C
 

C Stand

A general purpose grip stand. (Grip/Lighting)

C-47

Ordinary wooden clothespins which are used to secure gels to barndoors. They are also known as a #1 wood clamp. (Grip/Lighting)

California Scrim Set

A scrim set with two doubles. (Lighting/Grip)

Caliper:

Paper thickness in thousandths of an inch.

Call Sheet

A form which refers to all of the scenes to be filmed and all of the personnel and equipment required for shooting on a particular day. (Production)

Camera Angle

The view point chosen from which to photograph a subject. (Cinematography)

Camera Blocking

The process of notating the changing position of the camera, lens size, and focus during a particular scene. (Production)

Camera Log

A record sheet giving details of the scenes or shots photographed on a particular roll of negative.

Camera Wedges

Small wooden wedges, usually 4 inches long by 1/2 wide at the thickest end. (Camera)

Camera-ready copy:

Print ready mechanical art.

Cam-Lok

A feeder cable connector which is similar to a Tweco, but with a more positive locking mechanism which is easier to disconnect. (Grip/Lighting)

Candela

A unit of light intensity, a standard candle. (Lighting)

Canted Frame

Often described as a 'Dutch Angle' or 'Dutching'. This is a device or process whereby the camera is angled so that the horizontal frame line is not parallel to the horizon. (Production)

Capacitance

An electrical component's ability to store electrical charges. (Post Production)

Capacitor

A device that stores electrical energy. It allows the apparent flow of alternating current while blocking the flow of direct current. The degree to which it allows ac flow depends on the frequency of the signal and the size of the capacitor. Capacitors are used in filters, delay-line components, couplers, frequency selectors, timing elements, voltage transient suppression, etc.

Carbonless:

Pressure sensitive writing paper that does not use carbon.

Carload:

A truck load of paper weighing 40000 pounds.

Case bind:

A type of binding used in making hard cover books using glue.

Cast coated:

Coated paper with a high gloss reflective finish.

Cathode ray tube (CRT)

A tube, usually glass, which is narrow at one end and widens at the other to create a surface onto which pictures can be projected. The narrow end contains circuits to generate and focus an electron beam on the luminescent screen at the other end. Used to display pictures in TV receivers, video monitors, oscilloscopes, computers, etc.

CC Filters

Color compensating filters made in precise density values of the primary and secondary colors. (Cinematography)

CD

Compact Disc, a digital medium formed of a 12cm polycarbonate substrate, a reflective metalized layer, and a protective lacquer coating. The physical format of CDs is described by the ISO9660 industry standard. CD-Recordable discs also have an organic dye data layer between the substrate and the metal reflective layer.

CD

compact disc; describes any audio, data, or enhanced disc manufactured in a standard molding process.

CD (Compact Disc)

A digitally encoded disc capable of containing more than one hour of music at a sampling frequency of 44.1 khz. The data is read by a laser beam. (Sound)

CD-Audio

A consumer electronics format for prerecorded music on compact disc. CD-Audio discs include only the audio data for each track. Other ancillary information, such as song titles or album and artist information can be accessed from online databases. See also Video CD.

CD-R

Compact Disc - Recordable. A write-once compact disc format. Although the disc can be written in multiple sessions by appending more data, the data on each area of the disc can only be written one time. Because the data cannot be erased, the CD-R is useful for making permanent backups. See also CD-RW.

CD-R

Compact Disc-Recordable. This term is used to describe the technology of recordable CD as well as the equipment, software and media used to make recordable discs.

CD-R

compact disc recordable; used generally in short-run replication, usually quantities less than 1000.

cell

The DVD Video data element within a program that is the smallest general navigation unit for defining jump points in the video and audio content.

Celo

A type of cookie which is made from wire mesh coated with plastic. (Grip/Lighting)

Center Track

A standard position for the placement of the audio signal on magnetic film. The placement is in a narrow band centered between the two edges of the film. (Sound)

Century Stand (C-Stand)

A multipurpose grip stand. (Grip/Lighting)

CGMS

Acronym for Copy Generation Management System. The DVD Video copy management mechanism that defines the number of copies permitted of the DVD material. This can be set to none, one, or any number of copies. See also content protection.

Chain Vise Grip

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

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)

Channel

A digital effects processing path for video.

Character generator (CG)

A computer used to generate text and sometimes graphics for video titles.

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)

Chip

Informal term meaning integrated circuit.

Chrome:

A term for a transparency.

Chrominance

That portion of the video signal which contains the color information (hue and saturation). Video picture information contains two components: luminance (brightness and contrast) and chrominance (hue and saturation).

