Film Production Terms A-C

Using two video or film sources running at the same time in order to create editing effects such as dissolves and wipes

The second to last shot of the day, named after the 1st AD that would call "this is the last shot" when really it wasn't

Association of Cinematic Editors

Association of Canadian Film Craftspeople

Called by the director, it signifies to actors/technicians to begin their performance

Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Actors

When an actor or director improvises a scene or dialogue that is not in the script

Automated Dialogue Replacement

Also referred to as "room tone", on a sound recording, noise other than the desired dialogue and sound effect often gets picked up (traffic, wind etc). When recording on location a mixer may record several seconds of ambient noise that reflects the character of that room or space which will later be used in the editing process to create a more natural soundscape.

The area of special effects that deals with puppets that are animated by remote control servometers

A small rectangular box used by grips to elevate stands and other work gear. Sizes include full apple, half apple and quarter apple.

When more than one camera is used on a shoot hey are referred to as A-cam, B-cam, etc. A-cam is usually responsible for the most important camera angle for any given shot.

Extras used in a scene to create a sense of realism.

This is what the director, actors and various heads of departments do in order to determine the placement and movement of actors, vehicles, etc. after which the actors take a break while the lights, cameras etc get set up. Not to be confused with "rehearsal"

An actor is filmed in front of a blue screen so that a different background may be layered in behind him/her.