sequential numbers for the purpose of maintaining an established synchronous relationship. (Film Editing)

Film & Broadcast

Combo Box

A six pocket stage box that can be converted from three-phase four-wire to single phase three-wire operation. (Lighting)

Film & Broadcast

Combo Stand

A heavy duty 2K stand without wheels. It is called a combo because it can be used for both reflectors and lights. (Grip/Lighting)

Film & Broadcast

Compander

Refers to a device that compresses an input signal and expands the output signal in order to reduce noise. (Sound)

Film & Broadcast

Completion Bond

An insurance guarantee that principal photography on a given film will be completed. It indemnifies a production against the unforeseen costs of any type, whether or not they result from problems which are covered by other types of insurance.

Film & Broadcast

Composite Print

A motion picture print with both picture and sound on the same strip of film. (Laboratory)

Film & Broadcast

Compression

The reduction of a span of amplitudes done for the purpose of limiting the reproduction of those amplitudes. (Post Production)

Film & Broadcast

Condenser Microphone

The simplest type of microphone in which the capacitance (electrical charge) is varied by sound, causing movement in one plate (diaphragm) in relation to a fixed backplate. (Sound)

Film & Broadcast

Contingency

A designated amount of a budget which is added in anticipation of potential cost overruns.

Film & Broadcast

Continuous Printing

A method of printing in which both the original and the raw stock move continuously past the point of exposure. (Laboratory)

Film & Broadcast

Control Track

A recorded track used to adjust or manipulate a recording or playback device. Generally, these are used to maintain consistent playback speed of video and/or sound recorders consistent with the recorded speed. (Post Production)

Film & Broadcast

Cookie

A perforated material which is used to break up light or create a shadow pattern. Also known as a cucoloris. (Grip/Lighting)

Film & Broadcast

Core

A plastic cylinder on which film is wound for transport or storage.