As every Wed, two new words for our dictionary.
Cutter
(1) The term sometimes used for the editor. (2) A large flag, long and narrow in shape, used for blocking light from the camera or an area of the set.
Mini
A 200 Watt spotlight with a three inches Fresnel lens.
film dictinoary
Film dictionary /
Pantheon
The group of directors with the highest level of achievement (Chaplin, Griffith, Hitchcock, Welles, etc.). The term is used in auteur criticism (Andre Sarris).
Safety shot
A second shot of a scene made either as insurance in case the previous shot might be faulty or as an alternative to offer the editor another camera angle or camera distance.
Film dictionary /
Studio lot
A studio complex with a company's major facilities for both administration and production.
Tenlight
A lighting unit with ten bulbs in a rectangular housing that gives off a diffuse, soft light.
Film dictionary /
Box
A set with four walls. A workstation for vfx.
Tag
The final scene in a film, immediately after the climax, that ties up all the action, offers a happy resolution, or puts some ironic touch to the conclusion of the work; the denouement.
Film dictionary /
As every Wednesday, a couple more cinematic words for my film dictionary.
Reaction shot
A shot of a character, generally a close up reacting to someone or something seen in the preceding shot. The shot is generally a cutaway from the main action.
Smoke pot
A small container that produces smoke for mechanical effects. The container holds some chemical, such as naphthalene or bitumen, which is fired either by electricity or a burning fuse.
Film dictionary /
It's Wed again. Let's write another couple of cinematic words.
Closed set
A set, either in the studio or on location, that is not open to any visitors, including studio executives, and is open only to the director, performers and crew. Sets are closed if a particularly intimate or controversial scene is being photographed, if the subject or treatment is to be kept secret, or if there are problems in the production itself that must be worked out.
Stunt
An individual who substitutes for an actor or actress to perform some difficult or dangerous action. This person must of course, have some resemblance to the original performer and be dressed in an identical manner. Shots of such action are taken so that the identity of the stunt person is hidden. Stunts are specially adept at taking falls, surviving crashes or playing piano. When a film requieres a group of such people performing a number of these action, a stunt coordinator is hired.
Film dictionary /
A couple of cinematic words every Wednesday. I won't be following any theme or order in particular, just for the fun of learning new film related stuff.
American Museum of the Moving Image
Founded in 1998, and located in Astoria, New York, the first museum in the United States devoted to the history of the production, distribution, and exhibition of film, television, and video art. The museum is concerned with all types of work employing the moving image - fictional, documentary, avant-garde, network television, commercials, etc. Abutting the old Astoria Studios, the museum features changing exhibition while also presenting permanent displays relating to all aspects of the industry.
Especially impressive is its collection of cameras, projectors, television sets, and equipment from the entire history of both cinema and television. The museum also presents screening of old and new films in two theatres, often featuring the director or someone involved with the production.
Website.
Dot
A small, circular gobo or scrim, from 10 to 20 cm of diameter, that blocks part of a luminaire's light from falling on specific area of the set or the lens of the camera. Also called target.
More next week :)