'IN' TIME
The actual call time or start time; also, return time from a break.
'NAME TALENT ONLY'
Meaning only celebrity Actors.
'TAKE 5′
The announcement of periodic five minute breaks.
"OUT" TIME
The actual time when you are released after you have changed out of wardrobe and make- up.
18-TO-PLAY-YOUNGER
A performer legally 18 years old, who can convincingly be cast as a younger age.
8×10
Commonly used size of a performer's Headshot/photos. Another term for headshot. Black and white was the standard in the old days, today headshots are in color.
A.D.
The Assistant Director.
ACTION!
The command from the director for the scene to begin. It also means that the camera is rolling.
Actioning
A method of using transitive verbs such as to convince to each line of your monologue or scene. The method gives the work more nuance, direction and energy.
ACTORS REEL
Video footage of on-camera productions the actor has been cast in. Can be footage from Films, TV Shows & Commercials.
AD LIB
Spoken words (sometimes witty comments) said out loud that are not in the script. They can also be given “off the cuff” when another actor forgets a line.
Art Director
The art director is generally works directly under the production designer. They perform a lot of the hands-on work on set and their job is to execute the production designer's vision.
Back to One (or Reset)
All relevant crew, actors, and extras return to their established starting point for that shot.
BACKGROUND
The Extra performers. On the set, "Background!" is a verbal cue for the Extras to start their action.
Biopic
A film based on an individual' life story or a significant part of an individual' life.Eg. Malcolm X, Ali, Nixon, Lincoln, Milk, Capote, Man on the Moon, Ray, Walk The Line
C47
Just a fancy term grips and gaffers use for a clothes pin.
Call back
If you are successful in an initial audition you may be called back. This is simply a secondary audition for the same role.
Camera Loader
This is the person who is responsible for operating the clap board at the beginning of each take as well as loading the film stock into the camera.
Cash Break Even
Cash break even is the point in time when the gross receipts for a film equal the sum of the distribution fee, distribution expenses, negative costs, studio overhead, and interest.
Casting Director
The person who organizes the casting of actors for all roles in a given project (film, TV, theater). They also negotiate fees and contracts for the actors.
Close Up
Camera frame shows head and some of the neck.
Co-Producer
In the scripted television world, this is the title usually given to a mid-level writer.
Cold Read
To perform sides with no prior preparation.
Cold reading
Reading a script for the first time in an audition or play reading situation.
Contract Role
A soap opera AFTRA contract term for a daytime series regular or recurring character.
Documentary
Shot to document reality, non-fiction, in order to educate or preserve history. No actors are cast. A real documentary should use real life and real situations only.
Editor' Cut
This is the first cut of a TV episode or film which is compiled solely by the editor. Usually the director, executives and financiers have not looked at the cut up until this point.
EQUITY
Short for Actors Equity Association. The union representing stage actors.
ETHNICALLY AMBIGUOUS
Meaning a persons race is not easily defined by appearance.
EXT. (Exterior)
A scene shot outside.
EXTRA
Background performer, used only in non-principal roles.
FEATURED EXTRA
When an extra is clearly visible on camera and not just a blur in the background.
FI-CORE
‘financial core' status is an option within the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) allowing actors to work both union and non-union jobs.
FIRST A.D.
First Assistant Director; person responsible for the running of the set. Gives instructions to crew and talent, including calling for "first team," "quiet," "rehearsal," and "take five.".
FORCED CALL
A call to work less than 12 hours after dismissal on the previous day.
FOREGROUND CROSS
Action in a scene in which an Extra Performer passes between the camera and the principal actors; sometimes called a "wipe".
FX (Effects)
Special Effects.
Gaffer
The gaffer is the head of the electrical department which mainly deals with the lighting on set. He/she is responsible for the execution of the lighting plan which is conveyed by the DP.