CIF (Common Interchange Format)

352x288 pixels; often used for H.261 and H.263 video codecs.

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)

Cinemascope

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

Cinex Strip

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

Circuit

The interconnection of a number of devices to perform an electronic function.

Clamp, clamping

The circuit or process that restores the dc component of a signal. A video clamp circuit, usually triggered by horizontal synchronizing pulses, re-establishes a fixed dc reference level for the video signal. Some clamp circuits clamp sync tip to a fixed level, and others clamp back porch (blanking) to a fixed level. A major benefit of a clarnp is the removal of low-frequency interference, especially power-line hum.

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)

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)

Closed Caption

Text characters invisibly buried within a video signal, which can be decoded and displayed decoded and displayed as subtitles by the television set. Independent of any subtitle streams included in a DVD-Video track.

CMYK

4-color Printing Process consisting of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black

CMYK

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black are the four process colours used in colour printing.

Coated paper:

A clay coated printing paper with a smooth finish.

Coaxial cable

A cable which has a metallic noise shield surrounding a signal-carrying conductor. In television, the cable impedance is 75 ohms.

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)

Collate:

A finishing term for gathering paper in a precise order.

Color bar:

A quality control term regarding the spots of ink color on the tail of a sheet.

Color bars

A video test signal widely used for system and monitor setup. Contains bands of color with fixed amplitudes and saturations.

Color correction:

Methods of improving color separations.

Color filter:

Filters uses in making color separations, red, blue, green.

Color key:

Color proofs in layers of acetate:

Color matching system:

A system of formulated ink colors used for communicating color.

Color separations:

The process of preparing artwork, photographs, transparencies, or computer generated art for printing by separating into the four primary printing colors.

Comb bind:

To plastic comb bind by inserting the comb into punched holes.

Combo Box

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

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)

Common mode rejection (CMR)

A measure of how well a differential amplifier rejects a signal which appears simultaneously and in-phase at both input terminals. As a specification, CMR is usually stated as a dB ratio at a given frequency.

Compact Disc (CD)

An optical digital disc format used both for prerecorded content, especially music (CD-Audio), and as recordable media for consumer devices and computers (CD-R and CD-RW). The full-size 120mm (12cm) diameter disc originally stored 650MB, or 60 minutes of CD-Audio, now also available in 700MB/80-minute capacity. Also available in smaller sizes and specialty shapes (business cards, for example). See also CD-R, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, Video CD.

Compander

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

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.

Composite film:

Combining two or more images on one or more pieces of film.

Composite Print

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

Composite sync (CS)

A video synchronizing signal that contains horizontal and vertical synchronizing information. Often referred to simply as sync.

Composite video

An encoded video signal, such as NTSC or PAL video, that includes horizontal and vertical synchronizing information.

Compress

A digital picture manipulator effect where the picture is made proportionally smaller.

Compression

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

Compression

Improper video signal level caused by nonlinearity in a circuit's transfer function. Results in lack of detail in either the black or white areas of the video picture. Can also be caused by pointing a video camera at a scene that has a total black-to-white range. Wider than a standard television signal can handle.

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)

Content Protection

A variety of mechanisms designed to protect DVD content by controlling its use. These include copy protection techniques to prevent the disc from being copied, the Content Scrambling System (CSS) to encrypt the disc contents even if it is copied, and regional management to specify the geographical regions in which a disc can be played.

Content Scrambling System

See CSS.

Contingency

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

Continuous Printing

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

Continuous-tone copy:

 Illustrations, photographs or computer files that contain gradient tones from black to white or light to dark.

Contrast:

The tonal change in color from light to dark.

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)

Cookie

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

Copy Protection

Mechanisms designed to protect DVD content from being copied. These include the Macrovision APS to prevent copying the analog video signal and the Copy Generation Management System (CGMS) to specify how many copies may be made of the disc.

Copy:

All furnished material or disc used in the production of a printed product.

Core

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

Counter

A device for measuring lengths of film by counting the number of frames.

Coupler

A chemical incorporated into the emulsion of color film stocks which produces a dye image associated with the developed silver image.

Coupling

The manner in which two circuits or systems are connected. Usually this involves either ac or dc coupling.

Cover paper:

A heavy printing paper used to cover books, make presentation folders, etc.

Cover Set

A location which is kept in reserve to serve as an alternate shooting site in case the chosen shooting site is unusable. It is most commonly used in the context of shooting planned for an out of doors location. (Production)

Coverage

An indeterminate number of more detailed shots which are intended to be intercut with a master shot or scene. (Production)

CP Filters

Color printing filters made in precise density values for the colors; yellow, cyan, and magenta. (Cinematography)

Crash number:

Numbering paper by pressing an image on the first sheet which is transferred to all parts of the printed set.