GOLDEN TIME
Refers to the 16th hour of a shooting day. When Golden Time begins, Union extras receive their base pay for each additional hour until released for the day.
Greeking
Greeking is the process of masking or concealing trademarks that the production has not received legal clearance to use in the film.
GREENROOM
The actors' lounge. Either in a theatre or production studio.
Greensman
A greensman is a member of the construction crew responsible for on-set greenery: plants, flowers, grass shrubs, bushes etc.
GRIPS
Members of the film crew who are responsible for moving set pieces, lighting equipment, dolly track and other physical movement of equipment.
Guest Star
One-episode guest whose character's storyline is central to that episode, works at a weekly rate (and is under contract for the week, even if only shooting a day or two).
HALF HOUR
Actors will usually be given a 'half hour' call by the stage manager, meaning there is a half hour before the show will begin.
HAND MODEL
A performer whose hands are used to double for others.
Helmer
Just another fancy word for director.
HOLDING
The designated area to which the Extra Performers report and stay while waiting to go on set.
HONEY WAGON
A towed vehicle containing one or more dressing rooms, as well as crew bathrooms.
Honeywagon
This is a mobile trailer that is used on location for actors to use as dressing rooms.
IMPLUSE
A natural response that an actor responds to in the moment.
IMPROVISATION
Setting out to do a scene with no pre-planned or written idea. A process leading to spontaneous discovery that allows the actor to find real, organic impulses within themselves.
Improvising
To perform spontaneously without planning ahead.
INDICATING
Showing what your character is feeling or doing without really feeling or doing, leading to a false and shallow performance.
INDUSTRIALS
Industrial Film. Refers to films made for corporations. Training films, product education, Human resource training, etc. Work on industrials often involves memorizing a lot of technical writing.
INNER ACTION
A physical action verb chosen by the actor in the pursuit of an objective. It always begins with the word "to" i.e. to attack, to soothe, to tickle.
INNER MONOLOGUE
A character's active, imaginative inner thoughts while the actor is playing a role.
INSTINCT
A compelling or powerful impulse.
INSTRUMENT
The actor's collective working of the body, voice, mind, and imagination.
INT. (Interior)
A scene shot indoors.
Lead
Principal role in the film, in most scenes, on-screen credit is often in the credits that start the film (as well as in the complete end credits).
Leave-Behind
This is a document that is left with potential buyers as a refresher after a pitch meeting. This can be a one pager which acts as a small movie poster, or it can be a treatment.
LEGIT ACTING
Refers to Acting for Theatre, Film & TV only. Not commercials.
LIGHT BOARD
Either manual or computer operated. Operates the stage lights.
LIGHT CUES
A change in the stage lighting.
Line by Line
A method to gather information and develop an in depth understanding of the script by reading EVERYTHING on the page and figuring out the writer's intention for each line.
LIVE INDUSTRIAL
Live performances for corporations, usually about products or services.
LOAD-IN
The process of bringing the set into the theatre, or building set pieces.
LONG SHOT (LS)
A camera shot which captures the performer's full body.
MARK
The exact position(s) given to an actor on a set to insure that he/she is in the proper light and camera angle; generally marked on the ground with tape or chalk.
Martini
No, it' not the preferred drink for spies. It' what production crews refer to as the final shot of the day.
MATCHING ACTIONS
The requirement that the actor match the same physical movements in a scene from take to take in order to preserve the visual continuity.
Mean to Receive Points
In the film and TV business, points is just another fancy term for back end participation.
Medium Close Up
When the camera's frame is slightly above the head to between the upper belly/chest.
MND MEAL (NON DEDUCTABLE MEAL)
A 15 minute meal break provided to actors by the production company to bring actors in sync with crew break time. It must be completed within 2 hours of performers call time.
Mockumentary
Shot like a documentary but under fictional circumstances. Examples: The Office, Modern Family, Parks and Recreation.
Moment of Decision
A moment where your character weighs their options, or are required to make a decision that changes the direction of the scene/story.
Moment of Discovery
A moment when your character discovers new information that changes the direction of the scene and/or story.
MONITOR
Usually for theater only. This is the person in charge of checking actors in, giving them sides and deciding the order that actors will read.
MONOLOGUE
A scene or a portion of a script in which an actor gives a lengthy, unbroken speech without interruption by another character.
MOS (Mit Out Sound/Motion Only Shot)
Any shot without dialogue or sound recording. Also sometimes called S.O.C. , silent on-camera.
MOTIVATION
The Why? The reason a character pursues a particular objective or super objective.
MUST JOIN
You will be referred to as a "must join" if it has been 30 days since your first SAG booking. You MUST join the union for your next union job.
Negative Cost of a Film
Negative cost is the actual cost of producing and shooting a film. This does not include marketing, legal and distribution costs. This is synonymous with the "budget" of the film.
Non-Diegetic Sound
This term describes sound from a motion picture where its source is neither visible on the screen nor has been implied to be present in the action.
OBJECTIVE
A character's pursuit of a specific goal in a scene. Also referred to as the intention or driving question.
OBSTACLE
The conflict and stumbling blocks to a character's struggle in pursuit of an action or objective.
OFF BOOK
You have your characters lines completely memorized. Usually you will have a deadline by which you need to be memorized or 'off book'.
Off-book
Having your sides completely memorized including: knowing your lines, stage direction, and anything relevant to the scene.
OFF-CAMERA (OC or OS)
Dialogue delivered without being on screen.
Offer
A specific amount of compensation a studio/network will pay the talent if they accept the job in their project.
Offer Only
No audition necessary. The actor works from offer base only. This term is generally used for most name value actors.
ON BOOK
With the script in your hand. Usually refers to the time you are working with the script but not yet memorized.
ON-CAMERA
Refers to anything on camera - tv, film, commercials, industrial film.
OUT OF FRAME
An actor outside the camera range.
OVER-THE-SHOULDER
A shot over the shoulder of one actor, focusing entirely on the face and upper torso of the other actor in a scene; generally shot in pairs so both actors expressions can later be edited together.
OVERDUBBING
In studio singing or voice work, the process of laying one soundtrack over another.
PACE
The speed at which you pick up your cue and deliver the next line of your dialogue. Pace can also be the speed that creates a style for the piece.
PAN
A camera shot which sweeps from side-to-side.
PANTOMIME
An art form related to the dance; not to be confused with "silent scenes" or a "scene without words.".
Pause
Often written in scripts, the pause is a hotly debated term. It should be a short 1-3 second pause. A pause often indicates a thought change similar to a beat.
PER DIEM
Fee paid by producer on location shoots to compensate performer for expenditures for meals not provided by the producer.
Period Piece
A period piece describes a motion picture that takes place in a past era. In other words, it takes place at a time far enough in the past where culture, customs, technology, fashion, speech
PHOTO CALL
Some actors may need to appear in publicity photos for a show. This usually happens 2-3 weeks before opening and a photo call will be scheduled.
PICK UP
Starting a scene from a place other than the beginning.
PICTURE'S UP!
Warning that the sequence of cues to shoot a scene is about to begin.
Pilot
The very first episode of the first season of any TV show.
Pilot Episode
This is the first episode of a television series. In most cases, a network will shoot a pilot first before deciding if they will air a series on television.
Pilot Season
The early months (typically January & February) where brand new TV shows are being cast. As new studios emerge, more pilots are being cast all year round.
PLAYBILL
A program usually containing information about the play, cast, crew, supporters, and advertisers.
POV
A shot that shows the scene through the character's eyes. We see the world from their point of view.
PRESS OPENING
Some theatres will have a special performance before opening night to which members of the press (critics) are invited. Usually, critics are invited for opening night.
PREVIEW
Performance with an audience. Before official opening night. Usually invited friends. No press.