CRI

Color Reversal Intermediate. This is a duplicate color negative which is made by the reversal process. (Laboratory)

Cribbing

Short pieces of lumber which are used for various grip purposes. (Grip/Lighting)

Crimping:

Puncture marks holding business forms together.

Cromalin:

Trade name for DuPont color proofs.

Crop marks:

Printed lines showing where to trim a printed sheet.

Crop:

To cut off parts of a picture or image.

Crossfade

The gradual mix of sound sources accomplished by the simultaneous manipulation of two or more mix console faders. (Post Production)

Crossmodulation Tests

Tests which are used to determine the correct negative and print densities for a variable area optical sound track. (Sound)

Crossover

The frequency at which a signal is split in order to feed separate parts of a loudspeaker system. (Sound)

Crossover:

Printing across the gutter or from one page to the facing page of a publication.

Crosspoint

An electronic switch, usually part of an array of switches, that allows video or audio to pass when the switch is closed.

Crosstalk

In stereo, this is the breakthrough between channels measured as separation (in decibels) between the wanted sounds of the desired channel and the unwanted sounds from the second channel. (Sound)

Crosstalk

Undesired transmission of signals from one circuit into another circuit in the same system. Usually caused by unintentional capacitive (ac) coupling.

Cross-talk

Amount of interference coming from neighboring pit tracks on a CD. As track pitch is tightened (when tracks are packed closer together to put more data on a disc), cross-talk increases. A maximum value of 50% is allowed by Red Book specifications.

CR-ROM

Compact Disc - Read-Only Memory. The read-only compact disc format, used for prerecorded audio and data. See also CD-R.

CR-RW

 Compact Disc - ReWritable. A re-recordable compact disc format. Contents of the disc can be recorded over, and the entire disc can be bulk erased and reused. See also CD-R.

CSS

Acronym for Content Scrambling System. The DVD Video copy-protection mechanism that encrypts the DVD digital data to prevent it from being read without the proper decryption key. See also content protection.

CSS

Content Scrambling System, implemented by the DVD Consortium, implements the Analog Protection System (APS) and the Data Encryption Standard (DES), to protect the contents of a DVD-Video title from being downloaded or dumped and reused. One major option that implements the APS is Macrovision (to degrade the analog stream being copied). The Copyright Protection Technical Working Group (CPTWG) of the DVD Consortium has guided the development of the CSS, and is working towards international measures against copyright infringements of licensed DVD-Video products (bill in US Congress in late 97). The technology involves special DES algorithms to scramble critical sectors of the DVD-Video, creation of special 'keys' for guiding the descrambling process by chips in the DVD-player or on an add-in board in the PC, and use of an APS to prevent an analog signal be diverted or captured 'clear' or at high quality (before it reaches the monitor or TV screen). Matsushita, developers of the CSS, license it for free. Macrovision licenses its APS product for free to hardware manufacturers, and requires royalties from content publishers.

Cucoloris

A perforate material used to break up light or create a shadow pattern. Also known as a cookie. (Grip/Lighting)

Cue Patch

A piece of self adhesive magnetic or metallic material placed on the edge of film as a means of actuating a printer light change or an automatic stop on a projector. (Film Editing)

Cueing

A term with a broad range of meanings depending on the particular context. For Voice-Over Narration or Dialogue Replacement: The marking of the cue point in a way which will permit a signal to be given to the 'talent' to begin each element of work at the appropriate time. In General: Any system used by a second person to signal 'talent' that recording should begin.

Cup Blocks

Wooden blocks with a dish or indentation in the center which are used to keep the wheels of light stands from moving. (Grip/Lighting)

Cutaway

A single shot inserted into a sequence of shots that momentarily interrupts the flow of action, usually introducing a pertinent detail. (Production/Editing)

Cutting

The selection and assembly of the various shots or sequences for a reel of film.

Cyan

A blue-green color which is the complementary color to red.

Cyan:

One of four standard process colors. The blue color.

Cyanine

One type of organic dye used to form the data layer in CD-R discs. Cyanine was the first material used for these discs, but presently a metal-stabilized cyanine compound is generally used instead of "raw" cyanine. An alternative material is phthalocyanine.

Cyc Lights

Row lights for evenly illuminating a cyclorama or other background. (Lighting)

Cyclorama

Permanent background built in a studio which is nearly always coved or curved at the floor line to create a shadowless, unending backdrop. (Grip/Lighting)

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