PRINCIPAL
A performer with lines.
PRODUCER
Often called the Line Producer; the person responsible for the day-to-day decision.
Production Assistant (PA)
An assistant to anyone who needs help on set. Tasks vary based on need.
Prompt side
Stage Left. This term comes from the term to prompt an actor. This occurs when the actor forgets a line and the stage manager tells them the line from the side of the stage.
PROPS
Any objects used by actors in a scene.
PSA
Public Service Announcement.
Q RATING
Refers to an ad research rating that gauges how easily a celebrity is recognized — and how well the celebrity is liked.
REACTION SHOT
The camera shooting a character's emotional or physical response or reaction to something that is happening in the scene.
READ THROUGH
For theater and some on-camera. This is usually the first rehearsal when the actors sit and just read through the script with the director.
RESIDUAL
The fee paid to a performers for rebroadcast of a commercial, film or TV program. Tracked by the Actors Unions.
RESUME
List of credits, usually attached to an 8×10 headshot.
ROLLING!
The verbal cue for the camera film and audio tape to start rolling.
ROM-COM
Showbiz slag for a Romantic Comedy.
RUSH CALL
The last minute booking of an actor or extra. This usually occurs when another actor or extra cancels at the last minute.
Scene Shift
The arc of the scene, the direction in which the story moves for your character. Every scene will shift from positive to negative, or negative to positive. All scenes shift.
Scribe
A scribe is another term for writer. Aaron Sorkin is the scribe for THE SOCIAL NETWORK.
SCRIPT
The written form of a screenplay, teleplay, radio or stage play.
SCRIPTY
The script supervisor.
SECOND TEAM!
The verbal cue for the stand-ins to come to the set and be ready to stand in.
Self tape
A screen test recorded without the assistance of a casting director. It can be done at home or at a self taping business.
SENSORY
Connecting the character to the body and mind through the senses; to taste, hear, feel, see, think, perceive; to know through the physical inner self, as opposed to the instinctive.
SET
The immediate location where the scene is being filmed.
SET-UP
Each time the camera changes position.
SFX
Sound effects.
Sides
A few pages directly from a script given to an actor for the purpose of auditioning without divulging the whole story.
Single-cam
Traditionally only one camera used. In these shows/films, actors repeat the scene multiple times to get every actor's individual shot. Examples: Bates Motel, The League, The Office.
SOUND CUES
Sound effects (music, doorbell, a car door, dog barking, etc.).
SPEED THROUGH
A rehearsal exclusively for lines. Actors recite their lines quickly without blocking. This is often to help the actors with memorization.
SPIKING THE LENS
Looking directly into the lens during a scene; since it destroys the illusion of realism, actors should never spike the lens unless specifically directed to do so for specific effect.
Staff Writer
This is the title given to the lowest level writer on a scripted television series.
Stage Direction
All action written in the script, excluding dialog.
STAGE DOOR
A back entrance to the theater used by the cast and production crew. Want to catch a glimpse (or the autograph) of your favorite star after a show? This is where you want to be.
Stage Left and Stage Right
Stage left (left of stage) is from the actor's point of view as if he/she was looking out at the audience.
STAGE WHISPER
Sounds like a whisper but is loud enough for the audience to hear.
STAND-INS
Extra Performers used as substitutes for featured players, for the purpose of setting lights and rehearsing camera moves; also known as the second team.
Status
The other character's relationship to you. They can be your superior, inferior, or equal. This is not established by their title, but by how you feel about them.
Story Editor
This is the title given to a lower level writer on a scripted TV series. This is one rank higher than a staff writer.
SUBMISSION
An actor's or agent's suggestion to a casting director for a role in a certain production.
SUBTEXT
The character's complex thoughts, feelings, motives, etc. created and layered under the actual words and actions of the character by the actor.
SUPER OBJECTIVE
Stanislavsky developed the concept of the super- objective (referred to here as The Happiness) that would carry the 'through line of action,' mapped out for the character through the entire play.
Supporting
Principal role in the film, in one or more scenes but not a lead character although important to the storyline.
SW
A notation on a call sheet that an actor is starting on that day and working on that day.
SWF
A notation on a call sheet that an actor is starting, working, and finished on that day.
TABLE-READ
A stage of film, television and theatre production when an organized reading around a table of the screenplay or script by the actors with speaking parts is conducted.
TAKE
The clapboard indication of a shot "taken" or printed.
Talent
This term generally refers to actors. The talent division in an agency represents actors. In film packaging, attaching talent means to attach an actor for the major roles.
Targeting
Acting concept which says that actors should always have a target (image/focus) in mind when they are acting.
TELEPROMPTER
The brand name of a device which enables a broadcaster to read a script while looking into the camera lens.
TEMPO
The level of speed with which the scene or play is acted out. The general effect creates a specific mood or tone to the work.
Tenpercentary
A tenpercentary is a reference to a talent agency. This is in regards to the typical ten percent commission fee that talent agencies earn from the deals they make for their clients.
TIGHT SHOT (Go in Tight)
Framing of a shot with little or no space around the central figure(s) of feature(s); usually a close-up.
TOURING COMPANY
A company of performers who travel with a show that they present in essentially the same way it was originally created in a theatre center such as New York.
TRACKING SHOT
A shot taken while the camera is moving, either on a dolly or a mounted on a moving vehicle.
TRADES
Short for "trade papers" The newspapers and periodicals such as the Hollywood Reporter and Variety that specifically feature information on the entertainment industry.
TRIGGER
An emotional or physical signal that signals or sparks a bonfire of emotion to break through to the surface.
TURNAROUND
(a) The number of hours between dismissal one day and call time the next day. (b) To shoot a scene from another direction.
Two-Hander
This is a term used to describe a motion picture which has two lead characters. Many successful television series are considered two handers with two characters sharing equal screen time.
TWO-SHOT
A camera framing two persons; a TREE-SHOT would be a 3 person shot.
U5
An under-five, also known as an under-5 or a (U/5) is an SAG-AFTRA contract term for an American television or film actor whose character has fewer than five lines of dialogue.
Under 5
An AFTRA-only contract term for a character with between one and five lines.
UP STAGE
(a) The area located at the back of the stage. Down Stage is the area in front of the performer. (b) To draw attention to oneself at the expense of a fellow performer.
UPGRADE
Like getting a raise or promotion, an upgrade is when an individual is moved from being an Extra to a Stand In, Photo Double, or Principal Player. Upgrades also provide higher pay rates.
UPSCALE
Term for actors and extras who appear clean and nicely dressed. Upscale often means Extras will appear wearing expensive and/or fancy looking clothing. The exact opposite of Downscale.
V.O.
Voice-Over. An off-camera voice coming either from an actor not in the frame, or from a secondary source such as a speakerphone or answering machine.
VOUCHER
Time slip with all pertinent information needed for getting paid properly.
W/N
Will Notify. A notation on a call sheet that tells the actor that he/she will probably work that day but the specific time has not yet been decided.
WALK-ON
A minor role consisting of a single, brief appearance on the screen, usually not appearing in the credits and without dialogue; contrast with extras, bit parts, and non-speaking roles.
WARDROBE
The clothing a performer wears on camera.
WARDROBE ALLOWANCE
A maintenance fee paid to on-camera talent for the use (and dry cleaning) of talent's own clothing.
WARDROBE FITTING
A session held prior to production to prepare a performer's costumes.
WEATHER PERMIT CALL
Due to weather conditions, the production company has the option to release an actor four hours after the call time (if the camera has not started to roll) with a reduced rate of pay for the day.
WRAP
The completion of a day's filming or of the entire production.
Nothing matches that. Tell us the term and we will add it.